For Sale: 1988 Ford Bronco II in Lithia Springs, Georgia

Looking for a fun short-wheelbase 4x4 that's affordable and loaded? This 1988 Ford Bronco II Eddie Bauer edition offers distinction and ability while also being both vintage and luxurious. Best of all, the full package is delivered for quite a nice price.

The more that SUVs become popular, the more we look for cool classic examples to stick out from in the crowd. That's what makes this Bronco II so appealing. This is coming from a consignor who was enjoying the vehicles from his younger days. So there has been the right maintenance and care to make sure it delivers the proper nostalgic feeling. In fact, the paint shows all the right signs of being largely the factory application. Some of you may see the value price as a way to leave room in your budget for a respray, but we also like the aged-in style it has right now that helps tell this Bronco's unique story. It's a premium Eddie Bauer edition, and so you get distinctive pieces like the sunrise stripe to separate the lower tan, and the beltline even has coordinating pinstriping. The excess of the 1980s didn't extend to chrome, so there is only tasteful brightwork in the grille, bumpers, and useful towing mirrors. Plus, the tall stance, front RV hitch, classic alloys, and the optional full-size spare on a swing-away mount all remind you of the go-anywhere nature of these Bronco IIs.

Inside is where the premium Eddie Bauer package is the most welcomed. It shows that an off-roader can be both rugged and sophisticated. The cloth interior has a nice outdoor pattern that has remained distinct on the well-bolstered front bucket seats. The same outline is matched on the split-folding rear bench. This Bronco is loaded with factory options like power windows, power locks, wood trim decor, the stock AM/FM/cassette stereo, and air conditioning (now blowing cold with recent recharge of modern R134a refrigerant.) And while it's unknown if the odometer represents the full actual mileage, there is a comfortable overall feeling here that comes from an SUV that feels like it was responsibly enjoyed over the last 35 years.

These Bronco IIs have such a great off-road reputation because they combine a compact wheelbase with good ground clearance. This 1988 model is part of the ideal evolution where you had the 2.9-liter V6 (the largest of the series) that also has factory fuel injection. That means a better power delivery with added torque to pull you up the hill. And the floor-shift two-speed transfer case makes for a proper 4x4. While all of this sounds like your perfect off-road toy, this Bronco is also equipped for all kinds of journeys. Feel free to drive this one to work or the campsite with convenient features such as power steering, power brakes, and front discs with newer calipers. You even have great long-haul features cruise control and a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

The sale comes complete with the owner's manual and maintenance records. You may have thought a new Bronco Sport looks fun, but we all know those guys are just trying to recapture the feeling a well-equipped Bronco II like this one offers. So it's time to get more envy and pay less... call today!