What is it about commuter cars or “stripper” vehicles showing up in bone-stock, original condition that gets bidders excited? Perhaps it’s because they so often turn into beaters and are decidedly harder to find in a preserved state than their fully-loaded counterparts. This 1988 Toyota pickup is living proof of this, as it’s a two-wheel-drive, economy truck special, but it has just over 10,000 original miles which put it into a whole different category in terms of desirability. Original paint, original interior, and a hearty engine that’s barely broken in – there’s a lot to like. Find the Toyota here on eBay with lots of bidding to $10,200 and no reserve.
The perfect Toyota lettering on the bed gate and the minty chrome bumpers alone should clue you in that this is a survivor truck, but there’s virtually no spot on it that’s not in near-showroom condition. The body is perfect, with no obvious dents or dings, and obviously, rust is a non-issue for a truck that was hardly driven. The glass is spotless, as are the steel wheels, and even the frequently sun-faded trim around the back glass presents like new. Like so many other Toyota trucks of this vintage, it has decal stripes going down the sides, but unlike many Toyota trucks of this vintage, they’re in mint condition.
The interior continues the theme of this little Toyota presenting in like-new condition, with a spotless bench seat, untorn door panels, and a factory radio still installed. The steering wheel does show some evidence of use, but almost all of them do by this point. The dashboard is crack-free, and really the only downer is the automatic transmission. The homely 22R-E engine will never die, but it’s hardly a thrill to drive especially with two pedals. Then again, perhaps the lack of three pedals and no temptation to abuse what has typically been a classic beater has helped this Toyota maintain its high state of preservation.
This engine will easily outlast most of us reading the site right now, and the engine bay appears to reflect either lots of attention to detail or a nicely detailed engine compartment that still features all-original parts. That’s the one downside to a vehicle like this as many owners of time-warp cars and trucks mistakenly assume low mileage means no maintenance is needed. The good news is this engine is extremely durable and will take years of abuse before giving up the ghost, and fortunately, I don’t think that was the case here – but I’d still pre-emptively change the timing belt and water pump before driving too far. Have you ever seen an entry-level Toyota truck this nice?
I find it hard to believe this truck is from my home state of Maryland. Having owned many Toyota cars and trucks mine all went high miles but also rusted out bad. This must of been hidden in a garage for its life of ownership. Too bad it’s a automatic that kills the ability to get anything out of the 22re. Nice clean truck but I don’t think me and that automatic would be a compatible match. Good luck to the next owner.
Although it isn’t much help, the included AutoCheck Report reveals that it has been in MD since at least 1996.
22r engines were timing chain drive cams – no belt
I just acquired my late Cousins (he was 91.. he passed in Nov 2020).. 1988 Toyota Ext Cab w/22R engine.. He purchased it brand new.. he ran a local mail carrier route in it.. its all complete.. i do have to take bed off of it as it had a plastic bedliner.. bed is rusted.. but it is exact same color .. 35 yrs old w/ 185k original miles.. i am a retired Union Elevator Mechanic for Otis Elevator in Atlanta.. i will have an aluminum flatbed built for it.. it has been sitting in a pasture for the last 20+ yrs.. gave my Cousin (his son) $500.00 for it.. its just a project for me .. but i have time 😊
I have it in great shape by next summer.. going to use it to pull a small camper for the wife & i (its only 2500lbs).. Truck has O/D Transmission (4spd Automatic).. on the column.. 😊
Ha! I have one of these, a 89, with 200k on it, runs like a champ, all original, blue with that same crazy original stripe on it. Stick. I get offers on it all the time. I;m in Pa. not far from this one. It will sell.
A replacement for the damaged heat/ventilation control panel facia could be a challenge to find. I don’t care for drop-in bed liners. Otherwise it’s a nice truck but A/C, 4WD, and/or a manual transmission would make it more desirable.
Thanks Barn finds for posting this I think I’m going to have to bid on it, I will fly out there and drive it home if I win
Sold one of these years ago that I had run the clock up to 350k+ miles and all it ever needed (other than oil changes, new brakes, and new tires) was a new clutch installed around 200k miles and when I sold it it still had lots of life left.
For years and years I commuted 100 miles roundtrip in Toyota 2WD pickups (later they were Tacomas) here in SW PA (winter all it needed was a few tubes of sand in bed and good winter tires) before the trucks got larger and larger and more and more expensive along with post-Katrina gas prices no longer being less than $1 a gallon.
They just don’t make them like this anymore but in the era of $30k-$50k and higher pickup trucks they need to bring back the basic small pickup with no bells and whistles and a great entry pricetag. If they ever do, I would be among the first showing up to buy one. But sadly, that will never happen.
Form an llc and buy a Toyota Tacoma Fleet. You can still get a single cab, 2wd, long bed, vinyl everything for around 18k.
Ford Maverick……
NOT the same thing.
You can’t even get a Maverick with a single-cab or stick!
I believe these had a timing chain. No need to replace a belt.
You are correct. The 22R and 22 RE were always a timing chain motor. At this point and mileage it will easily go another 100K at least before needing attention. I’ve had them go over 200K without needing a new timing chain.
Exactly! I was an auto tech with Toyota for many years. Best motor ever built! Many miles before they start making noise! By then it’s because the plastic timing chain guides ware and start breaking apart. Other than that, tune up and valve adjust is all they ever need. 400K mi. motor for sure. Another tip! Get rid of the red Toyota coolant ASAP. It actually causes electrolysis. Run straight green ethylene glycol.
$11,250 now, they have another truck and a van also No Reserve.
Barnfinds should take a look at the van this seller has listed. It would make a great find in its self!
I once bought a 1986 with 5-speed, AC, and a dealer-installed steel bumper to help with towing. Oh, and it was a 1-ton. Red with the side decals, cloth seats, and it even had a sliding rear window. Dang I miss that truck!
I’ve worked on yotas for 40+ years and the red coolant is the best of any mfrs rainbow of coolants. It is NOT like g.m.’s dexcool