I find the more I search the net, the more I find people posting that they have searched for months or years to come up with an '85 EFI 4Runner. But, it seems there are just as many people out there that say they aren't hard to find at all. So what gives?
I'm selling mine and am wondering what I can really expect to get out of the experience. If it's that hard to come by, I won't waste my time cleaning it up LOL!

 

I found one for my niece in about a week. I did not even know that she wanted one until her dad called me to take a look at one that ended up being sold before I could get there. So I guess that without even looking I saw two within a couple weeks. The neat thing, for me, was that they were both non-boogered examples (stock) and very clean, especially for 80's cars in PA.
I am guessing that it's a geographic thing. Perhaps in your neck of the woods they are rare.
Both of the ones I saw were automatic though.......
Mike

 

An AutoTrader search shows only 19 in the whole country. An eBay search shown none currently.

Lots of dreamers on AutoTrader, but a few very interesting modified rigs like the one with the Cleveland 351! Clean it up anyway and place an ad here and AutoTrader. I think eBay is good for buying but not selling unless you're a dealer or have auction access.

 

after getting into these kinds of trucks, i'd rather buy an '86 or later and convert it over to a straight axle. the only thing you gain by having an '85 is the front axle. everything else is more desirable in later years, and the rigs are usually cheaper.

you wouldn't believe some of the things i see in ads around here..."1985 toyota 4runner RARE EFI!!!"

 

If www.CraigsList.com offers listings in your area, then I would recommened them. Those 85's sure are hard to find in decent, non-modified condition. Also try www.Cars.com and as BT17R said, try AutoTrader. I've had really good luck buying vehicles from Craigs List and Auto Trader.

Steve

 

i've never had much luck with auto trader. prices always seem sky high on there. $4000 for a straight, otherwise stock '81 4x4 with 200,000 miles? gimme a break!

i scour the local paper and little nickel ads, that's where the bargains usually seem to be...

 

Yeah, that is high. I've gotten good deals on the vehicles I've bought.... but I tend to buy them in less-than-ideal condition. I like working on them, what can I say.

 

It is funny that one of the biggest selling points on an '85 is for it to not be built already. I suppose it is mostly due to people wanting to do it on their own and do it their way. Not to mention that many of the modded ones have been seriously used.
I figure that will help me some on mine. The only real mods are under the hood and that is just a spiffed up 22re. All stock gears and drivetrain.
In the ever evolving world of four wheeling it is fun to see how things change like one of the latest trend in rockcrawlers; 4.10 gearing.
Not long ago, having stock gears would be a knock on a rig and now it's a selling point LOL!