I'm lookin at getting a fairly decent looking 87 Toyota pickup truck for my new vehicle, since I cant get a decent Ford that aint beat to death.

its one of the little trucks, the 2x4 one with a 4 cyl gas engine I think, and a 5 spd. what if any weak points do these trucks have? I can get this one for $400. doesnt look like a bad deal, its got good looking body, no rust, I'm told its high milage, but not sure how high.

 

My little brother had a Toyota, 1987, 22R 4 banger engine, 4x4 that he put some of the most awful miles on that I ever saw. He drives ranches all day. Some of his country is so bad where he would drive that thing that the dog got out and walked. The bottom of the truck was shiney from him "gently" driving off of cliffs so high that all four wheels would be off of the ground and it eventually would slid down enough for the front wheels to pull the back tires off only to get slammed again when the back tires fell off and the front tires would drag the rear frame until the back bumper fell from the cliff. It was by far the most bulletproof truck I have ever seen. The only repeat problem he ever had was the steering box. They would last around 90,000 miles and it was time for a new one, cost- $4,000 on the truck. He still drives Toyota and will be the first to tell you the old ones are far better trucks. If it is in any shape at all, for $400.- it's a bargain. I know if he can find a decent shape one we have been talking about doing a complete rebuild on one as the newer trucks are toys by comparison. I would say buy it. FWIW, he put 285,000 miles on it and it was still running great when he sold it for $5,000. and not a straight body panel left on it.

If you have high speed internet click on the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD0UVI99R8Q

You won't believe what they do to this Toyota pickup.

 

Generally, the motor will outlast the truck. Rust is their biggest problem, not just body panels, but the frames. Be real sure to check the frame, rigt in front of the rear springs, as the box fram collects crap, and then stays wet. Don't know if the ocean salt in your area is a problem, but once it gets to rusting, there is no stopping it. Can't say how many import trucks I have seen fold in half due to frame rot.

 

I agree with fellro86. The engine and tranny will last forever, but if you live in a place with cold, snowy winters or close to the ocean the body will rust-out in no time.

 

seems all of them here had the beds rust apart

 

i know a guy that put, in his words, a 2000 model taco bed on his 1980 toy. its fiberglass, and looks really good. i dont know if it really came off of a 2000 model truck though. fiberglass body panels would seem to be the thing to do in this case.

 

If I didnt already own three good fords I would get one in a hartbeat.Motors are bullet proof and as was stated rust is there downfall.Theres all kinds of hopups out there and you will still get great gas mileage,and with the 5sp its just fun to wind it up through the gears.I have had three older toyotas and put them through hell and back and still got more than what I payed for them when I sold them.For $400.00 bucks sounds to good to be true just check it over good.Had a friend leave a nice looking toy 4x4 on a interstate when the frame broke in half right in front of the rear spring hanger.

 

I fully intend to look it over good before buying it. after having a few trucks that broke becuase I didnt look closely, I've learned my lesson there. from most of the pictures it looks good(we know looks can be decieving though. I'll have to find out Friday.

 

For $400 there's not a lot to think about- it either runs or it doesn't.

 

Well, I found an Escort thats much closer and nicer looking for $300. little ole lady probably owned it and just wants it gone. I'm going to look friday and see it. the Escort has lower costs on insurance because its somewhat newer so I'm giving it a look first.

 

come on now, listen to what you are saying... would you really pass up a toy pickup for a escort?

 

If it'll save me almost $1k a year on insurance premiums yes. the escort costs less to insure because its newer, plus I bet I could get better economy from it. there will ALWAYS be a chance later on to get a truck. but an effecient car that doesnt cost me an arm and leg to insure is hard.

 

dang it cost me 600 every 6 months to insure my 78 bronco... but what do i know.. im just a dumb ole redneck.

but you have to look at what would be more funto drive, a toy pickup or a escort? you cant think about the economics in life all the time, otherwise you would just stay home and eat cold oatmeal and stare at flickering candles. get out and LIVE life. it doesnt last very long.

 

yup the FRAMES always break on them right by the rear wheels -- so common on those especially in areas where road salt is used.

 

You're right, but at the same time, being young and poor doesnt help me any, so economical vehicles that dont cost much are the ticket for me. I live pretty cheaply so a cheap vehicle that costs little to keep legally on the road is important. besides, how else can I afford it when I make minimum wage at a fast food joint?