Ford offers a fantastic program for those who’ve bravely served our country – the Ford Military Discount. It’s a way for Ford to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. This discount can help make owning a brand new Ford a little bit easier. But how does it work? Who qualifies? And what kind of deals can you actually get? We’ll break it all down for you.
Table of Contents:
- What is the Ford Military Discount?
- Who Qualifies for the Ford Military Discount?
- How Does the Ford Military Discount Work?
- How Much is the Ford Military Discount Worth?
- Is There a Ford Military Discount for Used Cars?
- Ford Programs for Those Who Serve – A Thank You Goes a Long Way
- Ford’s Ongoing Support Makes a Difference
- Conclusion
What is the Ford Military Discount?
The Ford Military Discount, also known as the Ford Military Appreciation Program, is a special incentive offered by Ford Motor Company. It’s designed to give back to active military members, veterans, and their families. This discount provides an exclusive cash reward that can be used toward the purchase or lease of a new Ford or Lincoln vehicle.
Who Qualifies for the Ford Military Discount?
Ford casts a wide net when it comes to who’s eligible for their military discount. They understand that service comes in many forms, and they want to thank as many people as possible. Take a look:
- Active Duty Military Personnel: This includes all branches of the US military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and even those serving on active duty in the National Guard and Reserves. Those in the Delayed Entry/Enlistment Program (DEP) are also included.
- Military Retirees: If you’ve retired from any branch of the US military – whether it was regular retirement, reserve retirement, early retirement (TERA), or medical retirement – you’re eligible. This includes spouses and surviving spouses as well.
- Veterans: Ford honors those who have served with an honorable discharge, even if they’ve been separated for a while. The standard requirement is within 24 months of separation. However, sometimes there are special regional incentives that extend beyond this. So it’s always worth checking with your local dealer about this possibility. 1
- Spouses and Other Household Members: Ford recognizes that service impacts the whole family. This is why they extend the discount to spouses of eligible military personnel, surviving spouses, and even other members residing in the same household.
How Does the Ford Military Discount Work?
Getting the Ford Military Discount is fairly straightforward. It’s not about haggling with the dealership. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
1. Verify Your Eligibility:
Ford has partnered with ID.me to verify military status quickly and securely. This is a widely-used identity verification platform for various programs that involve discounts and benefits for specific groups, including the military. 2
2. Receive Your Certificate:
Once you’re verified, you’ll receive a certificate with a unique code. Think of this as your key to savings. You’ll present this certificate to the Ford dealership when you’re ready to buy or lease your new ride.
3. Negotiate Your Best Price:
While the Ford Military Discount gets you a specific cash reward, that doesn’t mean you stop there. You’ll still want to work with the dealer to get the best overall price on the car. Shop around and do your research on pricing for the specific vehicle you’re interested in.
How Much is the Ford Military Discount Worth?
The amount of the Ford Military Discount varies depending on several factors, including:
- Current Ford Promotions: The military discount is often stacked on top of other current promotions that Ford is offering to the public.
- Dealership Location: You read that right, discounts can actually vary from state to state or region to region. 3
- Negotiation: As I mentioned before, remember this is just one piece of the pricing puzzle. You can always negotiate with the dealer for more savings.
Though the discount changes, you’re typically looking at $500 toward the purchase of an eligible Ford. 1 There is a limit on how many times you can use it – typically capped at five purchases or leases. Keep in mind that it’s not valid on all models. Exclusions usually include high-performance vehicles or specialty models. It’s always a good idea to check with Ford’s official website for current program details and eligible vehicles.
Is There a Ford Military Discount for Used Cars?
I’m often asked about this, and the short answer is there’s no official nationwide program. Ford doesn’t have a used car program the same way they have the new car incentive. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t save on a used Ford. There are definitely ways to go about this. Remember how dealerships set their pricing on used vehicles based on market value and their own inventory needs. That’s where you have some negotiating room.
And the Ford Military Discount certificate can certainly strengthen your position at the bargaining table. Be sure to point out you’re eligible for the Ford Military Appreciation Program. It gives the dealership a bit of an extra nudge to work with you. Mentioning this to the finance department may help as well. Be sure to also ask about any service coupons you may be eligible for.
Ford Programs for Those Who Serve – A Thank You Goes a Long Way
Ford deserves credit for going above and beyond a single discount. They have additional programs specifically geared toward helping our nation’s heroes. Let’s take a quick peek:
Ford Mobility Motoring Program:
This program provides financial help for people with disabilities. It covers adaptive equipment installation in Ford vehicles to make driving more accessible. You can find out more about this great program on their website www.fordmobilitymotoring.com, or by calling them at 1-800-952-2248.
First Responders Appreciation Program:
Ford shows its appreciation not just to military members but to our everyday heroes as well – first responders. If you’re a police officer, firefighter, EMT, or paramedic, check out Ford’s First Responders Appreciation Program. 4
Ford College Student Purchase Program:
Heading back to school after serving our country? The Ford College Student Purchase Program is perfect for transitioning to civilian life while still working towards academic goals. More information can be found on Ford’s website.
Ford’s Ongoing Support Makes a Difference
Ford isn’t just giving lip service when it comes to military appreciation. Beyond these specific programs, the Ford Motor Company is consistently involved in partnerships with various organizations that support military veterans and their families. Here are some notable initiatives Ford supports. These demonstrate their lasting commitment:
| Organization | Focus |
|---|---|
| Disabled American Veterans (DAV) | Provides free, professional help to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits earned through military service. |
| Lithia4Kids | Focuses on improving the well-being of kids in communities by supporting education, health, and other programs that contribute to their positive development. |
Conclusion
For our service members and their families, the Ford Military Discount represents more than just dollars and cents saved on a vehicle purchase. It’s about genuine appreciation. From discounts to specialized programs, and ongoing support for veterans’ organizations, Ford consistently steps up to honor our nation’s heroes. These actions make the company stand out for showing gratitude, respect, and a dedication to supporting those who have dedicated their lives to serving us.
This commitment reinforces the belief that a company like Ford stands with its customers – especially those who’ve bravely stood up for our freedom and safety. The next time you’re thinking about a new ride, check out the Ford Military Discount. You’ll not only find great vehicles but also the assurance of being appreciated by the company that makes them.
