linz

Hi everyone,
I'm going to check out an 89 4x4 manual pickup with 280,000 miles and wondering if anyone has advice on what I should specifically look at for someone with I'd say pretty average mechanical know-how (part of the appeal for me is that these trucks are supposed to be easy to work on and I'd like to learn)

Some notes about it:
Looks brand-new in the photos, some rust on the wheels (winter salt), but none on the body. No pictures of under the truck, under the hood looks clean.
Owner says he bought it a year ago from a neighbor who was a Toyota enthusiast who did most or all of the maintenance himself, so no service records except for what the current owner has done. His mechanic only found the need to replace the exhaust manifold, which he did. I asked about the timing chain, he said the motor is running great but he hasn't looked at the chain himself.
Seller also says it has been driven mostly on pavement for its whole life.
I would be willing to pay for some work off the bat short of a total engine or transmission rebuild but if the seller is honest about the vehicle's history then this truck seems like one of those toyotas that can go a very long time without needing that work, provided of course I take care of it.
The truck is 90 miles away, so I can't really bring it to my mechanic before purchasing unfortunately.

So yeah, that's about that. If anyone has any thoughts of things for me to look at specifically when I check it out in person, I would appreciate very much.
Thanks!

Mr. Z.

If this rig lived in an area that salts the roads, I'd look very carefully at the frame for "rust issues"...also the beds of these trucks are known for rusting. The bed, however, it much easier to repair than the frame. (Be sure to bring a flashlight with you for inspection.) Since you'll be inspecting the rig yourself, bring your compression tester...a compression test will tell you a lot.
Cheers