Ny daughter wants to buy a 1988 Bronco. We don't know any mechanics. The truck is in good shape, but lacks a current inspection sticker. The registration expires 2004. Owner says truck has slight valve knock(?) and slight exhaust leak. I chewed him down from $1,000 to $450. I am very skeptical, but my 17 year old daughter love the truck.

Any opinions out there?

Thanks,

Lauran

 

I would take it to a mechanic and pay him a few bucks to tell you what he knows could be wrong. We have guys around here that will pop the hood and check a few things as well as the emissions stuff for free. For $450. for an 88, that's not bad at all. I would almost buy it regardless but don't want you to get in too deep repair wise. My 89 would not pass emissions but I have no catalytic convertor on it.

Some of the other guys will maybe give you more details on what to look for so be patient, they will respond. If you do buy it, visit this site often because it is a fantastic database of knowledge.

Good luck with it.

 

If this helps... last month I sold an 87 XLT with no tranny, a busted brake power booster, a leaky a/c compressor, and a worn-out interior for $500.

The guy had to tow it home and more than happy when he left.

A few questions:
What engine does it have? 6 Cyl, or V8
What transmission? Auto or Manual
What's the mileage?
How's the body - rust wise? Check the tailgate.
Does the back window work?

I agree with fcarruth, at $450.00, it sounds hard to pass up. But there are few things to think about when putting a teenager in an older car.

Does your daughter have any interest in working on the truck on a regular basis? Without seeing it, I can guess it's going to need some TLC.

Do you have some money sitting aside for things that will come up later. Note, I did not say "might".

These things have large tanks and don't get the best mileage - filling it up can get pricey.

Some of the other folks should come along with other things to look for as well.

Don't get me wrong. I love my truck and everything about it. But I only like older cars and actually enjoy having to get my hands dirty. Good luck and keep us posted if she gets it. This place is a wealth of knowledge.

 

Hey Lauran -

IMO, full-size Broncos, and 4x4's in general, require a bit of driving experience to operate safely. (street or trail, but for the sake of my point, I'm talking about road manners) Broncos, and most real 4x4s have high center-of-gravity, are stiffly sprung, and are mostly unforgiving when asking more than it can offer, handling-wise. I had to think through this carefully when my son got his license this year, and of course, wanted my Bronco to drive. I wanted a new truck anyway, so I considered it, but ultimately decided it just wasn't a good idea - right now, at least. Even at slow speeds, all it takes is a "bit of a crank too far," to get the Bronco on two wheels, or worse, it's top.

My son and I ended up buying a vintage ('85) Volvo 244, which we've been restoring, he and I have been very happy with it. Not saying it's everybody's answer, but for us, a smaller, lower, safer answer to a first car. My guess, considering he's always helped me work on the Bronco, is that he'll someday own a 4x4, but it'll be after he's got some miles on him - even a year or two will make a big differnce.

Ya know those pictures on the ten o'clock news of a wadded-up SUV on the side of the road? I'm convinced it's mostly a result of not knowing how to drive same. SUVs - especially heavy, full-sized ones, aren't sports cars, and will definitely bite you hard if you drive one like it. (as most teenagers are bound to do)

As far as the '88 Bronco - I'd be a little shy about being on the road as described, without learning more about necessary repairs. There's nothing "small" about knocks and exhaust leaks. Never heard a valve "knock," - probably meant "rod," which is never a good thing. And many times, exhaust leaks lead to burned valves, which means top-end R&R probably. Equally important, at least to me, would be a complete inspection of the front end, and thorough inspection for rust. (all Broncos seem to have *some* rust - some Broncos are eaten beyond repair)

Dang. I just realized you forced me to admit I own and work on a Volvo, on the Big Bronco board.

sigh......

Good luck, which ever way you go.

Sincerely,

Joe Horn
'93 EB 5.0 116k

 

I'd definately consider the purchase - I think that the danger of the high center of gravity is made up for by the size and relative bulk.

Mine fared pretty well in my "welcome to colorado" accident this last winter. The other car looked to be totaled.

I guess that means I'd value my offspring's life more than that of other drivers, but hey let their dads take care of them.

In all seriousness, I wouldn't let your daughter drive the truck without getting the knocking fixed. Too many things could go wrong and someone who is inexperienced in driving is also inexperienced in getting help.

One other drawback - guys like me can't stop from looking at a girl driving a real truck (I'd certainly count a Bronco). So you might be doing some unwanted advertizing. Of course, you might get her out of the house sooner. Just depends on how you look at it.

 

Well i say go for it. im a 17 yo guy and ive always driven "trucks" as the others said, it isnt hard to get on 2 wheels. been there done that, and it isnt a pleasnt feeling. i got my 92 for only 1300 and it runs better than my brothers 93 YJ and he payed 4x as much. when/if you do buy it ride with her for a while so she takes it slow on purpose(my parents did it to me) thne when you feel comfy letting her drive it, have the neighboors keep an eye on her driving(again, parents do it to me) then really get on her about it when she deos get caught speeding(police or neighboors)(trust me every teen drives fast) also explaining the differnt physics(like everyone else said) of the truck vs a sedan or scports car. shell also need to adjust to the width of the bronco. i used to drive a b2 and that thing was narrow. when i got my Bronco, it took liek a week to figure out where to cruise in lanes to no hit others. alot of the other things i was going to say was already covered.
Tim

 

It think big ol truck gave you the best advice. Be prepared to work on it on a pretty regular basis. Normal cost to have someone do repairs on that truck. Rebuilt engine $2000-3000, Tranny $1400-1800, brakes with all components it will most likely need given the age $450-600 an axle. I would jump on it in a heart beat for $450, Of course, I like rebuilding engines and can do everything but tranny work. They do not handle, ride, or stop well compared to newer cars. Gas mileage is pathetic. I don't quite agree with the argument that they tend to flip easier. In my job I have seen hundreds of accidents and I have seen more cars flip than suvs. When you lock up the brakes like most people do in accidents, the suv slides just as well as a car does. With stock tires, there should be no problems. I would let her look at other smaller and newer suvs just to get a feel for the differences. If she likes the removeable top look, there are jeeps, trackers, sidekicks, and amigos that she should try. I am not saying that they are a better 4X4 but you need to look at what you are going to use it for. I sold my jeep cj-7 and bought the bronco because I needed something to tow with, has room for 4+ a dog, and can carry luggage for a weekend. Plus, I like the looks and the 4wd. Fair warning though, I bought mine with a perfect interior/exterior and already have put $3000 in mechanicals before I thought it was reliable enough to let my wife drive with my kids.