Since most of you probably have a better idea than I, what would the approximate value be for an 1989 EB, 67K (Verified), no rust, runs / shifts well, new tires, 4wd & ac work well, body clean with faded paint - some door dings, but pretty straight. Underside of truck is clean & dry. It has some (minor?) issues – tailgate window does not operate (from dash or key switch), door strikers need replacement, passenger pwr locks do not operate from either door switch, dash lights do not work, and wiper switch is intermittent. Dealer wants 5200. KBB puts the value at 4300. I was thinking of taking them 4200 cash. I know it’s difficult to judge without seeing the truck, but I’m just wondering if I’m in the ballpark here. Been looking for a while – prices vary greatly! Also, are the door strikers as easy to replace as they look (screw out old, screw in new)? All input is greatly appreciated!

 

As a recent buyer of a 1993 Bronco I feel I can contribute feedback in this regard.

I looked for 5 years for the "Perfect Bronco". (Perfect meaning in my mind, inexpensive enough to be a good deal, equiped with the right options, little to no body damage, light body rust, yet having enough mechanical faults to warrant upgrading certain components) I found mine for $1,800 3 weeks ago. It needs a Tranny Rebuild, Rear Main Seal, Tires in about a year, and could benefit from a new engine (this one runs fine, but has 166k miles on it) 2 or so years in the future. I bought mine from a private owner.

As far as Dealers, buying a truck, especially a 4x4 in the middle of winter is hard. They always bump up the price when the threat of snow comes around. If you want to negotiate with him, you will have to subtly remind the dealer that this is an old style SUV. One that looks, drives, and works like an actual truck. Not some Car/SUV Crossover that some soccer mom is going to want. Get him to see it as a Niche vehicle (which it is rapidly becoming. How many Full Size 2 Door SUVs are out there anymore) Niche vehicles can go 2 ways. Very Expensive due to rarity, or Very Cheap to move them to motivated buyers. You don't normally find the Very Cheap ones. Hit the Dealer with the niche angle, then show him print outs of other Broncos in the area for less. (I recommend doing to eBay or AutoTrader to find cheap listings to bargain them down) You don't have to be interested in these other Broncos, just tell him you are.

$5200 is a very high price for an 89. Even one with such low miles. If I can get a 1993 Bronco XLT for $1,800 with all the accessories working perfectly, no dings, except 3 on the tailgate, light rust on rear wheel wells, and in need of a tranny rebuild (could go couple thousand miles before really needing it), you should be able to get one with the listed faults for less than $4,200. If they are slaping a warranty on it for over 30 days, that might make it worth more. Have you checked all the fluids for any suspicious symptoms? (Oil in the coolant saying blown head gasket, burnt smell in the tranny fluid needing a rebuild, etc.) If you have been shopping long, (as it sounds like you have) you have to know what you are looking at. Kelly Blue Book apprased my Bronco at $4,400.

If you are ready to give them $4,200 for it you must like it. I just suggest haggling alot, and get as much of a warranty as possible. If they are not willing to give you a warranty, and you are paying in cash, then you are pretty much loosing all the benefits of purchasing from a dealer and would be better off buying from a private owner who you can negotiate with more.

But, that's my opinion.
Good hunting!

-Pendor

 

I agree thats a high price. what motor is in it? I wouldnt bother with any bronco unless it has a 5.8 . its a better truck motor and gets about the same mpg as a 5.0

 

I personally like the 302. Since all the Mustang Owners out there have more money than they know what to do with, there are alot of aftermarket parts availible for the 5.0. More than the 5.8. I probably would have gone with a 351 given a choice, but I'm not upset with my 302.

-Pendor

 

Thanks for the input! The motor is a 351. Although I have no issue with the 302, I reckon the "guy" in me covets the few extra cubes. Based on my observations in this market (TX), anything decent starts around $3K in the 88 - 89 vintage, to as much as $8K for an exceptional 96. Of course - dealers always tend to be a little higher. In this case - they are not offering any form of warranty, its basically "as is". If you trust KBB, they show a retail of $4400 for an EB in "Good" condition in my zip code. Personnally I think that's a tad high - as "Good" condition indicates that everything is working, which its not.

 

I also agree $5200 is high. It doesnt sound like there is any extras into the Bronco for the added price. $4200 sound about right, maybe even a little lower $4000. It never hurts to start lower than usually. It might benefit through haggling.