Hey guys

I have always wanted a 4x4, but never really had much money and also have a certain desire for a well handling car as well. I've had 3 e30s (old 3 series bmw's), and an uninsured driver just did a number on my 3rd, so with the cash my insurance company is throwing my way I'd like to get a truck. I'm an alright mechanic (I've done a few timing belt jobs, stripped an engine of basically all its components, but haven't done something like a HG or pulled an engine).

Anywho, I have about 4k to spend now, and may find myself having as much as 6k to spend on a truck, but for sake of argument, lets say 4k.

I'd like something that gets decent gas milage (20mpg ave would be nice) and reliable, I don't see myself putting a lift on any time soon or going SAS. I want an x-cab (so I can haul a few friends around if i have to). Must be stick, I HATE automatics. I REALLY like the 89-95 xcab. I travel from norcal to socal a few times a year, so it'd be good to have a truck that could do 75...

I'm not stuck on toyota, but they seem the way to go. I checked out a 1990 x cab, 4x4, sr5 w/ the v-6 and really liked it, so I decided to do some reading.

And finally the real question... I read many bad things about the 3VZE, bad exaust valves, too small, sluggish, crummy gas milage, and just about every one I find locally has been rebuilt atleast once (and tend to run about 1k more than i have right now). Should I really be worried about it?

How much more sluggish is the 22re? Can they be found w/ xcab? I can't find any.

I don't really have time or money to do a 3.4 swap (from the 3VZE) or a 2.7 (from the 22re), but it seems the dream set up for me would be a 89-95 xcab with the 2.7l, near the power output of the 3vze but w/ better reliabilty and better gas milage... I guess one could always dream, but I don't exactly see one of those popping up, so what do you suggest?

I'd get a 2.7l 4runner/taco/t100 w/ 4x4, stick and xcab (for the pickups), if i could find one in my price range, but that doesnt seem feasible either.

Probably something important to mention, I'm in San Jose, CA, and am willing to travel 6 hours to get a truck, but 4k seems to get you less here than other parts of the country.

If you've gotten this far, thanks for reading my rambling and aimless first post

 

I have a 95 toyota reg cab, 5spd, 4wd, 22re, I love my lil truck.

It is simple, gets decent mileage, about 20mpg on freeway, and the 4wd works awesome.

Yotas cost more then a ford and chevy because they are proven to run better, so higher resale, just get the best one you can, I got mine with about 95,000 miles and it has 119k now and ive only done normal wear stuff, a few hundred total over about 2 years.

Ive taken my 22re over the rockeys with a fully filled bed and I have 31's, it went over but it was weezing on a few parts, overall its ok but not great on power.

Good luck on your search.

 

After serious searching I was able to find 1 or 2 4x4 xcabs w/ the 22re w/ stick. I shot out a few emails, we'll see if I get any return, I guess I'll cross my fingers.

 

I bought my 90 extracab two years ago for $2375.00, it had 181,000 on it but had the headgasket recall at 100,000. It is completely rust free but could use a paintjob.

I have replaced the timing belt, waterpump, radiator, all fluids and a few dash parts. It has 211,000 on it and I would drive it anywhere.

Mileage varies between 16-20mpg depending on how fast I drive. It will easily go 90mph on the flat and usually not less than 70mph on hills.

You can find good deals on these trucks if you are patient, expect to fix some small things.


Good luck!
Robb

 

When going and checking out these trucks what are good things to look/listen for, especially concerning the engine (for both the 6 and 4, I'll probably be checking out a few of each).

Are there any good online retailers for parts? For the old bmw's there are 3 that are really good for getting a hold of new OEM parts at a fraction of the amount you'd pay from a stealership.