Shopping for used cars can be stressful. Scouring online ads and visiting countless car lots to find the perfect ride is time-consuming and exhausting. Though you can find plenty of high-quality used cars for sale, it’s a slog to sort out the dependable vehicles from the beaters. It is hard to know if you’re getting a good deal or if you can trust the seller.

Ford Motor Company offers an online marketplace that eliminates the hassle and helps shoppers get quality used cars at affordable prices. The automaker’s platform even offers a grace period to return the vehicle if you don’t like it.

How Ford Blue Advantage works

In early 2021, Ford created Ford Blue Advantage to give its customers easy access to certified pre-owned Ford vehicles. Powered by Autotrader, the used-vehicle marketplace provides shoppers with a personalized experience.

Consumers can shop online or in person, selecting quality vehicles from the extensive Ford dealer network. All the used cars listed for sale have passed a multi-point inspection. Factory-trained technicians assign each vehicle a Gold Certified or Blue Certified seal of approval. Customers get peace of mind knowing the car is in good working condition before purchasing.

According to a Ford, the marketplace makes it easier to find a vehicle with “advanced search capabilities that allow users to filter by feature level.”

The website includes the Kelley Blue Book Price Advisor tool to determine if the vehicle is a “good or great price.” Shoppers can also take advantage of a video walkaround and select home delivery if desired.

Ford Blue Advantage adds a new money-back guarantee

After experiencing a year of booming used-car sales, Ford is adding more value to its marketplace. Ford Blue Advantage will now include a 14-day/1,000-mile (whichever comes first) money-back guarantee.

Ford’s U.S. used-vehicle manager, Andrew Ashman, tells Automotive News:

“It’s kind of like if you buy a sweater and don’t like it, you can take it back.”

The fine print states you must return the vehicle in the same condition you bought it, excluding normal wear and tear. If there is a lien, the return policy does not apply, and if you decide the car is not the right fit, you cannot get back your original trade-in vehicle. Also, customers are not eligible for the offer if they returned a Ford Blue Advantage used car within the past six months.

But if you plan to pay cash for a dependable used car, Ford Blue Advantage can’t be beat. In addition to the money-back guarantee, you can request a no-obligation test drive at your home. All vehicles come with 24/7 roadside assistance and are backed by comprehensive warranty plans.

The best online websites to buy used vehicles

Automotive News reports that “traffic to the Ford Blue Advantage website is up 500 percent over its prior certified pre-owned website.” Ashman claims dealers are experiencing “noticeable sales bumps,” with a 26% increase in certified pre-owned vehicle sales in 2021.

Ford anticipates that the new money-back guarantee will help deter potential customers from shopping on popular third-party used vehicle sites such as Carvana. General Motors is jumping on board the growing trend, creating its own platform. Released this month, CarBravo features used GM vehicles for sale.

Autotrader, which powers Ford Blue Advantage, is one of the most frequently visited sites for consumers searching for used cars. Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and CarMax also offer valuable resources for used-vehicle shoppers.

But Ford Blue Advantage offers a unique, well, advantage over rivals through its new money-back guarantee. If you don’t like the vehicle, just return it to your local dealer within 14 days or 1,000 miles, and the sales team can help you find another model that works better for your lifestyle. It’s a new stress-free way of shopping for a used car.