Adamag

Hi everyone I'm new here. My name is Adam and I'm from Hawaii.

I'm considering buying a 1985 Toyota 4runner. I haven't seen it in person yet but I'm told its in really good condition on the inside and out. Had some rust spots that were patched. Since I live in Hawaii rust is really a big consideration to take into account. I know that these model 4runners have spots that rust but are hidden by plastic cladding. Its a fourbanger(I'm pretty sure its the 22RE),5 speed standard with 4wd and also straight front instead of independent which means its that much easier to lift it. I'm not sure of the miles but I'm going to assume its relatively high. I offered 2,500 for it and the guy seemed like he would let it go for that. He's somewhat emotionally attached to this truck so I'm sure he has taken real good care of it. What do you guys think? Good deal or not?? Thanks in advance for any help.

green91runner

welcome to the forum.

depending on the condition, it could be a good deal, you'll know the moment you look at it, if it's worth it or not, and will be easy to tell how well it's been taken care of and maintained.. check the fluid levels, and so forth. i know there's a site that will give you a checklist of things to look for on the 1st gen runner, but i can't find it, hopefully someone will post it.

oh, and if you get the chance, take some pics.

calg3

Welcome. Whether or not that is a good price will depend on the condition of the truck when you check it out. Do you know what to look for? If not can you bring somebody with you mechanically inclined? Good luck and don't forget to post pics!

Adamag

I was told it is in really good condition for its age. I'm somewhat mechanically inclined but I plan on bringing my friend who is really good with cars.

calg3

Go get it...give us a full report!

GTE4runner

As far as the rust that has been repaired, I give it a 95% chance of coming back unless they actually cut the rusted areas out and welded new panels in. It might not surface for a year or so, but it'll work it's way back up most of the time in spite of wire brushing, grinding, and rust killing products. Just something to consider. Also, take a good look at the solid axle conversion - that's a fairly big job so you want to be sure it looks like it was done well.

EDIT: I thought it was a 95 not an 85, nevermind the solid axle comment

green91runner

85 came with the straight axle, so no worries there, as for the rust... yep, count the days

Adamag

Believe me I know about rust living in Hawaii. It's not a staight axle conversion the truck came like that so thats cool. Even if it has a little rust on it thats still pretty good for the conditions over here. Im worried about the rust that you cant see. I had a friend that had a gen1 runner and he had bad problems with rust under the plastic cladding which he didnt know about till it was pretty bad. I guess I just have to check it out. Hopefully sometime this week. I'll take pics. Thanks for the help so far.

Flamedx4

There is no plastic cladding on a first gen 4 runner. Never was.

Adamag

Whats this then?

93ToyKid

That is plastic cladding. In Flamed4x4s defense, I think he was referring to plastic cladding such as the excessive amount of plastic crap found on 3rd and especially 4th gens. The 1st and 2nd gens, of course, have none of this besides what is shown in that pic. And that spot isn't really known to rust out.
Again, just look for rust, especially on the rear fenderwell lip. That spot is bad to rust out. Just check the basics: general condition of the vehicle, any leaks, strange noises, tranny and t-case function, 4WD, steering, etc. The basics. The 22RE is a bulletproof engine, but if you hear a ticking sound towards the front of the motor, a timing chain is probably in the near future. Some valve tapping is okay. Crawl under the vehicle and check exhaust, basic condition of the undercarriage. If it's dirty under there, then it's probably been off-road, and possibly abused, but you said the guy took good care of it. Good luck, and post some pics!

Adamag

If it is in good condition would that be a good price for one or about average?

Flamedx4

That's a stone guard. Plastic cladding is that stuff like this: