Most Toyota enthusiasts know that 1985 is a very significant model year for the company’s 4×4 offerings: this was the first year the company offered the electronically fuel-injected 22R-E engine and also the last that the company offered a solid front axle on 4×4 trucks. With that being said, this 1985 Toyota 4Runner 4×4 that’s available here on eBay is a low-mileage survivor that should catch the attention of any off-road Toyota aficionado.
This 4Runner is available in St. Louis, Missouri with a clean title. According to the seller, Driven Rods And Rides, this completely original and unrestored truck recently emerged from climate-controlled storage, but there isn’t too much other information regarding its history.
The exterior of this Toyota has no rust, and to the seller’s knowledge, it was never wrecked or modified in any way. Though the seller believes some areas of the exterior may have received touch-ups over the years, they maintain that the paint and decals are all original.
The cabin of this 4Runner features a handful of options, including bucket seats and a center console, as well as upgraded carpeting and door panels. Just like the exterior, the interior is all original and incredibly well kept, with the seller claiming that it may be the “best original interior in existence.”
Under the hood, you’ll find the fuel-injected 22R-E engine, which is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder unit. The engine pairs to a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-wheel-drive system, and the drivetrain has an astonishingly low 45,896 miles on it. It comes as no surprise that this 4Runner runs and drives without any issues whatsoever, and it fires up effortlessly each time.
At the time of publication, bidding is at $20,000 with the reserve not met and less than 24 hours until the end of the auction. Would you purchase this time capsule Toyota truck?
I predict the final sale price will be within whispering distance of $40k.
Yet another “every man’s” car that is no longer affordable for the vast majority.
It just means now is the time to buy, before everyone figures out they are entering the domain of “collector” car. The writing is on the wall, people that want one should act now, while it’s still possible to find one at a reasonable price.
Steve R
Steve has a point I lusted after one of these cars since I saw one in Middle School. I’ve amassed 3 for as low as 500 for a rust free one it’s all about looking. I bought a ’88 SR5 for 1200 with everything but with engine knock from the V6. just gotta keep your ears to the ground. I missed the chance to buy 1st gen Celicas so its all a matter of time. great time to be 25 and single haha disposable income.
The door cards, upholstery and RVIA badge suggest this 4Runner underwent some sort of aftermarket work.
No air conditioning ? ? ? Fail. Tough sell with no a/c.
No Toyota is worth collecting. Along with Lexus and Scion, the most uninspiring makes on the planet.
LOL. Toyota 4X4s have an incredibly rabid and loyal ownership base.
But you go right ahead and keep thinking that they’re not a historically significant automaker.
right…no one wants a 3rd gen turbo supra or better yet a 1968 Toyota 2000GT. pull your head out of the hole its stuck in. Japanese cars are on a tear. Help me out – as soon as you find a 1987 corolla GTS that hasn’t been modified, drifted or rusted out for under $15k you let me know. Just by chance I own a 1986 4Runner – regularly get flagged down with cash offers. easiest vehicle I have ever worked on.
High bid was only a tick over $20K.
Seller didn’t post any pictures of the undercarriage or lower body panels.
Didn’t offer an Autocheck or Carfax report.
And I have lingering questions about that interior. Wooden door pulls. Really?
I paid $1500.00 got a used 1984 or 1985 Sr5 with the 22R 4 cylinder engine. 4 wheel peel, manual 5 speed with 135000 miles. I reallly enjoyed that truck. It was cheap to run and just about bullet proof. I put 70,000 miles on it and it survived three redneck teenage boys learning to drive. It was flopped on it’s side, slammed into the the snow bank and loaded with firewood until I sold it a young fella for $200.00 when we were all done with it. My only complaint; the seats made my back ache.
Ace10, don’t trust Carfax or others like that. My Mom bought a car brand new in 1999 (Honda Civic, not that it matters) that by 2003 had been hit and or vandalized so many times that only the roof and grill were untouched. It had a clean Carfax report.
On the other hand, I had a neighbor that sold me her car, which I had known since it was brand new. It was a 2000 Chrysler 300. It had been in a minor accident where the front bumper cover had a minor crack in it. The Carfax for that reflected a major collision, including frame damage.
Frankly, nothing beats a personal inspection along with an unbiased professional opinion. Don’t trust technology to tell all.