I found this 88 yota pickup and the guy is asking $800 for it. The engine runs smooth and has 139k on the clock. The truck is somewhat rusty, but thats expected in my area. Its got 4wd and the 3.0 V6. I've been reading about the head gasket problems common to this motor, and I can say with good certainty that the motor doesn't have a leaky head gasket right now, but I am curious as to what leads to the gasket failure. does it just go randomly? Will it be ok as long as the cooling system remains in check? Also, how durable are the V6s assuming maintance is kept up on them? This will be a daily driver/motorcycle hauler for atleast a year so I think it will work well for that. Just wanted some input from other yota owners before I buy it.

 

does it run? if so, buy it. $800 is a steal for a toyota 4x4 no matter what. i'm not sure about which years of the v6 had the recall. i'm sure somebody will chime in, but that's a good deal any way you put it...you're lucky to find one without an engine for that much here

 

Yup, runs pretty smooth too. No smoke or anything. Needs a clutch which the owner says he will put in for me. The truck is a bit rusty, but the frame is still intact. Passenger seat is missing so there is a makeshift seat/pad in its place. Its kinda rough, but nothing I can't deal with. Just the head gasket issue(if there is one), and a popping sound coming from the front end when i turn the steering wheel all the way to the right.

 

head gasket issuses are only on the '90-'93ish v6's. '88 should be fine.

 

That popping sound is a worn plastic cap that is cheap as hell. Its posted in the FAQ section here so don't worry about that.

Lamm

 

my 88 runner had the recall and got replaced at 205,000 with a new engine and toyota picked up the tab.

 

BUY IT! I picked up my '88 4runner with a warped head for $800 with 230,000 on the clock! The seat and rust can be taken care of!

 

buy it! that is awesome for toyota 4x4 anything that isnt liek 40 years old and runs like crap!

 

Here are some pics of the truck. Still think its worth the $800?





Even comes with studded snow tires!

 

Ok, those pics are kinda hard to access, but just to update you all I went ahead and bought it. The guy that owns it agreed to put a new clutch in it for me since the old one was fried. Thats getting done right now and I will have it sometime early next week.

 

yeah those links don't work for me.. but that's an awesome deal! hope she runs a long time for ya