Opinions on purchaing '86 4runner. Total newb here.

[bloodmoon]

Hi! So basically I am looking for a good daily driver around town and something that can take me up into the mountains and on to forest service/logging roads two to three times a month (camping, etc). I was already leaning towards a Toyota pickup, but in my search I landed on a pristine and (seemingly) well kept '86 4x4 4runner 4cyl. 167k. Two owners. Garage kept and according to the owner it has had regular maintenance. It even has the original floor mats. This feels rather mythical, because the person I have been talking to that owns it is an elderly woman. Says she selling it due to a family crisis. I'm just wondering if it's some kinda prank. Hah.

I'm going up to look at it this Friday.

What I am curious about is, as a complete novice, what should I expect from potentially buying a 4runner like this? Anything that I should be extra mindful of when looking at it? How bad might I be screwing myself on this? Haha.

I've been a car-less hippy for the past 10 years, this'll be the first vehicle I've owned since then. I wanted something simple, not fancy and utilitarian. I've been doing my research and these seem to be very reliable, tough as nails kinda trucks. Plus, how can you beat the aesthetics of a 1st gen 4runner!?

Would love advice, tips, etc. from you experienced folks. Thanks in advanced!

 

[santanvalleydirt]

Hi! So basically I am looking for a good daily driver around town and something that can take me up into the mountains and on to forest service/logging roads two to three times a month (camping, etc). I was already leaning towards a Toyota pickup, but in my search I landed on a pristine and (seemingly) well kept '86 4x4 4runner 4cyl. 167k. Two owners. Garage kept and according to the owner it has had regular maintenance. It even has the original floor mats. This feels rather mythical, because the person I have been talking to that owns it is an elderly woman. Says she selling it due to a family crisis. I'm just wondering if it's some kinda prank. Hah.

I'm going up to look at it this Friday.

What I am curious about is, as a complete novice, what should I expect from potentially buying a 4runner like this? Anything that I should be extra mindful of when looking at it? How bad might I be screwing myself on this? Haha.

I've been a car-less hippy for the past 10 years, this'll be the first vehicle I've owned since then. I wanted something simple, not fancy and utilitarian. I've been doing my research and these seem to be very reliable, tough as nails kinda trucks. Plus, how can you beat the aesthetics of a 1st gen 4runner!?

Would love advice, tips, etc. from you experienced folks. Thanks in advanced!

If everything is in working order, pick that thing up. That looks fantastic for it's age, and if you're going for a good, reliable vehicle that's a good for driving to the office and then driving to the forest, you've found it. That thing will never die on you.

 

[Nervo19]

If you google "buy 1st gen 4Runner" you will find dozens of threads about what to look for, so read them. I allowed $1000 for immediate maintenance when I bought my '89 and I did spend it the first couple of weeks. (clutch and new tires)

At 160k+ miles the timing chain should have been replaced already but if it hasn't plan on doing it sooner rather than later. Everybody loves the timing chain with steel guide and water pump kits sold on eBay. They are about $100 compared to the Toyota OEM price of about $325 for just the timing chain and plastic guides from Toyota.

Also look out for rust in the frame which doesn't look like an issue from the picture.

Make sure you have your funds with you when you look at the 4Runner. I doubt that truck will stay unsold for long. Be willing to walk away though, if you feel something's not right with it. Good luck.

 

[RAD4Runner]

First-gen is a great choice. Shoot for a manual transmission for more reliability, efficiency and simpler maintenance. Many fellow members here would be happy to help you get her back to like-new reliability.

Looks clean. Take it for a test drive and use your senses: listen, feel hear, see and smell - No, no taste test - LOL!
$1000 reserve for immediate maintenance sounds good, but have something ready in case worse things happen.

For your reference, I got my 1986 with 186k Miles for $2700, and it did not look as clean as that. Worked really well, except for her rear-end sag. Drove hr to Shasta and back to SD the first year of ownership.

After 2 years head gasket blew so I had the engine rebuilt, clutch, all cooling system components replaced. Still happy with it over-all, since most of the work, other than engine and transmission I can do myself, rather than risk having someone else work on it.

 

[grumpin]

I bought mine in May of 2014 for $3500. From what I know it spent its life in California and Oregon. No rust. Had a lot of little things wrong with it. And had to replace the condenser, receiver/dryer and o rings and service the a/c. Also all the hoses, radiator and thermostat. Just turned over 270,000 miles. It was well taken care of. That looks and sounds like a nice 4Runner. Like was said, you should get a feel for it by looking at it and driving it.

 

[fourwd1]

I bought mine in May of 2014 for $3500. From what I know it spent its life in California and Oregon. No rust. Had a lot of little things wrong with it. And had to replace the condenser, receiver/dryer and o rings and service the a/c. Also all the hoses, radiator and thermostat. Just turned over 270,000 miles. It was well taken care of. That looks and sounds like a nice 4Runner. Like was said, you should get a feel for it by looking at it and driving it.

CHECK FOR FRAME RUST
It rusts from the inside out so you don't see it until it's too late.
And don't just look, bang on it.

 

[penbergm]

Buy that thing now! I will take my '86 to the grave.