2WD Survivor: 1987 Toyota Pickup Deluxe

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The two-wheel drive Toyota pickup (or any pickup, really) is a generally unloved space in the vintage truck market. We all know the hot ticket to find slumbering away in a small garage on the outskirts of town is a classic 4×4 with the old-school decals still visible on the outside and a trusty but decidedly tractor-like engine under the hood. Still, the truck market is such that so few examples of imported pickups remain in original, rust-free condition that even the unloved 2WDs will start to rise in price, and this 1987 Toyota Deluxe pickup here on eBay is a perfect example of this.

Bidding is just over $5,000 with the reserve unmet, but I have to believe the asking price is still below $10,000. While there’s definitely an emerging market here, the 2WDs are still well below their 4×4 siblings in terms of prices paid. This one stands out for a few reasons, but the most obvious one being the clean bodywork and rust-free fenders, along with the original decals and “TOYOTA” lettering on the tailgate all remaining in excellent condition. Factory steel wheels reveal no flaws and the chrome bumpers still shine like brand new.

Under the hood is the impossible-to-kill 22R engine, which is the kind of mill that seems more at home in tractors and forklifts than a small, light-duty pickup. Still, they are a proven commodity at this point and very hard to kill even when neglected. This truck has clearly not been neglected and I’m sure it’s been looked after with all the recommended fluid and belt changes performed. The Toyota has just over 61,000 original miles and has been in Oregon State since new, which practically guarantees it was used like any other daily driver given how many vintage cars and trucks still see daily use in the Pacific Northwest. The engine is paired to an optional automatic transmission, which will make acceleration leisurely at best.

The interiors of 1980s Toyotas were definitely spartan across the range, but the pickups seemed even more utilitarian compared to the likes of the Celica and Corolla. Fortunately, despite the bare-bones nature of the cockpit, this truck looks as good on the inside as it does on the outside with no major flaws or indications of hard use. The seller does include a long list of replacement parts from the previous owner, and, as expected, it includes everything you want to see: new belts, alternator, battery, spark plugs, cap, plug wires, and more. What do you think – is it time that clean two-wheel drive trucks were finally paid some respect?

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Comments

  1. RGSmith1

    I think it’s past time they have received their due. I know that a lot of folks just want a truck to make Home Depot runs and the like . Many of us really have no need for 4wd. The 4wds are great for what they are intended for (i.e. off road, snow plowing, etc.).

    Like 10
  2. nlpnt

    I miss how low the old 2wd compact trucks (especially) were built. The whole point of a pickup is that it’s set up to load at-grade since users aren’t expected to have access to loading docks. Most people who buy pickups still don’t, but load heights are up to nipple level and still climbing.

    Like 18
  3. Rw

    Best ever

    Like 3
  4. Paul

    I had a ’91 Toyota pickup with the extended cab. I loved that truck and it was 2wd. I bought it in Oregon when in graduate school and drove it all across the nation. With a full load in the bed I didn’t have traction issues, but if it was empty and inclement weather I had to be a bit more cautious when driving it. Two 50 pound bags of cat litter solved that problem as I had a cap on the bed to keep it dry. I had over 180,000 miles on it when it met it’s end in a multi car pileup in Indianapolis. I still miss it and this one that is featured looks like a great example to enjoy. I hope it finds a home with a new owner who will continue to take excellent care of it.

    Like 13
  5. Car Nut Tacoma

    Beautiful looking truck. I remember when Toyota offered trucks like this (pre-Tacoma). They were basic compared to today’s Tacoma and the Tundra. The only thing I wish Toyota were willing to offer was a Turbo Diesel engine.

    Like 2
    • connbackroads

      I’ve got an 85 Camry Turbo Diesel sitting in the driveway . . .

      Like 3
      • Car Nut Tacoma

        I remember seeing a Toyota Camry Turbo diesel not far from where I lived. I wish I had talked to the owner of the car.

        Like 1
      • Car Nut Tacoma

        I consider it damned unforgivable that Toyota discontinued the Turbo Diesel engine for the USA market. Is it for everyone? No, not really. But for those who want a rugged workhorse engine for their Truck or 4Runner, this would’ve been perfect.

        Like 0
    • Bamapoppy

      I had a 1986 1-ton 2WD with the 22-RE, 5-speed, cloth bench regular cab and I miss her so. Best dang truck made. And nlpnt is correct; easy to load and unload anything.

      Like 1
  6. Troy

    Watching close, wife said she wants a little truck and her birthday is next month I haven’t showed her this. And this is another example of just post the reserve so I can decide if I want to pay that or not.

    Like 4
  7. chasman

    Odd. According to Ebay listing, manual windows , manual door locks and manual mirrors are options. So power was standard? I don’t think so.

    Like 0
  8. Glenn SchwassMember

    Wow. Beautiful. If it was a stick, it would be perfect.

    Like 1
  9. Sincerepolack

    I had this truck in grey, battery lasted 10 yrs!! bought it new for just under 8k and sold it 12 years later for 5k, rust and all! loved it!!

    Like 3
  10. Dennis Hagerdorn

    I purchased a one owner, 2000 Tacoma like this, with 176,000 miles last year. Drove it for about six months, and the Mrs. decided she wanted it. Put on some 17″ alloys from our son’s xB, and it’s a great little grocery getter. Replaced the battery and added a “Keep On Truckin” sticker. I’m sure it will last as long as I need it to.

    Like 1
    • Car Nut Tacoma

      That’s the cool thing about these Toyota trucks, they can be used for lots of things and with maintenance, will keep on running indefinitely.

      Like 0
  11. john

    My 87 toy truck of 37 years strong and still going. Still my daily driver. Only 207000 miles. The road salt hasn’t been kind to her. But I fixed all the bad spots. I’m 65, I think I will retire before the old truck does.

    Like 0

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