Would You Buy This Ford Bronco II Survivor for the Price of a New Bronco Sport?

Let’s not beat around the bush, because this 1989 Ford Bronco II sold on Bring A Trailer for $29,977.50, including fees. That figure is within $20 of the retail price (sans $1595 destination fee) of its spiritual successor, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. Granted, that Bronco Sport would be a base model, not a comparable trim to the top-drawer Eddie Bauer digs of this Ford Bronco II. That’s still a lofty price for any example of Ford’s first compact SUV, but this particular Bronco II almost belongs in a museum.

As we mentioned in our 2025 Hagerty Bull Market report, the average age of a Bronco II owner is dropping, but this particular example is rarefied air for many a would-be buyer. With a little over 9000 miles showing on the odometer, this Bronco II is the cream of the crop. The Eddie Bauer Edition has just about every feature as standard equipment, and this one comes with the optional four-speed automatic transmission.

The Eddie Bauer’s unique Scarlet Red-over-Light Sandalwood two-tone paint treatment looks factory fresh across the Bronco II’s modest 94.4-inch wheelbase. The body is free of custom wheels, modified suspensions, and aftermarket accessories. Newer Michelins in a larger 235/75-series size grace the 15-inch alloy wheels, keeping this example from being the archetypal “wrapped in plastic” museum piece. (Firestone Radial ATX tires in a 205/75/15 size were factory fitment, and that brand served many Ford trucks before the infamous recall severed ties between the companies.)

No matter the changes this example received over time, our Hagerty Valuation Tool (HVT) lists a #1 (concours) condition Bronco II Eddie Bauer Edition at $29,800. That’s within spitting distance of this sale, and reflects the fact that people will pay significant premiums for a like-new version of an otherwise forgettable, often abused, and generally disposable compact truck.

As with most auctions, the quality and quantity of photos help sell the vehicle to online bidders. The condition of the Eddie Bauer–specific tape stripe, decals, and seat fabrics are hard to fault after 36 years on the road.

The HVT suggests the Eddie Bauer trim level adds roughly $500 of value over an XLT model, but a robust $1100 more than a baseline XL in the same #1 condition. Trim packages aren’t known to add value like performance engines or suspension packages, but the Bronco II’s status as a Hagerty Bull Market entrant suggests that more interested parties might find themselves even more excited about a premium Bronco II.

This Bronco II’s interior presents like a new vehicle, with seemingly no wear on the Eddie Bauer–specific seats or the posh, leather-wrapped steering wheel. A silver-faced Pioneer CD player from the 2000s resides in the dashboard, and the factory radio was likely disposed of, along with the original Firestone tires. Also missing in action is the unique two-piece luggage set, one that Ford noted was “shipped directly from Eddie Bauer.”

As this vehicle was originally found in an estate sale, odds are the Eddie Bauer luggage was sold along with clothing and houseware items from the address where it lovingly resided. Luckily, both the factory radio and the Eddie Bauer accoutrements are easily found on eBay, should the next owner wish to complete this near flawless package. Even better, these parts are just as affordable as the economical Bronco II running gear underneath.

A second set of rubber floor mats and a period-correct sun visor came with this Bronco II, alongside its roll-away cargo cover. Underhood details suggest the low mileage is accurate, with only a new battery added to the seemingly perfect factory battery cables that likely never suffered from a botched repair or wiring add-ons for aftermarket accessories.

Given the durability of the later Ford 2.9-liter cylinder heads, this particular Bronco II could provide many years of service with very little expense aside from the purchase price. But given that purchase price, let’s hope this Eddie Bauer Edition of the Bronco II remains a low-mileage darling. They are only original once, and very few of these exist in modern times.