My grandson is looking at a decent 1987 Bronco with 280k. No rust, but need a paint job. Automatic with a 351 that runs. Brakes work, interior worn. The seller is asking $1,000 with decent tires. I expect that to really put it into shape it will need a tranny flush (Is that a C-6 tranny) and maybe brakes, hoses, etc, but I think it might be a good buy. Thoughts??

 

At 280k I would want to change all the fluids, not just the tranny fluid. I would also expect that it's in need of most things in the front end: ball joints, tie rods, radius arm bushings, u joints etc.

$1000 is probably a reasonable price if there is no rust and it's straight with no major problems, but expect to put more in it.

 

I agree. With a vehicle that age, it's not a matter of sailing on down the road; miles add up. Suspension sees most of the wear.

 

Came down to driving it and the tranny had some big problems. Slams into gear and takes a couple of seconds to go into reverse. I decided my grandson didn't want that one....since I was footing the purchase. Thanks for the comments.

 

Yep. Sometimes the cheap ones turn out more expensive.