Ford has re-launched its approved used car programme with new customer benefits including a 160-point quality verification, including full service history, check for mileage accuracy and outstanding finance.

To qualify for Ford Approved status, cars must be Ford models owned by the dealer, be less than five years old and have covered less than 70,000 miles.

The new Ford Approved used car brand also includes the established Ford Direct programme for cars of up to 18 months old and 20,000 miles.

Ford approved used cars also come with 12 months’ warranty, Ford Roadside Assistance and drive-away insurance.

Customers can search www.ford.co.uk for used cars throughout the Ford network in the UK. Results will provide full specification, pictures and video.

Andrew Paton, Ford Approved project manager, said: “Customers are interested in searching for a particular car by price and distance from their home, and also in refining their search to include key items such as colour and alloy wheels before going on to rank the available cars.

“The advanced search, coupled with the ‘peace of mind’ promises offered to customers, singles out Ford Approved.”

Last year Citizens Advice and the National Trading Standards Institute launched a campaign to highlight the problems faced by buyers in the used car market.

Citizens Advice helped consumers with more than 84,000 problems in the previous year, making second-hand cars its most complained-about issue.

Three out of four complaints involved cars bought from independent dealers.

All Ford Approved used cars offer:

• Less than five years old and have covered less than 70,000 miles
• A full service history
• A stringent 160-point mechanical and safety check
• Finance and mileage check
• 30-day no-quibble exchange
• Seven-day drive-away insurance
• One-year Ford Protect warranty
• 12 months’ Ford Roadside Assistance