Hi Guys/Gals,
This is my first post, I've been reading on this forum as well as a few others as I am searching for a new project/DD. I am looking for a 1984/85 4runner and/or Pickup, I have looked at quite a few and am shocked as to what people are asking for their rust buckets.

I'm new to Toyotas, (I did own a 89 pickup briefly but traded it) but I am not new to wheeling and building projects. My family all have Jeeps and that is what I grew up wheeling and building so I had built a few jeeps. After researching a new rig for a while I decided the 4runner is my choice. I have looked at some and they were all tore up for $4000+ and I mean tore up, rusted, 250k+ miles.

On to my questions:
When I read the classified section I have seen that most people are saying 3-5 grand for a clean 4runner/pickup and about 2 grand for a rusty one, does this seem accurate? (These are both with no mods because I like to start with a clean canvas)

I have found a 1985 Toyota pickup ext. cab, 4x4, manual, 113,000 original miles, clean base interior, 22R, no mods but stereo, but it has a few good dents on both fenders and driver door, and the bed is rusted to the point it would need to be cut out. He is asking $3000 is this a fair price or too much?

 

In my area the trick is to find a non runner. Most of the time a non runner in a 84-85 will be between $700-$1500 then go find a running take out motor $500 or $1000 for a frsh rebuild and your $1200 to $2500 into what everyone else is asking $4. Just depends on what you mean by "project" and what your comfortable with.

I advertised my 84 for $1500 with no motor and rust and had it sold in a week but I backed out and kept it.

 

Thanks for the reply, I have been looking at all options and would definitely buy a non running one if I could find a good one for a good price. Up here it seems there aren't many options.

 

i think the non running one is yor best bet, i got lucky with mine and managed to find one with pretty much no rust and a rebuild roughly 45k miles ago i only paid 2700 for it but ive seen soe way worse and way more molested go for way more than mine. it did however take a while for me to find one that wasnt a waist of time, somewhere around 2 months and like 20 different rigs but it was there eventually and it was the only one i didnt really want to look at. sorry for the long reply but just keep looking your deal will come eventually

 

Im looking tomorrow at a 1985 Toyota pickup the one I described in my first post and I think we will make a deal on it. I know its not a 4runner but it could be my daily driver and I can search for a family trail rig.

 

if i were you i would try to get him as low as i could because of the rust, he may go lower, i got 500 knocked off for an oil leak that comes out to about a half quart ever 2k miles. but hope it all goes well and let us know what happens

 

Well an update on the situation I had talked him down to $1500 and had to wait for the bank to open in the morning. On my way to the bank the next morning and I received a call saying someone offered him more. Sucks, also two days later I was loading up my truck at Costco and the truck with new owner parks two cars down from me. Anyways I have found an 85 4runner in rough condition has some rust the rear window is busted out, no carpet, no rear seat, missing some interior pieces. Has a motor rebuilt about 6,000 miles ago but does this this thing sound worth it. I offered her $1800 she said she'll let me know tomorrow.