Warmer weather offers a world of opportunities for those who like to tackle life in the great outdoors. Getting there can be a chore, but undertaking these activities in the comfort of this 1995 Ford F150 XLT Short Bed 4×4 has its attractions. It isn’t perfect, but its condition is well above average. It is a mechanically sound classic that is now set to go to a new home. Located in Meridian, Idaho, you will find the F150 listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $9,400, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

When finished in the right color, the 1995 F150 can’t help but attract its share of attention. This one wears a shade called Deep Jewel Green, and I think that it looks incredible. The paint shines beautifully, with only a few minor chips and marks that the owner points out. He states that it isn’t perfect, but it remains pretty impressive for a vehicle of this type and age. The paint in the bed is scuffed and scratched, but there are none of the dings or dents that would suggest a life of abuse. The buyer might choose to repaint this area, but there are a couple of other alternatives to consider. They could decide to fit a plastic bedliner. This would cover the damage and protect the bed from further problems. I have one of those installed in my daily driver, and I can vouch for how effective they are. They might also opt for a spray-on product like Line-X. Unlike regular paint, this is a scratch-resistant finish that should last for years without developing a tired appearance. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and photos of the F150’s underside reveal that it is completely rust-free. It features side steps that would be a blessing for those of us who are, er, “vertically challenged.” This Ford rolls on a new set of 18″ custom alloy wheels that have been fitted with new Pathfinder tires. The original owner ordered the F150 with a sliding rear window, and this, along with the rest of the glass, appears to be in excellent condition.

Pickup interiors can be quite “agricultural,” but that isn’t the case in this F150. Not only is it nicely equipped, but the trim and upholstery are in excellent order. The carpet is slightly worn on the driver’s side, but it hasn’t reached the point where it demands replacement. There is also a wrinkle on the dash pad near the CD player, but there are no signs of any cracking. The remaining plastic and upholstered surface are extremely nice, with no significant wear, staining, or other problems. As well as the CD player and sliding rear window, the buyer will find themselves behind the wheel of a 4×4 with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, a tilt wheel, and cruise control. If you’re going to rough it, why not get there in comfort?

The owner supplies no engine photos, but we know that the 4×4 is powered by a fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 that feeds its power to a 5-speed manual transmission. This V8 offers 210hp and an impressive 325 ft/lbs of torque. The vehicle has been fitted with the factory Tow Package, and you would have to feel that with those power and torque figures, this would make an accomplished tow vehicle. The owner has treated the F150 to some recent mechanical refurbishment, and it is the buyer who will be set to reap the benefits of this. He has installed new suspension bushings, new upper and lower ball joints, and a new exhaust. He has also performed significant other work on the front end, including fitting new tie rod ends. The result is a pickup that runs well and feels tight and secure on the road. With those big wheels and new tires, you would have to think that it would be just as effective off-road.

Tackling wild terrain comes with its own challenges. Apart from the possibility of becoming stranded in an inaccessible location, there is also the specter of damaging your trusty 4×4. That poses a quandary for potential buyers. If your budget allows it, you could walk into a Ford showroom today and drive away in a brand new F150 XLT 4×4. However, it would lighten your wallet to the tune of $40,000 before you even glanced at the Options List. Most owners will then second-guess themselves when the going gets rough for fear of inflicting damage on their shiny new pride and joy. Then there’s the question of depreciation, which can be crippling in the first three years of ownership. This 1995 F150 will sell for a fraction of the cost of a new 4×4, and it won’t suffer from the same level of depreciation. Damaging it will undoubtedly upset its owner, but not to the same extent that it would with a new vehicle. For those reasons, this is a classic pickup that is worthy of a closer look.