Questions on the 80's Broncos

Hey, 

I'm looking into getting a bronco, but have very little knowledge about what normal wear and tear is and how much they should cost. I am trying to find an old running low priced bronco, but don't know what to look for in the vehicle. I've seen a couple 1986 ones in my area. What do you know about that year and those vehicles?

Yo Jimmy,

Welcome!

➡⚠ Member dash_cam offers very good advice on having an independent inspection done at sellers location! If you cant inspect it yourself, post Location in the noobie section and ask members for their help or seek out an ASE certified shop in area to inspect it for you. ASE is National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, read about it @ https://www.ase.com/About-ASE.aspx.
Find an ASE shop @ https://www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
Google each for reviews especially in Yelp, Facebook, BBB.
Check Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for Model Year & Engine Type (for example; 5.0, 5.8, 4.9 or 351W CID 5.8 4 BBL Carb, etc.).
VIN Decoder; for 81-86 & 87-96 Bronco & Ford Truck @ http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fd/full.aspx?

Our Navy Federal Credit Union suggests using https://www.nadaguides.com for finding the "value" of a vehicle.

Order a CARFAX™. Although not all accident info May not be provided, other important info is provided @ https://www.carfax.com

VINCheck® by National Insurance Crime Bureau is a free service provided to the public to assist in determining if a"... vehicle has been reported as stolen, but not recovered, or has been reported as a salvage vehicle by cooperating NICB member insurance companies. To perform a search, a vehicle identification number (VIN) is required. A maximum of five searches can be conducted within a 24-hour period per IP address." @ https://www.nicb.org/vincheck

While you take a test drive, have someone stay behind or follow and check for leak puddles, exhaust smoke, tire shimmy, etc.

Besides the usual visual, driveability and leak checks, look for:
Engine Oil level: If the oil level is low, chances are the engine uses oil or leaks. Beware of water in the oil (there is probably a cracked block or bad head gasket), or thin, dirty oil with a distinct gasoline smell (this may indicate internal engine problems).

• oil pan rust - our's formed spots @ 62k miles - sand it down and prime/paint it w/Rust Bullet Automotive) & high temp. paint - too time-consuming replacement for such a basic thing as not having better gauge and paint by Ford
  
• try opening and closing tailgate and moving glass
  
• radiator plastic side seam leaks, esp. during engine cool-down period/overnight - our's leaked @ 50k miles & again just recently - look for leaks after engine has cooled down, esp overnight
  
• auto tranny -
  For  C6 or AOD automatic transmission, look for leaks around pan from (front) Pump seal. Observe color and odor of the fluid. It should be red, not brown or black. Dark brown or black fluid that has distinct burnt odor, indicates a transmission in need of repair or overhaul.
  Odor may indicate overheating condition, clutch disc or band failure. Use an absorbent white facial tissue and wipe the fluid level indicator. Examine the stain for evidence of solid particles and for engine coolant signs (gum or varnish on fluid level indicator).
  If particles are present in the fluid or there is evidence of engine coolant or water, the transmission pan must be removed for further inspection.
  
• Cash is King!!!
  "Cashier’s checks can be forged, money orders can be forged, and personal/business checks can be forged. Cash can also be, but it’s harder to make believable and easier to test. Take a powerful magnet with you. Yes a magnet. You see, on top of ID strips and watermarks, the ink the federal reserve uses has iron in it, therefore it will be attracted to a powerful magnet.
  "by Froggmann @ https://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/41-broncos-sale-75-posts-required-post/125049-8-steps-protect-yourself-when-selling-vehicle.html
  Banks cash fakes, then hold you responsible. ..
  As craigslist advises, "Do not extend payment to anyone you have not met in person.
  Beware offers involving shipping - deal with locals you can meet in person.
  Never wire funds (e.g. Western Union) - anyone who asks you to is a scammer.
  
  Sometimes a seller may "promise" to return a certain amount of money during negotiations..
  Transactions are between users only, no third party provides a "guarantee".
  Never give out financial info (bank account, social security #, paypal account, etc).
  
• Good hunting!
  
• Al
  

Thank you, that was very helpful. I will definitely make sure to look for those things.