Hey, Im looking at buying an 89 4runner this week. I currently own a Celica, and Im determined to own a 4Runner, but I want the advice from some people who have owned them on this "deal"

its an 89, good mechanical condition. has 200,000km on it.
The body needs a spot of work on the front drivers fender. thats about it..mayube 3 or 4 hundered to safety.....he is asking 500 for it. is this a good deal?

I also have some questions about this truck maybe you guys can help me with

#1. It is an 89 2 door. did the cap still come off in 89, or was 88 the last year? Iv read conflicting reports online.

#2. Its a 4 banger with the SR5 engine. What is the SR5 engine. Iv heard of SR5s in Corollas. Does SR5 mean turbo'd when it comes to 4Runners?

#3. what your over all opinion on this style of truck. Im not looking for anything for major off roading. Im looking for a vehicle to compliment my Celica ( which while very nice is no good for camping or anything like that) I mostly want something to get me back and forth to work..and to fit a few friends into


Thanks for your time

Chris

 

$500? That seems like a very good deal, look on the main 4runner/truck forum and take a look at the other Runner that was just picked up for $500.
1) As far as I know all 1st gens the top comes off of.
2) SR5 is an option package, usually has bucket seats, a tach, variable wipers stuff like that little upgrades that make it nicer, not related to the motor as far as I know. Although it seems as if most V6 trucks have the SR5 package, kinda a package deal like popular equipment, they assume if you want the more expensive engine you want nicer stuff...
3) I like 1st gen Runners, even moreso if they are an 85 (solid axle and EFI) I assume this ones got a 22re (4cyl) which are nearly bulletproof but kinda low on power (like most Yotas).
Good Luck

 

tops came off from 85-89

 

I've got an 87. I love it. If you take care of the engine, like the man said, they're bombproof. The engine is a little underpowered for the gearing, but they're really torque-ey. They don't accelerate very well, but they'll climb a darn near vertical surface, it seems. I've pulled pretty big stumps out with mine. Just put it in 4L, and puuuulllll....The bucket seats are very comfortable on long drives, or bouncey ones They have a surprisingly good amount of cargo space, too, especially with the back seats folded down.
Over-all, I'd say that you're getting a very good deal. Welcome to the world of 'Runner owners!

 

If you have any question about the year of the truck if the top comes off it is a GEN1 if it has a soild top then it is a GEN2......Yeah some folks say the GEN1s stopped in 88 or say they got them in 89, does not matter much bootm line is 1989 was the first roll out of the hardtop GEN2.

 

you can take the top off 84 4runners too.




If i were you and had the cash, id snatch that thing up right away.

 

sounds like you found yourself a good deal. get a service manual ie haynes, chiltons or similar and start checking your new rig over. use the search button on here to read up on what others have done to their rig, lots of great ideas and suggestion from very knowledgeable people. welcome to the group. btw, where in canada are you?

lee

 

Hey, thanks for the info guys. I think im picking it up next week.
I'll get some pics,a nd keep you guys posted on whats going on with it. Im sure i'll need much more advice!

And I am in Ontario, not far from Ottawa


thanks


Chris

 

I love my 89... and yeah the top comes off... Stock mine was a V6 but did not have the SR5 package so it didn't have a tach or oil guage and some of the other features that come with SR5... None the less it is a fun ride! For 500 that sounds like a steal!!!