Thinking of buying a very high mileage '88

[mtkey1121]

Hi everyone,

I need advice!

I am considering buying a 310,000 mi 1988 4Runner (SR5, 4WD) with the 3.0L V6 & 5 spd manual. It's currently owned by a former Toyota technician who has taken good mechanical care of it. It has a few problems like no power steering, and it's not in great cosmetic shape, but he says it has a new timing belt, new head gaskets (common issue, I've read), new brake pads, and a new water pump. He wants $3,000 for it. I plan to sell my 4th gen and get a Miata and an old Toyota for a mild offroader/weekend "beater", and I think this fits the bill. Am I crazy? What do you think?

Mike

 

[giro]

How many miles on it is being called high mileage?

I don't know 1st gen's, but I often see 2nd gens for sale with 250-300k on them. Here in snow country, they're still worth something if they run, and they're even better with decent tires and little rust. It makes my 175k seem like I've barely broken it in....even if it's due for it's 2nd timing belt replacement, 2nd muffler replacement, and is starting to have a few things that need to be diagnosed further.

 

[mtkey1121]

Meant to include mileage in original post. 310,000

 

[Dropzone]

If I recall correctly the 88 is an oddball V6 (some one year only stuff) since it is the 1st year of the 3vze 3.0.
Hopefully it's not an auto, 3.0+ auto = turd

Personally I see the attraction of oldER trucks but dealing with 30 year old truck problems can get tiresome. Fix one thing and some other crap pops up, nature of the game.
$3k is an average price

Miata, radio flyer wagon with an engine. .

 

[Griswald]

I'd look at condition over mileage. I don't think 310k is that out of the ordinary for that year and model...I own an '89 with 445,000.

BUT THE BIGGEST QUESTION IS...Do you know anyone who can work on this thing if need be? Ideally a friend or mechanic who can do it on the side for cash? and allow you to buy parts online at cost? someone who can do brakes, ball joints, tie rods, idler arm, power steering, etc?

Granted what you said about the owner taking decent care of it, the odds seem in your favor for the time being...HOWEVER, unless you plan on just destroying it on the trails(which I am not opposed to ), you will need to maintain it to some extent, and unless you have someone who can do the basics at an affordable price, you could very easily spend more maintaining it than what you paid for it, as most pro garages jack prices on parts and labor.

what else is wrong with it? why wont he fix the steering? can you get some pics?

 

[mtkey1121]

I'd look at condition over mileage. I don't think 310k is that out of the ordinary for that year and model...I own an '89 with 445,000.

BUT THE BIGGEST QUESTION IS...Do you know anyone who can work on this thing if need be? Ideally a friend or mechanic who can do it on the side for cash? and allow you to buy parts online at cost? someone who can do brakes, ball joints, tie rods, idler arm, power steering, etc?

Granted what you said about the owner taking decent care of it, the odds seem in your favor for the time being...HOWEVER, unless you plan on just destroying it on the trails(which I am not opposed to ), you will need to maintain it to some extent, and unless you have someone who can do the basics at an affordable price, you could very easily spend more maintaining it than what you paid for it, as most pro garages jack prices on parts and labor.

what else is wrong with it? why wont he fix the steering? can you get some pics?

I have a friend who is a mechanic who specialized in 4Runners. He can take an engine apart completely and put it back together, so I'm confident in his skills. I have lots of pictures of the 4Runner; I think they posted, if not I will try again

 

[mtkey1121]

more pictures

Here's a few more

 

[Griswald]

There ya go!

Body looks to be pretty clean...the interior is a bit rough on the drivers side, but so what. So for $3k looks like a win.

I'd have your mech friend take a look at it in person and differ to him with any other questions. I'd ask him if he'd be willing to do an engine swap down the road...drive your Miata in the meantime.

 

[nevada]

$3k is more than I would personally pay for it, considering the engine and total miles.

however, if that is a price you are ok paying for what you are getting, then do it.
they don't make them like this anymore. there is just something about these 1st gens. it will be great for what you are planning to do.

I don't think its really out of line by any means, just more than I would pay.

 

[mtkey1121]

There ya go!

Body looks to be pretty clean...the interior is a bit rough on the drivers side, but so what. So for $3k looks like a win.

I'd have your mech friend take a look at it in person and differ to him with any other questions. I'd ask him if he'd be willing to do an engine swap down the road...drive your Miata in the meantime.

I've heard mixed reviews about this iteration of the V6, and the 3.0L in general . What would I swap in? The 3.4L in 3rd gen 4Runners and other yotas? A 350 crate engine? haha :zoom: :crazy: but seriously.

Thanks to you and the other guys who have given advice. I may be checking it out this weekend, if I have time. I'll let you guys know what happens!

 

[89FourRunner]

Three grand is not steep for that body and frame. The 3.0 is reliable in 88 and 89. Rock solid. I would not be suprised if that was never rebuilt.

 

[Cali 4runner]

Personally, I wouldn't get rid of your v8 4th gen for this thing. Any other luck with other first gens for sale? I waited at least 4 months before I found the one I really wanted. This one looks like it needs a good deal of work.

 

[mtkey1121]

Personally, I wouldn't get rid of your v8 4th gen for this thing. Any other luck with other first gens for sale? I waited at least 4 months before I found the one I really wanted. This one looks like it needs a good deal of work.

A couple 2nd gens for sale but no other first gens. I think if I wanted to restore this to its full former glory, then yes it would take a lot of work. The seller sent a video of him starting it - it starts no problem, just as well as my 4.7 actually. I just want it to be mechanically reliable, which it seems to be. The inside isn't super nice, but that's ok since it will primarily serve as a weekend offroader/beater.

 

[89FourRunner]

Is there something I am not seeing? What is it that is in need of "a good deal of work"? It seems to have an incredibly clean frame and body? The truck even has the hardtop trim in the back.

The drive train has high mileage yes, but all the offerings are high mileage on a 30 year old truck unless it was rebuilt.

Maybe it is different on the west coast but that looks like a strong candidate for three thousand dollars. When I see new HVAC control graphics cover and the hard top trim I think he loves the truck haha.

 

[Griswald]

The price of 1st gens really tends to vary depending on location.
here in Maryland they are quite rare...so one in good shape is more sought after, people will pay more.
although I just browsed Auburn AL craigslist, and unless there's tons of scammers,
cars in general are way less expensive down there.

Depending on how long that engine was maintained, it could continue to run fine.
Body looks in good shape, so if you get it, try and hold on to it as long as you can, let it appreciate.
Rust shouldn't be an issue down there since they don't salt the roads in the winter.
(Don't ever drive it on salted roads, anywhere, unless you really have to.)

you could probably keep a soft topper on that thing year round.

 

[nevada]

I've heard mixed reviews about this iteration of the V6, and the 3.0L in general . What would I swap in? The 3.4L in 3rd gen 4Runners and other yotas? A 350 crate engine? haha :zoom: :crazy: but seriously.

Thanks to you and the other guys who have given advice. I may be checking it out this weekend, if I have time. I'll let you guys know what happens!

yes, that rig is a perfect candidate for a 3.4 swap. it will bolt right up to that 5 speed, no adapter needed.

I wouldn't mind getting a 3.0 rig for that very reason.

 

[Dropzone]

is all this leaking from the slave cylinder for the clutch?
at least it isn't an auto..
doesn't look like the front pinion is throwing oil

on the surface that truck seems like a great place to start

 

[nevada]

i would guess valve covers.

 

[Cali 4runner]

I guess I'm used to seeing a lot more old school toyotas being from California.

 

[mtkey1121]

sad day

An update for everyone:

Long story short: I didn't get it in time. I wouldn't be surprised if another turns up locally. It'll have to wait until next year, though, as I will be gone and busy for the holidays. Thanks to all of you who gave advice; it has helped me make the general decision to continue looking for a classic T4R, and hopefully acquire one within the next few months! Until next time...