I like the old school trucks. Need something to carry tree trunks, some lumber, etc., to remodel the house I am in. I've seen a 81 go for $600 and a 83 go for $999. I am thinking it's better to get the 83 since it should've got he kinks out. I've driven my friend's 83 before he gave it away. And I liked it enough. It had an oil leak and he fixed it, upgraded the muffler and recharged the a/c. It was good to go, but then again, he only had 120,000 miles on his when he bought it from another friend who took care of his truck very well from the day he bought it new.

So I was wondering which should I go for? Or should I get a 88 or 89 instead. I saw a 4x4 and those are really awesome off roading. (another bud had one). It seems like the 1st gen toyota trucks were built of a better steel than the 2nd-3rd gens. The panels seem stronger.

I really dont want to spend too much money on one. I am just going use it occasionally when I need to move stuff. Thanks in advance. Oh yes, I don't know too much about cars by the way. Only things I've done so far is change my starter and brakes on my cars.

 

welcome aboard !

I guess your budget is going to depict the one your going to get .. ?




.

 

Slacker, thank you.

Yes and no, the one that will save me more money in the long run of course. I do like the 1st gens; I think they look more like a classic then the 3rd gens, which looks too modern.

 

The 84s from what I understand actually worked out the kinks. If your going to beat it up, I wouldn't go for the 88-89 because the changes made them less worthy of the "tank" durability. If you want one that is more comfortable driving on the freeway or longer distances, so with something at least an 88-89. The newer they are the more comfortable and drivable they are for the freeway. My understanding is the changes toyota made to the pickup were partly to make them more palitable for the generic consumer in america - who wanted the comfort etc.

 

Ah, good info. Thank you. I will look for a 84-87 then.

 

What "kinks" are we speaking of?

 

If you read up on the history of the Toyota Truck you will find that Toyota had a learning curve to take the Toyota Pickup from funky Import to mainstream. Americans have a different lifestyle and culture than those of other countries. Anyone that loves the 1st Gen. Toyotas might disagree, but the fact is that Japanese imports were heavily disparaged for awhile before being accepted by Americans. And honestly, the interiors of the late 80's Toyotas are much more astheticlly pleasing than the 1st gen - IMO.

 

Yes and the 05 is better compared to the 90... I'm not debating that things get better thoughout the years, I was just wondering what kinks we were talking about. Everything is always an evolving process. Wondering if there was something specific you were talking about so people could address it directly, and figure out what year truck fits your needs. My '83 is less comfy than some other trucks...but well worth it. For me.

 

I am talking to this guy who has a 83 and wants $1,000 for it. Unfortunately he said that the floor has rust on it. Not sure what the underbody looks like or the mileage on it. The outside looks pretty decent from the pictures.

 

A $1k for a 83 toy p/u if it's in driving condition and doesn't look bad isn't a bad deal. If it's a 4x4 LB it's a great deal. Running condition and looks are the factors most important. I bought my truck in 01 for $2500 in great shape - it included the 4" lift, custom rims, topper, great tires, but needed gasket work.

 

What kind of rust on the floor?