looking to get into a classic, opinions?

[Torched]

great site! very informative! here is the question, to buy or not to buy....

the subject
1987 sr5
"all the options"
207xxx miles on chassis
22re, bored .030, block decked .01, head decked .01, cam (not sure which one) new chain and guides
lce header with new exhaust
trans shifts nicely

almost everything on the interior works....
passenger side mirror adjuster and fuel gauge do not, and the hubs stick a bit coming out of 4wheel

very little surface rust

the window sticker is still in the glove box along with records

is it worth 5k?

thanks

 

[LedFloyd900]

Just a heads up you're going to hear a lot of "is it worth $5k to YOU?"...it's a good looking truck man, and with all the things you listed it makes it even more appealing. I bet I know where he got that engine too, just replaced my 3VZE with one that's bored .30 over and bigger cams. But anyway, PERSONALLY I don't see it being worth $5,000 especially being a 1987. I paid $3700 for my 1992 V6 in amazing condition, I'd try to work them down a little closer to that range if I was you. However, it IS up to you so if you see 5 grand in it than go for it!

 

[3rzrunner]

Just a heads up you're going to hear a lot of "is it worth $5k to YOU?"

x2^

for me I HATE purple tint so that would be a turnoff.

but other than that sounds ok.

Is it a manual or an auto? if its an auto its not worth anything close to 5k (well at least for me)

edit: just putting this out there for you, if you didn't know already. the first gen came with two different front suspension set ups. (solid 84-85, ifs 86-89) the solid axel being the more desirable. the 87that you posted is an ifs truck.

 

[Torched]

Thanks, I figured I'd get several "what it's worth is up to you" to me, it's in such good shape and so heavily optioned (not that I'm into bells and whistles) that I feel a guy is going to get 5k of use from it for sure. would i rarher pay 3200, yea, but this isnt a throw away car ans that is what im rationalizing with myself. and then when it breaks down you actually have a chance to fix it and drive some more.
it does have ifs
And I'm witu you on the tint, I assume it's old.
thanks

 

[1974RUNNER]

Seems like anything in decent shape is going for 4,000-5,000 grand in California now. Even beaters have high asking prices. Granted the beaters sit around awhile.

 

[flagbasher]

If the inside is as nice as the outside, I'd buy it.

Interesting stripe going on there.

Looks like the butt is sitting low, so you might need rear springs, but that's typical.

 

[RAD4Runner]

If manual transmission AND engine's still under warranty, 5K is fine. If not, I'd offer $3700, pay $4500 max
And you are right about it being a keeper, IF manual tranny. Beats newer trucks when it comes to serviceability and reliability.

 

[Torched]

The interior is super nice and the altimeter cluster still works.
It is a manual.
the lady will be home friday, may try to strike a deal.

 

[Torched]

With new clutch....

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

Nice, never seen that stripe before, I kinda like it!

The fuel gauge is sort of a typical thing that goes out, I've seen several tank sending units go bad, mine included. From my experience, it usually works when you fill it all the way up, then tends to just drop to empty around half tank or so. Its been a long time since mine went out (IIRC, around '92 I think), but its easy to replace the sending unit on the 4 runner (unlike my truck!). Pull rear seat and unbolt hatch. Pull sending unit out, replace with new unit, done!

I dunno about the mirror though, could be the switch or the mirror itself.

In any case, 5 grand is still a bit high, I sold my neighbor's '89 fully loaded w/v6 in almost mint condition for 3700 bucks, but that was back in Oregon about 3 years ago!

 

[58rennur4]

Hard to say really looks like a very nice ride. I really like the stripe! It looks very clean too. 5000 plus say put 3000 into it over 4 years is 160 per month owner ship cost. So not bad but you may talk them down a bit and get that closer to 140-150 ownership cost. But what else are you going to find for that kind of monthly cost?

I paid ~ $2,200.00 for an 1985 Auto DLX 4runner with the tires you see on it. There was a trade involved but that was my out of pocket expense. It cost me 800.00 to ship to my house though... It is an Auto and I am glad because I have a bad hip and can't shift :becky:

 

[LedFloyd900]

and the altimeter cluster still works.

Am I the only one that noticed this? Lol, altimeters are on aircraft, if I'm correct that cluster is called the inclinometer cluster? Or something along those lines. Not being a smart a$$ or anything, just thought I'd point it out :biggrin2:

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

Well, yes, it actually is called an inclinometer, but there's still an altimeter in the 3-gauge pod! :bounce:

 

[LedFloyd900]

Well, yes, it actually is called an inclinometer, but there's still an altimeter in the 3-gauge pod! :bounce:

That's pretty cool, I didn't know that!

 

[ChaseR9]

I'd say if you could get it for around 4000 or even 3500 then you should do it! Good luck with finding a classic!!!

 

[RAD4Runner]

I paid ~ $2,200.00 for an 1985...

I hate you....

... Auto...

OK, I don't hate you