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Buying a Ford Courtesy Vehicle: What Farmington Buyers Should Ask

Red Ford Explorer with a roof box parked beside a desert road, a late model SUV to shop in Farmington MO

Buying  |  Farmington, MO

A courtesy vehicle is a late model Ford that spent its first few thousand miles as a service loaner. It can be a smart buy, as long as you ask the right questions before you sign.

Every week, folks drop their Ford at our service drive on Flat River Road and drive off in a newer one while the work gets done. Most shoppers never think about where those loaners end up. After a few months in the courtesy fleet, a lot of them go up for sale.

For a buyer in Farmington or Bonne Terre, that can mean a current or recent model Ford with low miles and a history we know. There are a few wrinkles a brand new one doesn't have, though. Most of them come down to mileage, title status and when the factory warranty clock started. Below is how courtesy vehicles work and what to ask so you get straight answers.

Quick answer: A Ford courtesy vehicle is a late model Ford a dealership used as a service loaner and then puts up for sale, usually with a few thousand miles on it. Ford's warranty starts the day a vehicle is delivered or first put into service, whichever comes first. So before you hold it up against a new or certified pre owned Ford, get the exact warranty start date and the odometer reading, and find out whether it sells as new or used.

What it is

A late model Ford used as a dealer service loaner

Typical miles

Varies by vehicle; check the odometer

Ask first

The warranty start date

What Is a Ford Courtesy Vehicle?

It's a Ford the dealership keeps in its loaner fleet for service customers. When your F-150 is in for an all day repair, or your Explorer's waiting on parts, a loaner keeps you on the road. We offer loaners depending on the work, plus a courtesy shuttle and a waiting lounge.

Loaners are usually current or recent model years, and they rotate out of the fleet after a while. That's when they go up for sale. Our Courtesy Vehicle Specials page shows what's available right now.

People sometimes lump courtesy vehicles in with demonstrators, the ones salespeople use for test drives. They do have one big thing in common. Both were put to work before a retail buyer took delivery, and that's behind most of the questions below.

Ford Explorer center touchscreen showing navigation, a feature to try on a test drive in Farmington MO

How Do Miles and the Warranty Start Date Work on a Courtesy Vehicle?

Miles are the easy part. Customers drive loaners on errands, to work in Desloge, up US 67 to Festus. How many miles depends on how long it stayed in the fleet, so read the odometer on the one you're looking at. Don't assume.

The warranty start date takes more care. Ford's warranty guide says the New Vehicle Limited Warranty begins the day you take delivery or the day the vehicle is first put into service, say as a dealer demonstrator, whichever comes first. On a loaner, that date could be months back.

Ford's New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes Bumper to Bumper coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles and Powertrain coverage for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Both run from that start date and from zero on the odometer, so whatever time and miles are already used come off what you get.

Ask the salesperson to look up the warranty start date by VIN and write it down for you.

That doesn't make a courtesy vehicle a bad deal. You just have to compare it honestly. Ask the salesperson to look up the warranty start date by VIN and write it down for you. Then figure how much coverage is left for the way you drive.

Farmington driver tip

If you put big miles on a vehicle commuting toward St. Louis, the 36,000 mile Bumper to Bumper limit may run out before the three years do. Figure your yearly miles first, then decide what the remaining coverage is worth to you.

How Does a Courtesy Vehicle Compare to a New or Certified Pre Owned Ford?

A courtesy vehicle sits somewhere between a brand new Ford and a certified pre owned one.

New Ford

A new Ford's warranty starts the day you take delivery, with nothing used up. Pick one from inventory, or place a custom factory order and get exactly the trim and color you want. Current manufacturer offers on new models are on our specials pages.

Courtesy vehicle

It's usually close to new, with the same model year features. The build's already set, though, and some warranty time and miles may be gone. Whether it sells as new or used, and whether any new vehicle offers apply, depends on the vehicle and Ford's program rules at the time. Ask.

Ford Blue Advantage certified pre owned

Ford Blue Advantage has two tiers. Gold Certified is for Ford vehicles up to six years old with fewer than 80,000 miles. It gets a 172 point inspection, a 12 month or 12,000 mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty and a 7 year or 100,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. Blue Certified covers any make up to ten years old with fewer than 150,000 miles, with a 139 point inspection and a 90 day or 4,000 mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty. Both include a 14 day or 1,000 mile money back guarantee, roadside assistance and a CARFAX report.

A newer courtesy vehicle may have more factory Bumper to Bumper time left than a CPO vehicle. An older CPO Ford may cost less. Put the remaining coverage on each side by side and it usually gets clear pretty fast.

See Courtesy VehiclesBrowse Certified Fords

What Should You Ask Before Buying a Courtesy Vehicle?

Bring this list, or pull it up on your phone while you walk the lot. A good salesperson can answer every one.

1

Get the warranty start date

Ask for the date tied to the VIN and how many months and miles of Bumper to Bumper and Powertrain coverage remain.

2

Find out if it sells as new or used

Title status changes the registration paperwork and can change which offers or financing programs apply. Get it in writing.

3

Ask which offers apply

Manufacturer offers change month to month and each has its own rules. Ask which ones, if any, work on this vehicle.

4

Look at the service history

Loaners live at the service department, so ask for the maintenance records and whether there are any open recalls or software updates.

5

Confirm Warranty Forever

Warranty Forever comes on every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford. Make sure this one qualifies before you sign.

Then give it the same once over you'd give any vehicle. Look at the tires and check the bumpers and interior for scuffs. Take it out MO 32 or onto US 67 so you hear it at highway speed, not just around the lot.

Who Is a Courtesy Vehicle a Good Fit For?

Courtesy vehicles work well if you want a current model Ford and you're not picky about the exact build. If the color and trim on the lot are close enough, a lightly used loaner can make sense.

  • Flexible on options: you care more about the model than about exact packages or paint.
  • Moderate yearly miles: the remaining factory coverage will still carry you a good distance.
  • Ready now: you'd rather drive home this week than wait on a factory order.
  • Trading in: you have a vehicle to sell or trade and want to roll it into the deal.

If you've got a specific configuration in mind, a new Ford from inventory or a custom factory order is probably the way to go. If it's mostly about budget, look hard at Ford Blue Advantage. We're happy to lay all three out for you.

Family walking around the back of a red Ford Explorer on a desert trail, family SUV shopping in Farmington MO

Whichever you buy, set up the FordPass app. It shows service reminders for your vehicle and lets you schedule maintenance, which makes it easier to keep the records Warranty Forever asks for.

Warranty Forever

Every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford come with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, no matter the miles, with no deductible, as long as you follow the customary maintenance in the agreement and keep records. See the dealer for details.

How it works

Courtesy Vehicle Basics

What is a Ford courtesy vehicle?

It's a late model Ford a dealership lent to service customers and later put up for sale. Most have low miles and current or recent model year features.

Is a courtesy vehicle the same as a demo?

Close cousins. A demo gets used for test drives and a courtesy vehicle gets lent to service customers, but both went into use before a retail buyer took delivery.

Where can I see courtesy vehicles for sale at Sam Scism Ford?

They're on our Courtesy Vehicle Specials page. The list changes as loaners rotate out, so check back or call sales at 573-430-1687.

Warranty Questions

When does the Ford warranty start on a courtesy vehicle?

Ford starts the New Vehicle Limited Warranty on the delivery date or the date the vehicle was first put into service, whichever is earlier. On a loaner that could be months before you buy, so ask for it by VIN.

How much factory warranty does a courtesy vehicle have left?

Subtract the time since the warranty start date and the miles on the odometer from Ford's 3 year or 36,000 mile Bumper to Bumper and 5 year or 60,000 mile Powertrain coverage. Whichever limit you hit first ends that coverage.

Can a courtesy vehicle get Warranty Forever?

It comes on every new Ford and most used vehicles we sell. Just confirm the one you like qualifies before you finalize the deal.

Price and Offers

Are courtesy vehicles cheaper than new?

Usually they're priced under a comparable new Ford because of the miles and the warranty time already used. Weigh the coverage that's left along with the price.

Do manufacturer offers apply to courtesy vehicles?

Some might and some won't, depending on title status and Ford's rules that month. Our sales team can tell you which ones, if any, apply to a given vehicle.

Can I finance a courtesy vehicle?

You can. It works like financing any vehicle, so start on our finance page or talk to the Finance Center about terms that fit your budget.

Condition and History

Are courtesy vehicles driven hard?

Mostly they get everyday errands and commutes while the customer's own vehicle is in the shop. Still, look over the tires, interior and records like you would on anything else.

Do loaners get regular maintenance?

Ask to see the records on that vehicle. Since loaners stay at the dealership, the maintenance history's usually easy to pull up.

Should I check for recalls before buying a courtesy vehicle?

Always. Ask whether any open recalls or software updates are tied to the VIN and have them completed before delivery.

Making the Choice

Is a courtesy vehicle or a CPO Ford the better buy?

Depends on your miles and budget. A newer courtesy vehicle may keep more factory Bumper to Bumper time. A Ford Blue Advantage vehicle brings its own certified coverage and may cost less.

Can I trade in my current vehicle toward a courtesy vehicle?

Yes, same as on any new or used vehicle. Get an online offer through our Sell Your Car page or have it appraised at the store.

Should I order a new Ford instead?

If you want a specific trim or color and don't mind waiting, order one. If you'd rather drive home soon and there's a close match on the lot, take a look at the courtesy vehicles.

Rather go new

Browse new Ford inventory at Sam Scism Ford.

View New Inventory

Got a trade

Get an offer on your current vehicle, no purchase required.

Sell Your Car
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Selling Your Car to Sam Scism Ford, Even If You're Not Buying

Buying  |  Farmington, MO You don't have to be shopping to sell us your car. Start online, finish with an appraisal at the store, and walk out with an offer on any make, Ford or not. Plenty of people around St. Francois County end up with a vehicle they don't need. Maybe the kids moved out and the third car just sits, or you inherited a truck, or you bought something new elsewhere and kept the old one too long. Sam Scism Ford buys cars, trucks and SUVs outright. No purchase required, any make or condition. The process is short, and knowing what to bring makes it shorter. Quick answer: Sam Scism Ford will buy your vehicle whether or not you buy one from us. Get a starting value online, then bring the vehicle to 5019 Flat River Road for an inspection and appraisal, along with every key, the title or payoff information, registration and a photo ID. A private sale often brings more money but takes longer and puts the paperwork, the strangers and the lender on you. Purchase required No, we buy outright What we buy Any make, model or condition Where 5019 Flat River Road, Farmington In this post Selling without buying How the online offer works The in store appraisal What to bring and payoffs Private sale or dealer sale Can You Sell Your Car to Sam Scism Ford Without Buying One? You can. Most people think of a dealer appraisal as part of a trade, but we also buy vehicles on their own. We're always adding to our pre owned inventory, and cars that come from local owners are a big part of it. It doesn't need to be a Ford. Chevys, Toyotas, Hondas, a Jeep with a lift on it, a minivan with a cracked windshield. The sell your car page says we buy any make, model or condition, and we mean it. You came in to sell, so that's the conversation. If you decide later that you want something else, the offer can go toward that instead. How Does the Online Offer Work? Start with the Value Your Trade tool. 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The value also depends on what similar vehicles are bringing in this market. 4 You get a firm offer We explain how we got there. Take it, think it over or walk away with no hard feelings. A little prep goes a long way. Clean out your stuff, run it through a car wash and bring service records if you have them. You don't need to fix dents or replace tires first, since those repairs rarely pay back what they cost. What Documents Should You Bring to Sell Your Car? This list comes straight from our sell page, and having all of it with you is the difference between a quick visit and a second trip. The vehicle and every key and remote: spare fobs add value and cost money to replace. The owner's manual: if it's still in the glove box, leave it there. A valid state issued photo ID for each person selling. Title, or loan payoff information if a lender still holds it. Current registration. What if you still owe money on it? That's common and it doesn't stop a sale. 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You take the photos, write the ad, answer messages at 10 PM, meet strangers for test drives and handle the title and payment yourself. Edmunds notes it can take weeks or months. If there's a loan on it, the buyer has to trust that the lender will release the title after they pay, and plenty of private buyers won't. Fits you if Selling to Sam Scism Ford You want it done in one visit There's a loan or lease to pay off The car needs work a private buyer would balk at You'd rather not meet strangers or handle the title yourself Fits you if Selling it yourself You can wait weeks for the right buyer The title is clear and in your hand The car is clean and in demand You're comfortable handling payment and paperwork Farmington driver tip If you list privately, meet buyers somewhere public and busy in daylight, and don't sign over the title until the money has cleared your bank. Get our offer first either way so you know your floor. Warranty Forever If you do decide to replace it, every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford come with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, with no deductible, as long as you follow the customary maintenance in the agreement and keep records. See the dealer for details. How it works Selling Basics Will Sam Scism Ford buy my car if I'm not shopping for another one? + We buy vehicles outright with no purchase required. You leave with an offer either way. Do you only buy Fords? + Any make and model is welcome, from imports to other domestic brands. What matters is the vehicle's condition and what it's worth in this market. Will you buy a car that needs repairs? + Our sell page says any condition, and that includes mechanical problems and body damage. Mention the issues up front so the online value is closer to the final offer. The Online Offer Is the online value my final offer? + It's a starting number based on how you describe the vehicle. The firm offer comes after our team inspects and drives it. Why can the appraisal come in different from the online value? + Things a form can't capture, like tire wear, warning lights, odors or a rough shift, show up in person. Accurate details online keep the gap small. Can I check my car's value without visiting? + The Value Your Trade tool on our site gives you a starting value from home. Come in when you're ready for a firm number. The Appraisal Visit When can I bring my car in for an appraisal? + During sales hours, Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM. A call to 573-430-1687 first helps us have an appraiser free. Should I get my car detailed before selling it? + A wash and a cleaned out interior help, and a full detail usually isn't needed. Skip big repairs, since they rarely pay for themselves. 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Woman smiling at her phone at home with a red Ford Bronco parked outside the window, Ford app use in Farmington MO

The Ford App and Connected Services: A Farmington Owner's Guide

Ownership  |  Farmington, MO The Ford app can start your truck from the kitchen, warn you about a low tire, and book your next oil change. Some of it's included and some of it's a paid plan, so it helps to know which is which. July in Farmington means getting into a truck that has been sitting in the sun at the ballfield or the job site. Starting it from your phone a few minutes early and letting the AC run is one of those small things you stop thinking about once you've had it. That is one piece of the Ford app. It also keeps an eye on your vehicle's health, reminds you when maintenance is due, lets you book service, and manages the software updates Ford sends over the air. A lot of owners we talk to use one or two features and have never opened the rest, so this post walks through what the app does and what costs extra. 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You can also see fuel level and other vehicle stats, and on models with Phone As A Key, your phone can stand in for the key fob. The redesign in late 2025 added remote comfort controls on equipped vehicles. You can set the cabin temperature, turn on heated or ventilated seats and warm the steering wheel before you get in. In July that means a cool cabin. In January it means a clear windshield. Doors and hood: remote start needs the hood, doors and liftgate or tailgate closed. Check Engine Light: any cause behind it has to be fixed before remote start will work. Key fob: you still need the fob in the vehicle to shift into Drive, unless it has Phone As A Key. Transmission and locks: remote features require an automatic transmission and power locks. Ford's own support page says remote features are complimentary with the app, so there's no plan to buy for the basics. How Do Vehicle Health Alerts and Service Scheduling Work? Vehicle Health Alerts send information from your Ford to the app, things like low tire pressure, oil life and warning messages. The app also shows recall notifications and your service history, and it sends maintenance reminders as service comes due. When something needs attention, you can schedule service right from the app and add a note about what you're seeing. If the alert is a warning light you don't recognize, call the service desk at 573-430-1693 and an advisor can tell you whether it's safe to keep driving. Health alerts don't replace an inspection. They tell you what the vehicle's sensors can see. A technician looking at brakes, belts and suspension on a lift catches the things no sensor reports. Schedule Service Ford App Details Which Ford Connected Services Are Included and Which Need a Plan? This is where most of the confusion comes from. The core app features above are included on equipped vehicles. Two packages work differently. Ford Connectivity Package This covers an unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot, Connected Navigation with live traffic, audio and video streaming, and a voice assistant, with the mix depending on the model and trim. On 2026 models such as the F-150, Super Duty, Maverick, Bronco, Explorer and Expedition, Ford includes it for a year, and after that it continues as a monthly, annual or one time paid plan. You manage it in the app. Ford Security Package This adds theft alerts, Stolen Vehicle Services with live agents who work with law enforcement, and on select trucks a Start Inhibit feature that blocks the engine from starting. It comes with an included period on select newer Fords, then becomes a purchase. BlueCruise hands free driving is its own plan on equipped vehicles, with trial terms that vary. Prices and eligible models change, so check the Ford Connected Services page or ask us about your exact vehicle before you buy anything. What Are Ford Power-Up Software Updates? Ford Power-Up updates are software updates sent to your vehicle over the air, the same way your phone updates. They can refine existing features, fix bugs and sometimes add new capability. Wi-Fi gives the fastest download, and some updates can come through the vehicle's cellular connection. 1 Set a schedule Pick a recurring time for updates, such as overnight when the truck is parked in the driveway. You can manage the schedule in the vehicle and see reminders in the Ford app. 2 Watch for the reminder Your Ford gives a reminder before an update installs. Some updates need the vehicle parked with the ignition off, and you get a short window to cancel. 3 Let it finish Other updates install in the background while you drive. If one seems stuck or you think you missed one, bring it in and our technicians can check the software level. Our May post on checking your Ford for open recalls and software updates covers VIN lookups and recall repairs in detail, so we'll keep this part short. When the app shows an open recall, book it like any other appointment. How Can Sam Scism Ford Help You Set Up the Ford App? If you bought your Ford from us, ask during delivery and we'll help you add the vehicle and walk through remote start before you leave the lot. If you've had it a while and never set it up, stop by during sales hours, Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM or Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, and someone can sit down with you for a few minutes. You can also read more on our Ford app page. Once it's running, keep it updated on your phone so the newest features show up. Warranty Forever Every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford come with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, as long as you follow the customary maintenance and keep records. The Ford app's maintenance reminders make that easier. See the dealer for details. How it works Getting Started Is the Ford app free? + The app is a free download for iPhone and Android, and the core remote features are complimentary on equipped vehicles. Extras like the Connectivity Package are paid after any included period. Is FordPass the same as the Ford app? + Ford renamed FordPass the Ford app in October 2025 and redesigned it. Your account and vehicle carry over. Why can't I connect my Ford to the app? + Your vehicle needs an embedded modem that's activated, plus SYNC or the Ford Digital Experience. If the connect option never appears, call us and we'll check your VIN. Remote Features Can I remote start my Ford from my phone? + On equipped Fords with an automatic transmission and an activated modem, remote start is included in the app. The hood and doors need to be closed, and any Check Engine Light cause must be fixed first. Can I drive away after starting with the app? + You still need the key fob inside to shift into Drive unless your Ford has Phone As A Key. Can the app warm the seats and steering wheel? + The redesigned app added remote comfort controls for cabin temperature, heated or ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel on vehicles equipped with them. Health Alerts and Service What do Ford Vehicle Health Alerts show? + They pass along information from your vehicle, such as tire pressure, oil life and warning messages, along with recall notices and maintenance reminders. Can I book service at Sam Scism Ford in the app? + Schedule service through the app, online, or by calling 573-430-1693. Add a note about any alert so the advisor is ready when you arrive. Do app alerts replace regular inspections? + Alerts only report what sensors can measure. A multi point inspection still checks brakes, belts, hoses and suspension by hand. Plans and Subscriptions What is the Ford Connectivity Package? + It bundles an unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot, Connected Navigation, streaming and a voice assistant, depending on model and trim. Many 2026 Fords include it for one year before a paid plan starts. What does the Ford Security Package add? + Theft alerts, Stolen Vehicle Services and, on select trucks, Start Inhibit. It includes a trial period on select newer models. Where do I check current Connected Services terms? + Terms change, so check our Ford Connected Services page or the plans section of the app, and ask us if anything is unclear. Software Updates How do Ford Power-Up updates install? + They download over the air through Wi-Fi or the vehicle's cellular connection. Some install in the background and others need the vehicle parked with the ignition off. Can I choose when updates happen? + You can set a recurring update schedule, and the vehicle and app remind you before an install. Do I need Wi-Fi for Ford Power-Up updates? + Wi-Fi gives the fastest download, and some updates can also arrive over the vehicle's cellular connection. Full map updates come through Wi-Fi only. Help with the Ford app Stop by or send a message and we'll walk you through setup. Contact Us Alert on your dash Book a visit with our service team. Service Center

Gray four door Ford Bronco with its cloth roof on, parked on a dirt hill, weekend trips from Farmington MO

Ozark Weekend Trips From Farmington in Your Ford

Ownership  |  Farmington, MO Four state parks in the St. Francois Mountains sit close enough for a Saturday. This is how they differ, which Ford fits each one, and what to check before you head out. Memorial Day is behind us, school is letting out, and the weekends from here to Labor Day fill up fast. You don't have to drive far from Farmington to find granite boulders, Missouri's highest point, a river that pours through volcanic rock, or 2,000 acres of sand and trail. Each trip asks something different of a vehicle. A day at the Shut-Ins with three kids and a cooler is not the same as a Saturday in the St. Joe riding area. This guide walks through each park, the Ford that fits it, and the short list our service team would check before you load up. Quick answer: St. Joe State Park in Park Hills has a riding area of about 2,000 acres where four wheel drive vehicles are allowed only on the old mine tailings, with an ORV permit and a flag mast. Johnson's Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks and Taum Sauk Mountain are paved road trips that suit any Ford, so pick by passengers, gear and how much trail you want. St. Joe riding area About 2,000 acres, ORV permit required Missouri's highest point Taum Sauk Mountain, 1,772 feet Tallest waterfall Mina Sauk Falls, 132 feet In this post St. Joe State Park riding area Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks, Taum Sauk Which Ford fits which trip What to check before you go Get it checked first What Should You Know Before Riding at St. Joe State Park? St. Joe State Park covers 8,243 acres on the south side of Park Hills, a short drive up US 67 from our store. St. Joe Minerals shut down its operations in the area in 1972 and donated the land to the state, and the riding area sits on the old lead mine tailings. Missouri Mines State Historic Site is inside the park too, so the history is right there if half the group would rather see the mill buildings than the sand. The riding rules are specific, and park staff do enforce them. Dune buggies and four wheel drive vehicles are allowed only in the tailings area, not on the wooded trails. Any vehicle in the ORV area needs a permit, which you can buy online for up to three days of riding or pick up at the ORV contact station when you arrive. Flag mast: every vehicle other than a motorcycle needs a mast at least 72 inches long with an orange flag of at least 72 square inches. Seat belts: motorized vehicles other than motorcycles and ATVs need a seat belt for each occupant. Young drivers: operators under 16 and unlicensed operators must have direct supervision by a licensed adult. Staging area: the speed limit in the staging area and parking lot is 5 miles per hour. Helmet, noise and spark arrestor rules apply to certain vehicles as well, and the park posts temporary closures on its status map. Read the full riding rules on the Missouri State Parks site the week you go. The park also has four lakes, two with swimming beaches, so nobody has to ride to have a good day. How Do Johnson's Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks and Taum Sauk Compare? These three are paved road trips, and they make a natural loop. MO 221 runs from US 67 at Farmington through Doe Run to MO 21 at Pilot Knob, which puts you in the Arcadia Valley without fighting St. Louis traffic. Elephant Rocks State Park On Highway 21 in Belleview, Elephant Rocks is a field of giant granite boulders formed from rock about 1.5 billion years old. Kids climb all over them. The Braille Trail through the main rock area was designed for people with visual and physical disabilities, so grandparents can come along, and picnic tables sit in the shade. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Taum Sauk Mountain rises to 1,772 feet, the highest point in Missouri, and the walk from the parking lot to the summit is short. The bigger payoff is Mina Sauk Falls, which drops 132 feet and is the tallest waterfall in the state. That trail is moderately rugged, and the falls are fullest after a good rain. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park In Reynolds County, the East Fork of the Black River squeezes through hard volcanic rock and spills over and around it in chutes and pools. The park was wrecked by the Taum Sauk reservoir failure in December 2005 and reopened the river to swimmers in 2009, with a new campground the year after. Hot summer weekends can draw a crowd, so an early start pays off. Farmington driver tip Bare granite soaks up summer sun, so plan Elephant Rocks for the morning before the boulders heat up, then head to Taum Sauk or the Shut-Ins after lunch. Pack more water than you think you'll need. Which Ford Fits Which Ozark Trip? Any Ford in good shape will get you to Elephant Rocks and back. The choice gets more interesting when you add sand, a trailer or a third row of passengers. Ford Bronco: the one for the St. Joe tailings and for open air summer driving. The roof and doors come off, G.O.A.T. Modes adjust the drive system for the surface, and the Sasquatch Package is available for more clearance and bigger tires. Ford Bronco Sport: a smaller SUV that still handles gravel and park roads with ease. The Badlands version adds the 2.0L EcoBoost, Advanced 4x4 with a twin clutch rear drive unit, seven G.O.A.T. Modes including Rock Crawl, and a steel skid plate under the engine. Ford F-150: the hauler. If your weekend means trailering an ATV or side by side to St. Joe, the truck does the towing while the toy does the riding, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist is available on many trims. Ford Expedition: the family shuttle to the Shut-Ins. It seats up to eight, the Split Gate makes loading coolers and chairs easier, and the Tremor version adds 33 inch all terrain tires and an electronic locking rear differential for rougher roads. Any Ford in good shape will get you to Elephant Rocks and back. We cover trailer setup in detail in our lake towing post from last May, so we won't repeat it here. For the St. Joe trip, the short version is to check the hitch, the trailer lights and the tie downs before you leave the driveway. Shop Ford Bronco Explore Ford Bronco Sport What Should You Check on Your Ford Before an Ozark Weekend? Most trip problems start with something small you could have caught in the driveway. Give it ten minutes the night before. 1 Tires and the spare Check pressure cold, look for cuts or bulges on the sidewalls, and confirm the spare has air. Gravel park roads are rough on tires that were already marginal. 2 Fluids and wipers Check oil, coolant and washer fluid. Late May storms roll through fast in the St. Francois Mountains, and you want wipers that clear the glass. 3 Warning lights and messages If a warning light is on, have it looked at before the trip, not after. The Ford app shows vehicle health alerts on many newer models. 4 Trail and trailer gear For St. Joe, pack the flag mast, the permit and a tow strap, and know where your recovery points are. For a trailer, test every light with a helper. After a day in the sand, rinse the underbody and wheel wells and keep an eye on your engine air filter. Fine sand and dust work their way into places you don't see, and a quick wash on Sunday evening keeps it from sitting there all summer. When Should You Bring Your Ford in Before a Trip? If the oil life monitor is getting low, the tires are close to worn out, or something has felt off lately, get it in a week or two ahead of a big weekend. That leaves time to order a part if one is needed. Our service center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM. Book online, in the Ford app, or call 573-430-1693. For routine items like an oil change, tire rotation or battery, Ford Mobile Service may be able to come to your home or job, depending on distance and availability. A little prep keeps the drive home as easy as the drive down. Warranty Forever Every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford come with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, as long as you follow the customary maintenance and keep records. See the dealer for details. How it works St. Joe State Park Riding Can I drive my Ford Bronco in the St. Joe State Park riding area? + Four wheel drive vehicles are allowed in the tailings area of the riding area, not on the wooded trails. You need an ORV permit and a flag mast at least 72 inches tall with an orange flag. Where do I get an ORV permit for St. Joe State Park? + Missouri State Parks sells permits online for up to three days of riding, and the ORV contact station at the park sells them on arrival. Carry the permit whenever you are in the riding area. How big is the St. Joe State Park riding area? + The park covers 8,243 acres, and about 2,000 of those are set aside for off road vehicles on the old lead mine tailings. The Arcadia Valley Parks What is the highest point in Missouri? + Taum Sauk Mountain, at 1,772 feet. The walk from the parking lot to the summit marker is short, and Mina Sauk Falls is on a separate, rougher trail in the same park. Is Elephant Rocks a good stop with young kids or older relatives? + It works well for both. The boulders are fun to climb, and the Braille Trail through the main rock area was built for people with visual and physical disabilities. Can you swim at Johnson's Shut-Ins? + The shut-ins on the East Fork of the Black River reopened for water recreation in 2009 after the 2005 reservoir flood. Check the park's current conditions before you go, since high water can change things fast. Choosing the Right Ford Do I need four wheel drive to visit these parks? + Not for Elephant Rocks, Taum Sauk or Johnson's Shut-Ins, which you reach on paved roads. Four wheel drive matters if you plan to ride the St. Joe tailings. Is the Ford Bronco Sport capable enough for gravel park roads? + A Ford Bronco Sport handles gravel and park roads well, and the Badlands version adds Advanced 4x4 with a twin clutch rear drive unit and a Rock Crawl mode. Which Ford works for a big family heading to the Shut-Ins? + The Ford Expedition seats up to eight and has the Split Gate for loading coolers and chairs. Our sales team at 573-430-1687 can show you what is on the lot. Trip Prep and Care What should I check on my Ford before a weekend trip? + Tire pressure and the spare, oil and coolant, wipers and washer fluid, and any warning lights. If you are trailering, test the trailer lights with a helper. Should I wash my Ford after riding at St. Joe? + Rinse the underbody, wheel wells and brakes after a day on sand or dusty tailings. Fine grit holds moisture and wears parts if it sits. Does trail driving affect my engine air filter? + Dusty and sandy driving clogs an air filter faster, and Ford recommends changing it sooner when you drive on dirt roads. Have it checked at your next visit. Service and Coverage How far ahead should I book service before a trip? + A week or two gives our team time to order a part if the inspection turns something up. Book online, in the Ford app, or at 573-430-1693. Can Ford Mobile Service come to me before a weekend? + Ford Mobile Service can handle oil changes, tire rotations, batteries and other routine work at your home or job, depending on distance and availability. Does Warranty Forever cover my Ford on trail trips? + Warranty Forever covers listed powertrain parts for as long as you own the vehicle, provided you keep up the customary maintenance and records. Ask our team how it applies to your vehicle and how you use it. Prep for the weekend Book a check before your next Ozark trip. Schedule Service Gear up for the next trip Browse new Ford SUVs and trucks in stock. Shop New Inventory