All, I've been lurking for awhile trying to make up my mind whether or not to buy. It's made up <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> and just called about an '85 SR5 truck. Guy was asking $2500. Here's the details:

320k miles
Original motor 22RE (at least that's what he thought)
new timing chain
replaced front diff (was making a racket)
bed has some rust
frame supposedly solid
runs good
no signifcant leaks
doesn't smoke
cold a/c

Now I know these trucks are great, but this seems a bit high for all the miles and a rusty bed. I did read the post on how these hold there values. What do you guys think? The guy knows he's got the good stuff.

Chris

Dooooo it dooooo it dooooo it! I would, because 85's are rare around here

320k is a little high in the mileage department, but if the engine runs fine you'll be OK. as for the rust, you'd think it came from the factory on those things <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

cold A/C is a definite plus, and add to the fact that a lot of idiots think they have a goldmine if they've got an '85, $2500 isn't too bad. see if you can haggle a little though.

BUY IT!!! or at least tell me where it is <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />....that's what I wanted to find. And if the engine does crap out on you they are not too hard to replace at all.

This is truly a rare one tho(at least around my parts) fuel injected' 85 with cold AC!!! most desireable of all, could only be better if it was a 4Runner!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Sounds like I should at least pay it a visit. I think I will.

If there is rust coverage on the frame then do a real real thourough job of rust checking. cram you little fingers between the frame and the gas tank to see if there are holes. Then take a hammer and smack all over the frame especially around the rear wheels. If the metal deforms then I would let it go. better to have the base rig your happy with then one that you curse cause of the frame rust. Good luck <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />.

Thanks for the input so far.

I'm going to look at this truck, but let me add a little more input. I haven't done a ton of 4 wheeling, but what I have done I have really enjoyed. I just finished restoring a 77 Bronco (mostly body work and replaced the usual maintenance items - turned out sweet, to sweet to tear up). I have been to Wheeling In The Country off road park in Middle Tennessee a couple of times in the Bronco and had a blast. I'm not much of a mechanic, but I am willing to learn. I am looking for a Toyota as a reliable 4 wheeler (goes without saying). I want to get my feet wet with as little investment as possible. I was thinking stock truck or 4 runner, put some 31s on and maybe limited slip. Play with that for a while and if it really sticks, modify from there. If it doesn't stick, I want to be able to get out and not lose my shirt. If this truck is in reasonably good shape (frame and drive train) and I could get it for around $2k, do you think I could get out if I wanted to without losing my shirt (that wouldn't be a pretty site)?

TIA

Chris

more than likely, they hold their resale value very well, especially if it has EFI.

they're a good first 4x4 to learn on, i learned just about everything i know about being a mechanic on my toyota. most of the parts are very forgiving, especially the engines.

I've found 80's Toyota trucks not only hold thier value but appear to become more valuable as time goes by.
I saw the 82 long bed I used to drive back in high school(1989) over thanksgiving weekend. Asking price was $2,000 with almost 200,000 more miles on it that when I owned it.

Current truck is and 88 V6 4runner I bought for 3K, worth more now even without all the ARB/OME stuff.

Buy it. I bought my '85 EFI 8 years ago for $1000 with bad rings. The only thing better would be an extended cab or a 4Runner. I had to put a new bed on it (new from Toyota, $1300), worth every penny. I've been offered $6000 for it, and turned it down. I'm 36, I'm driving it until I'm at least 50.