Taking the 1st Gen plunge...maybe?

[hikinout]

Hey guys,

long time reader, first time poster. Getting very close to pulling the trigger on a '89 and would love some advice on one I'm looking at. While I've been reading a lot of posts, I'm still nowhere near as experienced as you folks and could use the help if you have a minute.

One I'm eyeing is an '89 V6 SR5
168,000 miles.
Asking $1800

Owner bought it to part it out, but decided he didn't have time since he has a few other trucks he's working on.

Here's the craigslist.

1989 Toyota 4runner 4x4 truck 4 runner or rock crawler

I'm going to look at it tomorrow. Would be a daily driver while I prep it for some overlanding and longer trips. Since I'm in the midwest, I'm gonna look for rust, but anything I need to be wary of?

Thanks for all the helpful stuff you guys do on this site and for convincing me to buy a 4runner!

 

[crutchy]

My .02 after owning both a 22re 5spd and a 3.0 auto is get the 22re...period. This sounds like the typical "I bought something and am in over my head" so ditch it on craigslist thing. It could be worth it, but I would put a little more cash with it and get something a little nicer.

The 3.0 is full of problems if not maintained correctly and would not be my choice. If you are set on a 3.0/auto then check to see when the head gaskets were changed & last timing belt/water pump maintenance. Also, make sure you get to start it from cold and then check it again after driving it. After that at the end of the day it is an 1800 dollar truck with new tires...

 

[KidVermicious]

You don't part out a truck with a clean body like that unless there's something very very wrong mechanically or the interior is too thrashed to restore, and if it was bad enough to only be worth parting out it ain't worth $1800. I think he's lying to you, and unless you're handy with a wrench and can talk him down significantly, I'd run away.

 

[hikinout]

Thanks guys.

Yeah, i'm not in love with the 3.0 auto or anything. He said he bought it mainly for the engine, because the previous owner, who is not mechanically inclined was having problems getting it to start. He said he replaced the fuel line and it runs great now.

Sounds like I should steer clear and keep looking. No need to rush, I'll have my perfect 4runner soon enough...

 

[Lunch-Box]

That doesn't look like an $1800 set of tires to me...

Might be worth doing some negotiating on...but a "parts truck" with new tires...there's a flag on the play.

 

[ToyoTech]

That doesn't look like an $1800 set of tires to me...

Might be worth doing some negotiating on...but a "parts truck" with new tires...there's a flag on the play.

its pretty close. those rims run around $200-250 each.. about $800 just for rims. the tires, depending on size, also 200-250 each. another $800. so about $1600 on the low side not including labor or tax

 

[DrewL]

I agree- be patient. If he bought it to part it then the body and/or frame are probably not worth keeping it as a complete truck. It looks like there is serious rust in front of the left rear fender. The camera angles and lighting seem to be carefully chosen to hide that area.

If you are committed to buying a 1st Gen, you might want to make him an offer on the Softopper he's selling. They rarely turn up used within a reasonable driving distance from one's house.

 

[hikinout]

Thanks guys! Really appreciate it. The search continues...

 

[INTMD8]

If looking for a local truck, be very cautious of frame rust. Even if it appears solid, try to tap it with a hammer. I was in the process of fixing my previous 89 and decided to try that and a ball peen went right through the frame. (just behind front tires on the inside).

I won't buy any 80's toyota's from around here, or any automatics. My 88 Xtra Cab (22RE) was from Washington and I just bought a nice 89 4Runner (V6) and had it shipped from Portland Oregon.

I personally like the 3.0 better than the 4 cylinder. It's smoother (almost Lexus smooth) and noticeably more powerful. My previous 4Runner was 3.0 and didn't give me one bit of trouble. Had about 300k on it but the body and frame rusted to pieces.

Not to say that's everyone's experience, but I think the 3.0 has a worse reputation than it deserves from what I have seen.