Finding a Ford Dealer in Kansas City that offers certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles can be an essential part of your car-buying journey. When considering a pre-owned Ford, the goal is to ensure you’re getting a reliable, well-maintained vehicle that comes with certain guarantees, which is exactly what a certified pre-owned car offers. CPO vehicles are different from typical used cars in that they undergo a rigorous inspection process, often come with an extended warranty, and include additional perks like roadside assistance. Whether you’re interested in a Ford Mustang, F-150, or Explorer, discovering a CPO Ford in Kansas City requires knowledge of what to look for, where to search, and how to make an informed purchase.
This article will guide you on how to find a certified pre-owned Ford in Kansas City, explaining the benefits of buying a CPO Ford, how to find the best deals, and the key factors to consider before making your purchase.
1. What is a Certified Pre-Owned Ford?
Before diving into how to find CPO Ford in Kansas City, it’s important to understand what a certified pre-owned vehicle is. A CPO Ford is a pre-owned vehicle that has been thoroughly inspected, refurbished (if necessary), and certified by Ford or an authorized Ford dealership. In order to qualify as a certified pre-owned car, the vehicle must meet certain criteria set by Ford, including:
- Age and Mileage Limitations: Typically, Ford CPO vehicles are no older than six years and have fewer than 80,000 miles on the odometer.
- Inspection Process: Each vehicle undergoes a detailed 172-point inspection covering mechanical, electrical, and cosmetic components.
- Vehicle History: A CPO Ford must have a clean title, with no history of accidents or major repairs.
- Extended Warranty: Ford offers an additional limited warranty on CPO vehicles, which includes coverage on the powertrain and other components for up to 7 years or 100,000 miles, depending on the model.
The CPO program is designed to give buyers peace of mind, knowing they are purchasing a reliable vehicle that has been meticulously inspected and comes with added benefits like a vehicle return policy, free CARFAX report, and sometimes complimentary maintenance.
2. Start by Visiting Authorized Ford Dealerships in Kansas City
These dealerships are the primary source for CPO Ford vehicles, as they are the only ones that can sell vehicles that are officially certified by Ford. When you visit a Ford dealership in the Kansas City area, you’ll find a range of CPO Fords from different years, models, and trims.
Many authorized Ford dealers will have a dedicated CPO section on their website, where you can filter your search by model, year, mileage, and price range. In addition, these dealerships often have knowledgeable sales staff who can walk you through the benefits of each vehicle and answer any questions you may have about the certification process.
Some of the well-known Ford dealerships in Kansas City include:
- Kansas City Ford
- Olathe Ford Lincoln
- Merriam Ford
- Bob Allen Ford
These dealerships will have CPO Ford models in stock, and by working directly with them, you can ensure that the vehicle you are purchasing meets all of Ford’s standards.
3. Online Tools and Websites
In today’s digital age, many car buyers start their search online before heading to a dealership. Ford’s official website offers an excellent search tool for finding certified pre-owned vehicles by location. You can visit the Ford CPO page, enter your zip code, and browse through a selection of CPO Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs available in the Kansas City area.
Besides Ford’s official website, other online platforms specialize in used and certified pre-owned vehicles. Websites like:
- Autotrader
- Cars.com
- Carfax
- TrueCar
These platforms allow you to filter your search by certification status, ensuring that you only see Ford vehicles that are certified pre-owned. In addition, these websites often provide a wealth of information such as vehicle history, pricing trends, and reviews from other buyers.
If you find a vehicle online that interests you, it’s important to contact the dealership directly to verify that the vehicle is still available and confirm its certification status.
4. Visit Multiple Dealerships for Comparison
While you can start your search online, visiting multiple Ford dealerships in Kansas City allows you to compare the prices, conditions, and benefits of different CPO vehicles. One of the key advantages of shopping at authorized Ford dealerships is that you’ll be able to see the vehicle’s full-service history and any repairs or maintenance that have been completed as part of the certification process.
When you visit different dealerships, keep in mind that pricing can vary slightly based on factors like vehicle demand, dealership promotions, and the specific features or trims of the CPO Ford you’re interested in. Additionally, some dealerships may offer special financing deals or trade-in options that could make your purchase more affordable.
5. Check for Special Offers and Incentives
Ford dealerships in Kansas City often run promotions or special deals on certified pre-owned vehicles, especially during certain times of the year. These deals can include cash rebates, low-interest financing, or extended warranties.
You might also want to ask about loyalty programs if you currently own a Ford, as some dealerships provide discounts or special financing options to existing Ford customers. Don’t hesitate to negotiate the price, as many dealerships are willing to work with buyers to close a deal.
6. Inspect the Vehicle and Test Drive It
Even though certified pre-owned Fords undergo extensive inspections, it’s still important to inspect the vehicle yourself and take it for a test drive. During the test drive, pay attention to the vehicle’s handling, engine performance, and comfort. Take it on a variety of roads to get a feel for how it handles in different conditions.
If you’re not familiar with what to look for in a used car, consider bringing a trusted mechanic or a knowledgeable friend with you. They can help ensure that the vehicle is in good condition and meets your expectations. Some Ford dealerships also allow you to schedule a third-party inspection, which can give you added peace of mind before committing to a purchase.
7. Review the Vehicle History Report
Before finalizing any purchase, ask for the vehicle’s full history report. Most Ford dealerships will provide a free CARFAX report for certified pre-owned vehicles, which will detail any accidents, title issues, or maintenance records. This is a crucial step, as it ensures that the vehicle you’re considering has not been involved in any significant accidents or had major issues in the past.
Reviewing the vehicle history report allows you to make an informed decision and avoid purchasing a vehicle that may have hidden issues. It also gives you the opportunity to ask the dealership specific questions about the car’s past.
8. Review Financing Options
Once you’ve narrowed down your options and decided on a CPO Ford, the next step is to explore financing options. Most Ford dealerships offer financing through Ford Credit, as well as third-party lenders. If you have good credit, you may be eligible for competitive interest rates. Be sure to review the terms of any financing offer, including the interest rate, loan duration, and monthly payment amount.
Some Ford dealerships in Kansas City may also offer special financing deals for CPO vehicles, such as 0% APR for qualified buyers. Be sure to ask about these promotions and compare them with other financing offers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Conclusion
Finding a certified pre-owned Ford in Kansas City can be a straightforward process if you know where to look and what to expect. Always make sure to inspect the car, review the vehicle history, and take advantage of any available financing offers. With a little time and research, you can drive away in a reliable and well-maintained certified pre-owned Ford that will provide years of dependable service.
