Used Car vs. Certified Pre-Owned: What Should I Drive?

If you’re looking to buy a used car, you’ve likely come across a few Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) models that have demanded your attention. However, do you find yourself asking: what’s better between a CPO vs. used Ford vehicle? After all, both are pre-owned options that help you drive home in a sleek cruiser at the perfect price. However, the similarities end there, as CPO models deliver copious perks and protections while also allowing you to drive some of the road’s most reliable cars, trucks, and SUVs. So, join us today as we take a deeper look at the differences between used cars and CPO vehicles—and don’t forget to stop by Group 1 Ford of Rivertown in Columbus to test drive your favorite rides.

First Things First—What’s a CPO Ford Vehicle?

When you buy a Ford CPO car, truck, or SUV, you’re getting behind the wheel of a ride that aims to bring uncompromised quality since each vehicle must be from a recent model year with low mileage, bringing more of a gently-used quality to the road than fully pre-owned.

Also, CPO Ford models help ensure you don’t buy a lemon by enforcing a strict inspection before any vehicle can be branded as Certified Pre-Owned. In the ultra-rare instance anything goes wrong, you’re still protected with warranties to help deliver full peace-of-mind wherever your next adventure takes you. Plus, you’ll only find CPO Ford vehicles at a Ford lot, which means when you visit us, you’re working with experts who understand Ford vehicles and are eager to help you find your dream car.

How Does a Ford Model Earn CPO Status?

Before a Ford vehicle is even considered for Blue or Gold Certification, the model must first be newer than 10 years old (for Blue) or six years (for Gold) to help ensure you’re riding with modern technology and powertrains for full exhilaration. Also, each vehicle must pass an inspection consisting of up to 172 points, which examine everything from your engine workings to cosmetic details like checking for dings and dents or examining electrical work to help ensure your climate controls work as intended. The inspection even goes deep enough to check your cooling systems to help reduce the odds of your Ford model sitting on the side of the road from overheating your motor or experiencing engine trouble.

Alongside passing a clean inspection performed by certified technicians, your vehicle must also show up clean with a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report, which is always available to you complimentary.

What Else Can You Get with Buying CPO Vs. Used Ford Model?

Along with quality, each Ford Blue Advantage certification level offers you protections, with Gold Certified vehicles bringing you a 12-Month/12,000-Mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty and a 7-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty to assist with ensuring you’re covered when the unexpected happens. Meanwhile, the Blue Certified used models include a 90-Day/4,000-Mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty to also help you ride with peace of mind knowing you’re protected when issues arise.

Worried about driving over a nail and flattening a tire or running out of gas on the highway? Not to worry, as both Blue Certified Programs deliver 24/7 roadside assistance, whether you need a flat change in rush hour or you need fuel delivered for your night ride. With Blue Certified, you’re covered for 90 days/4,000 miles while Gold Certified covers your ride for 7-year/100,000 miles, protecting you for many of your daily commutes through Phenix City or legendary weekend road trips.

For extra fun, all CPO vehicles in our inventory are Ford models, offering something for virtually any driving taste. Ready to uncover epic new destinations in an adventure-bound SUV? The Ford Expedition awaits you. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to hit track speeds in a muscle-bound icon, the Ford Mustange is another common vehicle in our CPO stock. Even if you need help getting the job done, you’ll often find a Ford F-150 that’s ready for action. Check our CPO inventory often, as these vehicles won’t sit here forever—so act fast before someone else claims your favorite ride.

A Massive Used Inventory Awaits: Visit Us in Columbus

Ready to hit the road in a vehicle that’s suited to your needs while also exploring the perks of a used car vs. CPO? Visit us at Group 1 Ford of Rivertown near Fort Benning to test drive your favorite used and CPO models. While you’re here, we’ll also dedicate our time to you, whether it’s walking you through our CPO programs or helping interpret the fine print—we’re always eager to assist in any way possible.