The Toyota Pickup, known in some markets as the Hilux, enjoys a reputation for exceptional reliability. Top Gear UK once tried to “kill” one of these classics, but after an 8-hour total immersion in ocean water and a deliberate fire that caused catastrophic damage, it soldiered on gamely. The show’s final attempt involved placing at the top of a 23-story building destined for a planned demolition by implosion. The Hilux survived the freefall, and while it would never see service on British roads again, the Toyota still started and drove. Therefore, this 1993 Pickup, with 61,000 original miles on the clock, should offer a new owner many years of dependable service. It presents superbly, and its only apparent need is a new home.
Toyota launched its Fifth Generation Hilux range in 1988, although it retained its “Pickup” designation in North America. The new model had a longer wheelbase than its predecessor and remained on sale until 1995 in the USA. This 1993 example is a gem, and the photos suggest it hasn’t lived a hard life. The Code 045 White paint is in exceptional condition, with no signs of significant chips or scratches. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the seller’s decision to fit a “Rhinoliner” bedliner has protected one of the Pickup’s most vulnerable areas from physical damage. The photos confirm this classic is rust-free, which is unsurprising since it hasn’t ventured beyond a dry region. The trim and glass are spotless, and the vinyl graphics look crisp and clean.
This Pickup’s interior has an undisputed “wow” factor because its condition is exceptional for a vehicle of this type and age. The trim and carpet combination feature relatively light shades, making them prone to visible stains. However, the Blue cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces are so close to perfect that it doesn’t matter, and the carpet is spotless. The dash hasn’t succumbed to UV exposure, and there is no appreciable wheel wear. It is refreshing to find no aftermarket additions. Although it isn’t loaded with optional extras, the buyer will welcome the factory AM/FM stereo radio and the sports gauge cluster.
While some buyers focus on the diesel or V6 variants from this era, the 22R-E powerplant occupying this engine bay should not be underestimated. This 2,366cc four produces 116hp and 140 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The power and torque figures tell only part of the story because the delivery makes this Pickup an effortless off-roader. With over 80% of the engine’s torque available under 2,000rpm, these classics can crawl into locations that would defeat lesser mortals. However, point them at the open road, and they will cruise at freeway speed all day. The seller claims the Pickup has a genuine 61,000 miles on its odometer, and while they don’t mention supporting evidence, the condition makes the claim plausible. It rolls on new tires, and a recent thorough inspection revealed there is plenty of life left in the brakes and clutch. It runs and drives perfectly. If you feel like taking a California vacation, you could fly in and drive home behind the wheel of this Toyota.
The seller listed this 1993 Toyota 4×4 Pickup here on eBay in Hollister, California. Their price of $23,999 is hardly pocket change, but it is consistent with recent successful sales results. Its unmolested state will appeal to many purists. With the badge’s reputation for legendary reliability, it is one of the classics from the 1990s that could clock at least half a century of active use without any significant problems. It is sometimes said that any 4×4 can get you to your destination, but only a Toyota is guaranteed to return you home safely. Are you tempted to test that theory?
Most here remember these as rusty hulks, sometimes breaking in half, so it’s unusual to actually see one like this. This is the truck that changed everything. I had friends in construction, and this was the truck they bought. It combined gas mileage, versatility, and never needed more than an oil change. I read this truck sold for around $10grand( 4×4 a bit higher) about the same as a S10/Ranger, and sold a couple. Toyota sold an amazing 182,000 pickups in 1993, up from 168,000 in ’91, and 175,000 in ’92, but still not as many as the 311,000 Rangers sold that year. Thing was, once someone bought these, they never bought anything else, a true testament to their popularity. The outrageously inflated price only reflects how rare this truck is in northern climates, generally selling for a lot less, however I’m confident, with how out of whack our world is today, they’ll get it. Folks, let me say, it’s NOT a $25,000 vehicle, it’s still a basic Toyota pickup, condition notwithstanding.
I live about 80 miles north of where this truck is located. You see Toyota trucks from this era every day rust is not an issue, their mechanicals are durable and simple to fix.
It’s a low mileage short bed standard cab 4×4 with a 5spd, someone will make a deal on it sooner rather than later.
Steve R
It’s not worth 25K to you, but ANYTHING is worth what someone will pay for it.
Best new vehicle I ever bought. $7900 off the dealer lot in 1990 (2wd, not 4). Simple, spunky, reliable, and fun. Gave it to a friend 15 years later, and I still miss it today. Too bad we can’t have such simple and reliable and affordable little trucks today.
Same here, I bought a brand new ’89 4×4 with the V6 after I moved to AZ. I’d sold my ’80 4×4 to a friend who had a horse farm before I left but only because it was starting to rust on the lower bed panels. Both were outstanding vehicles, and I’m currently looking for another of the ’89 to ’95 body style.
I’ve had a pile of these and old 4Runners. Still have a Toyota Van 4×4 5speed with almost 350k miles and we just bought a 23 Tacoma. I like most Toyotas but these pickups with the 22re are my favorites I think. I’ve done some stuff with them that would freak out the boys at top gear. There’s a reason all the lion hunters and ranchers near me won’t drive anything else unless they’re towing a trailer…
So are the 93s part of the infamous bad frame disaster? I had a 94 that you could poke a screwdriver through the frame in about 70% of frame. 64k miles and beautiful with a frame ready to break in two
There’s a 1992 with 86k miles for $14k in Bensenville Illinois Looks like new paint, lift kit, V6, 5 speed.. The ad says frame work needed.
Yes, I wish affordable cars like the AMC Hornet and Dodge Dart were still available, with crank windows, manual door locks, an AM-FM-cassette-CD sound system and no tracking devices. I for one would run out and buy one.
There’s this car they call a Beetle … :)
But that’s a nice truck.
Believe it or not you can get a brand new Toyota truck for under 30k today. I’ve seen them on the Price is Right. Did l miss something.
Yes you did miss something. A new 2wd Toyota Pickup is entirely different than this pickup.
Ten thousand too high on price.
At the end of the day any vehicles value is what the bank will loan you to purchase it. Even with classic cars a certain amount of your own money may be needed.
I own one of these 1993 Toyota Pickups with the 22RE engine, 5-speed, A/C, cloth seats, and let me tell you, it hauls tons of trash and gets 27 mpg in the city. Reliable as a ’63 Chevy Impala 283 Powerglide. What more could you want?