How Much Is A 1987 Ford F150 Worth Today?
The 1987 Ford F150 is a classic pickup truck loved by many car fans and collectors. Its value today can change a lot, depending on its condition, mileage, features, and where you live. Many people want to know if this old truck is still worth money, or if it is just an old vehicle.
Let’s look closely at what affects the price of a 1987 Ford F150 and what you need to know if you want to buy or sell one.
What Makes The 1987 Ford F150 Special?
The 1987 Ford F150 is from the seventh generation of the F-Series. This was the first year Ford added fuel injection to the 4. 9L inline-six engine, making the truck more reliable and fuel efficient compared to earlier models. The F150 from this year is also known for its tough build, simple design, and easy-to-fix parts.
Many people like it for work, for fun, or even as a project to restore.
One reason the 1987 model is popular is because of its mix of old style and newer technology. It has a classic square body but is easier to maintain than even older trucks. This mix attracts both collectors and people who just want a strong, old truck for daily use.
Main Factors That Affect Value
1. Condition
The condition of the truck is the biggest thing that changes its price. A 1987 Ford F150 in poor shape, with rust, damage, or missing parts, may only be worth a few hundred dollars. But a truck in good condition, with a clean body, working engine, and no major problems, can sell for much more.
If the truck is fully restored—meaning it looks and drives like new—its value goes even higher. Some restored trucks can sell for more than $20,000 if they are rare or have special features. But most F150s from 1987 are not fully restored, so their price is usually lower.
Examples Of Condition Levels
- Project or Parts Truck: Not running, heavy rust, many missing pieces—worth $500–$2,000.
- Daily Driver: Runs and drives, some wear but mostly complete—worth $3,000–$7,000.
- Restored or Show Quality: Looks new, rebuilt engine and paint, clean inside and out—worth $10,000–$20,000+.
2. Mileage
Mileage means how many miles the truck has driven. Lower mileage usually means less wear on the engine and other parts. A 1987 F150 with less than 100,000 miles is rare and could be worth much more. Most old trucks have 150,000 miles or more, so low mileage is a big plus.
But remember, a well-maintained truck with high miles can still be valuable. Records of regular oil changes, repairs, or a rebuilt engine add to the value. If the truck has no service records and high miles, the price will be lower.
3. Engine And Transmission
The 1987 F150 came with several engine choices: the 4.9L inline-six, 5.0L V8, and 5.8L V8. The inline-six is famous for lasting a long time, so many buyers look for that engine. Trucks with a V8 might have more power but sometimes use more fuel.
Transmission type also matters. Manuals are less common, which can make them more valuable for collectors. Automatics are easier to drive, which many buyers prefer. If the truck has its original engine and transmission, it can be worth more, especially to collectors.
4. Special Features
Some 1987 F150s have rare options like four-wheel drive, extended cabs, special trim packages, or rare paint colors. These features can make the truck more valuable. For example, a 4×4 model will usually sell for more than a two-wheel-drive version.
If the truck has a unique history—like being owned by a famous person or used in a movie—it could be worth extra, but this is rare. Most of the value comes from the truck’s physical shape and features.
5. Location
Where you live matters. Trucks in places with cold, wet weather often have more rust, which lowers value. In dry states like Arizona or California, you might find older trucks with less rust, so they are worth more. Also, trucks are sometimes more expensive in rural areas where people still use them for work.
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How To Check The Value Of Your 1987 Ford F150
There are a few ways to find out what your truck is worth today:
- Online Price Guides: Websites like [Hagerty](https://www.hagerty.com) or NADA Guides list values for classic vehicles. These are a good starting point, but remember they are only estimates.
- Local Listings: Check websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay for trucks like yours. Look at what people are asking and, if possible, what they actually sell for.
- Car Auctions: Sometimes 1987 F150s appear at classic car auctions. Auction prices can be higher, especially for rare or restored trucks.
If you want an expert’s opinion, you can pay for a professional appraisal. This can be a good idea if your truck is in special condition or you plan to insure it for its full value.
Common Mistakes When Valuing Or Buying A 1987 F150
- Ignoring Rust: Rust is a big problem for old trucks. Check the frame, floor, and under the doors for rust. Small rust spots are easy to fix, but heavy rust can be very expensive.
- Not Checking Paperwork: Make sure the truck has a clear title and VIN that matches. Avoid buying a truck with missing or suspicious paperwork.
- Overlooking Parts Availability: Most parts for the 1987 F150 are easy to find, but some trim pieces or rare options can be expensive to replace. This can affect the cost of restoring or repairing the truck.
- Assuming All Old Trucks Are Valuable: Not every 1987 F150 is a classic worth thousands. Condition and features matter most.
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Real-world Examples
- A 1987 F150 4×4 in fair shape, with 160,000 miles and some rust, sold for $4,200 in Texas.
- A restored 1987 F150 XLT Lariat, two-wheel-drive, with the original inline-six and less than 90,000 miles, sold for $15,500 at a classic car auction.
- A worn-out work truck, not running, sold for $700 in Ohio, mostly for parts.
These examples show the big range in value, depending on the truck’s shape, features, and location.
Non-obvious Insights
Many beginners believe repainting an old truck will increase its value. In reality, unless the paint job is high quality and matches the original color, it can actually lower value for collectors. Another thing people miss: keeping the original engine and parts, even if they are not perfect, is often better than swapping in newer parts. Collectors like trucks that are as original as possible.
Tips For Sellers And Buyers
- Take clear, detailed photos of the truck, including the engine, interior, and any rust or damage.
- Be honest about any problems. Buyers appreciate honesty and it can speed up the sale.
- If you’re buying, ask for service records and always check under the truck for rust or damage.
- If you’re selling, clean the truck inside and out before taking photos or showing it.
Final Thoughts
A 1987 Ford F150 can be worth anywhere from $500 to over $20,000, depending mostly on its condition, features, and where you live. For most people, a well-kept truck will be worth $3,000 to $8,000. If you have a rare or fully restored example, the price can be much higher.
Always check similar trucks for sale, be honest about the shape of your truck, and remember—sometimes the memories and fun you get from owning an old F150 are worth more than the money.
Credit: www.worldwidevintageautos.com
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