How much is a 1989 Ford F350 worth today?
The typical value range for a 1989 Ford F-350 today runs roughly from about $5,000 up to $25,000, depending on condition, drivetrain, and originality, with especially clean, low-mileage, diesel-powered, four-wheel-drive examples capable of reaching higher prices.
This article examines how collectors and buyers assess a vintage F-350 from the late 1980s, what features drive price swings, and where to look for current market data. It also offers practical guidance for evaluating a truck before buying or bidding.
What drives the value of a 1989 Ford F-350
Prices are shaped by the truck’s condition, configuration, and provenance. The following factors commonly influence value:
- Overall condition and driveability (whether it runs and stops reliably, and how much cosmetic work is needed).
- Engine and powertrain: gasoline versus diesel, and the specific diesel variant (often the 6.9L or 7.3L IDI) and its maintenance history.
- Transmission type and reliability, including whether it’s manual or automatic.
- Drivetrain configuration: two-wheel drive vs. 4x4, regular cab vs. SuperCab/crew cab, long bed vs. short bed, and whether it is a single-rear-wheel or dual-rear-wheel (dually) setup.
- Rarity and originality: stock condition, factory specifications, and the presence of desirable original components (e.g., factory diesel, factory tow package).
- Rust and structural integrity: frame rot, cab corners, bed floor, and underbody corrosion.
- Documentation and provenance: service records, mileage history, and any restoration or modification work.
- Market interest and regional demand: value can vary by region depending on climate, borrowing capacity, and local supply.
Understanding these variables helps explain why two otherwise similar trucks can have noticeably different asking prices or auction results.
Typical price ranges by condition
Prices shown are approximate ranges based on valuation guides and recent listings as of 2025. They illustrate how condition and configuration shift value across the market.
- Poor or non-running projects: $2,000–$5,000 — vehicles in this tier typically need extensive mechanical work and may have significant rust or frame issues.
- Fair condition (drives with noticeable cosmetic needs): $5,000–$8,000 — usable with work, but not pristine; may require maintenance or minor restoration.
- Good condition (sound mechanicals, decent cosmetics): $8,000–$14,000 — solid daily drivers or resto projects with reasonable miles.
- Very good condition (well-maintained, clean, original or well-restored): $14,000–$22,000 — desirable configurations and robust maintenance history command higher values.
- Excellent/Showroom-quality or low-mileage originals (especially diesels with 4x4/dually setups): $22,000–$35,000+ — rare, well-documented examples with minimal rust and strong documentation can reach the high end, though such examples are uncommon.
Note that the most valuable 1989 F-350 examples tend to be diesel-powered, four-wheel-drive layouts with either a long or crew cab configuration, and with documented care and original components intact. Gasoline models and 2WD specifications generally sit at the lower end of the spectrum unless they are exceptionally clean or heavily restored.
Where to research current pricing
To verify current values, consult multiple sources and compare like-with-like examples (same cab style, bed length, drivetrain, and mileage). Use these resources as benchmarks rather than single-point quotes.
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
- Hagerty Valuation Tool
- NADA Guides
- Bring a Trailer and ClassicCars.com price guides and recent auction results
- Regional classifieds and dealer listings for similar preserved or restored units
Cross-checking these sources helps account for regional demand, recent restorations, and how listings reflect current buyer sentiment for vintage heavy-duty pickups.
What to check when valuing or buying a 1989 F-350
Use this practical checklist to assess condition and potential value before purchase or auction bidding:
- Rust and frame integrity across the cab floors, rocker panels, bed, and frame rails.
- Engine condition, compression (for gas engines) or combustion reliability (diesel), and documented maintenance history.
- Transmission and differential health, including 4x4 operation and drive-line compatibility.
- Mileage credibility and service records; verify odometer accuracy and major repairs.
- Body and interior condition, including cab wear, dash integrity, seat condition, and cosmetics.
- Originality of critical components (engine, transmission, torque-tube, transfer case), and presence of aftermarket add-ons or modifications.
- Electrical system reliability, including lights, gauge cluster, and accessory wiring.
- Documentation and provenance, including any restoration notes, receipts, and historical ownership details.
Walking through these checks helps you assess true value and avoid overpaying for a fixer or underestimating a well-preserved unit.
Summary of market context
Overall, the 1989 Ford F-350 sits in a mid-range classic-truck market. Most buyers will find value in well-maintained, original or faithfully restored examples with clear maintenance history, especially in diesel and 4x4 configurations. Gasoline 2WD models tend to less often command top-tier pricing unless they are exceptionally clean or have compelling provenance.
Summary
Bottom line: If you’re buying, set expectations between roughly $5,000 and $25,000, guided by condition and configuration; if you’re selling, emphasize documentation, originality, and the mechanical health of the powertrain to achieve top-dollar. For the best accuracy, compare several valuation sources and recent listings that match the vehicle’s exact specs.
