Ford is expanding its Ford Pro Advantage program, allowing Ford Pro dealers to certify used work trucks from Chevrolet and Ram with up to 150,000 miles. However, the 90-day full warranty on these vehicles contrasts sharply with the 7-year or 100,000-mile powertrain coverage offered on certified Ford trucks.
The program, launching October 5 at over 700 Ford Pro Commercial Vehicle Centers, includes two tiers: Ford Pro Gold Certified for Ford vehicles under 5 years and 80,000 miles, and Ford Pro Blue Certified for Ford and other brands up to 9 years old and 150,000 miles.
What’s Covered Under Ford Pro Advantage?
Both tiers offer 24/7 commercial roadside assistance, a money-back guarantee, and access to Ford Mobile Service vans and Pro Elite Service Centers. The Gold Certified tier provides a 172-point inspection and extended powertrain coverage, while the Blue Certified tier includes a 139-point inspection and a 90-day warranty.
A Ford spokesperson noted, “For an electrician or plumber, a work vehicle is how the business runs.” This program aims to support small businesses facing rising fuel prices and inflation.
The vehicles, sourced from Commercial Vehicle Center dealers and rental fleets, often have consistent service records but may have been driven by multiple users. Prospective buyers should request service histories and check for open recalls.
Why Ford Is Targeting Work Truck Buyers
Ford’s move aligns with its Accelerate event, emphasizing support for tradespeople. By certifying non-Ford trucks, the company aims to draw more customers into its service network, financing options, and Ford Pro software ecosystem.
While Ford dealers have certified other brands before, this program extends to heavier vehicles like chassis cabs and cutaway vans, previously uncommon in used car lots.
The program launches October 5, with details available at FordBlueAdvantage.com.
Ford Pro Advantage: A Closer Look at the Tiers
These vehicles undergo a rigorous 172-point inspection and come with an extended powertrain warranty of 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
These vehicles receive a 139-point inspection and a 90-day full warranty, with no mention of a mileage cap in the Ford Pro announcement.
Additionally, buyers can take advantage of Ford Pro FinSimple financing with bundled invoicing.
It’s worth noting that the 7-year clock for the powertrain warranty on Gold Certified vehicles starts from the truck‘s original in-service date, not the purchase date, according to Ford-Trucks.com.
Considerations for Buyers
A writer who has covered the automotive industry for over 15 years suggests that the smartest move might be to consider a Gold Certified Ford, which offers years of powertrain coverage compared to the 90-day protection on non-Ford trucks.
Ford Pro Advantage launches on October 5 at over 700 Ford Pro Commercial Vehicle Centers nationwide, covering a wide range of vehicles from Transit vans to F-750 trucks. For more details, visit FordBlueAdvantage.com.
As of the launch, Ford has not provided details on the money-back window, deductibles, or eligibility for individual buyers. These details are expected to be clarified in the coming weeks.
Warranty and Mileage Details for Blue Certified Vehicles
However, the Ford Pro announcement only mentions the 90-day timeframe, so buyers should confirm with their dealer if a mileage cap applies. This is particularly important for work vans, which can accumulate 4,000 miles in a short period.
Ford sources these vehicles from Commercial Vehicle Center dealers and rental fleet partners, targeting trucks and vans aged 2 to 3 years with 30,000 to 70,000 miles. While fleet trucks often have scheduled maintenance tracked through Ford Pro telematics, rental trucks may have been driven by numerous users who were not responsible for repairs.
