Pick One! 1st gens, which one?!
Hey guys,
Been a lurker for years going back and forth trying to decide if I want a 1st gen 4runner as a fun weekend vehicle. So I found 3 that are somewhat local. I put together a rundown of each so figure I would ask you and see what your choice is!
Now, I want a reliable dd if I needed it, has to be safe (2yr old in the back), no wheeling, just popping the top for some fun drives. My price, as you can see, is low. Like $1k low. I would rather do maintenance down the road than a bigger up front cost.
1. 1988 Toyota 4Runner - $1200 (very close, within 20min.)
- Auto, v6, inspected (bought for his kid and fixed it up)
- Lifted
- 33 inch tires (new)
- New exhaust
- Marlin crawler front bumper
- Sliders
- 4xinovations rear bumper
- Extra front diff with a lock right locker
- 4.56 gears
Has dents
It was a trail truck that has been made into a dd
- Does need a u joint
- body looks pretty banged up, but doesnt look really rusty. I am looking at this one Monday night.
2. 1986 Toyota 4runner- $1200 (about an hr. 15min from me, same state so easier transfer and tags) SOLD - Out of the running
Automatic, 22re
318K miles. Still runs good and starts every time. 4 wheel drive works.
- brand new tires (31 x 10.5 bfg mud terrains)
- new battery
grey interior (interior is rough, but rear is rhinolined in the rear)
rear window regulator is broke, but has new one just needs installed
- body doesnt look terrible, he claims a little rust but it doesnt stand out in the pics. I have seen WAY worse!
3. 1989 4Runner - $1100 (a solid 2hrs from me, different state)
Manual, 22re
- 260,xxx miles
- Manual
Literally a booklet of parts changed out including but not limited to:
- Timing Chain
- Alternator
- Starter
- Radiator
- Front windshield
- Waterpump
- ETC. (another 60 things and normal maintenance)
Cons:
- burns oil but does not drip/leak (quart every couple weeks but that was driving 40-80 miles/day - he said maybe a gasket)
- no cat, straight pipe so check engine light is on w/no O2 sensor
- Small body rust around wheel wells but NO RUST ON FRAME
- Back window button does not work but motor and window for back hatch are fine and work
- No AC
- No Radio
- Tires need to be replaced soon
As you can see, its 3 unique vehicles. #1 the body is rough but I get to see it in 2 days so I can judge better. Interior looks decent from bad pics but its an auto and the 6 however, he has lots of parts on it I could sell as well (bumper, diff and sliders.) #2 is auto but the 22re, body doesnt look horrible from bad pics but he said interior is bad but to me thats a fun fix and cheaper. And #3 has the best engine/trans combo, but there is rust, but not high up and doesnt look super bad. Tires soon and the oil leak could be a problem. Leather seats though with some rips and a crack in the dash.
Go!
Hey guys,
Been a lurker for years going back and forth trying to decide if I want a 1st gen 4runner as a fun weekend vehicle. So I found 3 that are somewhat local. I put together a rundown of each so figure I would ask you and see what your choice is!
Now, I want a reliable dd if I needed it, has to be safe (2yr old in the back), no wheeling, just popping the top for some fun drives. My price, as you can see, is low. Like $1k low. I would rather do maintenance down the road than a bigger up front cost.
1. 1988 Toyota 4Runner - $1200 (very close, within 20min.)
- Auto, v6, inspected (bought for his kid and fixed it up)
- Lifted
- 33 inch tires (new)
- New exhaust
- Marlin crawler front bumper
- Sliders
- 4xinovations rear bumper
- Extra front diff with a lock right locker
- 4.56 gears
Has dents
It was a trail truck that has been made into a dd
- Does need a u joint
- body looks pretty banged up, but doesnt look really rusty. I am looking at this one Monday night.
2. 1986 Toyota 4runner- $1200 (about an hr. 15min from me, same state so easier transfer and tags) SOLD - Out of the running
Automatic, 22re
318K miles. Still runs good and starts every time. 4 wheel drive works.
- brand new tires (31 x 10.5 bfg mud terrains)
- new battery
grey interior (interior is rough, but rear is rhinolined in the rear)
rear window regulator is broke, but has new one just needs installed
- body doesnt look terrible, he claims a little rust but it doesnt stand out in the pics. I have seen WAY worse!
3. 1989 4Runner - $1100 (a solid 2hrs from me, different state)
Manual, 22re
- 260,xxx miles
- Manual
Literally a booklet of parts changed out including but not limited to:
- Timing Chain
- Alternator
- Starter
- Radiator
- Front windshield
- Waterpump
- ETC. (another 60 things and normal maintenance)
Cons:
- burns oil but does not drip/leak (quart every couple weeks but that was driving 40-80 miles/day - he said maybe a gasket)
- no cat, straight pipe so check engine light is on w/no O2 sensor
- Small body rust around wheel wells but NO RUST ON FRAME
- Back window button does not work but motor and window for back hatch are fine and work
- No AC
- No Radio
- Tires need to be replaced soon
As you can see, its 3 unique vehicles. #1 the body is rough but I get to see it in 2 days so I can judge better. Interior looks decent from bad pics but its an auto and the 6 however, he has lots of parts on it I could sell as well (bumper, diff and sliders.) #2 is auto but the 22re, body doesnt look horrible from bad pics but he said interior is bad but to me thats a fun fix and cheaper. And #3 has the best engine/trans combo, but there is rust, but not high up and doesnt look super bad. Tires soon and the oil leak could be a problem. Leather seats though with some rips and a crack in the dash.
Go!
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