10 Tips for Buying a Pre-Owned Ford

May 03, 2024 · 3 min read

2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

Buying a second-hand vehicle can be fraught with anxiety. How can you be sure that your new car or truck will be reliable? That's why we're bringing you our top ten tips for buying a pre-owned Ford so you can confidently make your next purchase.

1. Do Your Research

Perhaps the most important tip we can offer you is to always do your research well before you jump into making a purchase. It can be tempting to just snap up the first used Ford you see at the price you want, but that could leave you with a vehicle that doesn't meet your needs.

2. Age Isn't the Biggest Worry

The great thing about Fords is that they're built to stand the test of time. Parts can be obtained easily, too, so you won't have any difficulty keeping an older Ford on the road.

3. Check the Service History

If the used Ford that you've chosen doesn't have a full-service history, look elsewhere. You want to be sure that any used vehicle has been well cared for before you buy it.

4. View the Vehicle During Daylight

If you only view the pre-owned vehicle during the evening or at night, there's a possibility you could miss damage to the bodywork. It's a good idea to choose a dry day to view the vehicle too, since rain could obscure some potential issues that may become apparent later.

5. Take a Test Drive

It's always a good idea to test drive any vehicle that you intend to buy, whether brand-new or pre-owned. There's no guarantee that you'll like the way the vehicle feels when you're on the road, and you don't want to buy a model that you're uncomfortable in. Not only that, but a test drive gives you the chance to spot any issues like warning lights or alignment problems.

6. Check Beneath the Hood

A vehicle may look perfect from the outside, but when you get under the hood, it could be a completely different story. Make sure there aren't any signs of corrosion or fluid leaks, as both would be bad news.

7. Look at the Tires

Tires are often overlooked when inspecting a pre-owned vehicle, yet they can be costly to replace if they turn out to be worn after purchase.

8. What's the Mileage?

Vehicles generally travel around 12,000 - 13,000 per year, so compare the age of the Ford with how much mileage it's got to see if it's covered a lot of distance in a short timeframe.

9. Inspect the Frame

Even if the vehicle looks cared for and shiny, look carefully at the frame for any sign of rust or corrosion. Check nothing's hanging from its undercarriage and that it sits on the road evenly.

10. Choose a Trustworthy Seller

It's best to buy any used vehicle from a trusted dealership that specializes in selling used models that are only of the highest quality. That way, you can enjoy peace of mind that you're choosing a Ford that will run smoothly and give you great value for your money. If you're ready to find the perfect second-hand Ford for you, visit us here at Drive Direct, Columbus, OH.

Ford Broncos | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

Mar 17, 2023 in Ford Vehicles

4 Perfect Ford Models for Summertime Road Trips

There's nothing better than planning a summer road trip! Whether it takes you to the mountains for hiking, to the coast for a day at the beach, or to one of the amazing state parks for an outdoor adventure, summer is full of possibilities! Ford has the perfect lineup for a summer trip, with vehicles for any adventure. Read on for more details! The Bronco When your idea of the perfect road trip takes you off the road, the Bronco is the Ford you need. The Badlands model takes off-road capabilities to the next level with a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, a heavy-duty suspension, full-time four-wheel drive, and seven driving modes. It comes with rock rails, a rubber floor, and marine-grade vinyl upholstery. Choose any Bronco trim and you can turn your road trip into an open-air ride by removing the doors and roof. more The Explorer The three-row Explorer is perfect for a family road trip. It has room for up to seven people and their gear. This SUV has lots of tech and convenience features, including a power-adjustable driver's seat, a split-folding second row, and an available power-folding third row. The higher-level trims offer massaging front seats, a larger 10.1-inch touch screen, and a surround-sound stereo system. The Explorer has a full suite of driver safety aids, including forward-collision mitigation, blind-spot monitor, and lane-keeping assist. The Escape Choose the Escape for a road trip when you want something compact with a peppy and powerful engine. The hybrid model provides the fuel efficiency you want for a budget-friendly road trip, and no matter which Escape you choose, it offers the latest version of Ford's SYNC infotainment system. This small SUV has more rear-seat legroom than others in its class and a spacious cargo area where you can keep all your gear. The second-row seats slide back and forth to create more cargo space when you need it or more legroom when you have extra passengers. An available hands-free foot-activated liftgate means you can access the cargo area without getting your keys out. The Expedition The ultimate summer road trip includes all your family and friends, and you can take everyone along in the large Expedition. This Ford has space for up to eight and a massive cargo area with room for everything you need for an extended trip. A powerful twin-turbo V-6 engine easily powers the large Expedition and will tow up to 9,300 pounds. Inside, a power-folding third row makes it easy to access the cargo area, and upscale materials provide a luxurious ride. An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, along with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional rear-seat entertainment system is available for the top three trims. The Expedition comes standard with forward-collision warning with mitigation and pedestrian detection and offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Ford has the perfect vehicle no matter where your summer road trip takes you. Visit Drive Direct to find your favorite model and get started on bringing your new ride home today!