Hi folks,
I managed to find a 1987 Bronco (full size) sitting in a local lot with only 36,000 (yeah, 36K) miles on it and the owner wants to get rid of it. I'm having trouble figuring out what sort of offer to make - I've never bought a car this old or one that's been sitting for more than a couple months - this has been sitting there for 10-12 years! I was told that it was working perfectly with no issues at all the day it was parked on the lot. I'm also sort of at a loss for what it's going to cost me to get it back in good running shape to be a weekly driver. My plan is to get it in good running shape, use it as my car for the winter, then sell it in March or April. A '86 Bronco II with 43K miles and the smaller V6 just sold on ebay for $11K, but it was MINT. Would this Bronco having lower miles and better specs also be worth in the $10K - $11K range?

I'm also hoping to get some ideas on things to look out for when I go and pop the hood and take a more in-depth look. My current plan is to do this before I even put a key in the ignition: Oil change, tranny fluid change, power steering and brake fluid change, flush radiator, drain gas tank + new gas lines + new gas filters + fresh gas, new battery. After all that is done, then I'll try to start it. I'm hoping I'll be able to drive it off the lot after that. If not - what do I look for?

I only had 5 minutes to look at it and spoke to the owner's son who didn't have all the info readily available, but here's what I've got:

• 1987, 36K miles, V8 engine, 4x4, topper with the rolldown rear window
• The rear door was heavily rusted and replaced with a '96 door about 8 years ago. This door now has very minimal rust at the bottom - a couple spots here and there, no bigger than 2"-3"
• Interior looks to be in pretty good shape when viewed through the windows
• Oversize wheels

So to recap, if anyone has input on the following items, it would make my life a lot easier and a ton of internet karma will be coming your way!

1. What kind of offer to make to the owner and how much money should I expect to have to put into it to get it in reasonable running shape?
2. What do you think I could sell it for once running nicely?
3. In addition to the work I listed above, anything I should do before I try to start it?

I realize this is sort of vague and a long read, so I really, really, really appreciate any advice that you have for me. I have very little experience buying/selling/working on old trucks, so I'll take all the help I can get.

 

"I have very little experience buying/selling/working on old trucks," But that's what you want to do?

That's what I would call a "Freudian slip" it's you telling you what to do.

Don't spend a bunch of money to learn about "buying/selling/working on old trucks"

Get a cheaper used one.

Hey I got one for sale. Just sayin'.

 

Total purchase price will be roughly $750-$1000. I think it's a pretty cheap education and something to fill my downtime this winter

Got any specific pointers for me?

 

i highly doubt that truck has that low of mileage. the od only shows digits so it very well could have rolled over at least once. Also that year has the infamous top hat hub design. this setup was only on bronco's for 2 years and are expensive to maintain or find parts. If the rig is to just get you thru winter then i wouldnt spend more than $1000 and get a carfax so you know exactly what your in for. It also wouldnt hurt to take it by a reputable mechanic before you buy it and pay them an hours labor to check everything out. this should only run you maybe $80 and be worth its weight.

now i am not sure where you are located but here on the west coast you can find newer broncos that havent been sitting for 10yrs and still only run you maybe $1500

 

Just be real warry of that being the original dash pod or having rollover miles. That sounds sketchy. Only a closer examination can tell what its really worth, if your anywhere north check out the frame real good.

 

Only 36k miles, but the original tailgate was rusted enough to replace it?? That alone seems sketchy to me. Then again, maybe it was parked on a city street and got flung with salt and was never washed (and if thats the case, how well did the PO take care of everything else)?

Why was it sitting unused for 8 years? My bronco isn't my daily driver, but I make sure to run it once a week or so.

People will be much better to assess purchase price if you post some pics (show the tailgate, fenders, frame, engine bay, brakes...).

 

The odo on those old broncos read only up to 99,999 then it goes back to zero, so that truck could be 136,000, 236,000 or even more, i would search a little more before taking that one, as Kem stated already you could find a nicer one running for a little more than that.

For it to be a reliable truck you would be needing to replace every hose and belt to begin with, that alone could go over 200$. I say find a newer one running, test drive it and be happier.