As I’ve gotten more ingrained within the community of vintage Toyota truck and van owners, I’ve come to the realization that once you get outside the mudding communities, there’s a very welcoming group of enthusiasts who blend classic vehicle preservation with useful form and function. Trucks like this survivor-grade 1986 Toyota pickup SR5 Turbo here on eBay are a perfect example of vehicles worth preserving but still using as intended, although this one shouldn’t be used too hard considering its fresh condition.
We’ve seen a few of these 22RET-equipped trucks over the years, but I can’t recall one as nice as this and with a manual transmission. The seller claims this is a one-family owned SR5 that spent much of its life being towed behind an R/V. The body has been preserved by the dry Nevada climate, and the seller has rightfully placed a reserve on this specimen that remains unmet. Bidding is over $4K at the moment and I have little doubt this truck is worth upwards of $7-$8K for a Toyota enthusiast.
The interior is a major bright spot, in my opinion, not only for the manual transmission but also due to the awesome bucket seats with period “Turbo” graphics still in excellent shape. The dash panel looks clean as well, and the SR5 Turbo-specific horn button is another reminder that you’re driving a truck with more personality than a 22R. However, like all things Toyota, the legendary reliability of the 22R was still present in the turbocharged mill, which gave the company a stopgap motor to compete with bigger engines from other import pickup manufacturers.
While I do love this truck, my only complaint with the listing is that details are scarce on maintenance history. While the body and overall condition are appealing, it’d be helpful to know what level of routine servicing this two-year engine received before making any purchasing decisions. Of course, if bidders kick the action over $5K, I suspect the reserve will disappear and this rare 2WD turbocharged ‘Yota will find a new home. The truck is located in Virginia City, Nevada, if you’re considering finding a transporter.
145k, those turbo were known to go bad from 35-45k so add in that after you buy:)
Like the “turbo” interior door panels and seats.
Love it. Can it run well without the Turbo?
Test dove one of these back in ’87. Was a rocket compared to the ’87 carbureted version I ended up buying.(And still have.) Also, I think fuel injected versions were just hitting the market. I think I should have bought one of those.
Was a mechanic and drove many cars during my 33 years. The turbo in this thing was the loudest of any turbo I drove.
Schweet.
Unusual…didn’t know they offered a turbo 4 in these. These little trucks with the V6 kick ass.
If I had known at the time the 6 was coming out, I would’ve waited to buy one.
Loved my 86 4x4with the carbed 22r great truck that was hard to get stuck in snow or mud! ,
Loved my 87 Toyota van. Can’t seem to locate another. Anyone know where to look?
There is an 84-88 Toyota RWD van, in the next town over from where I live.
It’s in nice shape, it’s used for work and driven daily…Not sure if they’ll sell it, but I can ask.
I’m in the New England area, btw.
Love my 93 Toyota Truck wish it was a Turbo if your looking for parts for Toyota check out LCEPERFORMANCE.COM
Had a 2002 Tundra SR5 that we put 140K on it and then my son put another160K on it and was running great when a 18 wheeler pulled out in front of him and totaled it.
The 22RE, non turbo put out 116hp these put out 132hp and didn’t last very well….clean truck though
I’ve always wondered if there was some sort of durability issue with these. In the late ’80s these were common around Socal, then around 1990 or so they seemed to just disappear.
Coolass rig. The timing chains snap so must do immediately. Someone in SoCal will prob pay 8k for this.
turbo didn’t last due to the fact people would spin turbo up then shut them down to quickly Toyota fault is not installing cool down timer the second mistake was giving up on this motor and rushing 3.0 v6 to take its place which resulted in the worst engine Toyota ever made huge recall weak motor bad mpg