Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A black 2022 Ford F-150 is shown parked off-road.

Shopping Confidently With Ford Blue Advantage: F-150 Edition

The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck in America for over four decades and is undeniably the best modern example of Henry Ford’s vision to put the world on wheels in the early 1900s. Today, the F-150 continues that legacy, with its incredible capability only bettered by its exceptional value. This is especially the case when you find a CPO F-150 that lives up to Ford’s high-quality standards and guarantees you get an outstanding workhorse at an incredible price without having to settle for less.

How does Ford accomplish such a feat? Ford’s Blue Advantage program gives customers more opportunities to get behind the wheel of the best-selling workhorse in America. Every F-150 with the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sticker not only meets the Blue Advantage requirements but also comes with a host of benefits that add to the truck’s overall value. These standards and perks make shopping for a CPO F-150 an enticing and exciting experience, especially when you realize everything you’re getting from Ford’s four-wheeled powerhouse.

Blue vs Gold: Two Options to Meet Your Needs

While most automakers take a minimalist approach to their Certified Pre-Owned models, Ford does the opposite and recognizes that every driver has unique needs. Some drivers want the latest technology offered in a newer pre-owned model, but others need a more budget-friendly option. Ford delivers both with its Blue Advantage program that provides two levels of certification.

A silver 2022 Ford F-150 Tremor is shown from the front at an angle after leaving a CPO F-150 dealer.

Gold Certified

Gold Certified F-150s are limited to models less than six years old with 80,000 or fewer miles on the odometer. Based on these standards, a Gold Certified F-150 can be a thirteenth or fourteenth-generation model built since 2016. The thirteenth-generation F-150 was lighter than its predecessor and introduced new safety and driver-assist technology like adaptive cruise control. Its successor is built on these characteristics, improving handling with enhanced aerodynamics and adding an expansive touchscreen display with trailering-capable technology and more connectivity features.

Blue Certified

Drivers looking for a more budget-friendly option have plenty of choices with Ford’s Blue Certified models. An F-150 with a Blue Certified sticker is less than ten years old and has fewer than 120,000 miles on the odometer. By expanding the age and mileage requirements, Ford extends your search to include models built since 2012 or those from the end of the F-150’s twelfth generation. Why is this important?

Ford made vast improvements to the F-150 in 2011, ensuring the truck was competitive with its rivals. In doing so, Ford introduced its EcoBoost powertrain lineup, making the V6 standard on the F-150. The F-150 also debuted a more powerful V8 engine that delivered exceptional power without sacrificing fuel economy. The updated powertrain lineup struck a chord with drivers, earning the F-150 widespread acclaim for giving drivers the best of both worlds.

Thoroughly Vetted: Quality Guaranteed

Ford minimizes the risk once associated with shopping for a used truck by holding every Certified Pre-Owned F-150 to higher quality standards. Gold Certified models that meet the age and mileage requirements must pass a comprehensive 172-point inspection performed by factory-trained technicians. Any component or feature that does not meet the Blue Advantage standards is replaced or reconditioned with new Ford Motorcraft or Ford Authorized Remanufactured Parts to maintain the truck’s integrity.

A Blue Certified F-150 must meet similar standards, beginning with a 139-point inspection conducted by factory-trained technicians. Components that do not meet the Blue Advantage standards are replaced by new Ford Motorcraft/Omnicraft or Ford Authorized Remanufactured Parts. These parts are backed by the manufacturer and, like Gold Certified vehicles, help keep every Ford a Ford.

Ford’s efforts to thoroughly vet every Certified Pre-Owned F-150 don’t stop in the service department, which works to your advantage and gives you greater confidence in your purchase. To do this, Ford provides the CARFAX vehicle history report for each model. This report gives you a comprehensive view of the truck’s history, from its number of owners to its accident involvement, airbag deployment, title issues, maintenance history, and beyond.

Peace of Mind on the Road: Warranty Coverage and Roadside Assistance

Shopping for a Certified Pre-Owned F-150 doesn’t require you to settle for less, especially regarding your peace of mind on the road. Ford ensures as much with its warranty coverage and roadside assistance program. Your Gold Certified F-150 comes with a 12-month or 12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty and a seven-year or 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. This coverage is available on Blue Certified models, which come standard with a 90-day or 4,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty.

While Ford’s warranty program minimizes your out-of-pocket expenses when the unthinkable happens, its complimentary roadside assistance service ensures help is always a phone call away. The 24-hour service is available 365 days a year and gives you immediate access should you need a tow, lockout assistance, fuel delivery, battery jump-start, or flat tire repair. This service is available on Gold Certified models for seven years or 90 days on Blue Certified models.

A red 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor is shown from the side while driving off-road.

Entertainment and Shopping: The Perks of Owning a Ford

Investing in a truck like the best-selling F-150 is exciting, but Ford adds to this excitement by helping you celebrate your purchase. Your Certified Pre-Owned F-150 comes with a three-month trial to SiriusXM Satellite Radio All Access, which puts hundreds of sports, entertainment, comedy, news, weather, and talk show channels at your fingertips. You’ll find SiriusXM is even more enjoyable when your F-150 comes with Ford’s Bang & Olufsen premium sound system that delivers a concert-like experience to every seat.

Beyond an immersive listening experience, shopping for a Certified Pre-Owned F-150 also comes with financial rewards. Your purchase of a Gold Certified F-150 includes 22,000 FordPass Rewards Points that you can use toward your first maintenance visit or accessories at your local Ford dealer. Blue Certified models give you 11,000 points, making it easy to celebrate your purchase!

Money Back Guarantee: Your Satisfaction Is Ford’s Top Priority

When you think shopping for a Certified Pre-Owned F-150 couldn’t get any better, Ford gives you another reason to kickstart your search. Every Blue Advantage F-150 features a 14-day or 1,000-mile money-back guarantee. But what does this mean for you? There’s absolutely no risk to buying a Certified Pre-Owned F-150 because you can return it for a full refund within 1,000 miles or 14 days if the truck doesn’t meet your needs. It’s that simple!

Shopping Confidently With Ford Blue Advantage

One of the best investments you can make is in a used vehicle that keeps more money in your wallet without requiring you to make any sacrifices. You’ll experience this firsthand when you shop for a Certified Pre-Owned F-150 because of Ford’s Blue Advantage program. This Certified Pre-Owned program guarantees you have everything you need to have confidence in your purchase, from ensuring every model is held to higher standards to eliminating potential buyers’ remorse with a money-back guarantee.

Ford goes the extra mile to give drivers confidence throughout the buying process. However, the automaker doesn’t stop there. Ford makes it easy for customers to celebrate their purchases and fully experience the excitement of getting behind the wheel of a legendary workhorse like the F-150. This unique approach makes Ford’s Certified Pre-Owned program an industry leader, and it’s why so many drivers can enjoy the capability of a legend like the F-150.