After years of little supply to meet the above-average demand for new trucks, it is heartening to see that the dealer’s lots are filling up again. As always, nature finds a balance. While we are seeing that balance return on the inventory side, the price side of the equation is still in a state of unbalance. Prices are just too darn high and interest rates aren’t helping. One of the saner alternatives is to find the best used truck you can and drive it until the situation improves. Is that the reason why this 1995 Ford F-150 for sale on eBay in Casscoe, Arkansas is currently sitting with a $10,700 top bid with less than 24 hours to go? Is this a great alternative for a truck buyer considering today’s market?
The ninth-generation Ford F-150s were some of the most durable and user-friendly F-150s ever built. The redesign that came in 1992 was still based on the 1980 chassis and cab, but an emphasis was placed on aerodynamics. The front end was rounded, and the interior went through a complete update. Buyers could look forward to a quieter, more refined truck that was in line with the market shift to more car-like interiors and ride. While Ford still offered various trim levels, the XLT version was one of the most popular. With pillowy seats, optional power accessories, and a quiet interior, someone moving from a Crown Victoria to an XLT would feel right at home.
This was also the last generation of F-150 that the cab was used on Ford trucks from F-250 all the way up to the behemoth F-800. Power options ranged from the insanely reliable 300 cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine to the legendary 351 cubic inch Windsor V-8. Buyers could also take their pick of transmissions, with most opting for a five-speed manual or four-speed automatics. These improvements combined with the durability of Ford’s long-running drivetrain components helped the brand overtake Chevrolet and GMC in the light truck sales race by 1996.
The truck you see in the pictures is representative of the average F-150 that rolled off dealer’s lots in 1995. This one has a plethora of options. On the exterior, those include the XLT trim package, aluminum wheels, two-tone paint, additional chrome trim, pin striping, and raised white letter tires. Inside, the buyer would enjoy air conditioning, an AM-FM radio, power brakes, power steering, cruise control, power windows, and power locks. A 60/40 seating arrangement with a generous center console made passing the miles almost like riding in a Lincoln. As for the upholstery, this truck is swathed in Ford’s very durable cloth fabric that they clothed almost every vehicle of that era with.
The original buyer added chrome bed rails and chrome step bars. While the bed rails remain, the step bars have been removed. This is one area where the buyer might want to consider returning to the previous owner’s specifications. If you are height challenged, then there are a few ways to gracefully get into one of these trucks. The seller tells us that everything works in the truck, save for an intermittent flashing of the indicator light for the overdrive. There appears to be no issue with the transmission, so one might just turn a blind eye to this failing.
As much of the original paint has been buffed out as possible, with a few areas that necessitated repainting. There are also a few imperfections in the driver’s side seat that point to the previous owner being a smoker. Other than that, this 5.0-liter V-8 powered truck presents as if new. With 56,770 miles on the odometer, there is a whole lot of life left in this truck. Fords of this generation regularly go over 200,000 miles. If it does break down, parts are as close as your nearest NAPA, and you can pay a drunken monkey to repair it. No dealership needed.
Regardless of the market, this is a great truck for someone who wants to spend the next few years driving a reliable vehicle with all of the creature comforts you need. It presents well and needs little more than gasoline and regular oil changes to last a long time. The price seems a little high, but have you seen the sticker price on an equivalent 2024 F-150?
Do you think this is the perfect truck to purchase and use as transportation for the next few years? Is the north of $10,000 bidding too high? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
This is a fine example of a great generation of Ford pickups. Well-equipped, in good shape, not high miles; I’m not surprised at the five figure bids. I’m a big fan of the two-tones of the era; even subtle ones like this blue/silver are attractive. An opportunity to have a vehicle which could be a daily commuter or a weekend trip-to-Home Depot vehicle, yet would not be out of place at Cars & Coffee.
These (to me) were the best trucks Ford ever made.
Very comfortable,& good looking (boxy,like a real truck should be).
I had a really nice clean ’96 F150 that I really liked,but at
12 MPG I couldn’t justify keeping it.
In the last few years this Era of Ford trucks has been gaining attention in the collector market. The square body Chevy has been done to death. People are looking for something new. These will only continue to go up in value. The trouble is they were so dependable most have been driven to death. We can only hope the aftermarket suppliers step up the offerings. Right now the aftermarket parts market is pretty slim for these trucks.
I had three of these ’96 and under F150s. All were the 300 six. I’d take the six over the 302 any day. Loved them all, one was 4WD. All had the aux gas tank bringing fuel on board to 52 gallons of needed. Trucks today are kind of ridiculous, why do they need to be so bloated and over done with tech, especially to just carry golf clubs mostly. I drove one daily for almost 40yrs, my 2008 F150 with almost 300K miles is not daily drivable anymore, I bought an SUV (x police vehicle) for daily use as I refuse to pay $20K plus for an eight year old truck with 169K miles on it. Terrible that pick ups became some macho game and status symbol for all the wanna be’s. I wish they’d go back to their BMWs and Audi’s but those seem to be related to petty criminals and realtors now.
How do you really feel Mark? Ha ha, I actually agree with much of what you wrote.
Ya, I guess I have my moments ;)
This was a rare find. It went to $15,100.00 and did not meet the reserve.
I’m not sure about value, but if anyone is in the market for a really nice truck, this would be the one I would choose.
Every option listed seems to be right, including the engine. I believe the milage is 100 percent correct!
The flashing overdrive light is probably just the speed sensor magnet in the rear end? I have changed them before and it is simple and inexpensive.
Just my oponion!
I have a 97 F250 and a 95 f250 diesel 4×4 $10,000 is nothing for truck of this condition.
I currently have a 1993 with 111,000 miles I’m the second owner. I flipped a 1996 with 222,000 miles on it that I got for $300 bucks and a 1989 Chevrolet truck with 188,000 k miles i got for free to get the cash to buy it This truck should last its New owner a long time
I own a 1995 F-150. It’s a true work truck as it’s 302, 5 speed manual, 4×4 with manually operated windows. If I recall, this truck sold for just over $17K. It now has something over 250K miles and going strong.
I own a 94 F150 XL. Base everything. I upgraded it with running boards, carpeting, chrome bumpers, two tone paint,etc… It’s a great truck? You bet, it’ll go forever as long as you do some routine maintenance. I’m in the vicinity of 180,000 miles. The only issue I have is a flashing (occasionally) air bag light. In line 6 cylinder, automatic and A/C.
I had this truck, but with a 5-speed, until 2 years ago when I gave it to my son. Great truck. Although mine has 260K on the clock, it will pull with more torque than the v8 and almost as much horsepower, but better gas mileage (averaged about 17 mpg over 5 years). Had a real nice deep blue paint job and regularly got unsolicited offers for it. Maybe the mpg on the automatic is a little less, but a very economical workhorse nonetheless. As the author states, it’s easy to maintain (basic knowledge of EFI), and parts are accessible and cheap. Fair point on price of a new one, plus the new version has an aluminum bed, and if not mistaken, plenty of problems with that.
I had a ’96 F250 351 ZF5 sp, and a couple of Bullnose trucks from the 80s (same platform). I really liked them but finding a good one these days for “reasonable” money is tough.
I agree new ones are crazy with prices and features. Give me a basic truck with roll up windows, no carpet, and a manual anytime. I like the fuel mileage of the new ones vs this era, but that’s where it ends.