You'll see "172-point inspection" on a lot of certified Ford listings. It sounds good, but what does it actually mean? Here's what Ford checks before a vehicle earns Gold Certified status, how it's different from Blue Certified, and why it's worth caring about when you're shopping used.
What Gold Certified Means
Gold Certified is the top level of the Ford Blue Advantage program. To qualify, a vehicle has to be less than six years old with fewer than 80,000 miles. Then it has to pass the 172-point inspection.
The Seven Areas Ford Checks
Ford breaks the inspection into these categories:
- Vehicle history, including a CARFAX check
- Road test
- Exterior and interior appearance and condition
- Diagnostics
- Underhood and underbody components
- Hybrid system, on hybrid models
- Convenience features
It's not a quick walk around. It covers how the vehicle drives, what's going on under the hood and underneath, and the stuff you use every day inside.
What Happens When Something Doesn't Pass
Ford's rule is simple. Any item that doesn't meet Ford standards is repaired or replaced with factory-authorized parts. So anything the inspection turns up gets handled before the vehicle is sold as certified.
Gold vs. Blue Certified
Blue Certified vehicles have to be less than ten years old with fewer than 150,000 miles, and they go through a 139-point inspection. Ford's Blue list covers the same areas as Gold minus the exterior and interior appearance and condition check. Both are solid. Gold just goes a step further and comes with longer warranty coverage.
What You Get After the Inspection
Passing the inspection is what unlocks the rest of the program. Gold Certified vehicles come with a 12-Month/12,000-Mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty, a 7-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, a CARFAX Vehicle History Report and complimentary 24/7 Ford Roadside Assistance.
Why It Matters Around the Inland Empire
Between long commutes, triple digit summers and weekend trips up the mountain, vehicles out here put in real work. Buying one that's already been checked top to bottom takes a lot of the risk out of buying used, especially if you're planning to keep it for a while.
Questions to Ask When You Shop Certified
When you're looking at a certified vehicle, these are worth asking:
- Is this one Gold, Blue or EV Certified?
- Can I see the CARFAX Vehicle History Report?
- How much warranty coverage is left, and how does it work?
- Is there any special financing on this vehicle right now?
See a Certified Ford for Yourself
Browse our Ford Blue Advantage certified inventory online, or check out our full used inventory if you want to compare. When you find one you like, stop by 4480 Chino Hills Parkway in Chino and ask our team to walk you through what was checked.
Ford Blue Advantage eligibility, inspection and coverage terms are set by Ford Motor Company and can change. All time and mileage terms are whichever comes first. See Chino Hills Ford for a copy of the limited warranty and complete program details.