Sitting for even a couple of years then at least plan on a new fuel pump and carb rebuild, even if the low-ish mileage engine only needs a re-seal.
But you said it's running and you drove it, so maybe that's all been done already?
If the engine is good, you can get away with some new seals and gaskets and some oil additives to clean out the old gunk. Could be good for years after that for very little investment.
The rusty floors are relatively easy to fix at home, but the windshield frame would worry me. Not because it's hard to replace one (probably better than fixing the old one if there is rust-through on that thick material) but because the cowl area below it is a notoriously well known rust breeder of an area. It's central to the strength of the vehicle and is most definitely NOT easy to replace.
Do you know the mileage for sure? The odometer only goes to 99,999 like those other old vehicles you've dealt with. So with a trashed interior it's hard to say it's got low mileage. But if it's just damage from the sun, that might be different.
Some things that need replacing due to both mileage and/or age are the rear wheel bearings. Not a big expense even if you have it done (maybe $300-$400?) but opens up a can-o-worms if your brakes need work too. If you were thinking of upgrading the rear diff, then this is that snowball effect that starts with you thinking you'll do it down the road, but deciding to do it now "while you're already in there" as we know all to well!
But at least it'll force you to change the gear oil.
;D
The C4 in Broncos already shifted more firmly than most, then when someone decides for some unknown reason that they need a shift-kit installed during a service, it shifts super hard and most Bronco owners hate it. Even when they're the type that like high-performance and stuff.
The problem is a lot of the time it's the transmission service technician that takes it upon themselves to install a shift kit because they do it on every trans they work on.
I've heard that story hear probably twenty times over the years when members had their Bronco transmissions worked on.
Things in general will start to leak and fail randomly due to their age and sitting for awhile so you will eventually be into it for more than you expected. Even when you expected it!
With luck those things will just fail now and then, and not every other time you try to drive it. But this is all about why we cringe at the new pricing levels. Because we know it's going to happen, but it's hard to buy one at a low price anymore, based on what kind of money you still have to put into it after you buy it. The problem comes when those Broncos sell at the higher prices because someone just had to have it and had been out-bid several times already so they jump on it sight unseen. And if you hesitated, you lost out.
Hopefully this is someone you know and you're the only one in line. If so then you can make a fair offer without having to hurry.
Good luck! Lots of unknowns, but can still be a fun journey.
Paul
