Cost of certifying used Ford Explorer

jason2tpa

I looked at a 2014 explorer limited with 64k miles. The dealer said "ford" doesn't certify over 60k. I then looked at a different explorer at a different ford dealer. This vehicle was a 2013 with 75k miles and was certified. This salesman told me its the dealers choice, not "ford" to certify a used vehicle so long as mileage is under 80k. So my question is if I go back to the first dealer with the explorer with 64knand ask them if they certify it then ill purchase...what is the cost to them? Or what woukd be my cost to have them certify it? Thank you.

stever

When you appraise a car here, there'll be a CPO price listed under the True Market Value. The difference in the TMV price and the CPO price will give you an idea of what it should cost to get the 2014 CPO'd, assuming the dealer is willing to do it. Around $1,250 when I run the numbers, not knowing the options, zip code or color.

Some dealers offer third party certifications. I'd avoid those. And a CPO car is still a used car. It's cheap insurance to have your own mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection.

Ford Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program

How to Buy a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle

jason2tpa

Seems simple enough. Thanks!!

stever

Buying a certified car essentially means you are buying an extended warranty. For factory certifications, the car must meet age and mileage requirements and the cars are (supposedly) inspected and you may get other perks, like free towing or loaner cars.

There are a couple of gotchas to watch out for. Some dealers certify their own cars so you have to insist that you are only interested in the official Ford certification. And some dealers mark up the certifications (or extended warranties) a lot. There's a bunch of profit in these products as it is.

Good luck!