Ford Motor Company is predicting that 2013 will be its best year ever for certified pre-owned used car sales based on volume through the first eight months of the year. According to a press release, the company recorded 228,000 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury certified vehicle sales, representing 39% growth vs. 2012.

"A robust CPO program keeps more vehicles in the dealer network," said John Felice, general manager, Ford and Lincoln sales.

"It improves residual values, enhances dealer profitability, brings more customers to Ford and Lincoln dealerships, and may ultimately result in lower vehicle costs for our customers.

"As sales of our new products continue to grow, so will the demand for high-quality, low-mileage pre-owned Ford and Lincoln vehicles," Felice added.

Based on a new CPO warranty the company introduced in February 2012, customers who buy Ford CPO vehicles receive 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty coverage, with a seven-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Customers also receive seven years of roadside assistance and free Sirius Radio for three months on vehicles equipped for the service. In 2013, the programs have been further enhanced to begin at the end of new Ford and Lincoln vehicle warranties.

Lincoln CPO customers receive six-year/100,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty coverage. They also receive six years of roadside assistance and free Sirius Radio for three months on equipped vehicles.

(You'll notice that Lincoln certified pre-owned customer receive one year less of roadside assistance - this at a time when Lincoln is enhancing its certified pre-owned program.)

The multiple-point inspection process on both Ford and Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned used cars covers new technology such as MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch, adaptive cruise control and Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert. With regards to MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch, spend time with your sales representative to make sure you understand the systems before leaving the dealership. They have gotten better over the years but a little quality instruction time would not be a bad thing.

Todd Fites, national CPO sales manager, says in the announcement, "Ford and Lincoln CPO programs enable customers to get a like-new car with new-car peace of mind, and allow many to enter a vehicle segment - luxury, SUV, etc. - they couldn't otherwise afford." Sure, there is a little hype there but used car buyers can save money by going new vs. used. A 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid, nicely equipped, will cost $19,129, according to Edmunds.com. A 2013 Ford Edge, similarly equipped, will cost $31,995, according to Edmunds. That's a savings of more than $12,800. Sure, you're getting an older vehicle but you're also in a better position to pay it off with lower monthly payments.

"Fifty percent of these customers are new to the Ford and Lincoln brands, and research shows a new CPO customer is twice as likely to come back and buy a new Ford Motor Company product in the future," Fites says.

Top five Ford CPO volume vehicles - calendar year to date, August 2013

• F-150
• Fusion
• Escape
• Focus
• Edge

Top five Lincoln CPO volume vehicles - calendar year to date, August 2013

• MKZ
• MKX
• MKS
• Navigator
• MKT

Ford Motor Co. promotes the sale of its Mercury certified pre-owned used cars but the truth is they are few and far between. What some called the "me, too" division of Ford because its lineup basically parroted the Ford lineup, was shut down at the end of 2010. At the time, Mercury was only .8% of the U.S. market, which means there aren't that many floating around that would qualify to be Mercury certified pre-owned.

Keep your eyes open for special deals that Ford might be offering through its Ford Certified Pre-Owned website as well as its Lincoln Certified Pre-Owned website. Occasionally they might offer specials on financing or other incentives that could make owning your certified pre-owned used car that much less expensive.

As always, make sure you do your homework before purchasing a used car, even if it is certified pre-owned. That designation does make it a perfect used car. Consider reading 10 Questions to Ask a Dealer for a good start. Also, make sure the dealership provides you with a free vehicle history report from CarFax or AutoCheck. Most certified pre-owned programs have an affiliation with either one.