An orange 2019 Ford Escape is shown from the side driving on an open road past a lake after leaving a Certified Pre-Owned Ford Escape dealer.

Introducing…A Smart Way to (Ford) Escape

In this day and age, our vehicles are a necessity. For many of us, getting to work, buying groceries, and all of our daily duties are made easier by having a vehicle of our own. But many of us also lack an unlimited disposable income, which is why we have to be smart and savvy when we make decisions about which vehicle gets our hard-earned money. Thankfully, we also live in a day and age in which options are plentiful. More and more drivers are appreciating the benefits and peace of mind that can be found in shopping for a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle. Those looking to pair that peace of mind with a fantastic vehicle that’s known for its capability and versatility know to make their way to their Certified Pre-Owned Ford Escape dealer to check out the opportunities made available by a CPO Ford Escape. It may be the most financially smart and beneficial way to Escape the stress of the daily commute.

Everyone Needs to Escape

Sadly, the Ford Escape is not pre-programmed to autonomously drive to a secluded paradise. However, if you’re up for the drive, so is the Escape. In order to qualify for Ford’s Certified Pre-Owned program, each vehicle must have been manufactured within the “current, or five previous model years,” according to Ford. Luckily for SUV drivers, the Escape received a major update in 2018 as well as a complete redesign in 2020. While buying a pre-owned vehicle of any kind means you are buying a used vehicle, those who purchase a CPO Escape will have the benefit of knowing they’re getting the freshest of the fresh when it comes to updated design and engineering.

So what makes the Ford Escape so cool? After all, there are plenty of compact SUVs to choose from. There are many reasons to prefer the Escape. It’s been designed to include loads of safety features, includes useful technology as part of its standard offerings, provides a comfortable ride, and is available with a variety of powertrains, including, as of 2020, a hybrid and plug-in hybrid version.

Depending on the year, trim, and engine selected, drivers of the Escape can enjoy up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space and tow loads up to 3,500 pounds. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 package of driver assistance and safety aids is also standard, and drivers can find all the bells and whistles that make driving everyday fun, such as WiFi hotspots, Bang & Olufsen sound systems, leather-trimmed heated seats, or panoramic sunroofs. It all depends on finding the model that meets your needs the best. So, while you won’t be whisked away to a fantasy island, you can Escape the doldrums of the daily commute with an SUV that provides everything you could ask for.

A red 2018 Ford Escape is shown from the side driving on an open road.

Making the Most of Your Dollar With Ford’s Certified Pre-Owned Program

The next question many drivers have is, “what makes the CPO program such a big deal?” Many drivers have learned that used cars are a great way to get all the deluxe features they want at a price that makes sense for their budget. Today’s cars are engineered to stay on the roads longer than ever, which means buying a used car that’s in great condition with low mileage is a sensible investment.

Historically, the best way to find a used car that’s in excellent condition with low mileage is to diligently hunt the pre-owned vehicle market. Cruising through sales ads and dealership websites can be a long and daunting task, though, and there’s no guarantee that the vehicle you test drive is going to be exactly as wonderful as its ad proclaimed–unless you shop with a Certified Pre-Owned Ford dealer.

A Certified Pre-Owned Ford is the least risky way to purchase a used car. The difference is in the certification process. In order to receive the Ford manufacturer stamp of approval, a Gold Certified Ford must be no more than six model years in age and cannot have more than 80,000 miles on it. A vehicle history report is run on each vehicle to ensure it’s got a clean title and isn’t hiding any extensive problems.vOn top of that, each potential CPO Ford must undergo a 172-point inspection, which is conducted by certified mechanics.

Unlike other manufacturers, Ford also has a second version of the Certified Pre-Owned program known as Blue Certified. Blue Certified vehicles can be up to ten years old and must have less than 120,000 miles on them. These models will get a similar, but slightly less intense, 139-point inspection. So, if you have your eye on an older Escape model or one that has quite a few miles on it, you still might be able to get it as a certified model.

Anything that doesn’t meet the standards of Ford’s certification process must be replaced with a new Ford Motorcraft or Ford Authorized Remanufactured part. Furthermore, you’re not just taking the dealership’s word for it–you can request a copy of the Vehicle Inspection Checklist to find out exactly what the mechanic submitted to the manufacturer on their report. Instead of searching endlessly for that low mileage, not-too-old used vehicle and hoping that it’s in good condition, too, Ford’s Certified Pre-Owned program sells you exactly the vehicle you want and need.

The Benefits of Buying a Ford CPO Escape

And now for the “but wait– there’s more!” moment. In addition to having the opportunity to buy exactly the vehicle you want and need, along with the peace of mind of knowing that the low mileage, recent model year Escape you’re buying is exactly as wonderful as it looks on paper, Ford provides quite a few perks to CPO buyers.

First up are the warranties. Each Gold Certified Ford Escape comes with 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty Coverage. Starting from the expiration of the New Vehicle Bumper-to-Bumper coverage or the date you purchase your CPO Escape (whichever is more recent), this warranty provides coverage for mechanical failure of your engine, brakes, suspension, transmission, safety and security features, and more. On top of this, Ford also provides CPO drivers with a 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, which covers the major features of your Escape, such as the engine, transmission, axles, driveshaft, and more. Blue Certified vehicles also have a warranty, though not quite as much as Gold Certified. A Blue Certified Ford Escape will have a 90-day/4,000-mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty.

Also included in the purchase of a Certified Pre-Owned Ford Escape, Gold or Blue, is Roadside Assistance protection. Providing drivers with 24/7 help in the event of problems on the road, this coverage includes more than fuel and spare tires. Drivers can receive travel reimbursement when they’re far from home, destination expenses to cover alternate transportation, and rental car reimbursement for up to five days if your Escape requires more involved repairs. This protection lasts for the length of the Powertrain Limited Warranty for Gold Certified vehicles or the length of the Comprehensive Limited Warranty for Blue Certified options.

The warranty and roadside assistance features offer service at any Ford or Lincoln Dealer in the US or Canada, which means help is just around the corner. Plus, to send you off in style, every CPO Escape will have fresh wiper blades, brand new oil and filter, and a full tank of fuel, so you can start your own escape off right.

A blue 2020 Ford Escape is shown from the front driving through a city.

Find Your Own Escape

Everyone is trying to make as many good decisions as they can with their money these days. For those who are working with a tight budget and who are looking for a car that’s within their price range but won’t break down a few days after they buy it, a Certified Pre-Owned Ford could be a game-changer. Not only do you get a fantastic vehicle like the Ford Escape, but you know that your car is just at the beginning of its life. Add onto that the bonus of warranties, along with perks like 24-hour Roadside Assistance, and it’s clear to see that there are many compelling reasons to shop with a Certified Pre-Owned Ford Escape dealer. Who knows, the money you save from buying a CPO Escape could be the funding of your own magical getaway!