When prepping a vintage vehicle for daily use, the slope is slippery if you decide to get it to practically turnkey status in terms of reliability. The “while you’re in there” approach to vehicle repair is not without its merits – you may find some labor efficiencies tied to replacing parts in the same general vicinity of each other – but if you’re not careful, you can end up with a rebuilt vehicle that you feel owes you some money when it comes time to sell. This clean 1993 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer Edition listed here on craigslist was properly gone through so the seller’s wife could drive it without concern, and the asking price of $19,500 likely reflects the scale of the recent repairs. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the find.
Now, the Ford Bronco is one of those trucks that can pull a fairly high sale price if the condition and specs align with the 90s truck enthusiasts are looking for. However, there’s a fairly significant drop-off in terms of desirability with Broncos of all eras, as the truck in question would have to be fairly special to pull top dollar. And given how many of these highly usable rigs were set aside as future collector’s items, there’s usually a low mileage specimen lurking somewhere, especially as you get into the later productions years and special trims like this one. This Bronco has clearly been driven, and has 188,000 miles on the chassis (but under 30K on a replacement engine and transmission.)
The seller has swapped in a rebuilt Jasper engine and transmission. Now, Jasper is a known quantity around most truck circles, and there was a time they even made a replacement engine for an old 1986 Isuzu Trooper I used to own. I’ve heard varying reports about the quality of the rebuilt units – some have great experiences, others not as great – but I would assume for an engine like the 5.8L V8 that came in the seller’s truck, it’d take some colossal mistakes to produce a faulty replacement mill. The same goes for the 4-speed automatic transmission, though it’s slightly surprising both needed replacing in a truck like the Bronco. Usually, a basic freshening up will suffice at the chassis mileage that this Ford is showing.
Power-wise, though, a quality rebuilt engine should mean this Bronco is making all of its factory-rated 200 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. The seller cites a total of $14,000 in repairs, with approximately $6,000 of that associated with the replacement engine, transmission, and labor to install, presumably. He cites $8,000 in other repairs and upgrades, which include chrome side steps, new BFGs, a replacement exhaust system, and an R134 A/C conversion. This Bronco likely can be driven anywhere at this point, but the question becomes if interested parties feel it’s worth the price given the total mileage is getting up there. I’ve learned this lesson too many times: if you’re counting every penny of your investment when it comes time to sell, start with the lowest-mileage example you can find if you want to get top dollar.
Well, I’ll take point on this one. I’ve got two (2) 4/5th Gen. Broncos. A 90′ I’ve had for 34 yrs., and a 96′ I’ve had for 11 yrs. The latter is the same EB with the same drivetrain, just a different paint scheme and a cloth ‘gut’. It’s surprising there’s no undercarriage photos There’s surface rust on the frame forward of the steer axle. Also, the only engine compartment shot, just shows the battery. Lastly, you’d have to have a fair amount of wear to replace that 351W and the EO4D. Most likely, a lack of maintenance. Truthfully, the $20K asking price would be moving towards a site where you’d be asked to bring a trailer. You’d have to ask yourself if you want a high miles “garage queen” or a daily driver. For about $10K or so less, this could be a deal after a close inspection. Just my $.02 , your mileage may vary.