Off-Road Luxury: 1990 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat
There is nothing like venturing out to commune with Mother Nature and experience all she has to offer. However, such journeys need not involve hardships or discomfort, which is where this 1990 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat enters the picture. It presents well, comes with the power and torque of a healthy V8, and its interior features enough creature comforts to make any trip a pleasant experience. The F-150 is listed here on eBay in Caldwell, Idaho. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to sit at $6,362.
Ford’s Eighth Generation F-Truck range had a surprisingly short production life, gracing showrooms from 1987 until 1991. This F-150 emerged in 1990, and the XLT Lariat badges confirm it was ordered by someone wishing to combine luxury with off-road capabilities. It makes a bold but classy statement in its paint combination of Medium Cabernet and Pawnee Tan. The paint shines well for a vehicle of this type and age, although it isn’t perfect. There are minor scratches and chips across the vehicle, but these don’t detract significantly from its overall presentation. The bed has the scratches and scrapes you would expect from any truck that has carried loads, although there are no signs of abuse. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the comprehensive collection of supplied shots confirms this classic is rust-free. The chrome and trim are excellent for a vehicle of this type and age, and there are no glass issues. A set of alloy wheels wrapped in practical BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A tires adds a purposeful finishing touch.
The F-150’s interior sends mixed messages, but I must go on record to say I find the seller’s decision to douse every hard surface in gallons of detailing spray offputting. It creates an artificial appearance, and you must wonder what impact it would have when the driver grips the leather-wrapped wheel. Otherwise, there are plenty of positives to consider. There is no evidence of abuse or torn upholstery, and the only aftermarket additions are the upgraded Jensen CD player and an unidentifiable additional gauge to the right of the factory cluster. The seat appears as though it might be stained, but the light could be playing tricks. The plastic isn’t crumbling, the faux woodgrain is nice, and the pad is uncracked. Comfort equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a tilt wheel.
The seller doesn’t provide any engine photos, but they supply plenty of information. Power is derived from a fuel-injected 302ci V8 that sends 185hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The company offered more potent engine choices in 1990, but this one strikes a perfect compromise between performance and economy. The original owner ordered this classic with the optional Tow Package, heavy-duty suspension, and hitch receiver. Anyone searching for an accomplished tow vehicle may struggle to look past this gem. The seller says the Lariat runs and drives well, with its V8 feeling strong. It appears to have no mechanical needs and comes with a significant collection of documentation that includes the Owner’s Manual and Warranty paperwork.
“Versatile” is the first word that springs to mind when assessing this 1990 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat. For a business operating on a budget, it would make an excellent workhorse or eye-catching shop truck. The new owner could load the bed with tents and camping equipment before utilizing its 4×4 capabilities to venture deep into the wilderness beyond the hustle and bustle of daily life. The hitch receiver and V8 engine would make it a tempting candidate for anyone seeking an accomplished tow vehicle. It has struck the right chord with potential buyers, with twenty-one submitted bids. Are you tempted to drop the twenty-second so you can enjoy all it offers?
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Comments
I bought one of these trucks, a 1991 model, around 2004, with 175K miles on it. I intended to use it as a materials hauler and trash truck for my remodeling business. I paid $750 for it, and it was in pretty decent shape.
Let me tell you, that was the best GD truck I’ve ever owned. I owned it for the next 10 years, hauled anything you can imagine, taught both my kids to drive in it, and put another 50K miles on that straight 6 with auto trans. My ballet dancer wife loved that thing. My kids loved it.
Its just a temp gauge stuck in the vent ?? Very nice looking truck ! Of course, Ford’s aren’t notorious for their fuel consumption but use it as it was intended, (or not), and get your money’s worth. Or just cruise it as a “gentleman’s” pickup.
Bought a midnight blue one in 1991, it was a 4×2 long bed regular cab, same drive train. I had just totaled my 87 Mustang GT which was my first new vehicle. But I had just gotten married and she said no to another Mustang. The vehicle was totaled because I missed 3 deer and hit a tree, Trees don’t move and I was 150 yards from home. Got the new truck and didn’t have 200 miles on it, and hit an 8 point buck. It was fixable but it kind of takes the shine off the newness of the truck. I had hunted for 10+ years, and this was the only deer that I ” bagged “. He was very tasty, but it was the most expensive meat I ever purchased.
Very nice truck. I’m not sure what the reserve was, but it’s bid up to $10k now. I didn’t see how many miles were on it. Love the 5 speed, should make the 302 feel a little more potent than an automatic. I’d have been interested at around $8k and if it weren’t located on the opposite side of the country.
Miss mine.