I am looking to buy my first toyota. I have found this one after months of searching on local craigslist http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/cto/3193815871.html
after talking with the owner for awhile over the phone about the truck I ask him to send me more photos of the truck like a under the hood photo an the picture showed the motor to be a 20R??? Im no toyota expert but this truck has most likely had a swap from the orignal 22re right?? is this a reasonable truck still even with this motor? and Could some one help me decode the vin to make sure the owners is not hiding something else.. Thanks..

 

the truck could have originally come with a 22R or 22RE. a 20R would be have been an earlier truck, 79-81'ish...

VIN Decode link:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ToyVIN.shtml

 

Thanks for the information and do you think the truck would still be a goodby judging from the link?

 

I'd go look in person myself, it's hard to tell from photos and phone calls. A test drive and closer look will tell you a lot. Check all the fluids and make sure they're the correct color. Look for leaks. Ask for maintenance records.

My rule of thumb on craigslist is if I ever get the feeling that the seller is pulling the wool over my eyes I walk away, especially if it's a good deal.