Minimal Miles: 1996 Ford F150 1,234-Mile Survivor – Sold?

July 31, 2023, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “ClassiFIND” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

What motivates someone to buy a brand-new car and truck and then not use it?  While the practice is common for extremely rare models, it never makes much sense for more bread-and-butter examples. 1996 was Ford’s final full production year for its ninth-generation F150 truck line.  If you don’t remember, the tenth generation launched for the 1997 model year was heavily influenced by the period’s Taurus “jelly-bean” styling. Many traditional Ford truck buyers scoffed at the new, more aerodynamic-inspired design.

Perhaps that was the motivation for the original buyer of this Gold 1996 Ford F-150 Short Bed for sale, first spotted in June 2023 on Craigslist in Larchmont, New York. Offered with only 1,234 miles and all of its original dealer documentation, this 302-powered 1996 Ford F-150 for sale is a time capsule that is likely the lowest mileage example for that model year still in existence. Oddly, the seller misses a golden marketing opportunity by not explaining why their museum-quality F150 was never used much.

Last offered for $35,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is well above the six-month rolling average of this guide’s summary for ninth-generation Ford F-1 pickups produced between 1992 and 1996.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable F150 sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the truck featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask is way above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of only $9,400. The premium requested here is for the extremely low-mileage, like-new condition of this truck.

The 1996 Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It belongs to the tenth generation of the Ford F-Series, which was produced from 1997 to 2003. While the 1996 model year is technically part of the ninth generation, it shares many similarities with the tenth-generation F-150 trucks.

The 1996 Ford F-150 features a robust and muscular exterior design typical of pickup trucks. It has a square-shaped front end with a bold chrome grille and Ford’s emblem prominently displayed in the center. The headlights are rectangular and blend seamlessly with the front fascia. The body of the truck has smooth lines and a sturdy frame, which contributes to its rugged appearance. The rear end includes taillights and a tailgate with the F-150 logo. The truck is available in various body styles, including regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab, providing different options for seating capacity and cargo space.

The 1996 Ford F-150 offers a range of engine options to suit different needs and preferences. The base engine is a 4.9-liter inline-six-cylinder engine that delivers decent power and reliability. There are also V6 and V8 engine options available, including a 4.2-liter V6, a 5.0-liter V8, and a 5.8-liter V8. These engines provide more horsepower and towing capacity, making the F-150 suitable for heavy-duty tasks. Transmission options include a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual, depending on the engine and trim level.

Inside the 1996 Ford F-150, you’ll find a spacious and functional cabin designed with practicality in mind. The seating configuration varies depending on the cab style chosen, with regular cab models offering seating for three, extended cabs accommodating up to six passengers, and crew cab versions seating up to six comfortably. The seats are typically covered in durable cloth or optional leather upholstery. The dashboard design is straightforward and driver-focused, with easy-to-reach controls and gauges. Depending on the trim level, the truck may come equipped with power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo system.

In terms of features and technology, the 1996 F-150 is relatively basic compared to modern vehicles. However, it offers essential amenities for its time. Depending on the trim level, you may find features such as power-adjustable mirrors, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, and optional upgrades like a CD player, cassette player, or an extended audio system. Safety features include dual front airbags and seat belts for all occupants.

Overall, the 1996 Ford F-150 is a rugged and reliable pickup truck that combines practicality, versatility, and performance. It provides a comfortable cabin, a range of engine options, and enough payload and towing capacity to handle various tasks.

The Wage Earner YouTube Channel features 1996 Ford F150 commercial targeting buyers in the Pacific Northwest area of the U.S.:

With the average price of new trucks regularly going for well over $50,000 these days, we would not be surprised if someone buys this 1,234-mile 1996 Ford F150 Truck to use as their brand-new daily driver.   Then again, with it being the last year of ninth generation body style, this truck might be of interest to a Ford truck collector.

If you are serious about buying this Ford F150, you can start the conversation by following the seller’s contact instructions in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw their like-new pickup featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this like-new, 1234-mile 1996 Ford F-150 For Sale?  Please comment below and let us know!