Hi Everyone - newbie here.

I was hoping to get some Gen1 advise prior to making purchase.

I have always owned Tacos, mostly pickups, a couple of cruisers and one 4Runner years ago. I currently drive a mint (in my opinion) Base '93 Ext Cab 4x4, wife drives a 2011 Camry SE. Definitely loyal to the brand!

I have been considering another Toyota purchase such as an FJ80 or 2nd gen 4runner as a hauler for the kids (I have one in a booster and one almost ready for the booster). The back of the truck leaves a bit to be desired to get kids in and out.

My question is for you guys with kids and and a 1st gen. I have found a really nice 1st gen nearby, low miles and looks awesome. How many of you use the 1st gen as a kid hauler and DD? How convenient\inconvenient do you find it? Pros & cons? What about availability of parts? The 4runner I am looking at is an '88!

Thanks for any advice.

Not insanely inconvenient. The seats slide forward quite a ways, so getting chillins in and out of the back isn't hard at all, especially once they're old enough to buckle themselves in.

That is the key. My 8 year old hops right in. It is a little bit of a pain with my 5 year old. I say little bit because it is not my DD.

I should disclose that my DD isn't technically that as I have a work truck that I can drive somewhat freely. 4Runner will be used mostly on weekends and when the wifey is out of town so I do the pickup from school\day care.

What is the part availability like? The last last car I owned this old was an '84 CRX about 7 yrs ago. Parts were getting a bit scare even then.

Never had a part I couldn't find. There's still a lot of these on the road, and lots of OEM and aftermarket support.

Getting kids in and out would definitly be easier on a 4 dr 2nd gen Runner.