Ford Blue Advantage: What You Get With CPO

What Is Ford Blue Advantage?

Ford Blue Advantage is how Ford certifies used vehicles sold at Ford dealers. A vehicle only earns certification if it meets age and mileage limits, passes a multi-point inspection and is reconditioned with manufacturer-authorized parts. Vehicles that fail the inspection are not certified.

The main point of the program is to take some of the guesswork out of buying used. You still need to look closely at the specific vehicle. But a certified one comes with a documented inspection, a history report and coverage that keeps going after you drive home.

Ford Blue Advantage Gold vs Blue vs EV Certified

The three levels differ mainly in vehicle age, mileage and coverage. According to Ford’s Blue Advantage program site, here is how they compare:

Limited warranty terms are whichever comes first. Money back guarantee restrictions apply.

Gold Certified is for newer, lower-mileage Ford models such as the Explorer, Escape and F-150. It has much longer coverage than Blue Certified.

EV Certified is the same idea for fully electric Fords such as the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. Its inspection adds checks on high-voltage systems, charging parts and battery condition.

Blue Certified covers a wider range of older, higher-mileage vehicles, including makes other than Ford. These vehicles usually cost less, but the coverage is much shorter.

What the Inspection Checks

Each inspection is done by Ford factory-trained technicians and follows a set checklist. The checklist covers:

• Vehicle history: VIN check, service recalls and the history report.
• Road test: how the vehicle starts, shifts, steers and brakes on the road.
• Exterior and interior: body, glass, lights, seats, controls and features.
• Diagnostics and underhood: a module self-test plus the engine bay, fluids, belts and hoses.
• Hybrid or electric systems: on vehicles that have them.
• Underbody: frame, tires, brakes and suspension.
• Convenience items: owner’s manual, keys and fuel or charge level.

The point counts differ by level, but every level covers the same categories. Biener Ford’s Ford Blue Advantage page has the full checklists for each one.

The Ford CPO Warranty and Roadside Coverage

The warranty is where Gold and Blue Certified differ the most. All limited warranty terms are whichever comes first.

Complimentary 24/7 Ford Roadside Assistance follows the same pattern: 7 years for Gold, 8 years for EV and 90 days for Blue. It includes towing, jump starts, flat-tire changes and lockout help, which is useful when a tire goes flat on the LIE during a school run.

The coverage transfers to future owners at no extra cost, which can help when you sell the vehicle later. If you want more protection than the certified coverage, Ford Protect Extended Service Plans are available at any Ford dealer.

Other Benefits That Come With Certification

Every certified level includes a few extras:

• 14-day/1,000-mile money back guarantee: if the vehicle isn’t the right fit, you can return it in the same condition it was sold, whichever limit comes first. Restrictions apply, including vehicles with a lien (a loan or other claim still attached to the vehicle). Your original trade-in won’t be returned to you.
• CARFAX Vehicle History Report: included with every certified vehicle.
• Ford Rewards Points: 22,000 points for Gold or EV Certified, and 11,000 for Blue Certified. You need to activate your account and set your preferred dealer within 60 days of purchase.
• SiriusXM® trial: 3 months on vehicles with factory-equipped satellite radio.
• 90-day Connected Services trials: through the Ford App, on equipped vehicles.

Certified vs Non-Certified Used: How to Compare Prices

A certified vehicle usually costs more than a similar used vehicle that isn’t certified. The extra money pays for the inspection, the reconditioning and the warranty. The question is whether that coverage is worth more to you than the price difference.

To compare fairly, match the vehicles as closely as you can: same model, year, trim and similar miles. Then look at what the certified price adds. On a Gold Certified SUV, that includes a powertrain warranty of up to 7 years. On a Blue Certified vehicle, the coverage is 90 days, so the price gap should be smaller.

If you’re setting a budget, our car-buying math guide explains the 20/4/10 rule. The payment calculator shows what a price difference looks like per month.

A Checklist for Any Used Ford

Whether the vehicle is certified or not, these questions help you avoid surprises:

1. What certification level is it? Gold, EV, Blue or not certified. This tells you which coverage applies.
2. Can I see the completed inspection checklist? Ask what was repaired or replaced during reconditioning.
3. What does the CARFAX report show? Look for accidents, the number of owners and gaps in service history.
4. Are there open recalls? Recalls are part of the certified inspection, but some vehicles may still have unrepaired safety recalls. You can check any VIN for free with NHTSA’s recall lookup.
5. How much warranty coverage is left? Ask how the coverage dates and miles apply to this specific vehicle.
6. How are the tires and brakes? Ask for the measurements, since these are common early costs on any used vehicle.
7. How many keys come with it? Replacement key fobs aren’t cheap.
8. Does the test drive match your real driving? Try a stretch of the Northern State Parkway or Jericho Turnpike, not just a loop around the block.

If you’re comparing against a private sale, our post on red flags when buying from a private seller covers what to watch for.

Financing and Trading In

Ford Credit offers financing on Ford Blue Advantage vehicles. Special APR offers on eligible certified vehicles are available from time to time. Our Ford financing guide explains how your options compare, and the finance center is where you can start.

If you’re trading in your current vehicle, get an online estimate with Value Your Trade before you visit. Knowing your trade value early makes it easier to compare a Gold Certified vehicle with a Blue Certified one on total cost.