Ladies, start your engines

Shape, Dec, 2004

You work hard to make sure that your body is a finely tuned machine-operating smoothly, with grace and strength. You want the same from your car: power and precision, and the ability to get you where you want to go, with style. Like running a marathon, purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle takes excellent training. Follow these tips from Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Certified Pre-Owned to make sure you're at the top of your game.

GET THE RIGHT COACHING

Buying a used car through the classifieds instead of a certified pre-owned dealer is like choosing a diet pill over a personal trainer-if you don't go to the experts, you can't really trust the results. So buy smart-head to the nearest Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Certified Pre-Owned dealership. There you'll find the right car for you-one that is priced right, has been inspected head-to-toe and comes with manufacturer-backed limited warranty coverage.

REMEMBER: IT'S SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

To get approved, a car has got to be in shape, inside and out. If a pre-owned vehicle is less than five years old and has less than 50,000 actual miles on the odometer, then it's eligible to undergo the extensive inspection process. Anything found to be below standards is repaired or replaced using top quality Motorcraft replacement parts. Vehicles that pass this rigorous inspection become Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Certified Pre-Owned vehicles and are released for sale.

THE BRAIN-POWER CHECKLIST

Before you put your money down, show your smarts by following these six simple pre-owned purchase tips:

1. Find out who is behind the warranty coverage. Some certified programs provide a service contract that may be backed by an independent company or an offshore company. Manufacturer-backed warranty coverage like the one on Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Certified Pre-Owned vehicles is best.

2. Compare the length of the warranty coverage. Some manufacturers offer only a 3-month/3,000-mile warranty. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Certified Pre-Owned warranty coverage is 6 years/75,000 miles.

3. Ask for a copy of the warranty and find out exactly what is covered.

4. Find out what out-of-pocket expenses, often a $100 deductible, will be covered if warranty work is needed on the vehicle.

5. Ask if all certified vehicles are backed by the manufacturer.

6. Ask to see the inspection report on the vehicle you're interested in, and determine what standards are used to certify a vehicle.

LITTLE EFFORT, GREAT SUCCESS

Confidence is standard on every Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, since each one comes fully loaded with the kind of support no private owner can match. Benefits include:

** 24-Hour Roadside Assistance

** Vehicle history report

** A full tank of gas, fresh oil and filter at delivery

** Manufacturer's 6-year/75,000-mile limited warranty* backed by Ford Motor Company and Lincoln-Mercury

** Service at any Ford, Lincoln or Mercury Dealer nationwide (4000+ dealers nationwide)

** Up to 141-Point Inspection

** Special financing options

THE FITNESS FORGET-ME-NOT CHECKLIST

There is nothing more frustrating that arriving at the gym with your motor running, ready for your workout-only to discover that you've forgotten something. Goof-proof your gym bag with this handy Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Certified Pre-Owned Gym Bag Checklist, and you'll never forget these essentials again.

The Non-negotiable:

*** Gym bag

*** Gym I.D.

*** Padlock

The Look:

*** Workout shoes

*** Athletic shorts or sweats

*** Workout shirt

*** Athletic socks

*** Small towel

The Fuel:

*** Bottled water or sports drink

*** Energy bar or banana

The Motivation:

*** MP3 or CD player

Locker Room Gear:

*** Shower flip-flops

*** Bath towel

*** Shampoo/conditioner

*** Body wash or soap

*** Moisturizing lotion

*** Underwear

*** Hair brush/comb

*** Deodorant

Just in Case Extras:

*** Aspirin or acetaminophen

*** Band-Aids

*** Plastic bags for damp clothes

GET GOING!

For more information or to find the certified pre-owned dealer nearest you visit www.fordcpo.com or call 866-222-6798.

*See dealer for warranty details.