1987 4runner with high miles-worth buying?

[sixstringer]

Just created my profile here, so "hello" and thanks in advance for any input. Im looking at a 1987 4Runner SR5 and very strongly considering purchasing it (been looking of the 1st gens for a while now), however it currently has 307,000 miles. Thats a bit of an intimidating number to me, having previously been turned off by anything with 200 or more. I realize there are a lot of factors involved. This 4runner is in extremely good condition, only very minor surface rust on the roof, and perfect interior. The tranny shifts well, it handles nicely, and drives just fine overall. Burns about a quart between oil changes but leaks nothing. It was owned by the same man from '87-'05, and apparently driven lightly. The motor probably doesnt have the power is used to, but runs great. I do not know that any major work has ever been done on the truck, I think it may still even be the original timing chain. They are asking $2100 for the truck, and Im wondering what any of you may suggest. Should I shy away from one with that many miles? if not, is there anything in particular I should pay close attention to or check on the truck before purchasing it? Can the 4wd system still be strong after that many miles? Thanks a lot.

 

[turboSR5]

Hi and welcome. That 4runner has some pretty high miles but honestly, what 1st gen 4runner doesn't have a healthy dose of mileage on the ol' odometer? The 4 wheel drive should still be fine but you should find a nice gravel or dirt patch, lock the hubs and drop it in 4 high and do a peel out or 2 to verify that it is indeed working.
If I were you and the body and interior are to my liking I would buy it, and I would buy it knowing that I will probably be rebuilding that motor pretty soon (if it is indeed that high of mileage on the engine). With that many miles, that chain would have broken at least twice and should have been replaced 3x over at a minumum. If you can negotiate the price lower due to the mileage that would be great but seeing as how it runs, you may not get them down much more. I only see them cheaper than that if they do not run due to engine problems in the pacific northwest and they typically do not sound as nice as the one you are looking at.

 

[sixstringer]

Thanks for the response. I am basically thinking along the same lines as you, and I have to believe that with 300k+ and still running like it does, it must have been very well maintained. The original owner went to college in Texas but was originally from Washington, so that is where most of the miles came from. All I need out of it for now is a daily driver through the winter, and then when need-be I think it would certainly be worth rebuilding (or putting in a used motor, which from what I've read sounds to be the most economical way to go). And yes, I'll definately be using the mileage as a negotiating factor. Thanks again.
Im sure I'll be posting more if I do indeed buy it.

 

[03vrod]

I agree as long as the body and frame are in good shape.Look closely at the frame and make sure it's not cracked or badly rusted.I've seen several that were cracked and broken

 

[fourwd1]

At 307K and 23 yrs old, you have to anticipate a lot more than just rebuilding the engine.
Springs, shocks, starter, alternator, wheel bearings, steering linkages, etc. All are going to be beyond well worn.

Also, it would really help to know where you are. Prices vary a lot across the country. What's a steal in one place is way over priced in another.

 

[the_dingman]

Think most of the condition of the truck. You can get a decent shape 22RE for a few hundred bucks, and do a good rebuild yourself for under $1k. If you're looking for a long term restoration truck, the engine is the easiest to fix or replace.

I will someday restore a 1st gen to 'like new' condition. I love these trucks and want nothing else. I have a good engine, but the rust on my truck is beyond the point where fixing it is a better plan than looking for a good body with a possibly bad engine.

 

[sixstringer]

Im in central Minnesota. So $2100 is on the very high end of what I'd pay for it for certain. I typically see a decent one go for around 2 with at least 100,000 fewer miles, but they're pretty few and far between. The body on this one is remarkably nice though, which is why the decision has me where I am. I would definately like to rebuild the truck in the future, but seeing as though the money for that would indefinately not be available , I really just need a reliable daily driver for now. So Im still unsure. If it wasn't a matter of being concerned about breaking down in the winter with our baby in the backseat, I'd buy it for sure. Eventually here its going to be gone and the decision will be made for me, which I'll probably regret.

 

[the_dingman]

A solid, no-rust body here in the north is very, very rare...

Tough call... If it runs strong, and there's no issues with the handling, transmission or otherwise I'd jump on it. Chances are that at some point in the near future it's going to need some work, but if you're gentile with it and make sure to let it warm up in the cold, you should get through winter.

 

[fourwd1]

I think it may still even be the original timing chain.

Just noticed that.
At 307K, it's ready for it's 3rd replacement TC. Hope it's not the original TC.

As far as rust, be more worried about the frame !

 

[GSMNP125]

86 Toyota condition

I found a 86 w/270k that needs a little work on the rear fenders. Some rust but not ugly. The whole front end had just been done before I purchased it. Don't know what else was done because the mechanic passed away shortly after he completed the work. The seats are trashed. Runs great but I'm conscerned about the tc.
The seller is a friend of mine. He had just put $2400 into it. He wanted $2000 for it but I gave him what he had in it. I was pretty happy to get for that price.

 

[ultrabongo]

My 86 has 311k on it and runs great. But it has needed some work over the 2 years I've had it - front axle, e brake, calipers, radiator, and miscellaneous hoses and geegaws. I got mine with 302k on it, mostly use it locally for hauling. 2100 bucks seems like too much, tho. I would ****er if I could - offer 1500. lots of luck - they're not trucks, they're a way of life!

 

[caddyman]

300+ nice and tight. Runs great, absolutly no rust, lots has been replaced....but I'm noy worried.
High miles on one of these rigs really depends on maint how much more life it has.

 

[Getsum]

Just created my profile here, so "hello" and thanks in advance for any input. Im looking at a 1987 4Runner SR5 and very strongly considering purchasing it (been looking of the 1st gens for a while now), however it currently has 307,000 miles. Thats a bit of an intimidating number to me, having previously been turned off by anything with 200 or more. I realize there are a lot of factors involved. This 4runner is in extremely good condition, only very minor surface rust on the roof, and perfect interior. The tranny shifts well, it handles nicely, and drives just fine overall. Burns about a quart between oil changes but leaks nothing. It was owned by the same man from '87-'05, and apparently driven lightly. The motor probably doesnt have the power is used to, but runs great. I do not know that any major work has ever been done on the truck, I think it may still even be the original timing chain. They are asking $2100 for the truck, and Im wondering what any of you may suggest. Should I shy away from one with that many miles? if not, is there anything in particular I should pay close attention to or check on the truck before purchasing it? Can the 4wd system still be strong after that many miles? Thanks a lot.

That seems high for a vehicle that's basically a ticking bomb; be ready to put a lot more into it.

I have a 1994 4-door 4WD with 176,000 I will sell for $2600. It has no rust and a straight body, plus I'm going through it now and doing all the tune-ups and ALL fluid changes. TC is good, new plugs, cap, wires, rotor, intake system, valve cover/plenum seals, everything works, tires are great, electric windows & mirrors, cruise, PS, PB, new spare. Only bad thing is that the clearcoat needs to be redone...I was going to Rhinoline the entire vehicle plus put a coat of aircraft poly paint over the top of that (10 year gaurantee on paint lifetime on rhinoliner) $1200-1500 extra for the paint...you can pick the color! Just to info you, rhinoliner works very well for offroad trucks, I did it on my Ram 2500 and gets major compliments wherever I go...even at stoplights! The aircraft paint is 10 times harder than auto paint and is you do somehow manage to scratch it, you can brush new paint over it and not see the brush mark because of the texture (everyone says it looks like ice). I have done several trucks like this already.


I have decided to import a Landcruiser 4.0 turbo deisel from Japan (4-runner's very big brother), thus the reason I'm selling the 4runner. Anyone interested, let me know. I'm in Mountain Home Arkansas.

 

[Simon Wilkinson Cr]

Catching Up

Hello,

Where may I see the original post including the images of the truck in question. I am a Canadian in Portugal looking at a 1987 2.0 cc 4Runner and wish to learn up on what to look for. Thank you. Simon