1987 Ford Truck XL review from North America

Rear main seal leaking oil

Fuel filter clogs up regularly

Threw 2 serpentine belts in a month

Auxiliary fuel tank switch/solenoid broken

Front shocks needed replacement

All rubber bushings need to be replaced

Air filter cover is broken

Charcoal canister broken

Doors don't close properly due to worn hinge bushings

Missing key for doors

Parking brake sticking

Seat belts don't retract

Rear slider window latch broken

Gas gauge broken

Heater function (eg: defrost/vent/floor) switch broken

Radio backlight burnt out

Right speaker cuts in and out.

I purchased this truck in May 2008 as a work vehicle, paying only $900 Cdn. As the truck had relatively low mileage, a solid engine and gearbox, and no body rust, I felt this was a good deal. However I'm starting to regret my purchase.

The truck was clearly not well maintained. There's little in the cab that actually works as it should, with many little plastic bits missing. Most annoying is the fuel problem. The previous owner replaced the box with a wooden flat deck, but made no provision for the fuel filler hose, which has to be held at an awkward angle while refueling. In addition, it's almost impossible to prevent the dirt caked on the bottom of the deck from falling into the hose, which I suspect is causing the truck to lose power and stall, and the truck's owner to curse involuntarily!

I recently took the truck on a road trip. I was unhappily surprised to find that the truck burns a ridiculous amount of gas... I calculated 13 mpg highway! I gotta sell this beast and get a Ranger... If I can't find out why it's so thirsty.

I love the way the truck feels on the road... replacing the stock shocks with Monroe Reflex shocks made it handle like a new truck!!! And the torquey engine combined with the 4 speed has enough power for every hill, no matter the load. But with gas prices reaching $1.50 a liter, I simply can't afford to drive it daily.

As is, I probably overpaid for the truck by at least $400.