Some classics are so fragile that you only need to sneeze within sight of them and something will fall off. Toyota’s Pickup range is the polar opposite, enjoying a reputation for bulletproof reliability and strength. This 1991 example is no exception, and with only 88,000 documented miles on the clock, it should provide the new owner with decades of faithful service. The seller has listed this classic here on eBay in Tacoma, Washington. Bidding remains below the reserve at $6,100 with plenty of time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim.
Designated in many markets as the Hilux, Toyota’s Fifth Generation Pickup range first saw the light of day in 1988. Changes from its predecessor were quite evolutionary, with the company seeing no reason to reinvent the wheel. Its focus remained on rugged dependability, and buyers rewarded Toyota for this approach with strong sales volumes. The seller claims that this survivor has had two previous owners, and apart from the bend in the front bumper visible in the above shot, doesn’t have a history of accident damage or other problems. The paint shade is slightly mysterious, looking very close to a color called Graphite. However, since the company’s Gray and Silver color palette was extensive in 1991, that is little more than an educated guess. It shines extremely nicely, with only minor chips and marks. The panels are straight, and the wide selection of included images confirms the seller’s claim that there is no penetrating rust. The cap is a practical addition, allowing the new owner to store items securely in the bed away from light fingers and inclement weather. Apart from the bumper, the remaining trim is free from damage, and the glass is clear.
This pickup’s interior is a pleasant surprise because it doesn’t feature the type of physical damage found inside what is essentially a workhorse. The Blue/Gray vinyl and cloth surfaces are in excellent condition, and the only discolored plastic component is the lower steering column shroud. The dash hasn’t cracked, the carpet is surprisingly clean, and the only aftermarket addition is the Sony CD player. It isn’t equipped with any luxury touches, so don’t go searching for features like air conditioning or cruise control. What the buyer receives for their cash is an inherently comfortable vehicle in better-than-average condition.
Toyota Pickups aren’t renowned for rust, but they possess some of the toughest mechanical components on the planet. This 1991 example is no exception, with the first owner teaming the 2.4-liter 22R-E four with a five-speed manual transmission. The R-E generates 116hp and 140 ft/lbs of torque, although the surprising characteristic for a vehicle of this type is that both figures peak high within the engine’s rev range. However, that doesn’t detract from a vehicle that can haul respectable loads, but cruise effortlessly on the open road. The seller states that the claimed odometer reading of 88,000 is verified and that the vehicle is in excellent mechanical health. It runs and drives perfectly, raising the possibility that the new owner could fly in and drive it home.
The Pickup market during the 1980s and 1990s was awash with choices, and many American buyers opted for domestic models. However, many who were looking towards foreign brands found the Toyota Pickup almost irresistible. This 1991 example is a wonderful survivor, and with view history and Watch List tallies of 351 and forty-seven, I am not alone with that sentiment. Seventeen bids have pushed the price to its current level, and I feel that the action will intensify in this auction’s dying moments. The big question is, are you tempted to be part of that action? I wish you luck if you are.
“Toyota pickups aren’t renowned for rust”. Really? Shouldn’t that be “are”?
It depends on where you live. It’s not an issue where I live.
Steve R
I’ve lost a 87 4WD PU & a 88 4Runner to the rust..
I have always liked these little trucks and wish they still made them. I may have to reach out to the seller and see if they will disclose their reserve and see if its within reason to pull the trigger.
I remain impressed that Toyota replaced for free rusted frames. When my ’86 Taurus’ paint started peeling like a bad sunburn I heard all kinds of excuses from Ford, but no action. I will never own a Ford product because of the way they treated me 35 years ago. At the end of the day, all the technology and wiz-bang features mean nothing if the PEOPLE that represent the company beat on their customers. Good for Toyota for spreading some good Japanese business values about standing behind their products. This truck has a good 300k miles left in it. And a company to stand behind the vehicle as it ages.
When you look at this one and compare it to a new Toyota and look at the cost of these and I would be shocked if you can get 300 thousand out of a new without a major electrical issue!
Compare this to a new Toyota, the new one is probably fancier in lots of ways, but I doubt you can get three hundred thousand miles on it without a major electrical glitch and won’t even go into price between the advertised one and q new one, the older ones are much cheaper and easier to maintain especially for a shade tree mechanic.
The EFI 22RE is a great engine, and the 5 speed works very nice with it. I had issues with rust over the rear fender arches on my 1986 SR5 XTRA Cab. Very disappointed in the rust problem since it supposedly had rust proofing. Unfortunately that rust proofing ended about 2 inches away from the seam between the inner and outer fender panels.
The bidding is up to $9100, with one (1) day left in the auction. It’s too bad it’s on the left coast, because it would cost me another $2000 to either fly out and get it or have it shipped home. It’s just too bad that nobody makes small pickup trucks like these anymore. The closest modern equivalent to this is a Ford Maverick, but that’s a unibody truck, more like a Ranchero, and the Ranger, with a short bed and crew cab is about 50% bigger, or maybe it just seems that much bigger. Sigh.
No a/c and in addition to the front bumper damage pointed out by seller, the worse damage is a crease in the hood, large dent 1/3 of way from front on drivers side. A nice old truck with many miles left but the price is up there. Some might be disappointed if it was assumed to have a/c.