Hello, about to purchase my first 4x4

Prime

Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2011
Location
Apex NC
I am looking at an upgraded 1988 Toyota pickup. It has the SR5 package with the V6 and 4x4. Its in really good condition:

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The previous owner has added everything from power windows to cruise control, to aftermarket tires and wheels. I dont really have any 4x4 experience. Should I be able to do some newbie level trails with this thing?

Jeff

EDIT: Just realized this probably belongs in the new members sticky, sorry!
 
that will get you started just fine.Lot of guys on here run yotas so you should pick up some pointers. Now since you are new,I'd like to invite you to follow the 4x4everyone link in my sig,sign into our group, and join in on our discussions and trips.We are a very stocker/newbie friendly group and there are several of our members that live very close to you.
 
The V6 is notorious for head gasket problems but I think the only affected years are 90-early95. Regardless, check for white smoke at exhaust pipe and check the oil for a milky color. Ask when the oil was changed prior to checking oil.
 
Wow that thing is very nice and clean.
Yes, it's ready for off-road "out of the box" - however one thing you need to decide pretty quickly is, if you're going to take it out off road, how you feel about stratches and damage. It can be painful in a perdy truck like that, and will dictate just what you will/should do.

What's up w/ that really low bar below the front bumper?
 
About the bar, not sure. Some kind of custom bumper? It appears to be attached to the front of the chassis underneath. Scratches and stuff I am not as worried about, I would hope to avoid any costly damage that would render it undriveable. I would be taking it easy anywhere offroad for a while.

I have another car for my daily driver. Right now I use my 2WD truck for taking the trash to the dump, hauling stuff, and taking my kayak out. It does those great, offroad probably not so much. I will be trading it in for whatever I happen to get.
 
With a lil lift or no lift and some good tires you will be amazed at what these trucks can do. If it were me i'd try to find a 22RE with a 5spd. If you can't drive a stick the learn. That is a really clean truck though.
 
What do you guys think about this 2003 Taco?

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I would only have to finance a little more than the 1988. The private seller of the 1988 put money into it he wants back, so the price is high for the year.

The 2003 is an Xtracab V6. Any word on the longevity of these engines? Just as capable off the road as the 1988?
 
He wants $5900 for the 1988. I guess the guy is wanting his money back for the sound system, keyless entry, power windows and locks, cruise control, power steering, wheels, and tires and everything he has put into it.
 
Prime said:
He wants $5900 for the 1988. I guess the guy is wanting his money back for the sound system, keyless entry, power windows and locks, cruise control, power steering, wheels, and tires and everything he has put into it.
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Dude is crazy. Pass on that and don't look back.
No matter how much money you put into an old, truck, its still an old truck.
 
If you are planing on building this rig up I would buy one more built. I enjoyed building my jeep, but I will never do it again, so much cheaper to buy one already built
 
purpleTJchick said:
If you are planing on building this rig up I would buy one more built. I enjoyed building my jeep, but I will never do it again, so much cheaper to buy one already built
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I agree fully. Looks in the pic, that the post is setting on the rear bumper! Welcome to the forum.
 
My main problem is I want to be able to trade my 2003 Mazda B3000. I don't need another car payment. I could do a small $1k loan to makeup a difference. My truck is worth about $4200. I either need a private party interested in a trade, or a dealership that would take it as a trade. It is a great truck, just no 4x4.
 

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Also considering what looks like to be a stock 1995 toyota 4x4 with the 22re motor. Being totally stock, could it still make it through some basic trails? How much does a lift kit and or set of tires run?
 
I've got a 96 Tacoma with the 3.4 V6 and a 89 Toy P/U with the 22RE. I like the 22RE just as much as the V6.
 
Go for the Taco. You'll hate going back to a regular cab after having the extra cab in your Mazda/Ford. The engine is WAAAAAAAYYYY better than the 3.0. Has better power and is much more reliable. It's just as capable off road in my opinion, but you'll be more apt to be upset at body damage. You'll be amazed where it'll go.
 
I test drove it today, and its nice. High mileage though, 250k! Plus, they only want to give me $2500 for my truck despite its KBB value of $4100 for trade in. Screw those guys. These toyotas are hard to find.

I found this taco also, less mileage and little cheaper - 1996. Tires dont look stock, but I am no pro at this

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This is one is almost the same price, but automatic so my wife can drive it

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BTW keep the opinions coming, you guys are a great help
 
I am going today to check out the white truck in my previous post. What types of things should I look for as dealbreakers here?
 
See if the frame is badly rotted.
if it is - BUY IT! There is an awesome recall, where Toyota basically buys the truck from you for 1.5x NADA...
But honestly I'd bet all those are gone now.
 
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