1987 Ford Bronco XLT with the 300 six and four-speed, Marti Report included
Uncommon six-cylinder, manual-gearbox XLT priced near the bottom of the market
1987 Ford Bronco
Why we picked it
Why we picked it: most 1987-91 Broncos left the factory with a V8 and an automatic. This 1987 XLT has the 300 cubic-inch inline six and a four-speed manual with a granny-low first gear, and it comes with a Marti Report that the seller says shows 158 Broncos built with this engine and transmission combination. The 300 six is known for its durability and low-end torque, which suits trail use.
The dealer describes a very straight body with no dents, filler or rust, an engine that runs cool, good brakes and clutch, an uncracked dash, a new fuel pump and filter, and a clean title. It still needs some attention (the tach does not work and the A/C needs a charge), but at $8,995 it is priced with the cheapest recent 1987-91 sales.
The value check
The seller is asking $8,995. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $7,542–$16,750, so the middle of the market is about $12,146. That put this car 26% under.
Original 1987-91 full-size Broncos sold for $7,542 to $16,750 between Mar and Sep 2026 (BaT, Trucks & Auto). At $8,995 this one asks about 26% under the $12,146 midpoint.
- BaT 1990 Bronco XLT, 54k mi, $7,542 (Jul 2026)
- BaT 1989 Bronco Custom, manual, $8,300 (Aug 2026)
- BaT 1989 Bronco XL, 45k mi, $12,750 (Jul 2026)
- BaT 1990 Bronco XLT, 78k mi, $16,750 (Mar 2026)
What to check
- The odometer has rolled over, so true mileage is unknown; budget for a full service and check compression on the 300 six
- Inspect rear wheel arches, the tailgate, rocker panels and the rear floor/cargo area, where these Broncos rust
- Check the Dana 44 TTB front axle for worn ball joints, radius-arm bushings and axle pivot bushings
- The listed VIN (AMS49238) is a dealer stock number; get the real 17-digit VIN and match it to the title and Marti Report
- Look for a leaking removable-top seal, which causes floor rot
- The truck is at a private home, not the dealer lot; call first to set a viewing
Making it drive like new
Keep the 300 six and add a modern fuel injection or a 4.9 rebuild with headers, swap to an NV4500 or ZF5 five-speed for highway gearing, add a TTB-to-solid-axle or quality TTB rebuild, and upgrade to modern LED lighting and a new wiring harness.
What 1978–96 Full-size Bronco cars sell for
| Condition | Sales | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Driver | 34 | $7,500 | $36,150 | $191,000 |
| Collector | 1 | $36,000 | $36,000 | $36,000 |
Recent sales
| Car | Condition | Result | Date | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT Free-Wheelin | Driver | $50,000 | Oct 17, 2026 | Elsewhere |
| 1978 Bronco Custom | Driver | $36,000 | Oct 17, 2026 | Elsewhere |
| 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT Free-Wheelin | Driver | $50,000 | Oct 17, 2026 | Elsewhere |
| 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT | Driver | $60,000 | Oct 17, 2026 | Elsewhere |
| 1978 Bronco Ranger XLT Free-Wheelin | Driver | $34,000 | Oct 17, 2026 | Elsewhere |
| 1982 Bronco XLT | Driver | $26,000 | Oct 16, 2026 | Elsewhere |
| 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT | Driver | $81,500 | Oct 5, 2026 | Bring a Trailer |
| 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT | Driver | $14,000 | Oct 2, 2026 | Bring a Trailer |
