While we’re sure you know the benefits of used vehicles, certified pre-owned vehicles tend to fly under the radar. These offerings are excellent alternatives to their newer counterparts, especially if you’ve zeroed in on a Ford certified pre-owned vehicle.
The brand assures that their CPOs are top-notch, as they’re required to pass an extensive inspection process before they’re placed on dealership lots. Therefore, if you’re wary of a used car’s reliability, you shouldn’t have any of those concerns when it comes to Ford certified pre-owned vehicles.
If there’s any concern, it should be which model to target. Below, we’ve explored some of the more popular models to target, providing you with a bit of clarity before you head into a dealership.
Ford Focus
This nameplate continues to be among the most popular small cars, and this was especially true in the early 2010s. Therefore, you shouldn’t have any issues coming across this particular nameplate if you’re shopping at a used dealership.
While a preowned Ford Focus should come in at less than $10,000, the inexpensive price tag shouldn’t scare you away (after all, which worthwhile car is actually that inexpensive). Rather, it’s an opportunity for you to take advantage of a perfectly capable vehicle without breaking the bank.
Specifically, the vehicle has been touted for its excellent fuel efficiency, and the engine also manages to crank out a surprising amount of power. While the style and technology leave a bit to be desired, buyers could always spruce up their preowned purchase with some aftermarket parts.
Perhaps best of all, the nameplate has proven to be incredibly easy to maintain. The various mechanical aspects are easy to find and replace, and the vehicle rarely finds itself needing any major repairs. This will just be another clever way for you to save some dough as you’re shopping for a used ride.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
A hybrid car may not be atop everyone’s list of targeted preowned vehicles, but the Ford Fusion does enough to earn a look. After all, the vehicle is actually an excellent choice for those looking to save an extra buck. The hybrid technologies predictably impact efficiency, as recent-year models can deliver up to a 41-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency. You’ll be hard pressed to find these numbers in other used vehicles.
Furthermore, even when you take the hybrid capabilities out of the equation, the Ford Fusion still makes for an excellent ride. The brand has continually focused on making their vehicle among one of the most comfortable and enjoyable nameplates in the class, and the array of technological offerings will be appreciated by you and your passengers.
Specifically, we’d eye a recent-year Ford Fusion if you can fit it into your budget. The 2017 model could be a logical option, especially since 2018 models will soon be hitting used dealership lots.
Ford Explorer
If you’re searching around for a full-size crossover, then you can’t do much better than this beloved Ford nameplate. The SUV has continually proven to be among the most popular offerings in the entire segment, and for very good reason.
Over the past decade or so, the Ford Explorer has continuously knocked it out of the park when it comes to performance. The various versions of this nameplate always manage to pump out a whole lot of power, and they also make for underrated off-roaders. Newer additions deliver optimal fuel efficiency, although this probably isn’t a primary concern of yours if you’re opting for such a large SUV.
The technology and comfort features have continued to be among the most modern in the entire class. Therefore, even if you’re pursuing a version of the Ford Explorer that’s several years old, you still shouldn’t expect the technology to be all that inferior to the amenities that are included in today’s models.
Of course, the Explorer is also plenty safe, and drivers can also expect more than enough cargo space. Therefore, if you’re looking for a versatile used SUV that won’t end up breaking the bank, you should probably zero in on a used version of the Ford Explorer.
Ford Mustang
You might not have envisioned yourself cruising around town in a sports car, but that could be a distinct possibility if you opt for a pre-owned Ford Mustang. While this nameplate is generally plenty expensive when new, customers will be able to capitalize on a solid discount when they opt for a used variation.
The early 2010 models could be logical targets, as these vehicles have already been on the road for a decade. Despite their age, drivers shouldn’t expect the power specs to diminish all that much. Rather, you can still appreciate the 210 horsepower that comes from the V6 engine and the 315 horsepower that comes from the V8 engine.
Plus, since the vehicle was produced relatively recently, the interior should still be adorned with comfortable, modern upholsteries. The technologies should also be on-par with those included in new vehicles. The only major difference will be the price tag, and we’re sure you’ll be happy with that discrepancy.
Ford Taurus
This nameplate has been around for several decades, and the vehicle’s continued reliability is a big reason why it has managed to be continually produced. The Ford Taurus has consistently been touted for its dependability and safety, and it’s even won awards for being the top family sedan in the industry.
The early 2010 models continued the tradition of the nameplate, promising a number of family-friendly features. Of course, the 28-mile-per-gallon fuel efficiency that was included in many of the engines is also an appreciated inclusion, as it allows drivers to save even more money at the gas pump.
If you’re opting for a Taurus, you shouldn’t expect the most innovative technologies or the most stylish interior. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable ride that will keep you and your family safe, you won’t be able to find a better option than this nameplate.
Ford F-150
Ford’s beloved pickup truck also makes for an excellent choice for those seeking a pre-owned ride. This line of trucks is reliable, consistent, and inexpensive, meaning you can’t go wrong with any particular model year. For this exercise, we’ll focus on the pickups that were produced in the late 2000s or early 2010s, but you certainly shouldn’t be limiting yourself to these specific offerings.
These pickups have always been known for their power. Unless a pre-owned F-150 has already been driven into the ground, there’s a good chance that the engine can still deliver great performance specs. The trucks have also proven to be excellent haulers, consistently promising a towing capacity that tops 10,000 pounds. If you’re eyeing a worksite pickup truck that won’t break the bank, you should be focusing in on these nameplates.
Similar to any of the brand’s other vehicles, engineers have even managed to make their interiors plenty comfortable (even with the limited amount of space). Therefore, you’d be hard pressed to find a better driving experience elsewhere, even if you’re searching for a new pickup truck.
So if it wasn’t clear before, it should be pretty obvious now: a Ford certified pre-owned vehicle is an excellent choice for those shopping on a budget. Consider this fact the next time you’re shopping around for a new or used vehicle.
