26K Mile Original: 1996 Ford F-150 XLT
Like most modern vehicles, the new Ford F-150 is packed with creature comforts, technology, and powerful turbocharged engines. If all of the modern amenities are not your cup of tea and you desire a truck from a simpler time, it can be hard to find a nice example that is suitable for daily use. That being said this truck is the exception, this beautiful 1996 F-150 has stayed in the same family since new and has only accumulated 26K miles! Rust free original trucks like this are very hard to find and the bidding has already reached $10,500 at the time of writing. Find it here on eBay in Lincoln, NE.
1996 was the final year for this generation F-150 making this truck the last of its breed, personally, this is my favorite generation. For the ’97 model year, the F-150 saw a major design overhaul from front to back, a total redesign of the body and interior, as well as a new suspension and engine choices, were available. The current owner was gifted the truck several years ago from a family member that purchased it new, it was gently used by the original owner and has been driven regularly over the last few years. This is an XLT trim model and is decently equipped with power windows, locks, AM/FM cassette, cruise control, and A/C. Power comes from the famous 4.9 liter 300 CI inline-six and fed to the wheels through an automatic transmission.
The condition of this truck is about as close to new as it gets, only surface rust is shown on the frame and parts of the suspension. Everything is completely original and in working order. The seller mentions a few small faults including an issue with one of the power windows, some minor hail damage that is pictured, and an intermittent working fuel gauge when switched to the front fuel tank using the selector switch for the dual tank setup.
The interior is in beautiful shape and leaves little doubt of the low mileage claim. The dash is like new as well as the bench seat and carpet. The original owner was the great aunt of the current owner and this was described as her “good truck” that was probably only used for special occasions. The topper and Bedliner have protected the bed well and its probably safe to say this truck hasn’t been worked too hard. There is a picture on the bed with the topper and Bedliner removed showing the bed to be in very good shape with no rust.
The 4.9 inline-six is a great engine, these are known to last forever with just basic maintenance, are very smooth, and deliver good power. 1996 was the last year this engine was offered in the F-150, for ’97 the entry-level inline-six was replaced with a 4.2 liter V6, the V8 engine options were updated as well to Fords 4.6 and 5.4 OHC modular designs. This truck will make a great vehicle for the new buyer and if you have been looking for one here is your opportunity. It will be very interesting to see what this sells for and where it goes.
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Comments
This is my favorite generation as well. Very nice truck 👍
I have an 86 F-250 with the 300 i6 that has over 340k miles on it and a 70 Duster with the slant and close to 175k (both still run great).
What is it about the inline 6 that makes them so indestructible?
It was originally designed as a tractor motor in the 30’s. Low rev, over designed motor that they never pushed to get maximum hp out of it. Great durable adequate and reliable. Just what any work vehicle needs
The Jeep straight 6 runs forever, too.
I learned to operate a manual transmission in a 3-speed ’86 F350 work truck with the 300. That thing was a dog. 60mph tops flat out on level ground. It may not exactly have been at optimal tuning, though.
I bought my 1988 F-150 when it was 2 years old and drove it for 11.5 years. At the time I knew it was exactly what I wanted from the straight six with standard transmission to the basic features. I wasn’t a fan of the Chevy trucks at the time and often got ribbed by Chevy owners, but I got the last laugh because mine outlasted theirs.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you said it outlast them owning 3 consecutive Bow-ties. I don’t want to start any arguments and you really need to consider year and model. But certain generations of the 300 I-6 were true reliable workhorses.
As a matter of fact, a friend of mine had a 1987 GMC 2500 during that time and he went through at least three 350 engines. He had nothing but bad luck with that truck the day he bought it new.
circa 1982-1983 I worked in a dyno room. I assisted a guy bought time on our dyno for a patented project that involved the 300 CID Ford straight 6 modified with variable valve lift & duration. The system was entirely hydraulic controlled (off of oil pressure) without any electronics at all. Several cam grinds were tested. Believe it or not, extremely low end torque was greatly increased while maintaining or improving torque throughout the full range. The real objective was the improvements in fuel economy throughout the entire range.
I had model of same year; but had the 302 V8. Traded it as I needed something with more seating space. I still think the 302 is underrated as a great engine. Growing up my dad had two different trucks with it and then I owned my own. Never an ounce of problems. Almost thought of bidding on this til I saw the 6 banger. Still a nice truck tho
Why would anybody pay over 10K for a common truck?
Stupidity
Because of the price of new ones plus the fact that these were a very attractive bodystyle and add to the fact that it has the legendary 300ci 6 in it plus very low miles. That’s your answer.
No David, that is no the answer because you can pick these up everywhere for half that price or even less.
Sorry, Miguel. Maybe 10 years ago you could pick these up that cheap, but not any more. Nationwide Autotrader search turns up 3 similar trucks, all priced more than $10k.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/all-cars/ford/f150/cicero-ny-13039?dma=&maxMileage=60000&searchRadius=0&location=&startYear=1990&endYear=1996&isNewSearch=true&marketExtension=include&showAccelerateBanner=false&sortBy=relevance&numRecords=25
I have a ’90 Ford, in line six, Mazda 5 spd with a little over 300k. It was gifted to me several years ago from the original owner. The thing has always bucked when pulling off in 1st gear. Trying to start off in 2nd doesn’t work any better, only worse. It was taken back to the dealership, while under warranty, and the problem couldn’t be found. You would think that the 300, coupled with the 5 spd, it would be fairly decent mpg. It isn’t. Loves EVERY gas station it passes. I never rodded it, drove very sensibly with it. I finally ended up parking it because of gas consumption. Several electrical issues. Things my health won’t let me fix. So I am considering selling it and letting someone else enjoy the short wheel base truck, rather than let it rot down.
The ’92-’96 generation is my favourite F-150. This was the last version with the front vent windows. I had a ’94 with the 300 I-6 and it was indestructible!.I drove a ’92 with a 5.0 V8 and that had 200K on the clock and purred like a kitten. These were among the best pick ups Ford ever made IMO.