I found this on craigslist. This is a very nice looking ride. I just can't Blue Book it because of the age. I live in Michigan and anything older then '97 has some rust. The older Fords are usually eaten away to nothing here in Northern, MI.

Here is the posting:
For Sale 1985 Ford Full size Bronco, Rebuilt Motor. Transmission, New Fuel tank, New Radiator ( oversized aliminum ). New brakes, Newer Tires. Many Many more new items. Just bought another vehicle, too many in yard time to start selling things off. **** No overseas offers will be responded to ***** Body in good shape. Serious buyers only no tire kickers. Make me a good offer and we will talk.<!-- START CLTAGS -->


This is what I have found out about the truck: (According to the seller)
Has a slow oil leak, rear main seal?
Rear body mounts are rusty but not rusted out.
Runs great and very dependable. Engine, tranny and 4x4 are all working great.
The rear window motor does not work.

What do you guys say, he is looking to get $2000 for it. I have never owneda Bronco but I have always liked them and might be a little obsessed with them right now. If anyone has an unbiased opinion to share I would appreciate it.

 

Personally, $2000 is a very fair price for a Bronco like that. New tires themselves are generally $500 or so, and you're getting a rebuilt motor and transmission with it with a bunch of other goodies.
Common oil leaks are the oil pan gasket, if it's overtorqued, rear main seal (although that's usually a LOT of oil), valve cover gasket, or a poorly installed oil pressure sender.

Rear window motors go out and are only a 'pain' to replace, but nothing serious. They're not very expensive either (I think $50). If it's a wiring issue with the rear, it's usually in several very key places which are easy to diagnose.



Which motor is in it? Which transmission?

 

i would have to disagree. that price is way to high. you dont really know if the tranny/engine are rebuilt. if the rear main leaks personally thats a good sign it hasnt or was done very poorly making. not sure where your located but i can find newer model broncos in better condition here in oregon for under 2k and have efi and be in far better shape. if you like it take it to a shop and pay the hours labor to have it inspected. it will be way worth it. 2k is a lot of money to be spending these days.
I feel its only worth $800-1200 at best.

 

i live in illinois and the rust problem is about the same around here, but i gotta say 2grand for an 85 bronco is insanely high for what you described.800-1200 is way more realistic. am i the only one that gets worried when people sell vehicles because they have too many sitting around.i like to hope people are honest but theyre probably all sitting around cause the guy is a hackjob mechanic

 

Yeah, $2000 is way too much for that truck. I wouldn't spend more than half that on it. $1200 is generous.

 

The guy told me it was a 305 with an automatic tranny. I am sure he meant 302. I guessed if he did't know the engine size then I wouldn't push him to tell me what the tranny is. He'd probably tell me it is a C40d or some other nonsense.

 

yeah i just called him up and he said it has a hi-output 305 with a 6-71 blower, an alison tranny, and triple np 200 transfer cases. he also said it has 404 portal axles. i take it back, 2000 is a hell of a deal!!! he also claimed to have a bridge in san fransico that he said he'd throw in for cheap

 

I think thats way too much, but hey what do I know about Broncos...

 

Thanks Guys! I will go and check it out and see if I can talk him down on the price.

 

Good call, I bought my 92 Eddie Bauer with no rust/perfect body and interior with 125k for 2500.00 only needed a front seal and a steering box. I look at broncos all the time that is too much. I live north of denver about an hour and there are all kinds of 92-96 broncos for 2k that are nice, if he wont come down be patient and you will find one

 

I passed it up, I didn't get the feeling he was to flexible with price. It need way more then he let on about. It was quite rusty and had a lot of spray foam insulation to keep it from leaking. Not exactly as nice as it was advertised to be. Maybe the next one will be worth looking at.

 

sorry to hear that, but not really. im glad you didnt get suckered in on a scrap pile

 

seriously, check on the west coast for a bronco. ive seen 92+ broncos in really great shape for 1500 or more. you could easily buy and drive it back.

 

I wish I had time to do that! I work way to much, go to school and have a pregnant wife and two kids already. Does anyone want to deliver a nice Bronco from out west to me?

Now I will go to bed crying and knowing there is a nice Bronco with my name on just out of reach. LOL

I will find one eventually, or at least a nice ext cab Ford truck.

 

yeah those are my options too. bronco,extended cab, or minivan.got one kid and one on the way. i'd love to get an excursion but there kinda out of my price range, and that would be overkill for two kids cause i'm callin it quits after this one. a visit to the doc to get snipped