I recently came upon a 1979 Bronco for sale. It is in absolutely stellar condition. It has 83,000 original miles (hasn't been driven much). The seller is asking $12,000. Should I buy it? What are some questions to ask? Is it worth that much?

 

Well, for the best of the second gen broncos out there, the price is maybe on the high side. but not unheard of. It's WORTH is up to you, its price value is probably not as high as the asking price though. If you don't know much about these trucks then I would say don't buy a nice one. buy the cheapest dirtiest one you can find, see if you like it, imagine what it would be like fixed up, and then make the decision to fix that one yourself, buy the nice one, or decide its not your thing. Now that's just me, because 12 grand is no experiment for me. if I was going to spend 12 grand on anything i wouldn't need to ask someone else opinion. however if you can afford it, and being disappointed would hurt you that bad (not that i know anyone who's ever been disappointed with a bronco) then go for it.

But yeah, in short: I would steer clear of the high price until you yourself know more about these rigs. Buy a cheap one for 2-3k and drive it around. If you are meant to be a bronco person you WILL fall in love with it. then you have 9k leftover to make it your own and it will be worth more money to you than anyone could buy it for.

If you would rather just dive headfirst into a 12k bronco then just take it to a mechanic and pay him 100 bucks to inspect every inch of it. (it wont take more than an hour or two these second gen broncos are simple) He should check compression in all cylinders. oil, trans fluid/clutch, coolant, gear oil and such for any debris or contamination. check for rust, refinishing, maybe even see if the engine numbers match the vin. tire tread and quality. obviously if all gauges, switches, and lights work. hmm, all u joints anmd bearings. for 12k everything has to be perfect.

 

He's priced it for the low miles and good body/interior... To someone who wants a real nice '79 - that would be a fair price for a pristine un-molested example.

The question is why a 79?

A later model will be much nicer as a driver and get better mileage too

 

This is also a good point. What do you want out of the truck? all around comfort and technology plus larger support group? or bulletproof and unique but a bit rugged?

 

The bulletproof/unique/rugged option. It's absolutely beautiful inside and out, and, like you said, very unique. I've always wanted a bronco, and I'm sure it's a ton of fun. But, echoing what everyone else said, not sure I can justify spending that much considering the gas mileage and age. Hoping someone could convince me to get it. Really depends if it's in good shape, and if I can talk the seller down on the price.

 

Here's a picture

 

IMO for 12k it had better be 100% perfect and 100% original with all the options. Those side mirrors are not original or period correct.

 

Thanks. The everything else seems pretty original to me. The tape player is still there despite the addition of a new CD player, and it still has the CB radio.

 

Well, it's a beautiful truck. I certainly would not kick it out the driveway

If you like the ride and it drives good, go for it. They don't come along like very often ...

 

Those mirrors look just like the ones on my 79 Bronco that we bought new. Ours are black while stainless steel was optional. Back in 1978 the new full loaded ones on the lot were going for the sticker price which was just under $13,000. We ordered a new 79 with not many options listing at $8,400 and bought it for $7,500. Remember those were 1978 dollars. The 79 in the picture is a beauty. I did notice the Bronco in the picture has a tail pipe on the drivers side. Ours has single exhaust on the passenger side. Maybe the dual exhaust came with the 400 engine. I think a complete restoration on a Bronco could cost a lot more than 12K, The suggestion to have it thoroughly checked out is a great idea. Patrick

 

I would bet a set of door panel metal finger cups that the mirrors on the Bronco in this thread, are not OEM type 9's for a 73-79.

I say that because the mount brackets are not all above the dent line. And the mirror body itself is rounded and not squared off, like all other 73-79 Type 9's.

To me they look like 80's to 90's style mirror and are mounted with the dent line in the middle.

Just an observation, and now for me to go back to the truck side of the fence.

I am just trying to make sure the OP is not getting told it is all original and 100% correct and worth the 12k asking price, that is all.

 

My apologies about the mirror. I just just now looked at the mirrors on our 79 Bronco. They are completely above the dent not like this one. I guess the Bronco in the picture has had a complete paint job at least, otherwise the holes for the original mirrors would be there. What else is covered over? Hmm.

 

No worries or apologies necessary, it was just an observation on my part.

 

If you decide you aren't interested, would you please post where it is located? I'm looking for a blue and white one.
Thanks

 

Hb01 have you made a decision on whether you are going to by the Bronco? If not, will you give me the location and/or the contact info? Thanks.