This first-generation Toyota 4Runner may be two things that rarely happen simultaneously: an outstanding survivor example with all the right equipment and a fair deal price-wise. The 4Runner presents quite well with loads of documentation and other evidence supporting the seller’s claims that it was used carefully since new by a female caretaker who used it for commuting purposes. The 4Runner also features the preferred 5-speed manual and is offered here on eBay for $19,900.
The 4Runner is one of those rare success stories where the model itself hasn’t changed much over the years, and Toyota has been rewarded handsomely because of it. The basic concept of a rugged, low-frills SUV that can take you to work or off the beaten path is one that has been attempted numerous times over the years, but the 4Runner is the undisputed champion. Combining Hilux mechanicals with a slick removable hard top, the first-generation 4Runner is far more rugged (and way cooler) than the modern day rig, but there’s no denying Toyota hasn’t messed with the DNA too much.
This one has all the right stuff in other regards as well. The American Racing “Outlaw” wheels are an ideal period-correct off-road wheel choice. The manual locking hubs are a cinch to operate and fail far less frequently than the auto locking units. The seller claims the paint is a one-year only option, and it looks to be in fantastic condition. Original details abound, from the unrestored interior to the chrome bumpers to the hard top that has apparently never been removed. There are two other small details that seem worth mentioning as they’re likely meaningful to 4Runner fanatics, which is that this truck retains its original foam in front of the radiator and a “…plate above the front bumper.”
Despite having nearly 300,000 miles on the clock, the 4Runner presents like new with not a spot of rust in the photos. The 22-RE engine is one of the most durable engines ever built and we’re guessing with a paper trail like this, the long-term female owner has stayed on top of maintenance. The original booster plates from the selling dealer confirm this truck’s South Carolina roots, and it’s incredible to see all of this documentation remain with it since new. Other photos show a near-spotless frame with only trace elements of surface rust, which further solidifies this 4Runner’s survivor status. Find a better one – and buy it!
I actually had one just like this. Yep, it was a V6, and while an unusual purchase for someone that normally wouldn’t buy one, I did. 2 door 4 Runners were pretty rare in the Badger, they were slow to catch on, in fact one reason I bought it was because I had never seen a 2 door before that. It was an okay truck, it needed some transmission repair, and I didn’t want to start with that. I didn’t like it that much anyway. Then I moved out here(Colorado) I never saw’r so many 2 door 4 Runners. The doofus that lives above me has one. Get this, the guy is in his late 70s, he’s had TWO cars in his life. A ’65 Chevy he got out of HS, and the 4Runner, an ’85, I think. It has also a lot of miles, and a replacement 4 cylinder at 200K. No rust either, so this is where they are. His has that fancy altimeter/angle gauge package not many have. This is an unbelievable find, none nicer, and I’d never think it has this many miles. Someone loved their 4Runner, fo’ sho’.
Other than some of the old plastic is starting to give up it looks amazing for 300K. I am sure it’s going to need some more attention in the future but it’s a great find!
$19k for a vehicle with 300k miles, and it’s not anything special? I hardly think so. Maybe if it were a 4runner with 90k on it… or a rare car that forvdomevreason had that high mileage. But not for this thing!