I'm thinking about getting another Bronco to replace mine that I no longer have (that's the short version).

But I am kind of spoiled. Some of you have seen pics of my '90. It was a red and tan Eddie Bauer. It had a dent or two but overall was in fantastic shape. The paint had the original factory shine on it. Zero rust. No peeling and no oxidation. People thought it was an aftermarket paint job. The interior was spotless and there were no rips or stains anywhere.

I paid $3500 for it five years ago and would gladly pay that again. But it seems that every time I see one in similar condition, the owner wants $5000 for it.

Am I out of touch for wanting to pay $3000 to $3500 for a near-mint, rust-free Bronco?

 

You're suffering from what I like to call the "antiques road-show" phenomenon. I used to be able to drive the "used car strip" here as late as two years ago and see a handful of Big Broncos skulking in the back row of some rinky-dink sales lot. Now if you see them at all, they are up front, sometimes on the turntable, and deliberately set between a pair of subcompacts to show of its bulk. Folks who are in possession of a Bronco (any model year not just 66-77's) are beginning to see the potential value in what they have. OTHER people seek them out. Anyone who HAD one, remembers what a great vehicle it was. Anyone who HAS one, has either heard this or knows themselves what a value there is in keeping it. The early units (66-77) have gone through the roof in value (a rusted out shell with fenders cut and no motor tips the scales at $3K-$5K if you look at 66-77's) simply because they have shown up in movies (Speed {1994})and celebrity driveways (Ted Nugent, Alan Jackson, to name only a pair) in record numbers in the past few years. The full size units aren't far behind. They have a recognizable nameplate that has seen the national spotlight and they have withstood time and criticism and come through with an irrefutable reputation for being "a good ol' Ford" which is a compliment in most instances.

I don't necessarily like to see it happen from a buyers standpoint but I can see the writing on the wall that automotive culture is gradually hanging the "collectible" status marker on our ol' friend the full-size Bronco. In all honesty, I think that is what you are seeing in the price hike from a few years ago.

Be picky and persistent and a deal may come along. It is just getting harder to find one with the fact that this phenomenon is flourishing.

 

Bronco's were born ugly, run ugly, stay ugly. A pretty one belongs in San Francisco, if you know what I mean.

 

Maybe in the near future when gas reaches $4 per gallon the prices of gashog trucks/suvs will drop.Back in 08 when gas reached $4 I paid $3500 for a rust free Bronco from Hawaii.A Navy officer had it shipped back when he retired and moved back to the states.When gas prices went crazy his wife made him sell it.

 

It always depends on who's selling it.
Keep your eyes open, they show up.

I just purchased an '84 that's looks nearly brand new (even smells new inside). There's a tiny dent on the fender, and a little wear on the seat where people slid in and out. He bought it from the original owners and it has 99k on it. The guy converted it from a 1bbl to a 4bbl and screwed up the ignition and couldn't get it running so got tired of it sitting. $600 for the Bronco.

$400 extra into it including an all new engine back exhaust, some tuning and new parts, and I have nearly a brand new truck.

Deal show up. Just depends on how long you want to wait.

 

So if I have a super clean Bronco I must be gay?

Thanks for the intelligent input.

 

Yeah, isn't it great... I'm surprised his suggestion wasn't to just skip it because they all need the distributor rebuilt!

By the way g-k, my 93 is damned pretty and my WIFE happens to love it! Go to hell. Sorry, I'm done.

WheelMA1, if you need to reprimand me or send me away, fine. I've had it! Best of luck Andy. You've been a great help.

 

G_K must be on meds cuz that dude says the most off the wall things sometimes. if your trying to be funny stop cuz your not good at it.

Gas from what i have heard is expected to go up a bunch so i would hold off if you can. I also suggest looking on craigslist up here in Oregon. I readily see nice broncos for good prices in great shape.

 

Well i tend to agree that my Bronco(yes Ford) is pretty also, not that i dont do weekend mudding 52 times a year but its there when i need it .Gay not yet .My 92 i bought in 94 , Andy, i looked hard--it was like a job,( to find my present one.)Look look look, hopefully a deal will be in your near future Goodluck TR

 

Buy an ugly one and make it pretty, see, let me break it down for you,
There's guys with broncos that are pretty, those guys, and I'm not mentioning any names (Grey, Kelli_) know that they've got a good truck and they want what they want for them.

Now that dude with an ugly bronco, but in good mechanical conditon, is more likely to let one go for the ugly price, but pretty to you (3500) and you get the pleasure of making it pretty and driving it to San Francisco (euphemism).

 

Like I said San Francisco:

1989 Bronco

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/2143430712.html

this one is probably a scam:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/2142593536.html maybe somebody from sac could check it out.

 

1995 Ford Bronco

Hmmm, seems to be alot of Bronco's for sale in SF, and If I'm not mistaken that's close to SAC, and so why would someone be not finding Bronco's for under 3,500 and ...

 

Bingo; here's the ugly one.

1982 Full Size Ford Bronco

 

Hey, Andym, what is that song by the Beatles?

Something about "Get Back, Get Back, Get Back to where you once belonged?"

Well, here it is:

1989 Ford Bronco

San Francisco, how appropriate.

 

How do you know when your "jokes" suck? when you need to make 5 posts in order for others to actually understand it...

Btw, the "ugly to pretty" thing is a rather expensive experience, just think on the price of a proper paintjob (and that's supposing you have a mechanically sound truck and the body parts have no rust at all).

Andy, i would keep my eyes open a little longer and also keep track of fuel prices.

P.S.: If you don't get a good deal soon, please rebuild the distributor, apparently that solves every problem known to humanity.