J
JWP58
Guest
Depends on how fast you want to get there. I cant speak to the 22RE, but my 2.7L does ok (it has 50 more horses) with stock gearing and 265/70/16's loaded with gear. Plus all you have to do is down shift lol
1992 Pickup worth 6900?
- Thread starter ttiler
- Start date
Depends on how fast you want to get there. I cant speak to the 22RE, but my 2.7L does ok (it has 50 more horses) with stock gearing and 265/70/16's loaded with gear. Plus all you have to do is down shift lol
Clutch
<---Pass
Dave in Denver will say it is fine. I will say otherwise. He lives there, I must travel 10-14 hours to get the spots I like...so that means pounding out highway
miles.
If your fine pulling the HWY passes in 2nd gear, you'll be good. You really have to wind that engine up to pull the passes.
Off-road in low-range they don't do "too" bad at altitude.
Not enough oomph for me though. (I have owned two 22RE equipped Toyo's) My 3.4 V6 is barely adequate...most likely get a super charger when I re-motor it.
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Well here is a funny, or sad, story for you all. Felt weird about buying this truck so I cancelled. Kept searching. Came across a 1987 yota pickup on eBay. I won the bid.
It was located in Phoenix. I flew to PHX and the seller picked me and my good friend who tagged along up there. We drove to the truck at his house and I looked at/drove the truck. I was going to take it but I did feel slightly weird about it. 5000 bucks by the way. I told him I'd take it. We drove to his bank(BOFA). I was going to do a cash advance and pay the 4500 bucks after the 500 dollar deposit. Well, my bank was closing and my financial advisor was staying after close to help me out. She had to raise the limit of my debit card temporarily so I could pay them. Now, I belong to a small local credit union mind you. I could not get a certified check because I was out of town the day before I was going to fly out from Chicago. Could not go back home before my flight. Anyway, the advisor at BOFA was extremely rude. He took my card and looked at me like I was foreign because he did not recognize the bank and it had a design on it which he thought was weird, so he said. He asked for my ID and they went to the back and sat on a computer for 10 minutes doing who the hell knows what. I don't know what they were thinking. Apparently it was unheard of for an 18 year old to fly cross country to pick up a vehicle he's purchasing. So we were called over and this man wanted to speak to my financial advisor at my bank. While he was on the phone with her, he was very rude. And eventually hung up on her. Now, remember that this was after closing, and she had stayed to help me. And I could not call her back because the lines were closed and she could only call me. Obviously she was fed up and left the bank, placing my daily limit back at 1000 dollars. And therefore, my entire trip was a waste. I figured it was probably not meant to be and I told the seller I needed to go back to the airport and get the hell out of there. I was very exhausted, as we had been running around all day just so I could pay him somehow. Back home, all the banks were closed and no one in my family could help me. I'm now back home and still searching. I wasted a total of 1300 dollars on that trip and the deposit(which I didn't get back). The flight was my first and that was the best part of it. And the heat. I adore the dry heat of the dessert. I have a huge music festival trip coming up that will be over 2,000 miles. That's on June 12th, and I still have no vehicle. I found an excellent condition 1985 rust free, rebuilt, freshly painted toyota pickup in WA but they want 11,800. I certainly wish I was more seasoned and experienced at understanding the worth of these vehicles.
It was located in Phoenix. I flew to PHX and the seller picked me and my good friend who tagged along up there. We drove to the truck at his house and I looked at/drove the truck. I was going to take it but I did feel slightly weird about it. 5000 bucks by the way. I told him I'd take it. We drove to his bank(BOFA). I was going to do a cash advance and pay the 4500 bucks after the 500 dollar deposit. Well, my bank was closing and my financial advisor was staying after close to help me out. She had to raise the limit of my debit card temporarily so I could pay them. Now, I belong to a small local credit union mind you. I could not get a certified check because I was out of town the day before I was going to fly out from Chicago. Could not go back home before my flight. Anyway, the advisor at BOFA was extremely rude. He took my card and looked at me like I was foreign because he did not recognize the bank and it had a design on it which he thought was weird, so he said. He asked for my ID and they went to the back and sat on a computer for 10 minutes doing who the hell knows what. I don't know what they were thinking. Apparently it was unheard of for an 18 year old to fly cross country to pick up a vehicle he's purchasing. So we were called over and this man wanted to speak to my financial advisor at my bank. While he was on the phone with her, he was very rude. And eventually hung up on her. Now, remember that this was after closing, and she had stayed to help me. And I could not call her back because the lines were closed and she could only call me. Obviously she was fed up and left the bank, placing my daily limit back at 1000 dollars. And therefore, my entire trip was a waste. I figured it was probably not meant to be and I told the seller I needed to go back to the airport and get the hell out of there. I was very exhausted, as we had been running around all day just so I could pay him somehow. Back home, all the banks were closed and no one in my family could help me. I'm now back home and still searching. I wasted a total of 1300 dollars on that trip and the deposit(which I didn't get back). The flight was my first and that was the best part of it. And the heat. I adore the dry heat of the dessert. I have a huge music festival trip coming up that will be over 2,000 miles. That's on June 12th, and I still have no vehicle. I found an excellent condition 1985 rust free, rebuilt, freshly painted toyota pickup in WA but they want 11,800. I certainly wish I was more seasoned and experienced at understanding the worth of these vehicles.
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Clutch
<---Pass
Man that sucks that it didn't work out.
I think most of us on here have made some bad deals in the past, it is all a part of the learning process.
Old cliché...haste makes waste.
You could pick up a beater for $500-1000 for that trip, and just go...(sounds like you have enough in savings for a bailout plan if it blows up) Saw a high mile Isuzu Trooper here for $1300...
Some of my best trips were in a roached out POS car...
I think most of us on here have made some bad deals in the past, it is all a part of the learning process.
Old cliché...haste makes waste.
You could pick up a beater for $500-1000 for that trip, and just go...(sounds like you have enough in savings for a bailout plan if it blows up) Saw a high mile Isuzu Trooper here for $1300...
Some of my best trips were in a roached out POS car...
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
I guess I just don't get it. 
What is the attraction to these vehicles that people will pay so much? Why have they acquired such mythical status?
I owned a 1985 Toyota 4x4 truck - it was actually the first import I ever owned, and the first new vehicle I ever owned, at the age of 23.
It was OK. Not great. Certainly not worth the legendary status that the 1985 Toyota 4x4 seems to have acquired.
It didn't hold a candle to the 2004 Tacoma I bought in 2007.
Before someone says it - yes, I understand, a thing is "worth" what someone will pay for it. If someone would actually pay $11,000 for a 1985 Toyota pickup then I guess that's what it's worth but I think that says less about the actual 'quality' of the vehicle and more about how the internet "feeding frenzy" drives people to believe these vehicles are something that they aren't, another factor that proves PT Barnum was right.
What is the attraction to these vehicles that people will pay so much? Why have they acquired such mythical status?
I owned a 1985 Toyota 4x4 truck - it was actually the first import I ever owned, and the first new vehicle I ever owned, at the age of 23.
It was OK. Not great. Certainly not worth the legendary status that the 1985 Toyota 4x4 seems to have acquired.
It didn't hold a candle to the 2004 Tacoma I bought in 2007.
Before someone says it - yes, I understand, a thing is "worth" what someone will pay for it. If someone would actually pay $11,000 for a 1985 Toyota pickup then I guess that's what it's worth but I think that says less about the actual 'quality' of the vehicle and more about how the internet "feeding frenzy" drives people to believe these vehicles are something that they aren't, another factor that proves PT Barnum was right.
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
We just bought in 2013 and then sold earlier this year a 2001 Tacoma TRD XtraCab. We decided to keep the 1991, which I hadn't yet sold. The one and only thing improved was the engine, the 3.4L is a nice motor. Otherwise the Tacoma is just not nearly as well made. The interior rattled, I had to do a bunch of frame rust repair, etc. My tired old '91 has 262K on it while that Taco has 121K when we sold it. I don't assign any special significance to the solid axle 1985, but the 79-95 trucks in general in my experience are better.
It's funny, we've also owned at one point or another a 2005 4Runner, a 1985 FJ60, 1978 FJ40 and 1985 Pickup and when it's all said in done the '91 has been there. Seems it's the right truck for us. None of them starched the itch. The regular cab '85 was too small, the 4Runner was too big and hard to see out of. The FJ40 just wasn't right and the FJ60 needed too much work. I dunno what to say, I test drove a new Tacoma and have zero interest in one. I might consider a Nissan or Chevy if pressed, but most likely I'll get another 89-95 that is in better shape if/when I replace mine.
Yes, Clutch, it's slow in the mountains. But it doesn't bother us, we're in no particular hurry to get anywhere. Most of the time we leave on a Saturday afternoon and return on a Monday or Tuesday, so there's light traffic and not much reason to pass.
Clutch
<---Pass
Different strokes for different folks.
I like my Tacoma so much more than the '92 Pickup I had...darn near trouble free up in 'til 282K miles. It had the dash rattle, but I fixed that with some foam caulking rope. The cool mountains of CO are so far away from me here in the AZ heat...just want to get there in relative ease. The 22RE had a hard time making it to the speed limit at times. I went everywhere in that thing...Southern & Northern California, Baja, New Mexico, Utah...just was so dang slow getting there. I couldn't take it anymore and sold it. Really don't see the appeal with those engines, maybe a 3.4 and coil over swap in the 89-95 platform....I could see that.I have been driving a lot of V8's recently...the power bug has bitten. And to think they get darn near the same mpg as my Tacoma, man I tell ya!
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
You'll probably not be surprised to hear I don't even have A/C in my truck. 
But it's also never been to Mexico or Southern CA. It's been through the Rubicon, that's the only time I've ever even been to the left coast. It's been all over Utah, NM and AZ. But mostly just in the winter down your way. Just too friggin' hot, people are not supposed to live in that stuff.
But it's also never been to Mexico or Southern CA. It's been through the Rubicon, that's the only time I've ever even been to the left coast. It's been all over Utah, NM and AZ. But mostly just in the winter down your way. Just too friggin' hot, people are not supposed to live in that stuff.They do fine.
I had an 87 4runner from stock to heavily modified.
When I bumped up to 33" tires, I regeared to 4.88's, which was slightly over geared for the swap. I, however, found it to be perfect as it allowed me to be in the power band more.
One thing about these trucks is they like to run at 3500-4000 RPM. I know a lot of people who've gotten them and tried to drive them like a V6 or V8, and keep it in the 2k range, which is way too low.
Mine drove all over the Colorado mountains every day for 20 years. It drove best on 33x9.50's with 4.88 gears.
I now have a supercharged 3.4L in a 99 4runner, and I like it a lot more. I get 19-20 hwy, 17-18 mixed, which is slightly worse than what I saw in the 22re, but not horrendously so. Like Clutch, I like the power. OTOH, the 22re is a great little motor, and I'd own one again. Probably for a weekend toy though, not so much for camping/hunting/etc... The cruise control, power, and comfort of the more modern suspension and drivetrain is a nice combo.
As for the original question, is it worth that money? Hard to say, I guess. I personally wouldn't pay that much, but I also wouldn't be looking quite that far back. If you are set on that model, that price is in line with what I've seen around here, so it would seem that its the going rate.
Cheers!
Clutch
<---Pass
You'll probably not be surprised to hear I don't even have A/C in my truck.
I didn't have AC in my '85 4Runner when I first moved here, drove that for the first 4-5 years, that was awful, upgraded to the '92 with AC...woo who!
Trips are always in the summer, pedal to the metal to get the heck out of here. I can't get out of here fast enough it seems.
It is waaay too friggen hot here! Hit 108º two days ago. I have grown to hate this place...have two more months to go, and on to Idaho...can't fricken wait! Some dang reason a Tundra RCLB with a Flip Pac is real appealing to me, most likely all the gear I could haul with that 8' bed, since I run out of room and power with the Tacoma real quick. Have them on the brain again...
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Clay
Adventurer
Why are old Toyota's worth so much? Here's my thoughts:
1- How many early 80's or even early 90's Isuzu or Mitsubishi 4x4's do you see on the road these days? In my area it's about 1 for every 100 old Toyota's.
2- Want a lift kit for your old Isuzu? Good luck. Aftermarket support for Toyota's is better than any other brand.
3- What's the hurry? If I wanted to drive fast, I would have bought a sports car, but instead I would like to see some things on my journey.
4- Open the hood on that new Tundra. What are you going to do when it breaks a hundred miles from no where? 22r/re engines are simple and easy to trouble shoot. That means a lot to me.
There is more, but maybe I've made my point?
To each his own, I'd guess.
1- How many early 80's or even early 90's Isuzu or Mitsubishi 4x4's do you see on the road these days? In my area it's about 1 for every 100 old Toyota's.
2- Want a lift kit for your old Isuzu? Good luck. Aftermarket support for Toyota's is better than any other brand.
3- What's the hurry? If I wanted to drive fast, I would have bought a sports car, but instead I would like to see some things on my journey.
4- Open the hood on that new Tundra. What are you going to do when it breaks a hundred miles from no where? 22r/re engines are simple and easy to trouble shoot. That means a lot to me.
There is more, but maybe I've made my point?
To each his own, I'd guess.
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RememberTheFallen
Explorer
In my humble opinion I would look at an early Tacoma for that kind of money. I own a 86 pickup and have owned 4 Tacoma's. I currently have a 03' double cab.
My 86 was bought new by my dad and given to me for my graduation 14 years ago. It has somewhere around 440k miles on it. The only issues has with it are user caused (18 year old kid and deep mud holes!). We have been thru a couple of motors but parts are plentiful. At one time I owned 3 1st gen pickups as parts trucks.
I have though several times about turning the 86 into an expo truck as it is paid for, easy to work on, and very reliable. It has always came down to not having enough power and not enough room. I have looked at 4.3 Chevy and 3.4 Toyota engine swaps. Neither were economical to me. I remember having to floor it and power shifting thru the gears to merge onto the highway. Now add a lot of camping gear, water, extra fuel and it would be really slow.
The 1st gen Tacomas are a little harder to work on but nothing compared to the 2nd gens. The manual transmission 3.4 v6 has "enough" power to haul gear. And since they are newer are more likely to be nicer inside and out. The interior hasn't had 30 years to fade and crack. Same as the paint. There are rust issues with some but I have has only one of the four have any. Of course it is the one I just bought! Just check the frame with a punch especially around the area in front of the front leaf spring mount.
I say for the money you can get a better truck for the money if you go with a tacoma. The older trucks are rare and that is driving the price up. The same reason the 1st gen double cabs sell for $4k more than equally qualified extended cabs. There aren't many around.
I think you can find a quality early 1st gen tacoma for just a little more than your $6900.
Sorry about your wasted trip.
My 86 was bought new by my dad and given to me for my graduation 14 years ago. It has somewhere around 440k miles on it. The only issues has with it are user caused (18 year old kid and deep mud holes!). We have been thru a couple of motors but parts are plentiful. At one time I owned 3 1st gen pickups as parts trucks.
I have though several times about turning the 86 into an expo truck as it is paid for, easy to work on, and very reliable. It has always came down to not having enough power and not enough room. I have looked at 4.3 Chevy and 3.4 Toyota engine swaps. Neither were economical to me. I remember having to floor it and power shifting thru the gears to merge onto the highway. Now add a lot of camping gear, water, extra fuel and it would be really slow.
The 1st gen Tacomas are a little harder to work on but nothing compared to the 2nd gens. The manual transmission 3.4 v6 has "enough" power to haul gear. And since they are newer are more likely to be nicer inside and out. The interior hasn't had 30 years to fade and crack. Same as the paint. There are rust issues with some but I have has only one of the four have any. Of course it is the one I just bought! Just check the frame with a punch especially around the area in front of the front leaf spring mount.
I say for the money you can get a better truck for the money if you go with a tacoma. The older trucks are rare and that is driving the price up. The same reason the 1st gen double cabs sell for $4k more than equally qualified extended cabs. There aren't many around.
I think you can find a quality early 1st gen tacoma for just a little more than your $6900.
Sorry about your wasted trip.
Clutch
<---Pass
Chances are, the new Tundra isn't going to break any time real soon. Wouldn't worry too much about working on it....that old 22R/E...hope you brought a lot of spares. Unless you have done a full restoration, you'll be fussing with it a heck of a lot more than a new truck.
Honestly, I don't find working on my Tacoma any more difficult than the older Toyotas I had...actually there are some things that are easier.
The nice thing about having power to spare....you choose to go fast or slow.
Underpowered...you're at your machine's mercy. Hey man, I had a 73 VW Westy...I know slow...charming when if you don't have a care in the world. Pain in the ********...when you have to be somewhere. I don't have the luxury of having months off...I have a week here and there if I am lucky two in a row...sometimes you have to put the hammer down to get through the BS of over the road travel to get to the good stuff...do I really want to take 4 hours to get through Phoenix in the middle of the 120º heat of summer...ah no...I agree with the last sentence 100%!
As for the new/vs old complicated/vs simple, I have to disagree. The 22r carbed trucks, certainly, but the 22re is EFI, and has the same possible "complicated" things that newer motors have: electronic fuel delivery, ignition, etc... If the ECU goes out on either one, you are dead in the water. It has O2 and intake sensors same as new trucks. With a scan gauge, the new stuff is much easier to diagnose, rather than the "short the terminals and hope you have the codes written down somewhere" of the 22re.
Having worked on both the 22re, and the newer 3.4L extensively, the 22re is far more difficult to trouble shoot and work on than the newer stuff.
I love wrenching on stuff as much as the next guy, but I'd rather have a new truck out in the middle of nowhere than an old one. The primary reason is that the chances of something going wrong are MUCH less on the new truck, whether the old truck is easier to work on or not.
Just my opinion, of course.
Clay
Adventurer
I just went through my 22re 100%, so I'm sure it's going to be good for quite some time as well, and now I know every nut and bolt on the engine. How many Tundra owners can say that?
Lucky for me, have a job where I work 6 weeks and then have 6 weeks off. I'm not ever in too big of a hurry. If I am, it's not a 4 wheeling trip, so I'll just hop in my daily driver and go.
Honestly, what kind if journey are you on if you cover more than a couple hundred miles a day? Why hurry? If you don't have time, maybe it's time to replan things. That or move closer to the things you want to do.
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