Here's a checklist of things to look for:
6th Gen Ford Bronco Used-Buy Checklist
1. Exterior & Body
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Roof condition:
• Early models (2021–2022) with MIC (Molded-in-Color) hardtops had delamination issues — check for bubbling, peeling, or excessive wind noise.
• Ask if the hardtop was replaced under Ford’s customer satisfaction program.
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Soft top wear (if applicable): Look for rips, frayed stitching, or worn zippers.
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Paint condition:
• Check high-impact areas (rocker panels, door edges) for chips — Broncos are prone to gravel rash on trails.
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Underbody:
• Inspect for rust, scrapes, or damage from off-roading (frame rails, skid plates, suspension arms).
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2. Powertrain & Drivetrain
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Engine options:
• 2.3L EcoBoost (4-cylinder turbo) → listen for turbo whine or hesitation.
• 2.7L EcoBoost (V6 twin-turbo) → ask about valve issues (some early 2.7s suffered dropped valves leading to engine failure). Check if it’s still under powertrain warranty.
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Transmission:
• Manual (7-speed w/crawler gear) → shift through all gears to check for notchy engagement.
• Automatic (10-speed) → ensure smooth shifts, no hesitation or hard downshifts.
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4WD system:
• Engage all drive modes (4H, 4L, 2H).
• Test lockers (if Sasquatch package) & sway bar disconnect (on Badlands).
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3. Suspension, Wheels, & Tires
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Check for modifications:
• Aftermarket lifts can wear ball joints and tie rods prematurely.
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Tire wear:
• Sasquatch models have 35” Goodyear Territory MTs — check for uneven wear (alignment issue) or chunking (off-road damage).
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Steering components:
• Early Broncos had tie rod failures under extreme off-road use. Inspect for bends or replacements.
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4. Interior & Electronics
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Check electronics:
• SYNC 4 infotainment — test for freezes/reboots.
• Verify camera systems (360° view), parking sensors, and factory auxiliary switches.
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Check for water leaks:
• Remove roof panels and inspect for staining or smells (some early builds had weather sealing issues).
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Upholstery:
• Marine-grade vinyl (optional) → look for cracking/sun damage.
• Leather → check for excessive wear on bolsters.
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5. Ownership History
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Off-road use:
• Ask the seller if the Bronco was used heavily off-road (not a dealbreaker, but you’ll want to inspect undercarriage more closely).
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Recalls & service campaigns:
• Verify completion of roof replacement, tailgate strut recall, and any other Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs).
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Accident history:
• Check Carfax/AutoCheck for major repairs or salvage titles.
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6. Test Drive
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Listen for wind noise at highway speed (especially on hardtops).
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Test steering response — early Broncos had reports of vague steering feel.
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Ensure all drive modes (G.O.A.T. modes) engage without errors.
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Pro Tips
Prefer 2023+ models if possible (Ford addressed early build issues).
If buying a 2021–2022, confirm hardtop replacement.
Extended Ford factory warranties are worth considering for 2.7L engines.
