Did you know you can walk into a Ford dealership today and drive away in a shiny new Ford F-250 XLT Extended Cab? Of course, you do, for you are a motoring enthusiast. However, this 1997 model could be a far better proposition. It is a tidy and well-equipped survivor with a V8 under the hood, making it an excellent tow vehicle. Its interior features enough creature comforts to make any journey pleasant, and its odometer shows 17,000 genuine miles. It has generated plenty of interest since the seller listed the F-250 here on eBay in Citrus Heights, California. Bidding has raced past the reserve to sit at $10,100.

The original owner ordered this F-250 in Oxford White, and it appears that the Silver may have been a later addition. The presentation is excellent for a survivor-grade vehicle, with no significant panel damage or other issues. The seller admits to a minor ding in the passenger side front fender that was repaired. The paint has some smaller scratches and imperfections but maintains a healthy shine. The vehicle has resided in California since it rolled off the lot, making its lack of rust unsurprising. The F-250 carries the hallmarks of a classic that has been treated respectfully, and the bed looks like it may never have seen a load. There is no scratched paint, and none of the dents or marks suggesting that items have been placed there with little care. The bright trim is virtually perfect, and the chrome rear step bumper is a practical factory option. The tinted glass looks flawless, and the wheels shine nicely.

You can tell a lot about the life any classic has led by its interior condition. Touching-up paint and panel imperfections is easy and relatively inexpensive. Replacing abused or damaged interior plastic trim and upholstery is less so, and it is common to see some vehicles that present superbly externally only to discover the inside sporting stained upholstery and cracked or broken plastic. This F-250 hasn’t suffered that fate. The carpet has dirty marks, but a professional detailer may be able to address these. The Opal Grey cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear and other issues, and the dash and plastic are excellent. The original Window Sticker confirms the first owner added some welcome comfort and luxury features. The winning bidder receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.

The seller supplies no engine photos, but we know this Ford features a 7.5-liter V8 producing 245hp and 400 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed automatic transmission that feeds the power to a 4.10 limited-slip rear end. That combination should allow this Truck to effectively use the factory hitch receiver and tow package, while the power assistance for the steering and brakes will provide an effortless driving experience. This beauty is in excellent mechanical health, which is understandable considering it has a genuine 17,875 miles on the clock. It runs and drives perfectly, with the seller including an embedded video in their listing. That V8 fires into life at the turn of the key and sounds as strong as an ox.

Some people find the prospect of purchasing a new vehicle irresistible. The thought of slipping behind the wheel of a car with no previous owners can be enticing, but doing so comes at a price. A shiny new F-250 XLT leaves the buyer with no change from $70,000, and the depreciation on such vehicles in the first few years is typically horrendous. This 1997 F-250 XLT Lariat will cost a fraction of the price, and its value won’t drop at the same rate. I may not be alone in my opinion because this classic has attracted forty-two bids from people who see it as an automotive “must-have.” Do you feel the same? If so, maybe it is time to join the bidding war.