Ford Media Center

Ford Adds Money-Back Guarantee to Used-Vehicle Marketplace, Enhancing Customer Experience, Increasing Peace of Mind

  • Ford Blue Advantage, powered by industry leader Autotrader, lets customers search a wide selection of Ford and non-Ford products to find their ideal used vehicle through a personalized shopping experience that includes a search-by-vehicle option and preference for home delivery, at-home test drive and video walkaround
  • New 14-day/1,000-mile money-back guarantee is the best offered by any full-line automaker and its dealers, and is designed to improve the customer experience and drive vehicle sales in a competitive marketplace
  • To deliver more peace of mind, all Ford Blue Advantage vehicles are inspected by a factory-trained technician and backed by Ford Motor Company warranties under two different levels – Gold Certified or Blue Certified; the money-back guarantee applies to both levels

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 27, 2022 – Ford is enhancing its used-vehicle digital marketplace, offering buyers increased peace of mind and ensuring Ford dealers remain leaders in the used-vehicle space. Beginning in February, vehicles sold under the Ford Blue Advantage platform will include a 14-day/1,000-mile money-back guarantee.

Ford Blue Advantage, powered by industry leader Autotrader, lets customers search a wide selection of Ford and non-Ford products to find their ideal vehicle through a personalized shopping experience that includes a search-by-vehicle option and preference for home delivery, at-home test drive and video walkaround.

All Ford and non-Ford vehicles listed through the program are inspected by factory-trained technicians and backed by Ford Motor Company warranties under two different certification levels – Gold Certified or Blue Certified. The money-back guarantee applies to both levels and is the best guarantee offered by any full-line automaker.

The new platform meets customer demand for a seamless shopping and purchase experience by providing dealers’ best and widest selection of used Ford and non-Ford vehicles. It has proven successful – internal data show that since the inception of FordBlueAdvantage.com, traffic to the site is up 500% over the prior Certified Pre-Owned site, while Ford certified used vehicle sales rose by 26% in 2021.

“The Ford Blue Advantage platform provides the opportunity to build long-term relationships with our customers by offering the peace of mind of a certified used vehicle, a comprehensive warranty and the power of FordPass Rewards points – Ford’s industry-leading loyalty program,” says Andrew Frick, Ford vice president of sales, U.S. and Canada.

Ford-backed certification, benefits

All Ford Blue Advantage vehicles include additional warranty coverage backed by Ford Motor Company. With the ability to now certify vehicles under the Gold or Blue level, participating dealers can cover up to 90% of their used-vehicle inventory.

Gold Certified vehicles pass a 172-point inspection and come with a 12-month/12,000-mile (whichever comes first) comprehensive limited warranty and a seven-year/100,000-mile (whichever comes first) powertrain limited warranty. Dealers can certify Ford vehicles at the Gold level for up to six years and at less than 80,000 miles

Blue Certified vehicles – those 10 years or newer, with 120,000 miles or less – pass a 139-point inspection and come with 90-day/4,000-mile (whichever comes first) comprehensive limited warranty coverage. This level allows dealers to certify both Ford and non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years and at less than 120,000 miles.

Both levels come with 24/7 roadside assistance[i] and complimentary FordPass Rewards points that customers can use for future service visits or vehicle purchases at dealerships – 11,000 points for Blue Certified and 22,000 for Gold Certified. 

Additionally, Ford runs a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report on every Gold and Blue Certified used vehicle to ensure it meets rigorous Ford Blue Advantage standards.

 

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Autotrader

Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today’s empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader’s comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit https://press.autotrader.com/

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using vehicles easier for everyone. The global company’s more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of nearly $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com.