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Blue Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew pickup, front three quarter view on a light gray background, Farmington MO

Ford Blue Advantage Certified Pre-Owned Explained for Farmington Buyers

Buying  |  Farmington, MO Ford Blue Advantage comes in Gold and Blue. This is what each tier covers, how the money back guarantee works and where Warranty Forever fits on a qualifying used vehicle. Shop used in December and you'll see a lot of different labels. One truck says certified, the next says inspected, and the one after that doesn't say anything. Those aren't the same promise. What counts is the paperwork behind the sticker. Ford Blue Advantage is Ford's certified pre-owned program, and it comes in two main tiers, Gold Certified and Blue Certified. You'll find both at Ford dealers like Sam Scism Ford in Farmington. Each comes with a history report and a money back guarantee. Where they split is which vehicles qualify and how long the coverage runs. Quick answer: Gold Certified is for Ford vehicles up to 6 years old with under 80,000 miles and adds 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 10 years old with under 150,000 miles, with a 139 point inspection and a 90 day or 4,000 mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty. Both carry a 14 day or 1,000 mile Money Back Guarantee and a CARFAX report. Gold Certified Ford only, up to 6 years, under 80,000 miles Blue Certified Any make, up to 10 years, under 150,000 miles Both tiers 14 day or 1,000 mile Money Back Guarantee In this post What Blue Advantage is Gold vs Blue What the inspection means Money back guarantee Warranty Forever on certified What Is Ford Blue Advantage? Ford Blue Advantage replaced Ford's older certified program in 2022 and split things into tiers. A newer, lower mile Ford can earn Gold. Older vehicles and other brands can still earn Blue, so they're not just sold with nothing behind them. Every Blue Advantage vehicle goes through a set inspection and comes with a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. You also get 24/7 roadside assistance for a period that depends on the tier. Ford also offers a separate EV Certified tier for electric models such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, with its own battery coverage. Certification is a Ford program, so those warranties come from Ford, not from us. Warranty Forever is our own dealer plan, and we'll get to it further down. How Is Gold Certified Different From Blue Certified? Gold Certified Eligible vehicles: Ford models up to 6 years old with under 80,000 miles. Inspection: 172 points. Comprehensive Limited Warranty: 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Powertrain Limited Warranty: 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, counted from the vehicle's original in service date. Blue Certified Eligible vehicles: Any make and model up to 10 years old with under 150,000 miles. Inspection: 139 points. Comprehensive Limited Warranty: 90 days or 4,000 miles, whichever comes first. Gold is for somebody who wants a late model Ford F-150 or Ford Explorer with long powertrain coverage. Blue works if you're on a tighter budget and looking at something older, or a different brand, but you still want an inspection and a short warranty behind it. This next part trips people up. The powertrain coverage on a Gold Certified Ford is counted from the original in service date, not the day you buy it. A five year old truck has a lot less of those seven years left than a two year old one. Ask for the in service date when you compare. The powertrain coverage on a Gold Certified Ford is counted from the original in service date, not the day you buy it. What Does the Certification Inspection Check? It's a set checklist a Ford dealer technician works through before a vehicle can be sold under the Blue Advantage name. If it can't meet the standard for its tier, it doesn't get certified. Gold Certified Fords get the longer 172 point list, and Blue gets a 139 point list built to work on any make. Either way, you can ask to see the completed checklist. Farmington driver tip Ask to see the completed inspection checklist and the CARFAX report together. A truck that spent years pulling a stock trailer down MO 32 will show it somewhere, and the two side by side make it easier to spot. How Does the Money Back Guarantee Work? Every Blue Advantage vehicle carries a 14 day or 1,000 mile Money Back Guarantee, whichever comes first, counted from the sale date and the mileage on the bill of sale. That's time to drive it on your own roads and make sure it works for you. There are conditions, and you'll want to know them: The vehicle has to come back in the same condition it was sold in, apart from normal wear. A vehicle with a lien or other encumbrance can't be taken back. You don't get your original trade in back. Choosing a different vehicle may mean a new credit application with different terms. If you returned a Blue Advantage vehicle in the previous six months, you're not eligible. It's offered through participating Ford dealers, so have your sales consultant walk you through how it works here before you sign. Shop Ford Certified Browse All Used Can Warranty Forever Apply to a Certified Vehicle? On a lot of them, yes. Sam Scism Ford offers Warranty Forever at no charge on every new Ford and on most used vehicles we sell. It's our plan, separate from Ford's certified warranties, and it covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle components for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles. So a qualifying certified vehicle could carry Ford's Blue Advantage coverage and Warranty Forever both. Not every used vehicle qualifies. Ask which ones on the lot do, and read both agreements so you know which one covers what. Warranty Forever has its own rules. You'll need to follow the customary maintenance in the agreement and keep records. Within 150 miles of the dealership, covered repairs get done here. It doesn't transfer to the next owner, and it doesn't include towing or a rental. Ford's certified warranties have their own terms, and we'll go over both with you at the desk. Warranty Forever Most used vehicles and every new Ford sold at Sam Scism Ford include Warranty Forever at no charge. Listed powertrain parts are covered for as long as you own the vehicle, with no deductible and covered parts and labor at 100 percent, when you keep up the customary maintenance and records. It's a dealer plan, not a factory warranty. See the dealer for details. How it works Program Basics What does Ford Blue Advantage mean on a used vehicle? + The vehicle passed Ford's certified pre-owned inspection and comes with Ford backed coverage, a CARFAX report and a money back guarantee. Whether it's Gold or Blue decides how much coverage you get. Can a non Ford vehicle be certified? + Other makes can qualify for Blue Certified if they're up to 10 years old, under 150,000 miles and pass the 139 point inspection. Gold is Ford only. Is there a certified tier for electric vehicles? + Ford offers an EV Certified tier for electric models such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, with its own inspection and battery coverage. Call and ask which EVs we have certified right now. Gold Certified How old can a Gold Certified Ford be? + Up to 6 years old with under 80,000 miles when it's certified. When does the Gold powertrain warranty start? + The 7 year or 100,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty is counted from the vehicle's original in service date, so remaining coverage depends on its age and miles. What does the 12 month comprehensive warranty cover? + It's a broad limited warranty good for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. We can show you the full list of what's covered and what isn't. Blue Certified What warranty comes with Blue Certified? + A 90 day or 4,000 mile Comprehensive Limited Warranty, whichever comes first, along with roadside assistance for that tier's period. Who is Blue Certified a good fit for? + Somebody shopping older or higher mile vehicles, or another brand, who still wants an inspection and a short warranty behind it. How many points are on the Blue inspection? + The Blue Certified checklist has 139 points and is designed to work on any make. Buying Protection How long do I have to return a certified vehicle? + The Money Back Guarantee runs 14 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the date and mileage on the bill of sale, at participating dealers and with conditions. Do I get my trade in back if I return the vehicle? + You won't get it back. Keep that in mind before you use the guarantee. Is a vehicle history report included? + Every Blue Advantage vehicle includes a free CARFAX Vehicle History Report. Shopping at Sam Scism Ford Does Warranty Forever stack with Ford certified coverage? + On qualifying used vehicles, Warranty Forever comes at no charge alongside Ford's certified warranties. Ask which ones qualify and read both agreements. Can I finance a certified pre-owned Ford? + The Finance Center arranges loans on certified and other used vehicles. Current used offers, when available, are posted on the used specials page. How do I see certified vehicles in stock? + Browse the Ford Certified page online or visit 5019 Flat River Road in Farmington. Call sales at 573-430-1687 to check on a specific vehicle. Finance a certified Ford Explore loan options with our Finance Center. Finance Center Have a trade Get an online offer before you visit. Get Your Trade Offer

Man carrying a tool bag to a Ford F-150 with the Pro Access Tailgate open beside a red barn, Farmington MO

Getting the Most From Your Trade In at Year End in Farmington

Buying  |  Farmington, MO If you're thinking about trading before the new year, start here. This covers what our appraisers look at, which records help and how your payoff fits in. Late November is when a lot of folks around Farmington start running the numbers. The truck's got another winter of gravel roads ahead of it, and the 2026 Fords are on the lot. Nearly everybody starts with the same thing. They want to know what their trade's worth. It depends on a handful of things, and you've got some say in a few of them. If you know how the appraisal works before you come in, the number shouldn't surprise you. Quick answer: Trade in value comes down to mileage, condition, history, equipment and what buyers in this market want right now, and service records and a clean vehicle help with every one of those. Get an online offer first, bring your title or payoff details and both keys to the appraisal, and know whether you have equity or owe more than the vehicle is worth before you shop. Start here Online trade offer, then an in person appraisal Bring along Title or payoff info, service records, both keys Buying required No, Sam Scism Ford will buy your vehicle outright In this post What drives appraisal value Records and condition Timing at year end Payoff and equity Start with an online offer What Drives the Value of a Trade In? An appraiser is working out two things. One is what it'll take to get your vehicle ready to sell. The other is what the next buyer will pay for it. Mileage and age: Every appraisal starts here. Lower miles for the year usually help. Mechanical condition: How the engine, transmission, brakes and tires check out on a short drive and a walk around. Appearance: Dents, rust, windshield chips, stains and odors all mean reconditioning work. History: Accident reports, title status and the number of owners. Equipment: Trim level, four wheel drive, towing packages and options that buyers here look for. Local demand: A crew cab pickup or a three row SUV can draw more interest in Southeast Missouri than a small sedan. Some of that's fixed. Nobody can take miles back off a truck that's made the run up US 67 every workday for five years. Condition and timing, though, you can do something about. Do Service Records and a Clean Vehicle Change the Number? More than most people expect. A folder of service records tells the appraiser the vehicle was looked after, so there's less chance of a surprise after it's resold. Records from any shop count. Dealer records tied to the VIN are just easier to check. Then there's condition. You don't need to fix everything before an appraisal, and big repairs right before a trade rarely pay you back dollar for dollar. Small stuff is different. What is worth doing before the appraisal? Wash it and clean out the cab, bed and cargo area. Gravel dust and red clay hide the true condition of the paint and interior. Find both keys and the owner's manual. A missing key fob is a cost the appraiser has to account for. Note any warning lights and recent repairs so nothing comes as a surprise on the drive. Leave aftermarket parts on unless you plan to reuse them, and tell the appraiser what was added. A folder of service records tells the appraiser the vehicle was looked after. Farmington driver tip If your truck spends weekends at St. Joe State Park or on county gravel, give the underside and wheel wells a good rinse before you bring it in. Packed mud can look like rust from a few feet away, and it slows the inspection down. Is Year End a Good Time to Trade? Your vehicle loses a little value as the miles add up and as it gets a model year older. Waiting through another winter usually won't help the number. If it's about due for tires or brakes and you were planning to change vehicles anyway, trading first can make sense. The calendar matters on the new side too. By late fall the 2026 Fords are arriving next to the remaining 2025 models, and Ford's offers change through the year. Current programs are on the manufacturer specials page, and a sales consultant can walk you through what applies to the vehicle you want. Weather plays a small part. A clean, dry vehicle inspects better than one caked in road salt, so some folks get the appraisal done before the first ice storm. How Do Loan Payoff and Equity Work on a Trade? If you still owe on your current vehicle, that's fine. The dealer pays off the lender as part of the trade. What you care about is the gap between the trade value and the payoff. 1 Get your payoff amount Call your lender or check your account online for a current payoff figure. It's usually a little different from your statement balance because of interest. 2 Compare it to the offer If the trade value is higher than the payoff, the difference is equity, and it can go toward your next vehicle. 3 Plan for negative equity If you owe more than it's worth, the difference has to be paid or added to the new loan. Better to know that early, before you pick a vehicle and term. 4 Bring the paperwork A title if you own it free and clear, or your lender name and account number if you don't, plus registration and photo ID for everyone on the title. You can trade a leased vehicle too, and we'll go over the lease payoff with you. The Finance Center can explain how equity or a balance affects a new loan before you sign anything. Get Your Trade Offer Shop New Inventory Why Start With an Online Trade Offer? An online offer gives you a number to plan around before you walk in. At Sam Scism Ford, the Get Your Trade Offer tool asks for the VIN or plate, mileage, options and condition, then gives you a starting value. The final figure comes after an in person inspection and appraisal at 5019 Flat River Road, since no website can spot a cracked windshield or hear a bad wheel bearing. Be straight with the form. If you mark it excellent with the check engine light on, the gap at appraisal just gets bigger. You don't have to buy a vehicle to sell us one. We'll appraise any make in any condition and buy it outright if that's what works for you. Details are on the sell your car page. If you're trading toward something newer but not new, the used inventory has Ford Blue Advantage Certified vehicles and other makes to compare. 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, 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 Trade In Value Basics How is my trade in value figured? + An appraiser looks at mileage, age, condition, history, equipment and current demand for that vehicle, then estimates reconditioning costs. The online offer gives you a starting point and the in person inspection sets the final number. Does high mileage kill my trade value? + Higher miles lower the number, but a well kept high mileage truck with records can still trade well. Condition and demand matter just as much. Will aftermarket wheels or a lift kit raise the value? + Usually not by what you paid for them, and some buyers prefer a stock vehicle. Let the appraiser know what was added and keep the original parts if you have them. Records and Preparation What paperwork should I bring to trade my vehicle? + Bring the title or your lender name and account number, current registration, photo ID for everyone on the title, both keys and any service records you have. Should I fix dents or scratches before trading in? + A good cleaning and cheap little fixes are worth doing. Bigger body or mechanical work rarely comes back in full on a trade, so get the appraisal first. Do service records from another shop count? + Any documented oil changes, tire work or repairs help, wherever they were done. Timing Your Trade Is it smarter to trade before or after winter? + Values slip as miles and age add up, so waiting rarely helps. Trading before it needs tires or brakes can save you that expense, too. Do new model years affect my trade value? + Your vehicle gets one model year older when the next one arrives, which can nudge the value down. That's one reason a lot of owners trade in the fall. Are there Ford offers on new vehicles right now? + Ford programs change through the year, so check the manufacturer specials page for what's running now. A sales consultant can confirm which ones apply to the vehicle you want. Loans, Leases and Equity Can I trade a vehicle I still owe money on? + Most people do. We pay off your lender as part of the deal, any equity goes toward the next vehicle, and any shortfall gets handled in the new purchase. What happens if I owe more than my car is worth? + That gap is called negative equity, and it can be paid at signing or added to the new loan. The Finance Center can show you how each choice changes the numbers. Can I trade in a leased Ford? + You can. Bring your lease account details and we'll get the payoff from the leasing company. Selling and Next Steps Do I have to buy a car to sell mine to Sam Scism Ford? + You don't. We'll appraise any make or condition and can buy it outright. How accurate is the online trade offer? + About as accurate as what you put in. The final value gets confirmed after we inspect and appraise it in person. Where do I get my vehicle appraised in Farmington? + Bring it to Sam Scism Ford at 5019 Flat River Road. Sales hours are Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, or call 573-430-1687 to set a time. Sell it outright Sell us your vehicle, any make, with no purchase required. Sell Your Car Rather shop used Browse pre owned trucks, SUVs and cars in stock. Used Inventory

Blue Ford Super Duty F-250 XL kicking up dust on a grassy two track path, farm truck work near Farmington MO

Ford Super Duty F-250 vs. Ram 2500: Which Works Harder on a Missouri Farm?

Compare  |  Farmington, MO Hay's in and the cattle trailer is parked for winter, so it's a good time to think about the next work truck. Around St. Francois County, that talk usually comes down to two heavy duty pickups. Ask around at the feed store in Farmington or a job site in Fredericktown and you'll hear strong opinions about heavy duty trucks. In the three quarter ton class, it's mostly the Ford Super Duty F-250 against the Ram 2500. Either one will pull a loaded gooseneck all day. You can get both as a bare bones work truck or a loaded family hauler. The differences are in the engines, how they ride empty and the towing tech, and that's what we'll walk through here, no spec table. Quick answer: The Ford Super Duty F-250 offers gas V8 or Power Stroke diesel power, including a High Output diesel rated at 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft, plus trailering tools like Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Onboard Scales, so it suits heavy towing and fleet work. The Ram 2500 pairs a HEMI V8 or Cummins diesel with a coil spring rear suspension that rides smoother when empty, so it suits owners who drive unloaded most of the week. Ford Super Duty F-250 diesel High Output Power Stroke: 500 hp, 1,200 lb-ft Ram 2500 diesel Cummins High Output: 430 hp, 1,075 lb-ft Rear suspension Ford: leaf springs; Ram: coil springs In this post Engine choices Towing technology Ride and suspension Farm and fleet use Warranty and service Which one fits you How Do the Ford Super Duty F-250 and Ram 2500 Engines Compare? You've got more ways to build a Ford Super Duty F-250. Gas buyers choose between Ford's V8s, including the 7.3L V8. Diesel buyers get the 6.7L Power Stroke V8, including a High Output version rated at 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. Every Super Duty uses a 10 speed TorqShift automatic. Ram keeps the 2500 lineup tighter. The gas engine is a 6.4L HEMI V8 rated at 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft. The diesel is the 6.7L Cummins inline six in High Output form, rated at 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft, paired with an 8 speed TorqueFlite HD automatic. The Cummins has a loyal following around here, and we get why. If the truck pulls a stock trailer once a week and sits the rest of the time, a gas V8 on either side keeps buying and maintaining it simpler. Towing heavy every day is different. That's when the diesel earns its keep. Which Truck Makes Hooking Up and Towing Easier? Towing ratings on both trucks move a lot with cab, bed, axle, engine and hitch. Compare the specific trucks you're considering instead of brochure maximums. The bigger difference is in the tools that make hooking up and towing easier. The Ford Super Duty F-250 has a long list of available trailering features: Pro Trailer Hitch Assist: backs the truck up and lines the hitch ball up with the trailer for you. Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch: estimates the weight in the bed and gives tongue weight guidance. Pro Trailer Backup Assist: lets you steer a trailer in reverse with a knob. Blind Spot Information System for fifth wheel and gooseneck: watches beside the trailer, not just the truck. Trailer Navigation: plans routes based on the trailer's size and weight. The Ram 2500 has its own set, with a 360 degree camera, trailer reverse steering control, power telescoping tow mirrors and trailer tire pressure and brake monitoring. Both trucks can be ordered ready for a fifth wheel or gooseneck. Compare the specific trucks you're considering instead of brochure maximums. Farmington driver tip If you back a gooseneck into a tight barn lot or a muddy field gate, spend ten minutes with the trailer tools on a test drive. Hitching up by yourself on a cold morning is when Pro Trailer Hitch Assist starts to look pretty good. Which Rides Better on Gravel and Back Roads? Out back, they're built differently. The Ram 2500 uses a five link coil spring rear suspension, and you can get rear air suspension that levels the truck when it's loaded. Empty, on a washboard county road, a coil spring truck generally rides smoother. The Ford Super Duty F-250 sticks with leaf springs, the setup many farmers and contractors trust for heavy, repeated loads and for mounting upfit bodies. Empty, it rides firmer than the Ram. Put a gooseneck on it or a flatbed full of fence posts and it settles right down. For rough ground, Ford offers the Tremor Off-Road Package with a Dana front axle and limited slip differential, 35 inch tires and off road tuned suspension. Ram builds the 2500 Power Wagon as its factory off road model. Either one will handle a muddy pasture better than a standard truck. Shop Ford Super Duty Inventory Order a Super Duty Your Way Which Truck Fits a Farm, Business or Fleet? If the truck's going to work, there's more to it than the truck. The Ford Super Duty F-250 offers Pro Power Onboard with 2.0 kW of exportable power for tools and lights, an embedded 5G modem, and Ford Pro Telematics for owners who want to track trucks and maintenance across a fleet. Sam Scism Ford runs a commercial fleet department led by Commercial Fleet Manager Matt Eaton. They work with farms, contractors and city and county fleets across Southeast Missouri, and they can set up a Super Duty with a service, utility, flatbed or dump body, shelving, ladder racks or a liftgate. They also handle factory orders, and commercial loans and leases go through our Finance Center. See what the commercial department handles. Ram has a couple things work buyers like too. There's the RamBox bed storage option, and an available 14.5 inch touchscreen in the cab. How Do Warranty and Local Service Compare? Ram made a strong move on coverage this year. It offers a 10 year or 100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty to the original retail owner on most 2026 Ram trucks, including the 2500. Fleet and commercial buyers don't qualify, and later owners get a shorter term. Ford's factory powertrain coverage on the Super Duty is 5 years or 60,000 miles, and Power Stroke diesel engine parts are covered for 5 years or 100,000 miles. Buying here changes that math. Every new Ford we sell, including a Super Duty, comes with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the truck, regardless of miles, with no deductible, as long as you follow the customary maintenance in the agreement and keep records. It's a dealer plan, not a factory warranty, so ask us how it fits the way you use the truck. And service is right here in town. Our Ford trained technicians work on Super Duty trucks at 5019 Flat River Road, and Ford Mobile Service can handle routine work at your farm or shop depending on distance and availability. You can book through the Ford app or call 573-430-1693. So Which Heavy Duty Truck Fits Your Work? Start with how many days a week the truck's loaded. Then think about whether it'll ever carry an upfit body. Fits you if Ford Super Duty F-250 You tow heavy and want the High Output Power Stroke diesel Hitching alone matters and you want Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Onboard Scales You need an upfit body, Pro Power Onboard or fleet telematics You want a choice of gas V8s, including the 7.3L Fits you if Ram 2500 You drive empty most days and want a softer coil spring ride You have your heart set on a Cummins inline six You want rear air suspension or the Power Wagon off road model A long factory powertrain warranty for a retail purchase matters most To see trims, packages and equipment for the current truck, check our 2026 Ford Super Duty F-250 research page, then come drive one with your own trailer hooked up. Warranty Forever Every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford include Warranty Forever at no charge. Listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts are covered for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, with no deductible. Keep up with the customary maintenance and records. See the dealer for details. How it works Engines and Power Which has more torque, the Ford Super Duty F-250 or the Ram 2500? + The High Output Power Stroke available in the F-250 is rated at 1,200 lb-ft, while the Ram 2500's High Output Cummins is rated at 1,075 lb-ft. Either one's plenty for farm towing. What gas engines does the Ford Super Duty offer? + Super Duty buyers can choose from Ford's gas V8s, including the 7.3L, depending on trim. If you only tow now and then, gas keeps the cost of buying and maintaining it down. Is the Cummins the only diesel in the Ram 2500? + The Ram 2500 uses the 6.7L Cummins High Output inline six as its diesel, rated at 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft, with an 8 speed automatic. Towing and Hauling How much can a Ford Super Duty F-250 tow? + Ratings depend on cab, bed, engine, axle and hitch type, so the answer varies truck to truck. Our sales team can pull the rating for any specific F-250 on the lot. What is Pro Trailer Hitch Assist? + It's an available Super Duty feature. You hold a button and the truck backs up to the trailer and lines the ball up with the coupler. Can I order a Super Duty ready for a gooseneck? + You can order fifth wheel and gooseneck prep from the factory. With a custom order you pick the exact cab, bed, engine and towing equipment. Ride and Off Road Why does the Ram 2500 ride smoother when empty? + It uses a five link coil spring rear suspension instead of leaf springs, and coil springs tend to soak up bumps better without a load. Does Ford make an off road Super Duty? + The Tremor Off-Road Package adds a Dana front axle with a limited slip differential, 35 inch tires and off road tuned suspension. Are leaf springs better for heavy loads? + Many farm and fleet owners prefer leaf springs for repeated heavy loads and upfit bodies. Coil and air setups carry weight fine too, so it comes down to how you use the truck. Warranty and Service Does Ram have a longer warranty than Ford? + Ram offers a 10 year or 100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty to original retail owners on most 2026 trucks, excluding fleet buyers. Sam Scism Ford adds Warranty Forever powertrain coverage on every new Ford it sells. Does Warranty Forever cover a farm truck? + Warranty Forever applies to every new Ford sold at Sam Scism Ford when you follow the customary maintenance and keep records. Ask us how the agreement handles the way you use yours. Can Ford Mobile Service come to my farm? + Mobile Service technicians can do oil and filter changes, brakes, batteries, fluids and other routine work at your location, depending on distance and availability. Buying and Fleet Does Sam Scism Ford have a commercial fleet department? + Our commercial team, led by Commercial Fleet Manager Matt Eaton, handles Super Duty, F-150, Transit and chassis cab trucks for farms, trades and municipal fleets across Southeast Missouri. Can you install a flatbed or service body on a Super Duty? + We arrange upfits including service, utility, flatbed and dump bodies, shelving, ladder racks and liftgates. Tell us what the truck's going to do and we'll spec it from there. Can I trade in my current truck toward a Super Duty? + We appraise trucks of any make and condition, including ones with a loan balance. Get an offer online, then we'll finish the appraisal at the store. Running a fleet or farm Talk with our commercial team about upfits and ordering. Commercial Trucks Trading in a truck Get an offer on your current truck, any make. Value Your Trade

White Ford Explorer Platinum with a roof box driving a canyon trail, a family SUV for Farmington MO

Ford Explorer vs. Kia Telluride: Which Fits a Farmington Family?

Compare  |  Farmington, MO Two three row SUVs we see on a lot of Farmington shopping lists, and how they stack up on the stuff families around St. Francois County do every week. School's back, ball practice is four nights a week, and the old crossover is starting to feel small. That's usually when families in Farmington, Park Hills and Bonne Terre start looking at three row SUVs. Two names come up a lot: the Ford Explorer and the Kia Telluride. Either one will seat a crowd and pull a small camper. They go about it differently, though, and you'll feel that on a gravel county road or a Saturday run to the lake. We're skipping the spec sheet here and talking about how each one fits the way people around here drive. Quick answer: The Ford Explorer is built on a rear wheel drive layout with available four wheel drive, a 400 horsepower V6 on the ST, and a new off road Tremor model, so it suits families who tow, travel gravel roads or want more power. The Kia Telluride leans toward maximum passenger and cargo room, with seating for up to eight and a long factory powertrain warranty, so it suits families who carry more people than gear. Ford Explorer towing Up to 5,000 lbs with the standard Class III tow package Kia Telluride towing Up to 5,500 lbs when properly equipped Seating Explorer seats 6 or 7; Telluride seats up to 8 In this post How they are built differently Seating and cargo room Towing and gravel roads Tech for long drives Warranty and ownership Which one fits you How Are the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride Built Differently? The big difference is underneath. The Ford Explorer uses a rear wheel drive layout, with four wheel drive available on every trim and standard on the Tremor. Power goes to the rear wheels first, which helps when a trailer is hitched up and weight shifts back. The Kia Telluride is a front wheel drive design with all wheel drive available, the same basic layout most crossovers use. Engines split the same way. Every Explorer runs a turbocharged EcoBoost engine with a 10 speed automatic. You get either a 2.3L four cylinder rated at 300 horsepower or a twin turbo 3.0L V6 rated at 400 horsepower, standard on the ST and available on the new Tremor. The Telluride uses one engine across the lineup, a 3.8L V6 rated at 291 horsepower with an 8 speed automatic. Neither one's wrong. The Explorer gives you more choices and more power at the high end, and the Telluride keeps it simple with one V6 and a front drive setup that's easy to live with. Which SUV Has More Room for Kids, Car Seats and Gear? If you fill every seat most days, the Kia Telluride has the edge. It seats up to eight with a second row bench, or seven with captain's chairs, and it's rated at about 21 cubic feet behind the third row. That'll hold a stroller and a week of groceries with everybody on board. The Ford Explorer seats six or seven depending on the second row, and it's rated at 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row. Fold that third row and the gap closes fast. If the way back is mostly for a kid's friend on the weekend or grandparents in from Fredericktown, the Explorer has plenty of room. Car seats: Bring your own car seat to the test drive. Fit varies more by seat than by SUV, so install it in both rows before you decide. Third row access: Check how easily the second row slides or tips with a car seat in place. Cargo floor: Measure your sports bags, coolers or dog crate against the space with all seats up. Bring your own car seat to the test drive. Fit varies more by seat than by SUV. Which Is Better for Towing and Gravel County Roads? On paper the two are close. Every Ford Explorer comes with a Class III Trailer Tow Package and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Kia Telluride tows up to 5,500 pounds on properly equipped versions such as the X-Pro, and 5,000 pounds on most others. Where the layouts show up is in how they tow. A rear drive SUV with four wheel drive tends to feel planted pulling a pontoon up a wet ramp at Lake Wappapello or a pop up camper into a gravel campsite. The Explorer Tremor, new to the lineup for 2026, adds standard four wheel drive, extra ride height, a Torsen limited slip differential, underbody protection and all terrain tires. The Telluride X-Pro has all wheel drive, all terrain tires and a raised ride of its own, and it does fine on rutted driveways and forest roads. Farmington driver tip If your weekends include St. Joe State Park, the gravel roads out toward Mark Twain National Forest, or launching a boat at Clearwater Lake, drive both on a rough stretch, not just US 67. Ten minutes on washboard gravel will tell you a lot. Shop Ford Explorer Inventory Compare Explorer Side by Side What Technology Helps on the Commute to St. Louis? Plenty of Farmington families have somebody driving north for work every day. For that drive, the Ford Explorer offers BlueCruise, Ford's hands free highway driving system, on prequalified sections of divided highway. BlueCruise hardware comes standard on the ST, the Platinum and the Tremor with the 3.0L V6, and it runs on a subscription after any included period. You also get a 13.2 inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a built in 5G modem. The Kia Telluride offers its own adaptive cruise control and lane keeping features on many trims. Both have automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring, but exact equipment varies by trim, so check the window sticker on the one you're driving. On connected Fords, the FordPass app will start the engine on a cold morning and let you book service from your phone. How Do Warranty and Long Term Ownership Compare? Factory coverage is a real point in Kia's favor. Kia backs the Telluride with a 5 year or 60,000 mile basic warranty and a 10 year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty for the original owner. Ford's factory coverage on the Explorer is 3 years or 36,000 miles bumper to bumper and 5 years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain. That's not the whole story if you're buying in Farmington. Every new Ford sold at Sam Scism Ford comes with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, with no mileage limit, as long as you follow the customary maintenance in the agreement and keep records. It's a dealer plan, not a factory warranty, and we're happy to walk you through it. Where you get it serviced matters too. With a Ford dealer right on Flat River Road, oil changes and warranty work stay close to home. Ford Mobile Service can handle routine work at your house or office depending on distance and availability. So Which Three Row SUV Fits Your Family? Two things settle most of these: how you use the third row, and how often you hitch a trailer. Fits you if Ford Explorer You tow a camper, boat or utility trailer and like a rear drive feel You drive gravel roads and want four wheel drive or the off road Tremor You want more power, up to 400 horsepower from the V6 You commute on the highway and want available BlueCruise Fits you if Kia Telluride You regularly carry seven or eight people You want the most cargo room behind the third row You prefer one simple V6 and a front drive based layout A longer factory powertrain warranty matters most to you For the full side by side numbers on the Ford Explorer against the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse, see our Ford Explorer comparison page. When you're ready to sit in one, browse Ford Explorer inventory and set up a time to come see us. Bring your own car seat to the test drive. Fit varies more by seat than by SUV. Warranty Forever Every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford include Warranty Forever at no charge. Listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts are covered for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, with no deductible. Keep up with the customary maintenance and records. See the dealer for details. How it works Size and Seating Is the Kia Telluride bigger inside than the Ford Explorer? + Behind the third row, the Telluride has more cargo space, about 21 cubic feet against 16.3 for the Explorer. Fold the third row and the difference shrinks, so measure the gear you haul most. How many people does the Ford Explorer seat? + Six or seven, depending on whether the second row has captain's chairs or a bench. The ST offers an available second row bench. Can adults ride in the third row of either SUV? + They're both better for kids and short trips than long hauls. Have the tallest person in the family climb back there on each one. Towing and Capability Which tows more, the Ford Explorer or the Kia Telluride? + A properly equipped Telluride X-Pro is rated up to 5,500 pounds, while every Explorer is rated up to 5,000 pounds with its standard Class III tow package. For most campers and small boats around here, either one's got enough. Is the Ford Explorer rear wheel drive? + Rear wheel drive is standard, and four wheel drive is available on every trim and standard on the Tremor. That layout helps with traction when a trailer adds weight over the rear axle. What is the Ford Explorer Tremor? + It's the off road Explorer that joined the lineup for 2026, with standard four wheel drive, extra ride height, a Torsen limited slip differential, underbody protection and all terrain tires. Power and Driving How much horsepower does the Ford Explorer have? + The 2.3L EcoBoost is rated at 300 horsepower. The 3.0L EcoBoost V6, standard on the ST and available on the Tremor, is rated at 400 horsepower. What engine does the Kia Telluride use? + Every Telluride uses a 3.8L V6 rated at 291 horsepower with an 8 speed automatic, in front wheel drive or all wheel drive. Does the Ford Explorer offer hands free driving? + BlueCruise is available and comes standard on the ST, Platinum and Tremor with the 3.0L. It works on prequalified divided highways and needs an active subscription after any included period. Warranty and Service Does Kia have a longer warranty than Ford? + Kia's factory powertrain warranty runs 10 years or 100,000 miles for the original owner, longer than Ford's 5 years or 60,000 miles. Sam Scism Ford adds Warranty Forever powertrain coverage on every new Ford it sells, at no charge. Is Warranty Forever a Ford factory warranty? + It's a Sam Scism Ford plan, not a factory one. You'll need to follow the customary maintenance in the agreement, it doesn't transfer, and covered repairs within 150 miles get done at our store. Where can I get my Ford Explorer serviced near Farmington? + Our service center at 5019 Flat River Road works on every Explorer, and you can call 573-430-1693 to book. Ford Mobile Service can also come to you for routine work, depending on distance. Shopping and Test Drives Does Sam Scism Ford have a Ford Explorer comparison page? + Our Explorer comparison page lines it up against the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse with side by side specs. It's a good companion to this post. Can I trade in my current SUV toward an Explorer? + We appraise any make in any condition, including vehicles you still owe on. Get a trade offer online first, and we'll confirm it in person. What should I bring to an Explorer test drive? + Bring the car seats and your license. If there's a cooler or ball bag that rides along every week, throw that in too and see where it fits. Research the Ford Explorer Trims, features and options for the current Explorer lineup. Explorer Research Trading in an SUV Get an offer on your current vehicle, any make. Value Your Trade

Two Ford Super Duty work trucks on a two lane road, one towing a mini excavator, fleet work around Farmington MO

Ford Fleet and Commercial Trucks for Southeast Missouri Businesses

Buying  |  Farmington, MO From hay season on a St. Francois County farm to a county road crew in Ste. Genevieve, Sam Scism Ford works with local businesses on the trucks and vans that keep them running, from the first spec sheet to the hundredth oil change. September gets busy around Farmington. Harvest is starting, contractors want jobs wrapped up before the weather turns, and city and county crews are already thinking about salt and plows. If a truck goes down now, the repair bill is the small part. The bigger cost is the work that doesn't get done. So buying a work truck isn't like walking in for a family SUV. You're thinking about payload, what goes on the back, how long an order takes and who keeps it running after the sale. Sam Scism Ford has a dedicated commercial fleet department, led by Commercial Fleet Manager Matt Eaton, that works with agriculture, construction, trades, utilities and municipal fleets across Southeast Missouri. Quick answer: Sam Scism Ford's fleet department supplies Ford F-150 and Ford Super Duty pickups, chassis cabs, Ford Transit vans and E-Series cutaways, and can arrange upfits such as service, utility, flatbed and dump bodies, shelving, ladder racks and liftgates. Trucks can be chosen from stock or factory ordered, financed through commercial loans or leases at the Finance Center, and serviced by Ford trained technicians in Farmington. Vehicles F-150, Super Duty, chassis cab, Transit, E-Series Upfits Service, utility, flatbed and dump bodies, racks, liftgates Financing Commercial loan and lease In this post What local fleets need F-150 and Super Duty When a Transit fits Upfits and factory orders Financing and service What Do Southeast Missouri Businesses Need From a Fleet Vehicle? Fleets around here don't look alike. A cattle operation near Fredericktown needs a truck that pulls a stock trailer down gravel lanes. A plumbing outfit in Festus needs a van that holds parts bins and keeps tools locked up. A municipal street department needs a dump body truck ready before the first ice storm. Before we ever talk models, we'll ask about the work itself: Payload and towing: what the vehicle carries in the bed or box and what it pulls, at the heaviest point of the year. Body and storage: whether the job needs an open bed, a service body with compartments, a flatbed, a dump body or an enclosed cargo area. Roads and weather: how much gravel, mud and winter driving the vehicle sees, and whether four wheel drive or all wheel drive is needed. Crew and range: how many people ride along and how far the vehicle travels in a day, from Potosi to Perryville and back. Timing: whether you need a unit this month or can order for the season ahead. Have rough answers to those and the right truck usually becomes obvious pretty quick. Which Ford F-150 and Ford Super Duty Trucks Fit Farm and Trade Work? The Ford F-150 handles a lot of light duty work. Think supervisors, estimators, the farm runabout, crews hauling moderate loads. Some configurations offer Pro Power Onboard, a built in generator that runs tools on site so you're not dragging a separate one around. Not every version has it, so check before you order. Once the loads get heavier, you're in Ford Super Duty territory. The lineup includes F-250, F-350 and F-450 pickups along with chassis cab models built to carry upfit bodies. If you pull a gooseneck or run a service body all day, this is probably where you'll end up. Tow and payload ratings swing a lot with engine, cab, bed, axle and wheel choices. Spec the truck for the heaviest week of your year, not the average one. The fleet team will run the numbers on a specific build with you so nobody's guessing off a headline figure. Ste. Genevieve driver tip If your trucks spend fall on wet river bottom ground or gravel county roads, four wheel drive and good tires will do more for you than an extra trim feature. When Does a Ford Transit Make More Sense Than a Pickup? If you basically live out of your vehicle, like a lot of electricians and HVAC techs do, an enclosed van often beats a pickup. The Ford Transit cargo van comes in low, medium and high roof versions and several lengths, with rear wheel drive standard and all wheel drive available. Put shelving and a ladder rack in a Transit and it's a rolling stockroom. Your stuff stays dry and locked up. Transit also comes as a passenger van for crew transport and as cutaway and chassis cab versions for box bodies. For heavier box truck work, the Ford E-Series cutaway is another platform the fleet team supplies. Spec the truck for the heaviest week of your year, not the average one. Ford Fleet and Commercial Shop Commercial Inventory How Do Upfits and Factory Orders Work for a Fleet? An upfit is whatever gets added after the truck leaves the Ford assembly line, like a service body, flatbed, dump body, shelving, ladder racks or a liftgate. Our fleet department arranges these, so the body and the truck get worked out in one conversation instead of two. The Ford Pro Upfitter program, formerly known as QVM, connects dealers with upfitters and lets them track vehicles as they move through the upfitting process. Ask which upfitter makes sense for your body and how long it'll take. Ordering from the factory If the chassis, cab, axle or color you need isn't on the lot, a custom factory order is the way to get it. The process works like this: 1 Start the order Begin online or with the fleet team. A representative verifies the build and checks incoming stock that might already match. 2 Submit to Ford The order goes to Ford. Ford doesn't charge extra to order, and lead times vary by model and build. 3 Choose when offers apply Eligible incentives can apply at the time of order or at delivery, whichever you choose. 4 Track it Once a VIN is assigned, you can follow the order until the truck arrives for upfit or delivery. How Do Commercial Financing and Service Support Work at Sam Scism Ford? Commercial loans and leases go through the Sam Scism Ford Finance Center. If you swap trucks out on a set schedule, a lease can make sense. If you run equipment until it's worn out, a loan usually fits better. The finance team can walk through it against your cash flow. Once the truck's working, what matters is keeping it out of the shop. The service center has Ford trained technicians and genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts, with hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed from noon to 1:00 PM. Ford Mobile Service can handle routine work such as oil and filter changes, brakes, batteries, tire rotations, diagnostic scans, software updates and recall work at your shop or job site, depending on distance and availability. Fleet managers can schedule service and see reminders for connected vehicles in the FordPass app. Keep your maintenance records in one place. That helps at resale, and Warranty Forever requires customary maintenance and records anyway. Ask the fleet team how it applies to the commercial units you're looking at. Warranty Forever Sam Scism Ford offers Warranty Forever at no charge on every new Ford and most used vehicles it sells, covering listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, with no deductible. Follow the customary maintenance in the agreement and keep records. It's not transferable. See the dealer for details. How it works Fleet Basics Does Sam Scism Ford have a fleet department? + It does, led by Commercial Fleet Manager Matt Eaton. The team works with agriculture, construction, trades, utilities and municipal fleets across Southeast Missouri. Do I need a large fleet to work with the fleet team? + Plenty of our fleet customers buy one truck at a time, and they get the same help with specs and upfits. Call sales at 573-430-1687 and ask for the fleet department. What areas does the fleet department serve? + We work with businesses from Farmington and St. Francois County out across Southeast Missouri, including Ste. Genevieve, Perryville, Potosi, Fredericktown and the Festus area. Trucks and Vans Which Ford commercial vehicles can I buy at Sam Scism Ford? + The fleet team supplies the Ford F-150, Ford Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs, Ford Transit vans and Ford E-Series cutaways. Should my business choose an F-150 or a Super Duty? + Match the truck to your heaviest regular load and trailer. Light duty work often fits an F-150, while gooseneck towing, heavy bodies and constant hauling usually call for a Super Duty. Is the Ford Transit available with all wheel drive? + The Transit cargo van comes standard with rear wheel drive, and all wheel drive is available. That's a big help on gravel drives and icy mornings. Upfits and Ordering What upfits can the fleet department arrange? + Service, utility, flatbed and dump bodies, plus shelving, ladder racks and liftgates. We'll help match the body to the right chassis. Can I factory order a work truck? + You can, and Ford doesn't charge extra for it. Lead times vary, and once a VIN's assigned you can track it. Do incentives apply to factory ordered trucks? + Eligible incentives can apply at order or at delivery, whichever you pick. Offers change month to month, so check the specials pages. Financing Does Sam Scism Ford offer commercial truck financing? + Commercial loans and leases are available through the Finance Center. They'll lay both side by side against how long you plan to keep the truck. Is a lease or a loan better for a work truck? + Leases tend to fit fleets that replace trucks on a regular cycle. If you keep equipment for years, a loan usually makes more sense, and your mileage and upfit plans factor in too. Can I apply for financing before I visit? + Start on our finance page. You can talk commercial options with the Finance Center before you've even picked a truck. Service and Uptime Can Ford Mobile Service come to my job site? + It can, for routine maintenance and some repairs, as long as you're within range and there's an opening. Book through us or the FordPass app. What are the service department hours? + Service runs Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the desk closed from noon to 1:00 PM. Call 573-430-1693 to schedule. Does Warranty Forever cover fleet trucks? + Warranty Forever comes on every new Ford we sell at no charge, with maintenance and record requirements. How it applies to commercial use is a good question for the fleet team before you buy. Talk to the fleet team Get help with specs, upfits and ordering for your business. Fleet Department Finance your fleet Explore commercial loan and lease options. Finance Center

Red Ford Escape driving a wet highway toward the city, the daily commute for Farmington MO drivers

Ford Escape for the US 67 Commute: A Farmington Driver's Guide

Ford Escape  |  Farmington, MO The Ford Escape comes as a gas model, a hybrid or a plug in hybrid. Each one handles a daily drive from Farmington up US 67 a little differently, and Ford's news this week matters if you're shopping. Plenty of folks who live in Farmington and Park Hills work somewhere north of here. That usually means US 67 up through Desloge and Bonne Terre to Festus, then I-55 into St. Louis County. Do it five days a week and you start caring a lot about fuel and seats. The Ford Escape gets picked for that drive a lot, partly because you can get it with a turbo gas engine, as a hybrid or as a plug in hybrid. Below we look at the 2025 Ford Escape the way a commuter would. We'll also cover what Ford said this week about the Escape's future. Quick answer: The 2025 Ford Escape offers turbocharged gas engines, a hybrid with available all wheel drive rated by the EPA at 39 mpg combined in AWD form, and a front wheel drive plug in hybrid with an EPA estimated 37 miles of electric range. On August 11, 2025, Ford said Escape production at its Louisville plant will end later this year. If you want one, look at what's on the lot now, and know the factory warranty works the same either way. Powertrains Gas, hybrid and plug in hybrid Hybrid AWD 39 mpg combined (EPA) Plug in electric range Up to 37 miles (EPA) In this post Gas, hybrid or plug in Fuel use on the highway AWD, cargo and towing Tech for the drive What Ford's news means Which Ford Escape Powertrain Fits a US 67 Commute? The 2025 Ford Escape lineup runs Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, ST-Line Elite and Plug-In Hybrid. Under the hood you've got four choices. 1.5L EcoBoost: a turbocharged three cylinder rated at 180 horsepower on the Active and ST-Line, with front or all wheel drive. 2.0L EcoBoost: a turbocharged four cylinder rated at 250 horsepower on the ST-Line Select, Platinum and ST-Line Elite, with all wheel drive. Hybrid: a 2.5L hybrid system rated at 192 horsepower, available from the ST-Line up, with front or all wheel drive. Plug in hybrid: a 2.5L plug in system rated at 210 horsepower, front wheel drive only, that can run on electricity for short trips. If your commute is mostly four lane highway, the 1.5L has plenty for merging and passing. The 2.0L is there if you want quicker response or plan to tow. The hybrids give up a little of that punch and burn less fuel. How Much Fuel Does a Ford Escape Hybrid Use on the Highway? The EPA rates the 2025 Ford Escape Hybrid with all wheel drive at 42 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 39 mpg combined. The city number's higher. That's normal for a hybrid, since stop and go traffic lets the electric motor do more of the work and braking puts charge back in the battery. On a long steady run up US 67, an Escape Hybrid still beats the gas models on fuel, just not by as much as it would in town. The gap opens up once you're in slower traffic on I-55 or on the surface streets near work. Somebody working in south St. Louis County will see different numbers than somebody going all the way downtown. The plug in hybrid is a different animal. Ford's Escape Plug-In Hybrid has an EPA estimated 37 miles of electric range, then runs as a regular hybrid rated at 40 mpg combined. A round trip toward St. Louis is longer than 37 miles, so you'll be on battery for part of it and gas for the rest. Plug it in every night and the first stretch of each day runs on electricity. Bonne Terre driver tip If there's charging at work, you can start the drive home on battery too. If not, figure the battery covers the first part of the morning and the hybrid handles the rest. Hot August afternoons with the AC going will trim electric range some, so don't count on the full EPA number every day. Plug it in every night and the first stretch of each day runs on electricity. Does the Ford Escape Have AWD and Enough Cargo Room? All wheel drive is available on the Active and ST-Line, standard on the ST-Line Select and ST-Line Elite, and offered with the hybrid. The plug in hybrid is front wheel drive only. On a winter morning when MO 32 or the ramps onto US 67 are glazed over, AWD helps you get moving. Good tires and slowing down matter just as much. Cargo space depends on the powertrain. Gas models offer 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 65.4 cubic feet with it folded, according to Edmunds. Hybrid and plug in hybrid models give up some space to the battery, at 34.4 and 60.8 cubic feet. Either one has room for a week of groceries or a weekend's worth of camping gear for Hawn State Park. Towing is modest, like you'd expect from a compact SUV. A properly equipped Escape with the 2.0L is rated up to 3,500 pounds, enough for a small utility trailer. Check the rating on the exact one you're looking at. Shop New Ford Escape View New Specials What Tech Makes the Ford Escape Easier to Commute In? An 8 inch touchscreen is standard. A 13.2 inch screen with built in navigation is available, and it's standard on the Platinum, ST-Line Elite and plug in hybrid. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto hook up your phone without a cable, so your podcast and maps just run. Every 2025 Escape comes with forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings, lane keeping assistance and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control comes standard on the upper trims and is available in tech packages on the Active, ST-Line and ST-Line Select. On a long highway commute, that's the one a lot of people end up using every day. There's the FordPass app too. On a connected Escape you can check fuel or charge level, lock the doors and see service reminders from your phone. Plug in hybrid owners can keep an eye on charging. Is Ford Ending the Ford Escape? Right now there isn't much public. On August 11, 2025, at an event about the future of its Louisville Assembly Plant, Ford confirmed Escape production there will stop later this year when the plant gets retooled for a new midsize electric pickup. Ford hasn't said whether or where the Escape comes back. Some things don't change. An Escape on the lot is a new Ford with Ford's New Vehicle Limited Warranty like any other. And we'll service an Escape the same as every other model, assembly line or no assembly line. What may change is choice. As the plant winds down, the trims and colors on dealer lots may thin out. If you've got your heart set on a hybrid with AWD or a plug in hybrid, look at inventory now instead of waiting on a particular build. If you'd rather go used, we've got Escapes in pre owned inventory too, including Ford Blue Advantage certified ones with their own inspection and coverage. Call sales at 573-430-1687 to see what's here today. 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 covered parts and labor at 100 percent, as long as you follow the customary maintenance in the agreement and keep records. See the dealer for details. How it works Ford Escape Powertrains What engines are available in the 2025 Ford Escape? + There's a 1.5L EcoBoost, a 2.0L EcoBoost, a 2.5L hybrid and a 2.5L plug in hybrid, depending on trim. Which Ford Escape trims offer the hybrid? + You can get the hybrid from the ST-Line up, Platinum included. The plug in hybrid is its own trim. Is the Ford Escape Hybrid available with AWD? + The hybrid comes with front or all wheel drive. The plug in hybrid is front wheel drive only. Fuel and Charging What mpg does the Ford Escape Hybrid get? + The EPA rates the 2025 Escape Hybrid with AWD at 42 mpg city, 36 highway and 39 combined. What you see will depend on speed, weather and your right foot. How far can the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid go on electricity? + The EPA estimate is 37 miles. After that it runs as a hybrid, rated at 40 mpg combined. How long does the Escape Plug-In Hybrid take to charge? + On a 240 volt Level 2 charger, a full charge takes roughly three and a half hours, according to Kelley Blue Book. A regular household outlet takes a good bit longer. Space and Capability How much cargo space does the Ford Escape have? + Gas models have about 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 65.4 with it folded. Hybrids give up a little, at about 34.4 and 60.8. Can a Ford Escape tow a trailer? + A properly equipped Escape with the 2.0L engine is rated up to 3,500 pounds. Ratings vary by configuration, so confirm the number for the vehicle you choose. Is the Ford Escape comfortable for a long daily commute? + Comfort's personal, so drive one. Take it up US 67 at highway speed and see how the seats and road noise feel to you. The Escape's Future Is Ford discontinuing the Escape? + On August 11, 2025, Ford confirmed it will end Escape production at its Louisville plant later this year as the plant is retooled for a new electric pickup. Ford has not announced a replacement. Will Ford still honor the warranty on a new Escape? + A new Escape carries Ford's New Vehicle Limited Warranty no matter when production ends. Warranty Forever is also available on new Fords sold at Sam Scism Ford. Can I still get my Escape serviced after production ends? + Absolutely. Our service center will keep working on Escapes. Book online, in the FordPass app, or at 573-430-1693. Shopping at Sam Scism Ford Where can I find a Ford Escape near Farmington? + Right here at 5019 Flat River Road, and you can see new Escapes in our online inventory. Sales hours are Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM. Are there current offers on the Ford Escape? + Manufacturer offers change through the year, and we post them on our New Specials page. Ask sales which ones apply to the Escape you like. Should I buy a used Ford Escape instead? + Could be. A used or Ford Blue Advantage certified Escape can save money and still come with an inspection and coverage, so look at both against your budget. Run the numbers Estimate a payment on the Ford Escape you have in mind. Payment Calculator Trading one in Get an offer on your current vehicle, no purchase required. Sell Your Car

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

Buying a Ford Courtesy Vehicle: What Farmington Buyers Should Ask

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 In this post What a courtesy vehicle is How miles and warranty work Courtesy vs new vs CPO Questions to ask Who it fits 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. 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 Vehicles Browse 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. 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

Black four door Ford Bronco with the doors and roof off kicking up dust on a grassy hill, Farmington MO

Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler for Southeast Missouri Drivers

Compare  |  Farmington, MO Both come apart for summer and both love dirt. The real difference shows up in how you drive the other six days of the week. Spend a Saturday at St. Joe State Park in Park Hills and you'll see plenty of both. Around here, a Ford Bronco with the roof off is about as common as a boat trailer in June. So is a Jeep Wrangler whose doors are stacked in the garage back home. They get compared all the time because they're after the same buyer, somebody who wants real four wheel drive and the roof off in summer. They just go about it differently. And the differences matter most on the commute up US 67 and the gravel road to your place, not only on the trail. Quick answer: The Ford Bronco uses independent front suspension, so it rides better and steers sharper on pavement and still handles serious trails. The Jeep Wrangler keeps solid axles front and rear plus a folding windshield, and hardcore rock crawlers like that. If you split your time between gravel and daily miles in Southeast Missouri, the Ford Bronco is often the better fit. Ford Bronco front end Independent front suspension Jeep Wrangler front end Solid front axle Both offer Removable roof and doors, true 4x4 In this post Daily driving Trails and St. Joe Roof and doors Inside the cabin Ownership and fit Which Rides Better Every Day, the Ford Bronco or the Jeep Wrangler? This is where they split the most. Every Ford Bronco has independent front suspension, and the Jeep Wrangler uses solid axles at both ends. A solid axle is tough and simple and keeps the tire planted over big rocks. On pavement, though, it tends to make the ride busier and the steering vaguer. Edmunds ran them head to head. They found the Bronco more comfortable with more precise steering on the road, and called off road capability a tie. The real difference shows up in how you drive the other six days of the week. If you drive to work in Festus or the St. Louis area, you'll feel it on every commute. Both have real four wheel drive with two speed transfer cases. The engines are where they go separate ways. For 2025 the Bronco offers a 2.3L EcoBoost and a 2.7L EcoBoost V6, plus the Bronco Raptor's 3.0L V6, with a 10 speed automatic on all of them and a 7 speed manual offered with the 2.3L. The 2025 Wrangler lineup includes a 3.6L V6 with a 6 speed manual or 8 speed automatic, a 2.0L turbo with an 8 speed automatic, the 4xe plug in hybrid and the Rubicon 392 V8. How Do the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler Handle Local Trails and Gravel? St. Joe State Park has about 2,000 acres of riding with more than 50 miles of trails, built on old lead mine ground. Park rules have kept full size four wheel drive vehicles in the tailings area, the open sand flats, and off the wooded trails the ATVs and UTVs use. You'll need an ORV permit, and anything other than a motorcycle needs a flag mast at least 72 inches tall with an orange flag. Rules change, so check the state park site before you go. Soft sand wants steady momentum and good tires, and both of these SUVs are built for it. With the Bronco's G.O.A.T. Modes you pick a terrain setting and it adjusts throttle, traction and four wheel drive behavior to match. The Wrangler uses Command-Trac, Rock-Trac or Selec-Trac depending on trim. Bigger tires and hardware For 2025, Ford offers the Sasquatch Package on the Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks and Badlands, and the Badlands can be optioned with HOSS 3.0 suspension and FOX internal bypass dampers. Jeep offers 35 inch tire packages on select trims, including the Rubicon. Either one can be built well past anything most local trails will ask of it. Park Hills driver tip Air down a few PSI before you hit the sand at St. Joe, and bring a compressor to air back up before you drive home on MO 32. Sand that feels easy at lunch gets softer and deeper as the afternoon heats up. Plenty of our customers live on gravel county roads. That's where you notice the Bronco's independent front end, with less washboard shake coming through the wheel. How Do the Removable Roofs and Doors Compare? Open air driving is half the reason people buy either one. The doors come off on both, and you can get a soft or hard roof on either. Ford Bronco: removable roof panels and doors on two door and four door models, with soft roof and hardtop options depending on trim. Jeep Wrangler: a soft roof comes standard on most trims, with two hardtop choices and the Sky One-Touch powertop available. Doors come off, half doors are offered, and the windshield folds down. The folding windshield is a Wrangler tradition, and it's a real plus if you want it as open as it gets. Most folks around here leave the windshield up and just pull the roof panels for summer, and both handle that fine. The real difference shows up in how you drive the other six days of the week. Shop Ford Bronco Compare Side by Side What Is It Like Inside the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler? Both cabins are made for people who come home muddy, with a big touchscreen front and center. For 2025, Ford made a 12 inch digital gauge cluster standard across the Bronco lineup, next to the 12 inch touchscreen that showed up the year before. Four door Broncos got rear AC vents too. The 2025 Wrangler comes with a 12.3 inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you want exact dimensions and cargo space by trim, our Ford Bronco comparison page puts the Bronco, Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner side by side. Which One Fits Your Life in Southeast Missouri? You buy it in a day. Then you own it for years of oil changes and tires and the odd repair. Every new Ford sold at Sam Scism Ford comes with Warranty Forever at no charge, covering listed powertrain parts for as long as you own it when you keep up with maintenance. Service is right here on Flat River Road, and Ford Mobile Service can handle some routine work at your home or job. Fits you if Ford Bronco You drive a lot of highway or commute miles and want a smoother ride Gravel county roads are part of your daily drive You want G.O.A.T. Modes and a Sasquatch option for sand and trails You plan to service close to home in Farmington Fits you if Jeep Wrangler Solid axles front and rear matter to you for rock crawling A fold down windshield is high on your list You want a plug in hybrid option in this body style Most of your miles are short trips and trail days You can't go far wrong with either one. Drive them back to back on the roads you use every day. Come take a Bronco out on US 67 and a stretch of gravel and see how it feels. Warranty Forever Every new Ford Bronco sold at Sam Scism Ford includes 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, as long as you keep up the customary maintenance and hang on to the records. See the dealer for details. How it works Ride and Daily Driving Is the Ford Bronco more comfortable than the Jeep Wrangler? + Edmunds found the Bronco more comfortable with more precise steering on pavement, mostly because of its independent front suspension. Drive one on your own commute and you'll feel it. Which is better for a long commute to St. Louis? + People who rack up highway miles tend to like the Ford Bronco's smoother ride and steering. Road noise in either one comes down to roof and tires. What engines does the 2025 Ford Bronco offer? + The 2025 lineup includes a 2.3L EcoBoost, a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and the Bronco Raptor's 3.0L V6. A 10 speed automatic is available on all, and a 7 speed manual pairs with the 2.3L. Trails and Off Road Can I drive a Ford Bronco at St. Joe State Park? + Park rules have allowed four wheel drive vehicles in the tailings area with an ORV permit and a flag mast. The Missouri State Parks site has the current rules, so look before you head out. What are G.O.A.T. Modes on the Ford Bronco? + They're terrain settings you pick from. Each one changes throttle, traction control and four wheel drive behavior for things like sand, mud or slick roads. Does the Jeep Wrangler's solid front axle help off road? + A solid axle flexes well and holds up over rocks, which is why a lot of rock crawlers like it. On sand and gravel, both setups do fine. Roof, Doors and Open Air Do both the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler have removable doors? + The doors come off on both. Jeep also offers half doors, and the Bronco pairs removable doors with removable roof panels. Does the Ford Bronco windshield fold down like the Wrangler's? + That's a Wrangler thing. Bronco owners get their open air from pulling the roof panels and doors. Which roof options come on the Ford Bronco? + It depends on trim and body style. Our sales team can show you which roof is on each Bronco in stock. Features and Technology What changed on the 2025 Ford Bronco? + Ford made a 12 inch digital gauge cluster standard, expanded Sasquatch Package availability, brought back the Base model and added rear AC vents on four door models. What screen comes in the 2025 Jeep Wrangler? + A 12.3 inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 is standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Where can I see full specs side by side? + Our Ford Bronco comparison page lines up the Bronco against the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner, including dimensions and features by trim. Buying and Ownership Does a new Ford Bronco come with Warranty Forever at Sam Scism Ford? + It does. Every new Ford we sell includes it at no charge, covering listed powertrain parts for as long as you own it, as long as you keep up the customary maintenance and records. Can I trade in my Jeep Wrangler for a Ford Bronco? + Sure. We take any make, so get an online value through Get Your Trade Offer or bring the Jeep in for an appraisal. Where can a Ford Bronco be serviced near Farmington? + Right here at our service center, 5019 Flat River Road, for maintenance and repairs. Ford Mobile Service can also do some routine work wherever you are. Drive a Ford Bronco See the Ford Bronco models in stock now. Shop New Inventory Look at certified Broncos See certified pre-owned Fords in stock now. Shop Certified

Black Ford F-150 Lariat pulling a boat out at a lake ramp, summer lake towing from Farmington MO

Towing to Lake Wappapello or Clearwater Lake With Your Ford

Ownership  |  Farmington, MO Lake season's here. Before the boat or camper heads south on US 67, make sure the truck and the trailer are both ready for the hills between here and the water. For a lot of us, Memorial Day weekend is when the season starts. The pontoon comes out of the barn and the camper gets aired out. By Friday afternoon it feels like half of St. Francois County is headed for Lake Wappapello, Clearwater Lake or a gravel bar on the Black River. A Ford truck or SUV makes that trip easy when everything's matched up and checked. Trouble usually starts with a trailer that's heavier than somebody guessed, or a hitch that was set up for a different trailer. Camper brakes nobody's looked at since last fall don't help either. Spend a half hour in the driveway and you'll likely skip a long afternoon on the shoulder of a two lane road. Quick answer: Your Ford's real towing limit comes from the labels on the driver door jamb and the towing chapter of your Owner's Manual, not the big number in a brochure. Before a lake run, weigh what you're pulling and make sure the hitch and ball match the trailer. Test the trailer brakes and lights, and if the truck's due, get it in for tires, brakes and fluids. Your limits Door jamb labels plus the Owner's Manual towing chapter Helpful tech Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Hitch Assist, where equipped Before you go Hitch, trailer brakes, lights, tires and fluids In this post Finding your real tow rating Hitch and trailer brake checks Ford trailer tech Hills and two lane roads Pre trip service How Much Can Your Ford Truck or SUV Tow? It depends on your exact vehicle. Ford publishes maximum towing figures for each model, but those assume one specific engine, cab, bed, axle ratio and towing package. Two F-150s parked side by side on our lot can have very different ratings. Start with the two labels on the driver side door jamb. The Safety Compliance Certification label gives the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the axle ratings. The Tire and Loading Information label tells you how much weight in people and cargo the vehicle can carry. That payload number has to cover the trailer's tongue weight too, which folks forget. Then open the towing section of your Owner's Manual. It lists the Gross Combined Weight Rating, which is truck, trailer, passengers and gear all added up, along with trailer limits by configuration. Ford's towing guides by model year cover the same numbers. Weigh the trailer loaded. A boat with fuel, batteries and gear, or a camper with water and supplies, weighs more than the spec sheet says. A public scale gives you a real number. Count everyone in the cab. Passengers, coolers and the dog all come out of payload before the tongue weight does. Leave some margin. Running right at the limit on hilly roads in July heat is a lot harder on the truck. What Should You Check on the Hitch and Trailer Brakes? Most towing trouble starts where the truck meets the trailer. Go through these before every trip, and take your time on the first one of the season. 1 Match the ball and the coupler The ball size stamped on the coupler has to match the ball on your hitch, and the ball mount should be rated for the load. Latch the coupler and put the pin or lock in. 2 Set the trailer level A trailer that rides nose high or nose low handles poorly. A drop or rise ball mount fixes most of that, especially when you switch between a boat and a camper. 3 Cross the safety chains Run them in an X under the tongue so they can cradle it if the coupler ever lets go, with enough slack to turn but not so much they drag. 4 Test the trailer brakes If your trailer has electric brakes, roll forward slowly and apply the controller manually to feel them grab. Set the gain for the load you've got on today. 5 Check every light Have someone stand behind the trailer while you run turn signals, brake lights and running lights. Boat trailer lights take a beating from ramp water. A lot of F-150 and Super Duty trucks have an available Integrated Trailer Brake Controller in the dash, so you can adjust trailer brake gain from the driver seat. The Owner's Manual shows how to set it. If your truck doesn't have one, our parts counter can help you find the right setup through Order Parts. Most towing trouble starts where the truck meets the trailer. Does Your Ford Have Pro Trailer Backup Assist or Pro Trailer Hitch Assist? Backing a boat down a crowded ramp on a Saturday morning makes plenty of people nervous. Ford offers two features on some models that take a lot of the sweat out of it. Pro Trailer Backup Assist Instead of steering backward in your head, you turn a knob on the dash the way you want the trailer to go and the truck does the steering. It's offered on the F-150 and Super Duty depending on trim and package, and it's standard on every 2025 Ford Expedition. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist Ford brought out Pro Trailer Hitch Assist for the F-150, F-150 Lightning and Super Duty, and it's standard on every 2025 Expedition too. You hold a button and the system uses the rear camera and sensors to back the ball up under the coupler, steering and braking on its own. You'll still need to make sure the coupler sits higher than the ball before it starts. Fredericktown driver tip If you don't know what your truck has, check the window sticker or look for trailer settings on the center screen. Then practice in an empty lot in town first. You don't want your first try to be at a busy lake ramp with a line of boats waiting. Shop Ford F-150 Schedule a Pre Trip Check How Should You Drive the Hills and Two Lane Roads? Around here the drive is half the trip. Lake Wappapello usually means US 67 south through Fredericktown toward Greenville. Clearwater Lake near Piedmont means winding two lane highways through the hills, and both roads feel a lot different with a trailer behind you. Use Tow/Haul mode. Most Ford trucks and many SUVs have it. It changes shift points and adds engine braking so you're not riding the brakes down long grades. Leave more room. Stopping distances grow with a trailer behind you. Double the gap you'd normally keep. Pass with patience. On two lane roads, wait for a long, clear straight. A truck and trailer need far more room to get around a slow vehicle. Watch the curves. Swing a bit wider on tight turns so the trailer wheels stay off the shoulder. Plan the ramp. Clearwater Lake has several launch areas, including Piedmont Park, Bluff View and Webb Creek, and Lake Wappapello State Park has three boat ramps. Pick one before you leave the house. Pull over and check if you notice Trailer sway. Ease off the gas and hold the wheel steady. Don't slam the brakes. Sway usually means the load is too far back or the tongue weight is too light. A hot or smoking wheel. A dragging trailer brake or dry wheel bearing can overheat fast on a long grade. Transmission or engine temperature warnings. Find a safe spot, stop and let it cool down. What Service Does a Ford Need Before Towing Season? Ford's maintenance schedules count towing as a tougher operating condition. A truck that pulls a boat all summer may need some service sooner than one that never hooks up, so it's smart to have us look before the first long run. Tires: pressure set for the load per the door label, tread depth and sidewall condition. Check the trailer tires too. Brakes: pads, rotors and fluid on the truck, since they work harder with weight behind you. Fluids: engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid. Towing puts more heat into every one. Cooling system: hoses, belts and the radiator, before the muggy days hit. Hitch hardware: receiver, wiring connector and the trailer plug on the truck. Call the service desk at 573-430-1693 or book online, and let the advisor know you're towing. If you're shopping for something that'll pull more, our team can walk you through Ford Super Duty trucks too. 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, with no deductible, as long as you keep up the customary maintenance and keep records. See the dealer for details. How it works Tow Ratings and Weight Where do I find my Ford's towing capacity? + Use the labels on the driver door jamb along with the towing chapter in your Owner's Manual. That max number in an ad only applies to one specific setup. Does the trailer's tongue weight count against payload? + It does. Tongue weight presses down on the truck, so it comes out of the same payload number as your passengers and cargo. How do I find out what my boat and trailer weigh? + Run the loaded rig across a public scale. A boat with fuel, batteries and gear usually weighs well over what the spec sheet says. Hitch and Trailer Setup Do I need different hitch setups for a boat and a camper? + Usually. Each trailer sits at its own height, so a different drop or rise on the ball mount keeps each one riding level. How do I know if my trailer brakes are working? + Roll forward slowly in an open area and apply the controller by hand. You should feel the trailer pull back on the truck. Why should safety chains cross under the tongue? + Crossed, they make a cradle that catches the tongue if the coupler ever comes loose, so it doesn't hit the pavement. Ford Towing Technology What does Pro Trailer Backup Assist do? + You turn a knob on the dash toward where the trailer should go, and the truck steers while you handle speed. It's available on several Ford trucks and SUVs depending on trim. Which Fords offer Pro Trailer Hitch Assist? + Ford introduced it on the F-150, F-150 Lightning and Super Duty, and every 2025 Expedition has it. Your window sticker will tell you if yours does. What does Tow/Haul mode change? + It adjusts shift points and adds engine braking on grades. That keeps the transmission in a better gear and saves your brakes on long downhill runs. Lake Trip Planning How many boat ramps does Lake Wappapello State Park have? + Three, according to the state park. The Corps of Engineers runs more recreation areas around the lake. Where can I launch at Clearwater Lake? + The main launch areas include Piedmont Park, Bluff View and Webb Creek, with several more ramps around the lake. Check lake levels before you go, because high water can close a ramp. What should I do if the trailer starts to sway? + Get off the gas and keep the wheel straight instead of braking hard. Once you're safely stopped, move some weight forward on the trailer before you go on. Service Before You Tow Does towing change my Ford's maintenance schedule? + Ford lists towing as a tougher operating condition, which can move up oil changes and other service. Your Owner's Manual shows which items apply. What should a pre trip towing inspection cover? + Ask for tires, brakes, fluids, the cooling system and the trailer wiring connector on the truck. It helps to tell the advisor what you'll be pulling and how far. How do I book service before a lake trip? + Schedule online, through the FordPass app, or call 573-430-1693. Try to book a few days before a holiday weekend so there's time to fix anything the tech finds. Get ready for lake season Have our service center look over tires, brakes and fluids before the first trip. Service Center Need to tow more Browse new Ford trucks and SUVs at Sam Scism Ford. Shop New Inventory

Dark green Ford Expedition Tremor with a roof rack parked on a gravel riverbed below mountains, Farmington MO

What Is New on the Redesigned 2025 Ford Expedition

New Model Year  |  Farmington, MO The Ford Expedition got its first full redesign in years. The headliners are a new off road Tremor trim and a tailgate that opens two ways, and there's now a screen running the width of the dash. If your household runs on a three row SUV, you've probably spotted the new Ford Expedition around town this spring. Ford showed the redesigned 2025 Expedition at the State Fair of Texas in October 2024, opened orders later that month and started building it at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville in January 2025. By spring they were landing on dealer lots. It's a lot more than a new grille. The trim names changed and there's an off road model now. The tailgate opens two ways, and the old gauge cluster is gone. Below is what's new on the 2025 Ford Expedition and how it shakes out for families and towing households around Farmington and Fredericktown. Quick answer: The 2025 Ford Expedition is a full redesign. It adds an off road Tremor trim and puts a Split Gate tailgate on every model, with a standard 24 inch panoramic display over a 13.2 inch center screen running Google built in. Towing goes up to 9,600 pounds when properly equipped, and you can pick Active, King Ranch, Platinum or Tremor in standard or extended Max length. Trims Active, King Ranch, Platinum, Tremor Max towing Up to 9,600 lb, properly equipped Standard engine 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 400 hp In this post Timing and trims The new Split Gate The new Tremor trim Interior and tech Power and towing When Did the 2025 Ford Expedition Arrive, and What Trims Are Offered? The redesigned 2025 Ford Expedition debuted in October 2024. Production started in January 2025 and deliveries followed in the spring, so what's on the lot right now can vary a lot by trim and length. The trim lineup got shaken up. XLT is gone and Active takes its place. King Ranch and Platinum carry on at the upper end, and the new Tremor replaces Timberline as the off road model. You can still get the longer Expedition Max, which adds cargo space behind the third row. Active: the entry point, with the new screens, Split Gate and trailering tech standard. King Ranch: western themed luxury, with the standard 400 horsepower engine. Platinum: the luxury model, with packages that can add the High Output engine and more features. Tremor: the new off road model with its own engine, tires and underbody protection. How Does the 2025 Ford Expedition Split Gate Work? Day to day, the Split Gate is probably the change you'll use most, and Ford put it on every 2025 Expedition. The upper part lifts like a normal liftgate. The lower part folds down like a pickup tailgate. Lift just the upper half to grab a bag of groceries, or drop the bottom to sit on it or slide something long in. Ford says the lower gate holds up to 500 pounds, so it'll do as a bench at a ballgame or a place to change shoes after a hike. An available Cargo Tailgate Manager adds a seatback. And if you stand at the back for a few seconds with the fob in your pocket, the gate opens on its own. Farmington driver tip Picture the lower gate after a day at St. Francois State Park. Drop it, sit down, pull off the muddy boots and toss everything in back without wrestling a full liftgate in the wind. Lift just the upper half to grab a bag of groceries, or drop the bottom to sit on it or slide something long in. What Makes the 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor Different? The Tremor is the Ford Expedition for folks whose weekends end on gravel or dirt. It gets the High Output 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 standard, rated by Ford at 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. 10.6 inches of ground clearance 33 inch General Grabber all terrain tires Underbody protection for the front axle, transfer case and fuel tank, plus a front skid plate An electronic locking rear differential Off road features including Rock Crawl mode, Trail Turn Assist and Trail 1-Pedal Drive Auxiliary off road lights in the grille and orange Tremor accents Around here that's rutted county roads after a storm, the gravel lane to deer camp in the Mark Twain National Forest, or a Big River ramp that gets slick and steep. If your family mostly stays on pavement, you don't need it. Shop Ford Expedition Inventory Order Your Ford Expedition What Changed Inside the 2025 Ford Expedition? Climb in and the first thing you'll notice is the 24 inch panoramic display. It's standard on every model and runs along the base of the windshield where the gauges used to be. Below it, a 13.2 inch center touchscreen runs Ford Digital Experience with Google built in, so Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play are right there, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Storage got smarter too. The Flex Powered Console slides back nearly eight inches, and there's a hidden bin underneath. Available Third Row Flexible Seating lets the middle of the third row fold by itself. That leaves a long aisle from the Split Gate forward, handy for fishing rods or a couple of boards from the lumber yard. You'll also find 110 volt, 400 watt outlets in the console and the cargo area. BlueCruise, Ford's hands free highway driving system, is available on most of the lineup, with trial or plan options that vary by trim. On prequalified divided highways it takes some of the strain out of a long run toward St. Louis. How Much Can the 2025 Ford Expedition Tow? Every 2025 Ford Expedition uses a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 and a 10 speed automatic. The standard engine makes 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The High Output version, standard on Tremor and available on Platinum, bumps that to 440. Ford lists maximum available towing at 9,600 pounds with the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package and a weight distributing hitch, and that package comes standard on four wheel drive models. Ratings change with configuration, so check the exact vehicle before you hook up. The trailering tech is all standard. Pro Trailer Backup Assist lets you steer a trailer in reverse with a knob. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist helps you line up the ball, and the 360 degree camera with trailer reverse guidance earns its keep at a crowded ramp on Lake Wappapello. Fredericktown tip Pulling a camper south on US 67 or a boat out to Clearwater Lake means rolling hills and two lane passing. Put it in Tow/Haul and leave yourself extra room on the grades. Warranty Forever Every new Ford Expedition sold at Sam Scism Ford comes with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own it, no matter the miles, as long as you keep up the customary maintenance and hang on to the records. See the dealer for details. How it works 2025 Ford Expedition Timing and Trims When did the 2025 Ford Expedition go on sale? + Ford showed it in October 2024 and opened orders that same month. Production started in January 2025, and they hit dealer lots that spring. What happened to the Expedition XLT and Timberline? + XLT became Active, and Tremor took over from Timberline as the off road model. Is the Expedition Max still available? + It's back for 2025 next to the standard length model, and it gives you more cargo room behind the third row. Split Gate and Cargo Does every 2025 Ford Expedition have the Split Gate? + It's standard on all 2025 Expedition models. How much weight can the Split Gate hold? + Ford rates the lower gate for up to 500 pounds, so grown ups can sit on it. Can the Split Gate open hands free? + It can. Stand at the back for a few seconds with the key fob on you and it opens. Tremor and Off Road How much ground clearance does the Expedition Tremor have? + Ford lists 10.6 inches for the Tremor, which rides on 33 inch all terrain tires. What engine does the Expedition Tremor use? + The High Output 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6, rated at 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, comes standard on Tremor. Does the Tremor have a locking differential? + There's an electronic locking rear differential, plus skid plates and trail driving modes. Technology and Towing How big are the screens in the 2025 Ford Expedition? + A 24 inch panoramic display is standard on every model, paired with a 13.2 inch center touchscreen. Does the 2025 Expedition have Google built in? + Ford Digital Experience puts Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play on the center screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come with it too. What is the 2025 Ford Expedition's towing capacity? + Ford lists up to 9,600 pounds with the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package and a weight distributing hitch. Ratings vary by configuration. Buying in Farmington Can I order a 2025 Ford Expedition built my way? + You can start a custom factory order online. We'll check incoming stock before we send it to Ford, and once there's a VIN you can track the build. Lead times vary. Can I trade in my current SUV toward a new Expedition? + We'll take trades of any make and condition. Get an online value first, then we'll do a quick appraisal at the store. Where can I see 2025 Ford Expedition pricing? + Each vehicle in our new inventory shows current pricing and offers. If you'd rather talk it through, call sales at 573-430-1687. Value your trade See what your current SUV is worth toward a Ford Expedition. Get Your Trade Offer Talk Ford Expedition with us Reach the sales team at 573-430-1687 or send a message. Contact Us

Orange and white Ford Bronco Sport SUVs side by side, compact SUV choices for tax refund shoppers in Farmington MO

Putting Your Tax Refund Toward a Ford: A Farmington Buyer's Guide

Buying  |  Farmington, MO A refund can make buying a vehicle a lot easier, or it can vanish into one. Make a few decisions up front and it'll go further without leaving you short. Spring in Farmington brings two things like clockwork. The first warm weekend, and a refund landing in the bank account. For plenty of families in St. Francois County, that refund is the push to finally replace the car with the check engine light, or the truck that needs tires, a battery and a prayer every morning. Putting a refund toward a vehicle can be a smart move. It goes sideways when every dollar goes in and there's nothing left for the water heater that quits in May. We'll walk through how a refund fits into a purchase. Just know we're a car store, not your tax preparer. The details of your budget are something to sit down and go over with our finance team. Quick answer: A tax refund goes furthest as part of a down payment, along with any equity in your trade, because it lowers how much you finance. Get pre approved first so you know where you stand, then look at new, used and Ford Blue Advantage certified to find what fits the budget. Keep some of the refund in savings so a surprise bill doesn't turn into a missed payment. Down payment Refund plus trade equity lowers the amount financed Before you shop Credit application and trade value online Keep in reserve A cushion for repairs and life's surprises In this post How a down payment helps Adding trade equity Getting pre approved New, used or certified Keeping a cushion How Does a Tax Refund Help as a Down Payment? A down payment is the cash you put toward the vehicle at signing. Every bit of it comes off what you borrow. A smaller loan generally means a smaller monthly payment and less interest over the life of the loan. Or you can keep the payment and be done sooner. It can help with approval, too. Lenders compare what you're borrowing with what the vehicle's worth, and money down narrows that gap. That can make a lender more comfortable, especially if your credit has a few bumps. There's no magic number. The right amount depends on your income, your other bills, the vehicle and the loan terms you qualify for. Our finance team can show you how different down payments change things on a specific vehicle. What Is Trade Equity and How Does It Stack With a Refund? The vehicle you've got now may be worth more than you owe on it. That difference is equity, and it spends just like cash on your next one. Put a refund and solid trade equity together and the down payment adds up fast without touching your savings. It can go the other way, too. Owe more than it's worth and you've got negative equity. That balance doesn't disappear when you trade. A refund is a good way to knock some or all of it out instead of rolling it into the next loan. How do you find out what your trade is worth? Start with Get Your Trade Offer to see a value online, then bring it in for a quick inspection and appraisal. We'll look at any make in any condition, and leased or financed vehicles are fine to talk about too. You don't have to buy from us to get an offer. Farmington driver tip Before you come in, get your payoff amount from your lender and grab both keys and any service records. A clean stack of oil change receipts and that second key help the appraisal. Having the payoff in hand keeps the trade math honest. Why Get Pre Approved Before You Shop? Pre approval tells you what you can comfortably finance before you fall in love with something on the lot. It also speeds things up, since the finance team already has what they need to look for loan options when you sit down. You can fill out the online credit application from your couch. From there the Finance Center goes over options with you, whether your credit's strong, rebuilding or somewhere in between. 1 Know your monthly comfort zone Figure out what payment fits once the house payment, utilities, insurance and groceries are covered. Bring that number with you. 2 Apply online Submit the credit application so the finance team can start working before you arrive. 3 Value your trade Get an online trade value and plan for a short appraisal at the store. 4 Decide how much of the refund to use Set aside a cushion first, then put the rest toward the down payment. Set aside a cushion first, then put the rest toward the down payment. Should You Buy New, Used or Certified? A refund works with any of these. New Ford: the latest technology and full factory coverage, plus Warranty Forever at Sam Scism Ford. Ford manufacturer incentives change through the year and may help, so check current offers before you decide. Used vehicle: often the easiest on the budget. Most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford qualify for Warranty Forever too, so ask about the one you're looking at. Ford Blue Advantage certified: a middle ground. Gold Certified covers Ford models up to six years old with under 80,000 miles, passes a 172 point inspection, and includes a 12 month/12,000 mile comprehensive limited warranty and a 7 year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Blue Certified covers any make up to ten years old with under 150,000 miles, with a 139 point inspection and a 90 day/4,000 mile comprehensive limited warranty. Both certified tiers include a 14 day/1,000 mile money back guarantee, roadside assistance and a CARFAX vehicle history report. Learn more on our Ford Blue Advantage page. Shop New Ford Inventory Shop Used Inventory How Much of Your Refund Should You Keep in Reserve? People skip this step and then wish they hadn't. A vehicle loan is a monthly commitment for years. Put every dollar of the refund into the down payment, get hit with a big bill a month later, and that payment gets a lot harder to make. We won't tell you how much to keep. That's your household's call. A rule of thumb a lot of people use is simple. Set aside a cushion first, then put the rest toward the down payment. Enough to cover a furnace repair or a month of short hours is a common target. Watch out for these Stretching the term to fit the payment. A longer loan lowers the monthly number but can mean more interest and more time owing more than the vehicle is worth. Forgetting insurance. A newer vehicle can cost more to insure. Get a quote on that exact vehicle before you sign. Spending the whole refund. An empty savings account makes every surprise bill a crisis. Keep a reserve. If you'd rather talk it through in person, come see us at 5019 Flat River Road. Sales is open 8 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 5 PM Saturday, or call 573-430-1687. Warranty Forever Warranty Forever comes at no charge on every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, when you follow the customary maintenance and keep records. See the dealer for details. How it works Using a Refund to Buy Can I use my tax refund as a down payment on a car? + Sure. A refund spends like any other cash at signing, and every dollar comes off what you finance. Ask the finance office ahead of time which payment forms they take. Is it smart to put my whole refund into a vehicle? + That depends on your savings and your other bills. Many buyers keep part of it in reserve for emergencies and use the rest as a down payment. Can I shop before my refund arrives? + You can apply for credit, value your trade and pick out a vehicle ahead of time. Talk with the finance team about timing so the down payment is ready when you sign. Down Payments and Equity Does a bigger down payment lower my monthly payment? + Generally, putting more down reduces the amount you borrow, which lowers the payment or shortens the loan. The finance team can show you side by side scenarios on a specific vehicle. What if I owe more on my car than it's worth? + That gap is negative equity. A refund can help cover it so you're not dragging old debt into a new loan. Do I have to buy a car from you to sell you mine? + Buying isn't required. Start with Get Your Trade Offer online, then bring the vehicle in for an appraisal. Financing and Pre Approval How do I get pre approved at Sam Scism Ford? + Fill out the credit application on our website, and the Finance Center will reach out with options. It saves time at the store. Can I get financing with less than perfect credit? + Our finance team can review options for many credit situations. A down payment from your refund can help. Should I talk to my tax preparer before buying? + If you've got questions about your refund or taxes, your preparer is the right person to ask. Our team handles the vehicle and the financing side. New, Used and Certified What is the difference between Gold and Blue Certified? + Gold Certified is for Ford models up to six years old with under 80,000 miles and adds a 7 year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Blue Certified covers any make up to ten years old with under 150,000 miles and comes with a 90 day/4,000 mile comprehensive limited warranty. Do used vehicles get Warranty Forever? + Most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford qualify, and every new Ford does. Ask about the one you're looking at. Are there Ford incentives this spring? + Manufacturer offers change month to month. Check our current specials page or ask the sales team what applies to the model you want. Visiting the Store What should I bring to buy a vehicle? + Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, your down payment, and your trade's title or payoff information along with both keys. Can I order a new Ford if the one I want isn't in stock? + We can place a custom factory order. Ford doesn't charge extra for orders, and incentives can apply at order or at delivery, whichever you choose. When is the sales department open? + Sales is open 8 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday. Call 573-430-1687 to set up a time. Talk numbers with Finance See loan options and how your down payment changes them. Finance Center Current Ford offers See manufacturer specials before you pick a vehicle. View Specials

Light blue Ford Maverick driving a curving road past green hills, a compact pickup for Farmington MO drivers

Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz: Which Fits Your Farmington Life?

Compare  |  Farmington, MO Two small pickups for folks who don't need a full size truck every day. The Ford Maverick leans on hybrid mileage and a flexible bed. The Hyundai Santa Cruz counters with turbo towing and a lockable spot to stash cargo. Plenty of people in St. Francois County drive a full size pickup because that's what their dad drove. Then most weeks it hauls groceries, a few bags of mulch and a kid to practice. If that's your week, a compact pickup starts to make sense, and the two names we hear most are the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. They're both crew cabs built on car style unibody platforms. Either one parks easier than a half ton, and you can hose out the bed. They aren't the same truck, though. We'll skip the spec sheet here and talk about how each one fits the way people drive around Farmington, Park Hills and Bonne Terre. If you want the numbers side by side, our Ford Maverick comparison page lines them up. Quick answer: Go with the Ford Maverick if you want hybrid fuel economy on a daily commute and a slightly longer bed you can set up your way, with trims from basic work truck up to the off road Tremor. The Hyundai Santa Cruz makes more sense if you need to tow up to 5,000 pounds with its turbo engine, or you like the idea of a lockable in bed trunk and a covered bed. Ford Maverick towing 2,000 lb standard, 4,000 lb with 4K Tow package Santa Cruz towing 3,500 lb base engine, 5,000 lb turbo Hybrid available Ford Maverick yes, Hyundai Santa Cruz no In this post Who these trucks are for Fuel and the daily commute Towing and hauling Bed, cabin and tech Which one fits you Who Is the Ford Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz Built For? These are pickups for people who need a bed a few times a week, not a few times an hour. They ride and park more like a compact SUV than a half ton and use less fuel than most full size trucks. The trade off is lower payload and towing limits. So it comes down to what you'll put in the bed or behind the hitch. Around here it's usually a mix. Maybe a commute up US 67 or over to I-55 for a St. Louis area job, plus weekend runs to the hardware store. Maybe a couple of kayaks headed for the Black River, or an ATV going to the riding area at St. Joe State Park in Park Hills. Both trucks can live that life. They just go about it differently. The Ford Maverick lineup for 2025 runs from the XL and XLT through the Lariat, plus the off road Tremor and the new street focused Lobo. The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers SE, SEL and SEL Activity trims on its base engine, then the XRT and Limited with a turbocharged engine. Which Saves More on a Daily Commute, the Ford Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz? This is where they split the most. The Ford Maverick has a 2.5 liter hybrid powertrain, standard on the XL, XLT and Lariat, and for 2025 Ford added all wheel drive to the hybrid. EPA estimates put the front drive hybrid at 42 mpg city and the all wheel drive hybrid at 40 mpg city. There's also a 2.0 liter EcoBoost, and that's what powers the Tremor and Lobo. The Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn't offer a hybrid. It comes standard with a 2.5 liter four cylinder. The XRT and Limited get a turbocharged 2.5 liter with more power and more towing, and the fuel economy drops to match. If your week includes a lot of stop and go driving, a hybrid earns its keep. Town traffic through Farmington, Desloge and Park Hills is where it leans on electric assist the most. Long highway runs close the gap some, but the hybrid still uses less fuel on most commutes. Farmington driver tip Think about winter before you skip all wheel drive. If you live on a hilly gravel county road off MO 32 or MO 221 and January ice comes with it, the Ford Maverick hybrid with all wheel drive gets you the mileage and the traction in one truck. If your week includes a lot of stop and go driving, a hybrid earns its keep. How Much Can the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz Tow and Haul? On paper, the Hyundai Santa Cruz wins this one. Hyundai rates the base engine to tow 3,500 pounds and the turbo to tow 5,000. That turbo number matters if you're pulling a small camper or a bass boat down to Clearwater Lake or Lake Wappapello. The Ford Maverick tows 2,000 pounds standard. That's a utility trailer, a jet ski or a small ATV trailer. The available 4K Tow package doubles it to 4,000 pounds, and for 2025 you can get that package on the all wheel drive hybrid, so you don't have to give up the hybrid for the higher rating anymore. Ford also offers Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist on the 2025 Maverick, which helps if backing a trailer isn't your favorite chore. Then there's payload. The Ford Maverick carries up to 1,500 pounds depending on configuration, and some trims are rated lower, so check the door jamb sticker on the truck you're looking at. That's plenty for a load of mulch or a few bags of feed. What should you tow with a compact pickup? Weigh the trailer, not just the toy on it. A loaded camper or a boat and its trailer add up fast. Stay well under the rating and the grades between Farmington and Ironton are a lot calmer. If you're regularly pulling more than 4,000 pounds, you'd probably be happier in a Ford F-150 or Ford Ranger than either compact. Shop Ford Maverick Inventory Compare Ford Maverick Specs How Do the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz Beds and Cabins Compare? The Ford Maverick bed is about four and a half feet long. Ford calls it the FLEXBED. It's got slots for dividers, tie down points and a power outlet, and the tailgate sits in more than one position so longer stuff can ride with the gate partly open. People build their own shelves and racks into it with regular lumber, and that's half the fun. The Hyundai Santa Cruz bed is a bit shorter, closer to four feet. It offers a lockable trunk under the bed floor, and select trims add a tonneau cover over the bed. If you want tools or groceries out of the weather and out of sight, that's handy. Both went bigger on screens for 2025. Every Ford Maverick now gets a 13.2 inch center touchscreen and an 8 inch digital cluster with SYNC 4 and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The refreshed Hyundai Santa Cruz gets a 12.3 inch touchscreen, and most trims pair it with a 12.3 inch digital cluster. Your phone connects without a cable in either one. So Which Fits You, the Ford Maverick or the Hyundai Santa Cruz? Neither one's right for everybody. This is how we'd sort it. Fits you if Ford Maverick You commute to the St. Louis area and want hybrid mileage You want all wheel drive and a hybrid in the same truck Your towing stays at 4,000 pounds or less You like a longer, adaptable bed you can customize You want an off road Tremor or a street tuned Lobo option Fits you if Hyundai Santa Cruz You need to tow up to 5,000 pounds with the turbo engine A lockable in bed trunk and covered bed fit how you haul You are fine with a gas only lineup and no hybrid A slightly shorter bed covers what you carry Honestly, the easiest way to decide is to drive the Ford Maverick on roads you know. Take it out MO 32 or up US 67 with what you really carry in the bed. Our sales team can line up a hybrid and an EcoBoost back to back so you can feel the difference. We're at 5019 Flat River Road in Farmington. Sales is open 8 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 5 PM Saturday. Warranty Forever Every new Ford sold at Sam Scism Ford comes with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, with no deductible, as long as you follow the customary maintenance and keep records. See the dealer for full details. How it works Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz Basics Is the Ford Maverick bigger than the Hyundai Santa Cruz? + They're close in size, and both are four door crew cabs. The Ford Maverick has the longer bed of the two, at about four and a half feet compared with roughly four feet on the Santa Cruz. Are the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz real trucks? + Both have open cargo beds and tow ratings, but they use unibody construction like a compact SUV rather than the body on frame build of an F-150. That gives them an easier ride and better mileage with lower towing and payload limits. Which trims does the 2025 Ford Maverick come in? + The 2025 lineup includes the XL, XLT, Lariat, the off road Tremor and the new street focused Lobo. Stock changes week to week, so check current inventory for what is on the lot. Fuel Economy and Powertrains Does the Hyundai Santa Cruz come as a hybrid? + No hybrid is offered on the 2025 Santa Cruz. Its choices are a 2.5 liter four cylinder or a turbocharged 2.5 liter on the XRT and Limited. What mileage does the Ford Maverick hybrid get? + EPA estimates for 2025 are 42 mpg city with front wheel drive and 40 mpg city with the newly available all wheel drive. Your results will vary with how and where you drive. Can I get the Ford Maverick hybrid with all wheel drive? + For 2025, Ford made all wheel drive available on the hybrid for the first time. It's a good pairing if you deal with winter ice on rural roads. Towing and Payload How much can a Ford Maverick tow? + Standard towing is 2,000 pounds, and the available 4K Tow package raises it to 4,000 pounds. For 2025 that package can be paired with the all wheel drive hybrid. How much can a Hyundai Santa Cruz tow? + Hyundai rates the base engine at 3,500 pounds and the turbo engine at 5,000 pounds. How much weight can the Ford Maverick carry in the bed? + Payload runs up to 1,500 pounds depending on configuration, with some trims rated lower. The door jamb label on each truck lists its exact figure. Ownership and Service Where can I service a Ford Maverick near Farmington? + The Sam Scism Ford service center on Flat River Road has Ford trained technicians who work on the Maverick, including the hybrid system. Book online or call 573-430-1693. Does a new Ford Maverick get Warranty Forever? + Every new Ford sold at Sam Scism Ford includes Warranty Forever at no charge, covering listed powertrain parts for as long as you own it with required maintenance and records. Ask our team for the full terms. Can I trade in a Hyundai toward a Ford Maverick? + We take trades of any make and condition. Start with an online value, then we confirm it with a quick in person appraisal. Shopping in Farmington Can I test drive a hybrid and an EcoBoost Ford Maverick back to back? + Call ahead and we'll try to have both ready, depending on what's in stock that day. Where can I see the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz specs side by side? + Our Ford Maverick comparison page lays out the numbers against the Santa Cruz and other small pickups. This post focuses on how each truck fits real driving. Can I order a Ford Maverick built the way I want? + A factory order is an option if the exact trim, color or package is not on the lot. Lead times vary, and our sales team can walk you through the process. Trading in your current ride Get a value on any make before you shop for a Ford Maverick. Value Your Trade Talk to us about a Ford Maverick Reach the sales team at 573-430-1687 or send a message. Contact Us

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