Hey guys,
I'm looking at a mint 81 pickup, 4x4, 22r, 4 speed. The truck has only 80,000 kms on it. The paint seems original....Tan with orange and brown stripes running along the side. It was owned by an elderly couple, so no abuse. No rust and one small paint chip by the fender. The owner wants $9,000 for it. Is this a good deal?

I'm new to these trucks and these forums, what should I be looking out for when buying one of these trucks? Any common problems?

 

That sounds really high, though trucks that old in the condition you describe are certainly rare. Not aware of a market for them as collectible classics, which is basically what at least 7k of the 9k asking price is for.

 

I think $9000 might be a little much... I paid $3,600 for an 1983 in really great condition, it had 143,000 miles but all was stock/ original with no rust (it was from idaho). It would have to be VERY nice to justify that price, at least were I live.

 

Check out this truck that is on another post- It sold for $7000, and it is REALLY nice- check it out.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/toyot...QQcmdZViewItem

 

How do these trucks fair after 120,000 miles. The reason I am asking this is because I can buy a pickup from the early nineties with 120,000 on it for about half that $5000-7000. I don't need a collector, just a good truck to go fishing, camping and general work around the farm.

80,000kms is pretty low (50,000 miles), but I don't want to be paying a premium for a "collector truck".

 

I was going to post that link above of that red first gen. That thing's a beaut.

Rob

 

Here's a pic of it.

 

I think with this one you are paying for it being a rare truck- I would take a look at the cheaper ones- although these old ones are good trucks- but having something fuel injected is really nice. I just faced the same decision, I went with the 1983 because:
1. It had lower miles and the trans. had been rebuilt
2. they are simpler and bomber
3. easier to work on (sometimes, or at least for me)
4. I just like the look of the old toyotas, no one else in my town has one like it

hope this helps

 

I wouldn't pay 9,000- I would pay $5,000 max (not seeing the engine or interior)

 

It seems a bit high, but they are getting scarce. The one that sold for $7K seemed like it had some rust along the seams of the bed, but looking at that picture, that truck looks like one of the nicest first gens out there.

Things to look out for:
*the 4 speed transmission is not the strongest but do hold up well if not totally abused.
*The windshields like to leak at the lower corners and cause the floor pan to rust out. If the owner will allow you to, take a look at both side of the front of the cab just behind the front wheel well and if possible pull up the carpeting. ANother place to check is behind the seats in the rear corners of the cab.
*if the people took good care of the truck, like it appears they have, a 22r can go for 200K plus miles. Timing chains should be done around 90K miles I believe (might be 60K)

If you are looking for something just to drive and use for farm work, you might be better off with a 90's truck like you said. I would love to see you get this truck but if not looking specifically for a 1st Gen Collector, might be better to save a few grand and get a later model truck.

If you get the chance to post some more pictures of the rest of the truck, interior, engine etc I know we would appeciate it.

Good luck!

edit: if you go with a truck with the 3.0--make sure it has had head gasket work done on it...3.0 was not one of toyota's better idea. A 22re though not the most powerful engine under a hood, they are one of the most reliable...

 

For camping and fishing and just general use id get a newer Toyota with independent front suspension, plus they are alot less prone to rusting when used in dirt/mud/gravel/snow. For $9000 you should be able to find a late 90's Tacoma Single Cab, 2.7L, Shortbox, 4wd and 5spd, esentially an updated version of the first gens.. they dont look as cool, but they are alot nicer to drive and easier to find parts for when things do break.

 

I just did a little calculation regarding mileage and price. From what OCdropzone said, I figure that these things get around 200,000 miles before any major work needs to be done. All else equal, if you take the usable mileage left on the truck $3600/(200,000 - 140,000)= 6cents per mile. If you take that truck $9000/(200,000-50,000)= exactly 6 cents. Uncanny???!!

 

I guess so, what I was thinking was the one I bought was in really good condition, very attractive and relatively low miles (although not as low as the one you are looking at!). Brand new bigger tires, beautiful paint, super clean and original interior, etc (it looks a lot like the one on ebay)- and it was half the price, which seemed a little steep but the transmission had been rebuilt and in Colorado it seems every toyota has over 200,000 miles! So maybe 9000 is reasonable... but at that price I would look at the newer ones. It is 27 years old, stuff just breaks down over time. But the old ones are cool!

 

From that one pic it's a pretty sweet looking truck, and I do love the old ones. Cool to see some others feel the same way and are willing to spend some money on them.

But yeah, for what you want get something new, with efi, more powerful, probably more miles but likely half the price. It's not just miles, age takes it's toll too (like red1983 said)

Heck, you can get a brand new 2wd reg cab taco for about 14k, a late 90's 4wd tacoma for 9k easy, clean 2nd gen (90-95) 4runner 4wd for 3-5k or an older 3rd gen (96-99) 4runner with a rock solid v6 for 6-9. I just can't see spending 9k on that 81 unless you have some major sentimental value or think it's a good investment.

Or, if you like to wrench on stuff you could pick up a similar age one with more miles and 1/10th the price, drop 2-3k on fixing it up and end up with about the same thing.

Wondering where you are located? I know that gen is scarce around here, and seem to grow on trees out in california. Your location could make a big difference on what's available.