This 1996 Ford Bronco XLT is a final year model that has resided in the dry climate of Nevada. It has just under 10o,000 original miles, and while it isn’t perfect, it’s the kind of truck you can begin driving immediately and then make gradual improvements to. The color combination isn’t particularly sexy, but the bone stock condition and clean interior with bucket seats is definitely attractive. The seller reports that other than some accident damage that occurred while the Bronco was parked in a driveway, it’s had a very quiet existence. The bidding has yet to reach the reserve price, and it’s currently sitting at $8,300 here on eBay.

To me, when it comes to trucks, finding one with the original spare tire cover still affixed is always a good sign. The Bronco isn’t overly detailed, which I don’t consider a major strike against the seller but it may have gone a long way towards ensuring the truck meets its reserve price. The Bronco is clearly used, with the remnants of old bumper stickers on the bumper and plenty of cosmetic blemishes ranging from sun damage to scuffed plastics and scratches. The market for Broncos is strong, but the biggest money goes to well-presented survivors in great colors with mileage of under 50,000; this truck is none of those things at the moment.

The seller is correct that the interior is a high point, appearing to remain in nicely preserved condition and even slightly better than the outside might suggest. The Bronco features the usual assortment of power features, including the rear window, which still works. The air conditioning still blows cold as well, and the period-correct Whistler radar detector is still actively spotting the fuzz from a mile away. The seller reports that the dash has no cracks and that the headliner isn’t drooping; in fact, it’s tight against the roofline. The bucket seats are definitely attractive, and the driver’s side features electronic lumbar support.

The 5.8 liter V8 is paired to an automatic transmission, and the seller lists several repairs and maintenance updates made over the last few months. Recently, a coolant leak was fixed; the timing cover was replaced, as was the oil pan gasket. The tires are also fairly fresh and the water pump has been replaced as well. Overall, it seems like a fairly turnkey truck, and if you can live with a few cosmetic blemishes, it looks ready to drive. If it were me, I’d correct some of the easily repairable cosmetic flaws but otherwise not sweat it too much, aside from installing a slightly larger set of tires and more attractive wheels. What would you do to improve this Bronco?