Few trucks have the reputation for toughness and longevity quite like the classic Toyota pickups of the 1980s. This 1988 Toyota Pickup DLX 4×4, now listed here on eBay at no reserve, is described by the seller as a highly original, rust-free survivor that has been cared for since new by the original family. Showing 234,000 miles on the odometer, it remains in remarkable condition thanks to diligent maintenance, fluid film undercoating, and consistent garage storage.
The seller claims this truck retains all original paint and decals, with only minor dings and imperfections from normal use. The body is said to be exceptionally straight, and the frame has been protected for decades with lanolin-based fluid film undercoating, leaving it free from the rust issues that plague so many of these trucks.
Power comes from Toyota’s legendary 22RE 2.4-liter inline-four, which the seller notes was recently rebuilt and has only about 3,000 miles since completion. The engine is paired with a manual transmission and 4WD system, making this pickup as capable as it is reliable.
During the seller’s two years of ownership, extensive mechanical work has been completed, including a new clutch, throw-out bearing, clutch master cylinder, water pump, radiator, belts, plugs, wires, distributor, O2 sensor, exhaust manifold, and stainless exhaust with a Borla muffler. It also rides on new 31-inch tires with Bilstein rear shocks and a fresh Interstate battery.
Inside, the gray interior presents well for its age, remaining highly original and unmodified. The seller describes it as a grocery-getter for most of its life, avoiding the hard use that many of these trucks experienced. Even small details, like the factory decals and working accessories, add to its appeal.
With its combination of originality, careful maintenance, and recent mechanical investments, this truck stands out as both a collector-grade survivor and a turn-key driver. The seller emphasizes that it runs, drives, and shifts as it did when new, making it a rare find among Toyota pickups of this era.
Would you preserve this survivor-grade 1988 Toyota Pickup as a collectible, or put it to work as a dependable 4×4 driver?
Compact trucks should be mostly no frills, affordable and sensible like this.
I agree 100%. I hope the Slate pickup delivers “no frills, affordable and sensible”.
No, no anti-Asian jab here, remarkable trucks, and and even more remarkable find. If it didn’t have a 6 digit speedo, I’d never guess 230K. Reason being, in the Badger, these looked like this ONCE, upon delivery, and slid downhill from there. Many even breaking in half. I had a neighbor with a truck like this. He worked in home construction, and many times, he was the 1st one on the property, it never failed. It rusted terribly and I’m confident he bought another. I’m always a bit leery of all this stuff replaced, 230K is a lot in anyone’s book and at “only” $6700, perhaps others are leery too.
Says bought from original owner but says on ebay post 4 owners.
How is it most people love Japanese trucks ,but when somebody paints a VW Thing like a WW 2 Kubelwagon people blow a gasket???
Nice truck and good to see that the “lanolin undercoating” did it’s job. My 1986 rusted above the back fender arches of the (California installed) bed. The frame and cab never had any rust issues. Mine was “rustproofed” from the dealer with a petroleum based undercoating. Unfortunately they didn’t do a good job of spraying it into the seam where the rear inner fender joined the bedside. The EFI 22RE with a 5 speed is a very nice combination. If you are much over 6 foot you would really appreciate the Xtra-Cab over the standard Cab.