Looking for a reliable workhorse? What about this 1993 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD, listed here on eBay with bidding at $14,900? No reserve is in play. The truck is located in Clackamas, Oregon (a few miles from my backyard). The seller notes that the odometer reading of 96,000 is the original mileage, and the AutoCheck report registers only two owners, with the last visit to DMV in Sandy, Oregon about a month ago. The truck comes with a tow package, nearly new tires, and a five-speed manual. It has a few cosmetic flaws, but is in well-kept condition given its age. No wonder the bidding has been frisky.

The 4Runner was derived from Toyota’s ubiquitous and useful HiLux pickup. Its original iteration consisted largely of a HiLux with a fiberglass roof; later it developed into a true SUV. We first saw it on our shores in 1984, where it sold fewer than 7000 copies. This example is part of the second generation, running from 1990 through 1995. Of course, by then, Americans were gobbling up 4Runners to the tune of 50k a year, give or take, largely because a V6 became available. Its popularity has kept the model in production to this day. This example runs well, with its 3.0 liter V6 making about 150 hp. The manual transmission is said to shift smoothly.

The interior exhibits minor wear, including a tear in the driver’s side seat bolster, a few flaws in the driver’s door panel, a thin spot in the footwell carpet, and a couple of cracks in the dash, mentioned up front in the description. The seller notes that all amenities – the AC, power accessories, cruise control, gauges and lights work perfectly. The truck has an upgraded aftermarket stereo system – also in good order. The cargo area presents nicely – the whole vehicle appears to have been detailed to ready it for sale.

The rear glass slides as it should, and the paint looks almost new. Shallow dents in the front and rear bumpers are evident in the 100+ photos supplied. The underside is clean. The owner’s manual is with the truck, but there’s no mention of work/maintenance receipts. These trucks were recalled for a head gasket issue, and owners note that even the replacements can be problematic, but generally the 4Runner is exceptionally reliable. This one probably has plenty of life left.