Good buy, or suspicious?

[slisdexia]

I found an 87 4Runner for sale, body looks good in the pictures, but hard to tell, anyway the important stuff
1. 22r BUT motor and trans replaced
2. it's a stick
3. 95k it says
4 dirt cheap
does this smell of something funny or is it me? give me your thoughts please.
Thanks

 

[RunnerUp]

um... no it doesnt smell funny to me, most of these older trucks have had the tranny/motor replaced so the 95k is prob on the rebuild. 87's are usually dirt cheap because they are IFS and not the highly prized 85's with the SA. just check for rust/fluid leaks. best thing about these trucks is that they are easy to work on yourself and cheap to fix most anything that could be wrong with them

 

[slisdexia]

so is there a good year I should be going for or would any year work for the average joe(me). Any years more reliable or generally tougher or better than any others?

 

[RunnerUp]

well... it depends on what you want it for. just generally driving around town and getting you from A - B, any year should be fine.

85's have a solid front axle, so thats "tougher" but the ride isnt as comfortable as the IFS of the 86 and up. it all depends on what you can find and what your willing to spend.

i am actually always on the lookout for a cheap 85 to restore just because i have always loved the 1st gens and would want one with the solid axle. if you dont plan on wheeling with it that much or modify it to much than any year should be good for you. good luck

 

[slisdexia]

found out the inside of it was trashed, no stereo, carpet "messed up" guess that explains the 1500 price tag no thanks

 

[BamBam]

Carpet is cheap. Get a carpet kit on ebay, slap some new aftermarket seats, and find a dash at a junkyard and you've basically rebuilt the whole interior.

I would much rather have a mechanically sound and rust free vehicle with a horrible interior, than a vehicle with a mint interior and rust and motor problems.

Frequently though, those who abuse their interior do the same to the rest of the car, so you may be better off avoiding it.

 

[slisdexia]

from the way the guy described it, it'd be a good one to stay away from I think. It sounded like he wouldn't even be able to change the oil let alone the entire drive train

 

[BamBam]

Yeah, that does sound a little risky. Once in a while I will see a nice 1g pop up on Craig's List. I almost bought a couple, but they sell FAST. Keep an eye out. There is always somebody who buys one and realizes they don't have time for it and would rather not insure a 3rd vehicle.