How to evaluate when not driveable

[FishStik]

New guy here. I've been looking for most of the summer but not much to look at locally. There is an '86 about 2 hours from me that reportedly has head gasket issues so it is not driveable. So far no pictures but a long list of parts, etc. and plans that never were finished. 22RE and 5 speed manual are about all I know for certain. Thinking of making the drive this weekend to take a look, but realistically what is the value? Maybe a better question is what should I expect for $1,000.00? The tow will probably cost me $350.00.

Is it worth the look?

 

[Brownfaux]

I got a running 88 no HG issues for 1,000. Minimal rust.

I would keep looking. But if you're up to the head gasket fix, try to get it cheaper. I would guess what parts he's giving you are important too.

I for sure wouldn't go out there without pics first.

 

[KidVermicious]

New guy here. I've been looking for most of the summer but not much to look at locally. There is an '86 about 2 hours from me that reportedly has head gasket issues so it is not driveable. So far no pictures but a long list of parts, etc. and plans that never were finished. 22RE and 5 speed manual are about all I know for certain. Thinking of making the drive this weekend to take a look, but realistically what is the value? Maybe a better question is what should I expect for $1,000.00? The tow will probably cost me $350.00.

Is it worth the look?

I wouldn't pay $1000 for a non-running truck unless it was otherwise immaculate, and I certainly wouldn't pay another $350 on top of that. Talk him down to $750-$800 and figure a way to tow it back to your place yourself and you might have something worth doing, but otherwise I'd keep looking.

The 22RE head gasket is not a hard job at all, but be aware that if the truck has overheated badly you might be looking at a full engine rebuild, which is also not especially hard but definitely more involved.

 

[FishStik]

Thanks for the feedback, especially for the reminder to be patient.

 

[MT Tatman]

My buddy and I bought 2, 1986 4runners for $500. for the pair. One "ran" with rear end body damage, and one did not run. New timing chain/top end rebuild and the dented one is now happily on the road and I'm still using parts from the other. Used the block for my engine build, among many other bits and pieces.
So, yeah, I think $1000 unseen, is a lot of cash.