im 17 (and a newbie here) and looking for a toyota. I think I want a 1st gen 4runner but the 1st and 2nd gen pickups look like a good choice. Budget is also a problem. I will only have about $2500 to spend after i get my income tax back. I wouldn't do alot off roading but some minor mudding. suggestions on what would be the best choice for me would be appriecated. It would also be my daily driver.

 

youve probably gotta scope out the market. look at what 2500 will get you for pickups and 1st gen runners...

 

Other things being equal (like the vehicle condition), pickups will be cheaper. So that is a consideration. I'd suggest browsing the classifieds in your local paper and on the internet to get a feel for what is out there, then start shopping once you have cash in hand. Good luck!

 

i've been looking at whats for sale for about 7 months and i saw a few that were great deals but didnt have the money then. just curious if any of you had suggestions

 

This could be way off but may fit you budget.

How about an older PU, 2 wheel drive. You could add a locker and some huge mud tires in the back? You know some buckshots that stick out, give you that south of the border jacked up rear end look. With the locker you could go 75% of the places a 4x4 would go. With and older rig you would not have to worry about scratches and stuff.

When I was 17 (1986) I drove a 74 super bettle my sister gave me when she went to college.

What ya think?

 

All of the above a good ideas. I don't know where in TX you are, but get the weekend classifieds for any major metro areas within driving distance. You'll usually find more to choose from. Welcome and good luck!

 

im near dfw. i dont think im interested in a 2wd or an automatic trans.

 

I'd say get a 2nd gen pickup. They are almost indestructable. You should be able to find one in pretty decent shape probably with 150-170K miles on it for that price. Make sure you get one with the 22re (4cyl) and a 5speed. It shouldn't be too hard. I've found that they can sometimes pop up at crappy little used car lots so there's a shot too. Check Autotrader and watch Ebay. Something may pop up in the DFW area.

 

my understanding was that the 1st gens (PU & 4runner) were indestructable too.

 

almost had one. It was a 1987 4runner 4x4 31" tires just needed some engine work.
was only $800. It sold about 10 min before i got to it. And I know a guy who has a running 22r 5speed and transfer case all on a palate for $200. Is a drive to get the parts but im probably gonna get the engine and stuff anyways.

 

in my opinion, if you're going to get one that old go for an 84 or 85. you say you want to do a lot of offroading and an 85 is the best (great motor and suspension) . they're cheap to upgrade too. the only problem is that texas seems to have a shortage - or at least that's what i've seen. keep in touch and we'll go wheelin whenever you get your truck - i'm down the road near austin.

 

???



He said just minor offroading and mudding. In this case, an IFS truck would be better suited. 1st gen 4Runner would be excellent. Newer IFS trucks will be easier to find, cheaper to buy, in better condition, and ride better on the street.




I don't think this is a very good suggestion for someone wanting to get started in offroading.

 

haha read that wrong - i guess finals are getting to me.

 

If i got to start all over, I'd get an '85 pickup (last year solid axle) with the 22RE (arguably the most dependable toyota engine). Although I'm extremely happy with my 89 22re. SAS has more front lift options too, not to mention countless advantages and if you start to get more serious into offroading you'll be glad you have it.

Also, if you get a high mileage truck, a well kept 22re should last 300,000 plus and rebuld kits are cheap for that engine, so I wouldn't worry about getting something with 200,000ish on it. Considering the average person drives 12000 miles a year, you'd still have about 8 years left on the engine. (until 300,000 if you bought a truck with 200,00 and followed the trend).

just my .02

 

i would like to do more than mudding but probably wouldnt have the chance to much more. Its hard enough to find a place to go mudding. All the stupid hicks at my school have ruined it by mudding in peoples pastures and ruining peoples crops. can't be picky about year models. i'll take the first decent 1st gen i can find

 

I found an 85 4runner that was well taken care of with 160k. Definatly try to get an 85. I was prepared to drive all the way to Colorado to get one and all of a sudden, one popped up on autotrader. The rest is history. If you check autotrader enough, something will come, especially this time of year. They will start selling more when summer starts.
When you get it look to the board for people to go 4wheeling with.



Also, there are places to go in texas...
CLICK

 

i look in Autotrader monday-friday and i try on weekends but dont usually have a chance. Since i dont have a car and my dad is going to buy the car for me he would have to go with me to aprove of it. My dad would not be willing to drive more than 75 miles to look at a car for me and i cant be too picky about the year cuz im having a hard enough time finding one already but yes if i found an 85 i would be all over it. thanx 4 the link!