hey all,

I went to look over an 89 bronco II this morning. It's in relatively good condition outside, inside needs updating - door cards are grotty, center console is broke, headliner is sagging.

It drives pretty well but I just felt the truck had no get up and go. It was pretty slugish - it took a long time to get up over 55 and I felt I was really pushing it at that point. Brakes, steering all seem in good condition.

The seller was being pretty honest. He said he needs to top up the oil and coolant quite regularly.

I am looking to get a daily driver which I can upgrade, update as I go along. He wants $2k which I think is fair looking around at whats on the market now. My main worries are - I commute 50 miles each day and most of that is freeway and the engine seems really sluggish and would annoy me having to cruise on my commute.

The other issue is the back seat. I can't put my kids in the truck as there is only lap belts and I can't fit their chairs.

So at this point it seems I am probably going to pass which is a shame as it's a really nice truck but I just don't think it will be suitable as a daily driver. Can anyone convince me otherwise?

 

It sounds like you've already made a pretty honest evaluation. Perhaps you have an affection for the Broncos, which is fine, but trying to shoehorn it in to a daily driver role might not be the best idea. Perhaps you'd be better off finding one that you can fix up on the side and have a different, more kid friendly, and reliable commuter vehicle in the meantime?

 

We've been very happy with our Bronco II as my daily driver and our family vehicle for the past 5 years and even use it on most of our family trips. At 20mpg driving 50 miles/day you might search for something more efficient. I have no trouble holding around 70mph on the expressway, 80 would be pushing it though. If the one you tested was struggling at 55mph, with the leaks you mentioned, it might be best to pass on that particular Bronco II.