Only 22K Miles? 1990 Ford Bronco

So, does a rising tide lift all boats? Ford has certainly done well with its current iteration of the venerable Bronco, and there’s no denying the outsized popularity of version one (’66-’77) with restored examples crossing into low six-digit territory. But how about the middle? What’s going on with those? Well, today, for your review, we have a 1990 Custom model to consider. Let’s check it out and see if it will go with the flow. Pompano Beach, Florida, is where you’ll find this full-size SUV, and it’s available here on eBay for a BIN price of $19,900. There is a make an offer option too.

The Bronco bulked up in size starting in ’78 and stayed that way through 1996. This 1990 example is a member of generation four that was produced from 1987 through 1991 and yielded well over 200K units. In 1990, the Bronco’s three trim levels, Custom (our subject), XLT, and Eddie Bauer, were responsible for over 50K copies. This particular example is exceptionally clean, and the seller claims only 22K miles of use but offers no authentication. The listing also states that this is an XLT trim level, but when I ran a VIN decode, it came back as a Custom or standard model, so I’m concerned about that. Also, note the grille with its displayed BRONCO name badge, that’s not original as near as I can tell. The seller states, “Florida owned, so not rusted out like many out there.” I can tell you from experience, cars rust in Florida. Obviously not like they do in Ohio or some other northern clime like that, but beach-bound Florida cars can and will get crispy. That said, no corrosion is noted here.

Moving on to the inside, we find a clean and tidy environment with cloth upholstered bucket seats. There’s no noted seating surface wear or dashpad abnormalities, but the instrument panel surround is significantly delaminated, which makes me think of age, exposure, and use. Also, note the rubber floor mat; it’s pretty lumpy. Those with an interest should inquire about A/C. The listing is silent on that matter, but I see no indication of a compressor, and there are some cut, unattached hoses in the engine compartment.

Power is provided by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, probably generating about 200 net HP. The seller adds, “Just had some service done that includes new Michelin Tires, Shocks, Plugs and Wires, and Oil Change. I have all records of the work done which totals more than $10,000.” Gear changing is automatically handled.

So, back to my initial question about improving values. The asking price for this Bronco doesn’t seem too out of line, and it’s negotiable, but what would it be without the surging interest in the current Bronco? I suppose one would need to have done some statistical analysis – a before-and-after sort of thing to really get an idea. My immediate concerns are those that I mentioned, i.e., the mileage, trim level, altered grille, and A/C – no A/C situation. Questions, questions, and more questions! Anyway, what’s your thought on Bronco valuations for this generation?