Purchasing my 1st Bronco

[martinhunter]

Hi I'm new to the site and Ive been checking out all the excellent info on here for a while and see that this can be a very useful tool when needed or to rhare imfo to a fellow member when their in need.

So growing up my dad had a 1980 full size bronco and I have some awsome memories in that thing. Ive always wanted to get one and now iam. I just wanted to check with you guys to see if what im about to pay is a good price for this. Its a 89 with the 302 5 speed tranny, body is in good shape, interior has a few rips. the motor has 165,000 and it has a 4'' lift with 35 BF Goodrich tires that have 50% left. The current owner says that it burns about a half quart of oil a month. Says everything works mechanically and 4 wheel works great. Im gonna give him $2800. Does this sound like a pretty good deal or not?

 

[broncoguru]

It sounds like a good deal. As long as the rust isnt too bad. How is the the tailgate? They usually the worst thing about it. I bet you could still talk him down a bit, these trucks do **** alot of gas. Which is a good haggleing point. You can find interiors anywhere. As long as your no picky. Whta state are you in? Southern trucks are rust free, typically. Its a good deal if it isnt rotted. Plus, if there is, they are cheap fixs for that too.

 

[Skitter302]

I got my 1989 for $1800 in November. I have no tailgate rust and about 153k. If I were you I'd try to haggle closer to $2000, but have all $2800 just in case the seller doesn't like being talked down. You can use the interior rips and any rust spots you see as a haggling point. And make sure you test the rear window both at the cab switch and at the key. Also, look to see if the seal has rotted out.

 

[miesk5]

yo martinhunter,

WELCOME!

I don't like hearing about it burning about a half quart of oil a month. Expect that to get worse over time.

And it also depends upon how many avg miles per month the seller drives. I had an Audi Q once and it burned only one quart per month, but I drove it only 150 miles per month to train station.

Ask seller for service receipts to see how many miles/month he has driven.

Let seller know that a Ford rebuilt engine goes for about;

on 30 DEC 2010 a Ford Reman 5.8 long block is 2308.00 exchange. 2210.00 for a 5.0; Ford dealer prices in the Mid-South for a Reman 5.0 is $1914.56 WITHOUT installation

best and cheapest repair case is worn valve guide seals

worse case is rings are shot ($$$$)

Inspect all fluids, and take a nice long test drive; ask someone to follow you to see hom much it smokes and to spot any unusual things such as Dogtracking, parts hanging close to road, etc.

Operate everything from radio to 4x4.

GL!