Here are a few frequently asked questions:

Q:  What are the key elements of a Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle?
A:  Each Ford CPO vehicle goes through a rigorous 169-point inspection covering the powertrain, chassis, features and the overall condition of the vehicle. Each vehicle also comes with 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty coverage, a 3-month/3,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty, Roadside Assistance, a full tank of gas at delivery and a Vehicle History Report. A Ford CPO vehicle must be under six model years old and can’t have more than 80,000 actual miles on the odometer.

Q:  Which Ford vehicles are part of Ford CPO?
A. Ford cars (excluding Ford GT), crossovers, SUVs and trucks (up to the 350 Series) that are less than six model years old and have less than 80,000 miles can qualify. To see all the current eligible models, visit your Ford Dealer.

Q:  What are the applicable warranties on a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle?
A:  The powertrain limited warranty coverage extends for 6 years or 100,000 miles from the original new vehicle in-service date, whichever comes first. The comprehensive limited warranty coverage is for 3 months or 3,000 miles from the Certified Pre-Owned purchase date, whichever comes first. See your Ford Certified Pre-Owned Dealer for a copy of the warranty.

Q:  Does the warranty stay with the vehicle?
A:  Yes, if you sell your Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, the remaining Certified Pre-Owned powertrain limited warranty coverage remains in effect for the new owner and there is no transfer fee required.

Q:  Can I get a copy of the vehicle inspection checklist for my certified vehicle?
A:  Yes. As part of the vehicle delivery process, your dealership provides you with the specific vehicle inspection checklist for your vehicle. This document includes the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and is signed by the service technician, the service manager and the used car manager.

Visit your Ford Dealer and check out the exciting variety of certified pre-owned vehicles.

Most folks have a negative presumption about pre-owned vehicles.  Visions of kicking tires and haggling with dealers springs to mind.  But the mindset is changing, and in a positive way.  Certified pre-owned (CPO) have become increasingly popular.
According to AutoData, CPO sales have grown dramatically, over 130 percent between 2001 and 2006.  While CPO vehicles sold by brand dealers represent a small segment of the market, data projects that this niche will continue to increase as the market grows.

Industry standards for certified pre-owned vehicles are not firmly established but more manufacturer-approved certified pre-owned vehicles typically are less than six years old and are put through a 100-point inspection.  If the dealership mechanics does not five a passing inspection, then repairs are made to the manufacturer’s standards.

The number of miles these vehicles have on them also varies.

Because CPO vehicles bring a higher price tag that than non-certified vehicles, the trade for the buyer is “peace of mind for the higher price.”  Still, not all “certified” vehicles are created equal.

Relax.  With Ford CPO, you’re covered.
They’ve ensured your peace of mind with a comprehensive limited warranty. The warranty covers more than 500 components, including many high-tech parts.
You know you need a good used car.  So make it one that’s certified.  See your Ford Dealer today and drive away in a car that takes you to the comfort zone.

The Internet manager of a car dealership recently received an e-mail from a young woman shopping for a pre-owned vehicle. Her e-mail ended by saying, “Certified would be preferred.”

The young woman, like many smart shoppers, has realized that certified used cars present an attractive alternative to buying a higher priced new car. For less money, a buyer can afford “more car” — and one that feels brand-new, even if the odometer is showing 20,000 or 30,000 miles.

More importantly, the certification process has removed one of the major drawbacks to buying a used car: uncertainty about the mechanical condition of the vehicle. If you are buying a certified used car, it has already been thoroughly inspected by a mechanic. Anything that was wrong, or about to go wrong, has been repaired.

Certified used car programs began appearing in the mid-1990s as more vehicles were returned by customers leasing their vehicles. These cars were in good mechanical condition, usually with fewer than 40,000 miles on the odometer. The best of these vehicles were put on sale at the dealership where the car was returned; the rest were sent to auction where they were acquired and then sold at used car lots.

Gradually, dealerships realized they needed a way to move these perfectly good vehicles that were building up on their lots. They needed a way to draw attention to the cream puffs and set them in a special category. The term certified used cars was a way to draw attention to the primo vehicles they were offering.
A certified Ford car or truck is more than just a used or pre-owned vehicle, it is a quality-assured, skillfully-inspected vehicle that has undergone a rigorous 169 point examination by Ford certified mechanics.
To be considered a certified Ford, used cars and trucks must qualify for a number of standards, and each vehicle must have less than 80,000 miles and be less than 6 years old. Additionally, certified Ford trucks and cars undergo full powertrain, chassis, brake, tire, and accessory inspections, and all pre-owned cars are safety inspected and passed.

If you think buying a certified vehicle is the way to go, see your Ford Dealer to select from their terrific inventory.

When you drive away with a Ford Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle and you get the peace of mind that comes with a comprehensive certification process and a Ford vehicle that meets your needs. This is Ford CPO.
To qualify for Certified Pre-Owned status, each used Ford must be less than six model years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles on the odometer. Then before any Ford pre-owned vehicle is certified, it must first pass a rigorous 169 point-by-point exam. All Certified Pre-Owned vehicles come with extensive warranty coverage*. and 24-hour roadside assistance. And to top it off, your Ford Dealer provides a full tank of gas, new wiper blades, and fresh oil and filter at delivery.
Right now, get low 4.49% APR Financing on Certified Pre-Owned Ford and Mercury Vehicles! Don’t miss this special Certified Ford used car offer…and now Ford is also certifying Super Duty trucks!
Going the extra mile to help ensure your peace of mind, the Ford comprehensive limited warranty coverage is extensive. It covers more than 500 components, including many high-tech parts, as well as the failure of covered components due to abnormal wear resulting from defective materials or workmanship, in addition to mechanical break downs. Areas of coverage include:
* Engine
* Transmission
* Rear-Wheel Drive
* Front-Wheel Drive
* Air Conditioning and Heating
* Brakes
* Steering
* Electrical
* Front Suspension
* Hi-Tech
* Audio
* Emissions
* Safety
See your Ford Dealer for details on what each category covers. The Ford Certified Pre-Owned Comprehensive Limited Warranty provides coverage for 3 months or 3,000 miles from the Certified Pre-Owned purchase date, whichever comes first.

As the weather heats up, be sure not to give your car the cold shoulder. Instead, take some time to do a bit of routine maintenance in order to ensure a safe, comfortable and fuel-efficient driving season.

Simple maintenance to your vehicle following the harsh winter months can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping your car on the road and getting the most out of this driving season,” says Jim MacPherson, car care expert and automotive radio.

Check Your Tires:  If there’s no snow on the ground, you shouldn’t have winter tires on your car. Also, balance and rotate your tires for a smoother ride and improved fuel economy. Finally, check the air pressure. The right amount of air pressure will also help to improve your fuel economy while also increasing the life span of your tires and delivering better handling.

Brake Check:  It never hurts to have your brakes checked. Start by simply listening to your car the next time you apply the brakes. If your brakes are making a scratching/squealing sound, you probably have worn brake pads or shoes. Have your Ford Dealer Service Department check it out before it causes permanent damage.

Change Your Oil:  The oil in your engine should reflect the outside temperature. If you haven’t changed the oil for a while, give your engine some new life and be sure to use the type of oil recommended your Ford Owner’s Manual.

Check Your Fluids:  We’ve all had one of those annoying moments when you hit the windshield washer and nothing comes out. Take this opportunity to not only check your washer fluid but to also check other essential fluids that may have been depleted….top off or replace the brake fluid, the transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid.

Replace Wiper Blades:  Freezing temperatures during the winter months can make the rubber on your wiper blades hard and brittle.  Add to this the combination of snow, ice and salt that can encase your wipers for hours at a time and you’ve got worn-out wipers. Replace your windshield wipers this spring and you’ll have a clear, unobstructed view of the road.

Test Your Air-Conditioning:  Before the mercury gets too high, take your vehicle into the Ford Dealer Service Department to run a quick test of your car’s air-conditioning system. If you experience any problems or hear unusual noises, have them also examine belts and hoses for wear, deterioration or refrigerant leaks.

Apply a Protectant:  Similar to applying suntan lotion while in the sun, it is important to remember that your car can be damaged by the sun as well. Apply a protectant to vinyl areas of your car’s interior, such as the steering wheel and dashboard. Finally, consider applying a polish or wax to the exterior of the car as well, after a thorough cleaning, of course.

As the weather heats up, it’s important to make sure that your car is ready for the change of season.  You can rely on your owner’s manual and your Ford Dealer Service Department to keep you vehicle in top shape.

Changing a light bulb has become a standard joke line, but staying afoot of automotive bulbs is of vital importance for safe driving. More modern vehicles will tell you when a bulb or lamp has burned out. Older vehicles require the driver to occasionally inspect bulb and lamp condition.

Getting pulled over for a burned out license plate light bulb and subsequent fix-it ticket is a minor annoyance compared with the possibility of a serious accident. Safe motoring is the main reason to keep an eye open for burned out bulbs. Besides the obvious outcome of not being able to see the road at night, the other driver can’t see you either. A burned out brake light or turn signal lamp can lead to an accident. A one-eyed car or truck moving down the road can appear to oncoming traffic as much narrower motorcycle.

Checking to see if the bulbs are lighting up the way they should be is an easy task. Or you can ask your Ford Dealer Service Department to provide this inspection as part of your regular maintenance schedule.

If you decide to change the bulbs yourself, most will have a number on the bulb itself, 1157, 1816, 63, 1154 and so on. Simply match up the burned out bulb with the same number.  A rule of thumb is that the more obscure the bulb, lamp, light, or beam, the greater a chore it will be to replace. Headlamps and brake bulbs usually take just a few minutes. That dash light buried deep behind the in-car entertainment system or the bulb deep up inside the dome may be a bit more involved and might be better left to the Ford technician.

Automotive bulbs and lamps should last a good long time before requiring replacement due to burnout. A bulb that was working fine before going dark has likely simply burnt out.  If bulb or lamp replacement quickly brings another burnout or no light at all, then suspect a problem with either the switch, relay, or a short circuit. A quickly blown fuse is also a sign of a malfunctioning circuit or short.

While a dead dome light can be a grocery fumbling annoyance, malfunctioning brake or headlamps can be dangerous. Do not drive a vehicle with malfunctioning head, turn signal, or brake lamps.

You can always count on your Ford Dealer Service Department to keep you car running safely.  For more tips on safe driving, you can visit The Center for Auto Safety.

Buying a good used car takes as much, if not more, thought and preparation as buying a new car.  Here are a few tips to put you on the right road.

1. Do Your Homework
Identify what you are looking for.  Since your choices may be limited by what you can afford, determine your monthly costs before you do anything. Make a list of expenses to own the car including insurance, maintenance, gas, and other associated costs. Does it fit into your monthly budget?
2. Go With A Brand Name You Can Trust
Choose a certified Ford Dealer that offers quality used cars and backs their products with either a service contract or warranty. Many people fear having a bad experience at a dealership but your Ford Dealer recognizes the importance of treating customers with respect.
3. Trust Your Instincts
Trust your instincts and apply the years of shopping experience and research skills you’ve honed from other purchases to the sale of a car. You don’t need to know how an engine ticks to buy a good one.
4. Be Prepared To Walk Away
A reputable dealer will have no problem with you bringing in your own mechanic to check out the car on their lot.
5. Be Picky!
Once you identify what you want and can afford, let your Ford Dealer know what you are looking for. Ask questions. Has it undergone any structural repairs? Has it ever been in an accident? Are they willing to show you its historical maintenance records?
6. Take It For A Test Drive
Never buy a car without taking it for a test drive. Take it out on the type of road you would normally drive – bumpy back roads or the highway – to get a feel for how it will handle your daily terrain.
7. Make a Wise Choice
Take your time before making a commitment. Hint: Returned leased vehicles make excellent buys as they have low mileage and dealerships usually inspect them bumper-to-bumper in preparation for sale. They often come with warranties, too.

Your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule is designed to keep it in optimum operating condition by providing what’s needed, when it’s needed. Check your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance guide.
Following the scheduled maintenance recommendations will help ensure optimum operation, reliability and safety, extend the life of your vehicle, prevent unexpected failures, maximize gas mileage, and help improve trade-in or resale values.

When you’re here, your vehicle is in the hands of the people who know it best. Your Ford  Service team will inspect and evaluate your vehicle for:
* Fluid levels
* Status of key systems and components
* Tire-tread depth and wear patterns
* Brake pad thickness
* Battery life
Your Ford Service team is trained to inspect and advise you of the condition of your vehicle so you’re kept aware of any service needed now or in the future.

Today’s complex vehicles require two things:
* Factory-trained Technicians with the resources of Ford Motor Company available to them
* An equally advanced approach for vehicle diagnosis
Our Factory Authorized Systems Checks cover the key operating systems of your vehicle. These checks ensure an accurate and efficient service experience – and your Ford Dealership provides this expert service to ensure that your vehicle is fixed right the first time, at the best value to you.

Step 1 – Go to a virtual auto show.
The Internet is the obvious choice for trends, but the specific sites might escape you. What is our favorite source of new car trends? Auto shows. Every few months, manufacturers showcase the best concepts, features and vehicles you might see in the future. Each show is a rich source of information and ideas.
Simply google “auto shows” or “latest car trends” and choose from the list of possible sites that pop up.  Once you’ve found a favorite or two, bookmarks them for future reference.  Another easy and direct way is to go to Ford.com to see what’s coming up for the new model year and what trends are available on your favorite Ford car or truck

Step 2 – Reach out to friends.
Everyone knows someone that loves cars. Maybe it’s a relative or a coworker who spends most weekends doing a bit of wash and wax. Regardless, it’s easy to find people that can help. The next time you’re in the market for a car, ask your friends to visit your Ford dealership with you. They’ll help walk you through the new features you don’t want to miss.

Step 3 – Turn the road into a research laboratory.
Ever notice that you don’t see certain vehicles until you start thinking about them? All of a sudden, that SUV you’re considering is everywhere. The same is true of features you’re curious about. Make a short list of the things that matter most to you – whether that’s the size of a sunroof, how running boards look or a thousand other options – and start checking for those features. You’ll be surprised by how often you’re able to evaluate what works for you just by staying observant in traffic.

There might still be an obscure tailfin released in Detroit you won’t find out about for months, but that’s OK. The point of this exercise is to focus on the things that matter to you. There are thousands of trends but only a handful that are going to make you happy.