How We Inspect Every Used Vehicle Before It Goes Online

Every used car, truck, and SUV we sell at Bo Beuckman Ford must meet our retail standards before it goes online. That means passing through our own service department and body shop, where our team inspects the vehicle, completes necessary repairs, and determines whether it's suitable for sale.

We buy vehicles in all kinds of conditions, but we don't sell everything we buy. Some are simply too worn, damaged, or mechanically troubled to meet our standards. When that happens, we send them to wholesale rather than offer them to our customers.

What Happens Before We List a Used Vehicle?

Our reconditioning process begins as soon as a vehicle enters our inventory. Before it appears online, it must pass through several departments at our Ellisville dealership.

Bo Beuckman Ford technician performing a 99-point inspection on a used vehicle
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1. Our Service Department Performs a 99-Point Inspection

The vehicle first goes to our service department for Bo Beuckman Ford's own 99-point inspection. Our technicians examine its mechanical condition and identify problems that need attention before we approve it for sale.

We inspect major systems and components, evaluate wear, and determine whether repairs or replacements are necessary.

Our service department includes Ford Master and Senior Master-certified technicians, who bring extensive factory training to our pre-owned inspection and reconditioning process.

Technician replacing brakes on a used vehicle in the Bo Beuckman Ford service department
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2. We Complete Necessary Mechanical Repairs

Depending on what our technicians find, we may replace worn tires, install new brakes, or address other mechanical problems identified during inspection. Some vehicles need relatively little attention. Others require more extensive work before we consider them ready for a customer.

Our service team evaluates what each vehicle needs and whether the necessary work can bring it up to our standards for retail sale.

Body shop technician buffing the exterior of a used vehicle
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3. Our In-House Body Shop Evaluates the Exterior

After the mechanical inspection and any necessary service work, the vehicle moves to our body shop.

Unlike many dealerships, Bo Beuckman Ford has its own collision and body shop. That means we can address scratches, blemishes, minor body damage, and other exterior issues in-house before a used vehicle goes up for sale. Our service department and body shop must both approve a vehicle before we list it, giving us direct oversight of the quality of repairs and refinishing work.

Some vehicles need paint touch-ups or buffing, while others require body repairs. Our team evaluates what should be corrected before the vehicle is offered for sale.

Every vehicle we retail must be approved by our service department and our body shop. Passing the mechanical inspection alone isn't enough.

Team member detailing a used Ford before it is listed online
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4. We Detail the Vehicle and Prepare It for Listing

Once the vehicle has been approved, it goes through detailing. Our team cleans the interior and exterior, preparing the vehicle for its next owner.

Only after those steps are complete do we photograph the vehicle and add it to our online inventory.

By the time you're browsing a used vehicle on our website, it has already moved through our inspection and reconditioning process. You can explore the vehicle's listed features, photos, mileage, and available history information before deciding whether to see it in person.

What Does Our 99-Point Used Vehicle Inspection Cover?

Every used vehicle we consider for retail sale must pass Bo Beuckman Ford's own 99-point inspection. This is our dealership's inspection checklist, developed around the standards we expect our used vehicles to meet. Our technicians examine major mechanical systems, assess wear, identify potential problems, and determine what repairs are needed before a vehicle can be approved for sale.

The inspection takes place at our Ellisville dealership, where our used-car management and service teams work directly together. If a vehicle doesn't meet our standards, we either address the problems or decide not to offer it for retail sale.

Areas Covered by Our Inspection

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Engine and mechanical systems:
Engine operation, fluid condition, leaks, and other mechanical concerns.
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Brakes, tires, and suspension:
Component wear, condition, and areas requiring service or replacement.
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Electrical and electronic systems:
Vehicle electronics, lighting, controls, and diagnostic findings.
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Steering and drivability:
Steering components and issues that could affect normal vehicle operation.
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Interior and exterior condition:
Equipment functionality, visible wear, and cosmetic issues requiring attention.

What Happens When an Inspection Identifies a Problem?

Finding a problem doesn't automatically disqualify a vehicle. Used cars naturally vary in age, mileage, and condition, and many need routine maintenance or replacement parts.

Our team evaluates whether the vehicle can be brought up to Bo Beuckman's retail standards. Worn tires or brakes may be straightforward to address. Extensive mechanical problems or serious corrosion are another matter. If the repairs can't bring a vehicle up to our standards, we're willing to take the loss rather than put it on our retail lot.

Not Every Vehicle We Buy Is One We'd Sell

We purchase vehicles from customers throughout the St. Louis area, including older cars, high-mileage vehicles, and trade-ins that wouldn't be suitable for our retail inventory.

As Brent Faron, Used Car Manager, explains:

Brent Faron, Used Car Manager at Bo Beuckman Ford
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"If a vehicle doesn't meet our standards, we get rid of it. We don't put something on our lot that we think could end up posing problems later on. We recently took in a 2015 Chrysler 200 with 151,000 miles. The interior was destroyed, panels were falling off, the seats were ripped up, and it had seven diagnostic codes and steering problems. There’s no way we would ever retail the vehicle, even if we did extensive repairs. If I personally wouldn’t buy it, I certainly wouldn’t sell it."

What Disqualifies a Vehicle From Our Used Inventory?

Our used-car team considers a vehicle's overall condition, repair needs, and history when deciding whether it can be retailed. Common reasons we choose not to sell a vehicle include:

  • ✕Major mechanical problems. A vehicle with serious engine, transmission, steering, or other mechanical issues may require more work than is reasonable for retail sale.
  • ✕Significant rust. Extensive corrosion can make a vehicle unsuitable for our inventory, particularly when it affects important structural or mechanical components.
  • ✕Extensive body damage. Some damage can be repaired through our body shop. Other vehicles aren't practical candidates for reconditioning.
  • ✕Salvage or lemon-law history. We do not retail vehicles with salvage titles or lemon-law histories.
  • ✕Condition and repair costs. When the cost of necessary repairs is disproportionate to a vehicle's value, we generally choose to wholesale it.

Some vehicles also go to wholesale because they don't fit our market. An unusually expensive specialty vehicle, for example, may be better suited to a dealership that specializes in that type of inventory.

Our Own Service Department and Body Shop Make a Difference

Having our own service department and collision repair facility gives Bo Beuckman Ford more control over how used vehicles are prepared for sale. Our technicians and body shop personnel work directly with the used-car management team, so inspection findings and repair decisions stay within the dealership.

Our technicians, body shop personnel, and used-car management team can discuss inspection findings directly and coordinate repairs. The people deciding whether to retail a vehicle can speak with the people who've examined it and performed the work.

Our 99-point inspection and reconditioning standards apply to every used vehicle we retail, regardless of manufacturer. A used Chevrolet, Toyota, or BMW goes through the same Bo Beuckman inspection and approval process as a used Ford.

4.8★★★★★Based on 2,800+ Google reviews

Bo Beuckman Ford has a 4.8-star average rating on Google, based on more than 2,800 customer reviews. Those reviews cover experiences across our dealership, including vehicle purchases and service visits.

Five-star Google review by David DuHadway after buying a used Ford F-150 from Bo Beuckman Ford. He praises the vehicle's service and detailing, the stress-free purchase, and fair pricing.

David DuHadway praised the servicing and detailing of his used Ford F-150 in a five-star Google review.

— David DuHadway, five-star Google review, after purchasing a used Ford F-150 from Daniel Lykens at Bo Beuckman Ford

How Is Ford Blue Advantage Certification Different?

Our 99-point inspection applies to the used vehicles we prepare for retail sale. Certain vehicles also qualify for Ford Blue Advantage, Ford's certified pre-owned program.

Ford certification has its own inspection requirements, eligibility criteria, and warranty benefits. Passing our 99-point inspection does not automatically make a vehicle Ford Certified Pre-Owned or give it the manufacturer's certified-vehicle warranty coverage.

Ford Gold Certified: 172-Point Inspection

Ford Gold Certified vehicles must be eligible Ford models no more than six years old with fewer than 80,000 miles. They undergo a 172-point inspection and include:

  • ✓A 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty.
  • ✓A seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.
  • ✓A 14-day/1,000-mile money-back guarantee.
  • ✓24/7 roadside assistance.

Warranty and benefit terms are subject to Ford's program requirements.

Ford Blue Certified: 139-Point Inspection

Ford Blue Certified vehicles can include qualifying Ford and non-Ford models. Eligible vehicles must meet Ford's age and mileage limits and pass a 139-point inspection.

Blue Certified vehicles also receive a 90-day/4,000-mile comprehensive limited warranty, along with other Ford Blue Advantage benefits.

For shoppers who want the added protection of a manufacturer-backed certified pre-owned program, these vehicles offer another option beyond our standard inspected used inventory.

You can compare certification benefits or browse certified vehicles currently available at our dealership.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Used Vehicles

Still have questions? Contact our team — we’re here to help.
What Is the Full List of Factors Assessed in the 99-Point Checklist?+

Our full 99-point checklist will be added here when finalized. It currently includes categories such as engine and mechanical systems, brakes/tires/suspension, electrical and electronic systems, steering and drivability, and interior and exterior condition.

Can I See the Inspection Report for a Used Vehicle Before Buying It?+

Yes. Our team can review the inspection findings for a vehicle you're considering, explain any reconditioning work, and answer questions about its mechanical condition. You can also request additional photos or a walkaround video before visiting our Ellisville dealership.

For more advice on evaluating a pre-owned vehicle, see our used car buying checklist, which covers what to examine during a test drive and which questions to ask before purchasing.

Does Bo Beuckman Check a Used Vehicle's Accident and Service History?+

Our pre-owned evaluation includes a review of vehicle-history information alongside the mechanical inspection. That helps our team identify reported accidents, previous repairs, and other details that may warrant closer attention.

A vehicle-history report cannot reveal every problem, which is why we also inspect vehicles in our own service department. Ask our team about the history report available for any specific car or truck you're considering.

Does Every Used Car at Bo Beuckman Come With a Warranty?+

Warranty coverage depends on the vehicle. Ford Blue Advantage certified vehicles include manufacturer-backed limited warranties, while some non-certified vehicles may still have remaining factory warranty coverage.

A standard 99-point inspection does not automatically make a vehicle Ford Certified Pre-Owned or provide the same warranty benefits. Our team can explain which protections apply to the vehicle you're considering. You can also compare certified pre-owned benefits.

Can I Have a Used Vehicle Independently Inspected Before Purchasing It?+

We encourage customers to ask questions and take the time they need to evaluate a vehicle. If you'd like an inspection by an independent mechanic, speak with our sales team about making arrangements before purchasing.

Our own technicians have already inspected the vehicle, but we're happy to discuss any specific concerns you have.

How Do I Know Which Used Ford Model Years Are Reliable?+

Condition and maintenance history matter, but certain model years also have known differences in mechanical reliability, features, and ownership costs.

Our team has prepared model-specific buying guides to help you compare your options, including our recommendations for the best Ford Explorer years and best Ford Escape years.

Even when you're shopping for a generally reliable model year, we recommend evaluating the condition and history of the individual vehicle.

Is Bo Beuckman's 99-Point Inspection the Same as a Missouri Safety Inspection?+

No. Our 99-point inspection is Bo Beuckman's internal process for evaluating and preparing used vehicles for retail sale. Missouri's state safety inspection is a separate inspection used to determine whether a vehicle satisfies applicable state requirements.

A vehicle's age, mileage, and registration circumstances can affect whether a state inspection is required. Our Missouri vehicle inspection guide explains the requirements and common exemptions.

See Our Used Vehicle Standards for Yourself

If you're considering a used vehicle at Bo Beuckman Ford, we encourage you to ask questions and take a closer look before making a purchase. Our team can help you:

  • ✓Learn more about a specific vehicle's condition. Ask about the inspection and reconditioning process, any concerns you have about the vehicle, and the differences between standard used and Ford Blue Advantage certified inventory.
  • ✓Get a closer look before visiting. Request additional photographs or a vehicle walkaround video. Our sales team can focus on specific features or areas of concern, and we've even put vehicles on a lift to help customers examine their condition more closely.
  • ✓Explore vehicles that fit your needs. Browse our used inventory online, compare vehicle details, and contact our team with questions before scheduling a visit.

Browse our used cars, trucks, and SUVs, or visit Bo Beuckman Ford at 15675 Manchester Road in Ellisville, Missouri, to see our inventory in person.