Take Your 2018 Ford on Safari

Shopping for a used vehicle can feel a little uncertain, especially when you are not sure exactly what kind of protection comes with your purchase. That is where a certified, pre-owned Ford can make a real difference. We wanted to break down exactly what this designation means so you can shop with confidence. Key Points Rigorous Certification Process: Ford Blue Advantage vehicles must pass extensive inspections and reconditioning before earning certified status. Warranty Protection Adds Confidence: Certified Fords include manufacturer-backed warranty coverage plus 24/7 roadside assistance. Multiple Certification Options: Gold Certified and Blue Certified vehicles offer different mileage requirements and warranty benefits to fit various budgets. What Is Ford Certified Pre-Owned? Ford CPO, officially known as the Ford Blue Advantage program, is Ford's way of giving used car shoppers extra confidence before they buy. Every vehicle must pass a rigorous inspection and reconditioning process before earning certification. A few basics worth knowing: The program includes three certification levels, Gold Certified, Blue Certified, and EV Certified Every certified vehicle comes with manufacturer backed warranty coverage Certified vehicles also include 24/7 roadside assistance Buyers earn FordPass Rewards Points eligibility on qualifying purchases What Does Ford Blue Certified Mean? Blue Certified is the most accessible of Ford's two main certification tiers, designed to cover a wider range of vehicles. It also includes some non-Ford models. Here is what qualifies: Vehicles up to 10 years old with no more than 150,000 miles A required 139-point inspection before certification Eligibility for both Ford models and select competitive makes A more budget friendly entry point into certified pre-owned ownership Gold Certified, by comparison, is reserved for Ford models less than six years old with fewer than 80,000 miles and requires a more extensive 172-point inspection. What Warranty Coverage Comes with a Ford Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle? This is usually the question that matters most to buyers, and the coverage varies depending on which certification level you choose. Here is the breakdown: Blue Certified vehicles include a 90 day or 4,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty, whichever comes first Gold Certified vehicles include a stronger 12 month or 12,000-mile bumper to bumper warranty Gold Certified vehicles also include a 7 year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, measured from the vehicle's original in-service date Both tiers include 24/7 roadside assistance for added peace of mind on the road Certified Pre-Owned Ford Trucks Trucks are some of the most popular vehicles in Ford's certified pre-owned lineup, and for good reason. Buyers get the same rigorous inspection and warranty protection whether they are shopping for an F-150 or a certified SUV like the Explorer or Bronco. You can get into a capable and well-inspected truck without paying full prices for a brand new one. You can also still enjoy real manufacturer backed coverage that keeps your purchase protected. Why Shop Certified at Wyatt Johnson Ford Buying certified pre-owned is about more than just the paperwork; it is about knowing your vehicle has been thoroughly checked before it ever reaches our lot. To learn more about what sets our dealership apart, visit our Why Buy page anytime. Ready to Find Your Next Certified Ford? Before you visit, check out our current used vehicle specials to see what kind of savings are available right now. You can browse our certified pre-owned Ford inventory online to see what is currently available near Nashville. If you have questions about a specific certified model, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team will be happy to help you find the right fit.

Are you into the country music scene? If so, the Grand Ole Opry is like a musical Mecca, as nearly all of the genre's most recognizable stars have played on this stage at some point. It identifies as the "place that made country music famous" and has been a popular Nashville attraction for more than 90 years. If you're planning a visit here, use the following tips to make your experience more enjoyable. Book a Backstage Tour (in Advance) The absolute best way to take in all the Grand Ole Opry has to offer is by booking a backstage tour. These guided experiences often sell out in advance, so be sure to book them at least a few weeks ahead of time. On your tour, you'll be led around the backstage area by a knowledgeable guide who imparts various facts along the way. You'll get a glimpse of 18 dressing rooms, all of which have a unique theme. If you're lucky, they might be holding a celebrity or two. If you're there during a show, you might even have the chance to watch right from the side stage. Prepare to Travel If you had dreams of walking from your downtown hotel room over to the Grand Ole Opry, you're sadly mistaken. This music center is about a 20-minute drive from the heart of Nashville. While there are some public bus routes that head in that direction, your best bet is probably to hail an Uber or Lyft. Explore the Opry's Other Offerings The Grand Ole Opry offers more than just nightly shows. If you're staying in the area, you can also check out some of the surrounding attractions, including Gaylord Opryland Resort and Opry Mills. Gaylord Opryland Resort is a Marriott hotel next door to the Grand Ole Opry, making your commute to the show practically nonexistent. With a number of indoor and outdoor water attractions, 9 acres of indoor gardens and waterfalls, and a number of shopping and dining options, this hotel will definitely keep you entertained before and after the concert. Opry Mills is a massive shopping center featuring over 200 stores and restaurants for an entire day of entertainment. Shop for a fancy new outfit for the show you're seeing at stores like Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, H&M, and more. When you get hungry, grab some pretzels from the Bavarian Bierhaus or enjoy an upscale dinner at the Aquarium Restaurant. Don't Worry About the Big Names When you're visiting the Grand Ole Opry, you might be tempted to splurge on tickets to see a big star. Unless you're a true fan, there's no real need to do this, as even the underdog performances are stellar. All of the talent that performs at the concert hall is thoroughly vetted, meaning they're at the top of their game. You won't have to suffer through any lackluster performances or feel like you deserve a refund. Visiting the Grand Ole Opry is the chance of a lifetime. If you follow these tips, you'll create memories you'll cherish for years to come. Image via Flickr by tvanhoosear

When it comes to getting a new ride, most people prefer to buy a car. However, this is not the only option available. In the past, leasing was only available to luxury or corporate car customers, but now, anybody with an excellent credit score can lease a vehicle. Due to changing purchasing habits and the rising prices of new cars, an increasing number of people chose to lease over buying. Find out why you should lease your next car. How Leasing Works If you decide to buy a vehicle, you have to pay the entire purchase price either with financing or cash. A lease, on the other hand, only requires you to pay the difference in the price you've negotiated and the vehicle's residual value. The residual value is the expected value of the car when the lease ends. In order words, you'll only be paying for the depreciation that happens over the lease term. At the end of the lease, you can either turn the car in or purchase it. Leasing Payments Unless you're buying a car with a huge down payment or high-value trade-in, you'll almost always get a lower monthly payment with a lease. This is because you aren't paying for the full price of the car. If you choose to lease a vehicle, you could upgrade to a costlier model or add more options while staying within your budget. Leasing a car is also a sensible option if you haven't saved enough for a down payment or don't expect to get much for your trade-in. The down payment you need to pay on a lease depends on the type of car you choose. It usually doesn't exceed a couple thousand dollars. You can even find lease deals that don't require you to pay anything at all at signing. However, similar to other installment purchases, the bigger your down payment, the lower your monthly payments. Warranty Coverage Throughout Lease Term Most leases last for three years, but you can opt for a shorter or longer lease. Since the basic warranty on most vehicles lasts three years or less, you'll most likely be covered throughout the duration of your lease. Some leases come with complimentary maintenance, which can significantly lower your cost of ownership. Tax Savings Leasing a car may also help you save substantially on sales tax. Consult a tax expert to find out how a leased vehicle is taxed in your locality. In some areas, only the down payment and monthly installments are subject to tax. In other places, you need to pay tax on the entire cost of the car. If you have a good credit history, leasing a car is something worth considering. It is easier on your wallet and gives you an option to purchase the car at the end of the lease. With leasing, you can always be driving a car with the latest technologies without having to buy a new car every few years. Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ