Difference Between Used and Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
Pre-Owned vs. Certified Pre-Owned: What's the Difference?
Shopping for a vehicle is a big decision, and it's important to know your options. Two terms you'll see often are pre-owned and certified pre-owned. While both refer to vehicles that have had a previous owner, there are key differences that can impact price, reliability, and peace of mind.
At Hoffman Ford, we want to help you understand what certified pre-owned means and how it compares to a standard used car.
What Does Certified Pre-Owned Mean?
A certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle is a used car or truck that meets strict manufacturer standards before it's sold. For Ford's Ford Blue Advantage Program, that means:
- Age & Mileage Requirements: fewer than 80,000 miles and less than six model years old.
- Comprehensive Inspection: a 172-point inspection covering the engine, transmission, brakes, safety features, and interior/exterior condition.
- Vehicle History Check: a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™ to confirm no title issues, major accidents, or disqualifying repairs.
- Warranty Coverage: a 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty plus a 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.
- Added Benefits: 24-hour roadside assistance and additional manufacturer-backed perks.
In short, a Ford Blue Advantage vehicle gives you the confidence of a new car with the value of a used one.
How a Vehicle Qualifies for Certification
When a dealership takes in a used vehicle, it's evaluated to see if it meets Ford Blue Advantage standards. If eligible, it goes through the full inspection and reconditioning process, using factory-authorized parts when needed.
If the vehicle doesn't meet Ford's certification criteria, it may still be sold as a traditional pre-owned car-often at a lower price point but without the same assurances.
Pre-Owned vs. Certified Pre-Owned: The Key Differences
Here are three main differences between a regular used vehicle and a Ford Blue Advantage vehicle:
1. Inspection Process
- Used Vehicles: typically sold "as is," with limited or no inspection beyond basic safety checks.
- Ford Blue Advantage Vehicles: must pass Ford's detailed 172-point inspection, with repairs and replacements completed using OEM parts.
2. Warranty Coverage
- Used Vehicles: may have no warranty, or only what remains of the factory warranty (if transferable).
- Ford Blue Advantage Vehicles: come with a comprehensive limited warranty and a long-term powertrain warranty-protection you won't get with a standard used vehicle.
3. Where They're Sold
- Used Vehicles: available from private sellers, independent dealers, or franchised dealerships.
- Ford Blue Advantage Vehicles: only sold by authorized Ford dealerships like Hoffman Ford, where you know the certification process has been followed.
Why Choose a Ford Blue Advantage Vehicle?
Buying Ford CPO means getting:
- Confidence in quality and safety
- Warranty coverage similar to a new vehicle
- A vehicle that's been thoroughly inspected and reconditioned
- Added perks like roadside assistance and financing options
It's the perfect middle ground between buying brand-new and going with a standard used car.
Shop Ford Blue Advantage Vehicles at Hoffman Ford
At Hoffman Ford, we make it easy to compare pre-owned vs. certified pre-owned vehicles so you can find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget. Our inventory of Ford Blue Advantage models includes limited warranty coverage, a vehicle history report, and the backing of Ford factory-trained technicians.
Browse our certified pre-owned inventory online or visit our Harrisburg, PA, dealership today. Have questions? Contact our team-we're here to help you drive away with confidence.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this website, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all the information and materials appearing on it, are presented to you, the user, "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Picture(s) may not represent actual vehicle(s). All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Prices of each vehicle vary based on Trim Levels, Options and Accessories. All financing is subject to credit approval. New vehicle rebates and incentives may vary based on the user's zip code of where the vehicle(s) will be registered as all rebates showing are for zip code 17112. Rebates shown on website may not be compatible with special Ford Motor Credit Company financing. The MSRP price showing for new vehicles may not reflect actual MSRP and may exclude Factory Discount Packages or include a Dealer Market Adjustment. See Dealer for in-stock inventory and actual selling price. All prices on website exclude applicable tax, title, license, state fees, and dealer documentation fee of $477.
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Hoffman Ford
5200 Jonestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
- Sales: 717-910-6651
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