Looking to buy 85 Runner w/48k on it

[johnnyd2723]

Hi everyone. I found this Runner with super low mileage but it's really rusty. What I was told was it was used strictly as a winter driver in NY. The owner claims it runs and drives like new and everything works as it should. Says the frame is solid, body has no damage other than rust. 4 cyl 5 speed. Also says it has every option on it that was available in 85. It's 3 hours away and I was planning on looking at it tomorrow. I'm skeptical because of the rusty condition. He's asking 39 for it.

Was looking for some feedback on what you guys thought or what I should look out for. This runner is so cool and I would love to be the new owner and fix her up but not sure. I would be driving it as my second vehicle and a daily driver of around 100 miles a day. I appreciate any feedback.

Thanks a lot

John

***EDIT*** Having troubles uploading image. There is a pic of this runner in my gallery***

 

[KidVermicious]

$3900 is a high ask for an '85 in fair condition in my area. If this one is in bad shape, I wouldn't pay over $2000. It sounds like you're in love and that's trouble - take a friend and tell him his job is to keep you out of trouble, and if your friend says walk, walk.

Is this the one we're talking about? 1985 toyota 4runner sr5

 

[johnnyd2723]

$3900 is a high ask for an '85 in fair condition in my area. If this one is in bad shape, I wouldn't pay over $2000. It sounds like you're in love and that's trouble - take a friend and tell him his job is to keep you out of trouble, and if your friend says walk, walk.

Is this the one we're talking about? 1985 toyota 4runner sr5

Yep, that's the one

 

[KidVermicious]

I think your guy is way too proud of that mileage. IMO, mileage is only relevant in newer vehicles - once you get over 10 or 15 years old, stuff is gonna be going south even if it's NEVER been driven.

If the rust really is just on the fenders, it looks like you could probably cancel it with a set of Bushwackers. Or replace the fenders and patch the quarters, but that's a bit more work. I'd let him know that your max is $2000, maybe less, and ask if he'll consider it before you drive out there. If he won't come near it over the phone, keep looking. I saw several other relatively stock trucks scanning your craigslist, so don't be seduced by this one.

 

[thatoneguy]

I also wouldn't really trust an odometer reading that low on these. My friend bought an '86 4runner with a cluster that I think is from an '84. I think it's an '84 cluster because it has a tach and the speedo only goes to 85.

 

[Nervo19]

Thatoneguy is correct. The speedometer on an 85 only goes up to 85 mph. That is not the original speedometer. There's also a good tutorial on YouTube on how to set the mileage back. If the fenders look like that there is a lot more unseen damage on the internal frame. It looks like a poorly maintained vehicle. I've seen many people here get nicer 4Runners for $500.

Check Craigslist every morning. You'll eventually find a nice one. If you have $3900 to spend you should be able to get a very nice one.

 

[johnnyd2723]

Thanks for the replies. I feel this runner may nickle and dime me to death bcause of.

Thanks for the replies. I'm leaning on the side of caution due to its age.

 

[KidVermicious]

That's pretty much a given - if you're not ready to do your own wrenching, an older truck may not be for you. Mechanics are expensive.

 

[SV_Dude]

That's pretty much a given - if you're not ready to do your own wrenching, an older truck may not be for you. Mechanics are expensive.

KidV hit the nail on the head.

Good points on the speedos only going to 85. In my opinion, that isn't worth that much even if that is the original mileage. Ask him to show you pics of the rest of the interior. That dash looks pretty clean. If the rest of the interior is in just as good shape and the drivetrain is healthy I would say that's a 2500-3000 runner. Body rust is an easy fix if you're mechanically inclined and can do a little bit of body work.

 

[thatoneguy]

Thatoneguy is correct. The speedometer on an 85 only goes up to 85 mph. That is not the original speedometer. There's also a good tutorial on YouTube on how to set the mileage back. If the fenders look like that there is a lot more unseen damage on the internal frame. It looks like a poorly maintained vehicle. I've seen many people here get nicer 4Runners for $500.

Check Craigslist every morning. You'll eventually find a nice one. If you have $3900 to spend you should be able to get a very nice one.

I didn't know that '85 speedos also stop at 85mph. That's convenient that it's been determined this 4runner's history is questionable.

I really think the OP should pass. I paid $2500 for an 87 with 290k, a professionally rebuilt engine (130k ago), newer trans, all options, and pristine body two years ago, and I feel like I paid too much.

And most on this forum agree: You really shouldn't even own one of these trucks if you arent gonna fix it yourself. Only reason I own one is access to a friend who's a Toyota expert with a large shop.

 

[johnnyd2723]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I did not go look at it due to the owner was not able to meet this past weekend. However I will be in his area next weekend so I still plan to go and check it out.

I do agree with everyone on the price and hope the guy will negotiate. I do do all my own wrenching(most of it) so I'm ok with replacing parts but am a little worried I'll be doing a lot of that on this rig :fear: .

Interesting point on the speedo. Going to do some research on that.

Thanks again for the replies :cheers:

 

[johnnyd2723]

Thatoneguy is correct. The speedometer on an 85 only goes up to 85 mph. That is not the original speedometer. There's also a good tutorial on YouTube on how to set the mileage back. If the fenders look like that there is a lot more unseen damage on the internal frame. It looks like a poorly maintained vehicle. I've seen many people here get nicer 4Runners for $500.

Check Craigslist every morning. You'll eventually find a nice one. If you have $3900 to spend you should be able to get a very nice one.

I just found several pics of 85's and all the speedo's go to 110. I think it's the correct speedo.

 

[KidVermicious]

The speedo on my '85 goes well above 85 mph.

 

[85toy4runner]

my 85 speedometer goes up to 110 ,I have never never been that fast in it, I dont even no if it will even do it , If it would it would be at about 4700 rpm to get to 110

 

[Nervo19]

I guess I made a sweeping generalization. The following SR5 gauges came from an '85. Those of you who have '85's that the speedo goes higher, does the assembly still have the grid design in the background? The grid disappeared in 86 or 87. 88 and 89 have no grid on the SR5 gauges.

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[85toy4runner]

Nervo19 , yes my 85 sr5 has that grid but goes to 110 , it looks exactly like that one

 

[KidVermicious]

Mine has the grid and goes to 110.

 

[thatoneguy]

Interesting. Maybe it's not as consistent as i thought. Are 85mph speedos gone after '85?

 

[nevada]

Mine has the grid and goes to 110.

yup. mine also.


i was going to say....i know ive spent a fair amount of time at 80mph...and i know i wasnt at the end of the gauge...

 

[johnnyd2723]

Well guys, I passed on this rig. Low mileage but holy ****!!!! This thing was rusted out soooo bad there was no way. So thanks for all the comments, really appreciate it.

However, I did find a 93 in PA w/116k, originally bought in Irvine CA and spent most of it's life in FL. Brought up to the rust belt in 2008. Went and looked at this rig and I couldn't believe how clean it was. Has a few issues but all in all pretty darn nice Runner. Picked it up for 2100 bucks!!!!:rockon: Drove it home and it's sittin' in the drive now. I'm going to start a new thread on it this weekend and I'll post so picks.

Thanks again