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None Nicer? Pristine 1986 Toyota 4Runner

Thus 1986 Toyota 4Runner is described as being a pristine, original survivor and there’s little about the presentation to dispel that notion. If you haven’t noticed, original 4Runners are doing quite well on the auction block, as the collector vehicle marketplace has caught up to the fact that very few of these are left in anything approaching good shape. This 4Runner retains all of its original exterior graphics, California blue plates, and chrome trim in near-new condition. Find it here on craigslist in the Bay Area for $24,500.

The asking price may surprise you, but it’s not without merit. Considering all the boxes this example checks, I can’t blame the seller for shooting for the moon. This is another great example of a vehicle that GenXers grew up wanting to own, and/or riding around in with a relative or their friends’ parents. The truck walked that awesome line of being perfectly respectable / responsible daily transport, while suddenly becoming a super hip beach buggy with a removable hardtop and roll bar. All of this coolness wrapped up in a off-road capable Toyota with the can’t-kill-it 22RE engine up front.

This one even has the preferred 5-speed manual transmission. I would say these days I see a 50/50 split between automatics and manuals coming up for sale, but that’s a fairly unscientific assessment. Truthfully, with any 4×4, I can’t say confidently that the manual transmission is preferred or more valuable; for true off-road use, the automatic may be the better option. But for cruising around town and simply enjoying the image a vintage 4WD provides, the row-it-yourself option is likely the preferred option. The interior looks to be in excellent condition, as it should with only 78,000 miles on the odometer.

The cargo bay is simply outstanding, with virtually no evidence of the usual wear and tear you’d expect on a truck of this vintage. If there’s one area you would anticipate having to do some work, it’s the place where previous owners have dumper their cargo, but this 4Runner has apparently been owned by very careful and neat caretakers, and I’d be a little scared about actually putting any equipment or outdoor gear back here. Regardless, the price tag on this classic Japanese 4×4 seems justified to me, but only if you can afford to treat this example more like a museum specimen and less like a truck.

Comments

  1. HoA Howard A Member

    Actually, these were/are incredibly popular here in Co. It was the next vehicle most people chose after the Landcruiser, or the 1st Toyota SUV people chose. It was 10 times the vehicle the Landcruiser was. That’s what baffles me about why the Landcruiser became so valuable, these are much more civilized. There’s at least a dozen in my little town alone, and most look just like this. I had one like this, only a V6 and automatic. I liked the truck, but it was incredibly hard to work on, and when a few problems surfaced, I ditched it. Probably Toyotas best truck right here.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Dave

      Popular, no doubt, the tinworms certainly thought so. I’ve never seen any pre-1990 Japanese vehicle die from mileage before the worms got to them.

      Like 2
      • HoA Howard A Member

        Non-existent up north, but here in Colorado, there are many rust free ones that had motor swaps. The ding-a-ling that lives above me, is in his 70’s and had 2 cars in his life, some kind of Chevy and a 2 door 4 Runner like this he bought new. While he’s a schmoe, the body is trashed from dents and scrapes, the truck has 250K and did replace the 4 cylinder “a few years back”, so they don’t run forever, as some claim.

        Like 1
  2. Avatar Bakyrdhero Member

    I love these and I think they are great trucks, but geez $24,500? Let’s dial it back a little and think about what we’re getting for that kind of money. It’s a museum quality 1986 Toyota 4Runner. What exactly are you going to do with it that doesn’t destroy it or it’s value?

    Like 5
    • Avatar CJinSD

      You could always use it, knowing that the same money wouldn’t buy anything remotely as capable new. You could spend the same money driving a Range Rover off the lot.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Steve R

    It’s really nice, but it’s hard to see $24,000+ nice.

    An automatic engine at be better for something that is destined for serious off road use, that’s never going to happen with this 4Runner.

    Steve R

    Like 1
  4. Avatar AZVanMan

    Used to install the back seat kits in these 4runners in the van shop I worked at in 86-87. Well built vehicles and truly off-road capable, but this 34 year old is overpriced.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar UK Paul 🇬🇧

    Surely way over priced.
    I don’t get it and think I am pretty open minded.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Douglas Armstrong

    I have an 86 Toyota Pickup 4X4 that was stolen and stripped a few years back. Since it was rust free, I brought it back to life buying original parts and interior, but it now has a California savage title. I had a rebuilt 22RE put in it as well, and it looks great and drives like they are supposed to. I have to wonder what it’s worth. I’d never sell it, but I have to wonder.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar bull

    BEFORE the Cronid 19 Hesteria 1st gen 4runners particularly 1985 models in this condition have sold for this kind of money any number of times at collector auctions across the USA and have traded privately at this price level and more.

    4WD extended cab PU’s from this generation in this condition have sold in the Mid $30K’s at collector car auctions and thru private sales.

    Like 4
  8. Avatar dan

    very very easy to work on!

    Like 1
    • Avatar AZVanMan

      Not according to Howard!

      Like 1
  9. Avatar michael

    Seller requests serious inquirers only, but doesn’t put a VIN. If the seller is concerned about getting inundated, why not include the VIN so people can research it before contacting. Ugh. 99% of all vehicles sold have the VIN so you can run a carfax. I know of no reason not to, can someone enlighten me to otherwise? Please. Surprised to see the plate is legible and not covered. One sold on BaT a few months ago with 200k+ original engine for 25k. they are approaching 20s as the norm. I have a 88 black all original with 128k original, bought it from original family, out of Cali. not a spec of rust, and it still has the rust creating chrome trim around the outer wheel well lip.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Douglas Armstrong

      I’d love a picture of that black 88. I have a 75 2002, a 58 TR3 and an 86 Toyota 4×4, and I love the knowledge I gain on all three on this site. So many experts willing to share their hard earned knowledge. Barn Find is the best entertainment for quarantined motorheads.

      Like 0

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