Howdy from sunny AZ. I am looking at my first yota it is a 1981 4x4 single cab and the guys says the motor was rebuilt and only has 17000 miles on it clutch and tires were put on at same time. it has aluminum wheels and body is straight. He said he would take $2800.00 for it. So I come seeking advise from the pro's like you long time owners and toyota lovers. I have a couple pictures of it. The only thing that really concerned me was a leak on each side of the front axles at the axle ball, I know I should know what this is called but I am a dumb A-- other then that all looked dry and clean. And input to if the price is within reason for what it is. Thanks Sunpowered

 

looks like a very clean truck. just make sure you crawl underneath and look at the inside of the whole frame and check the body mounts for rust. might not be a big deal being from arizona, but it looks like there might be some rust due to the snow. the axle leaking is very common and isn't that big of a deal. check the diff fluid in the front axle to see if it is clean and close to full. the leaking can be repaired, and there are numerous write ups with pics walking you through it. I think $2800 is kinda high, but i've never seen a rust free 1st gen. being that i live on the east coast. they are pretty bulletproof trucks and will last forever if taken care of.

 

No rust that I can see some paint flaking on the top of the cab and a bit on the top of passengers fender is all I saw. But no rust anywhere.under the bed looked like new and the cab too. I looked pretty good while laying under it enjoying all the room to move, even being a big guy like I am. But other then what looked like it might have been a older leak maybe from when the did the motor rebuild I saw no leaks or rust.Except the axle seals in front. And as for the tranny and bottom of the motor they looked dry also but not cleaned and dry just no leaking dry.

 

that sounds like a good deal then. the price seems about right for a rust free model. there is one on craigslist here in great shape for $4000, so they are priced all over the place.

 

it looks pretty good from the pictures. With the rebuilt engine the price seems to be about right. How many overall miles on the truck?
as far as the leaking on either side of the axles, that is pretty common at the felts get worn out. Ask the owner if he has replaced the wheel bearings, if not you can get a front end rebuild kit (new bearings, seals etc) from Marlin for about $150'ish.

Just a suggestion, upload your pictures to a free service like photobucket.com It allows you to have bigger pictures in your posts instead of the little thumbnails...

Let us know if you get it...

 

I'd say go for it. It's been on craigslist for awhile now, you could probally talk him down.