Last week we bought a 1983 4x4 cuz we were looking for an older 4x4 truck (mostly a Ford), and VERY few were showing up on Craig's List or FB. Even fewer older Toyotas, especially 4x4s--maybe 3 real junkers in the last 2 years. Anyway, this truck showed up on Craig's List and I delayed a bit as it was located in Telluride--about 2.5 hours away. When I finally called, the asking price had been lowered from $7500 to $6000--a good omen. In addition, the owner send me a receipt for almost $4000 of work that he had done to the truck in the last year. Mostly engine work & a new clutch. Showing 128K on the odo, but it's broken. Owner estimated about 150K miles on the truck, and that looks about right. Color is a pale yellow with a brown & tan interior. It's a deluxe, not an SR5.
After driving down to see it & drive it, we struck a deal for $5700. Now that may seem steep to some, but this truck is really in nice shape. Spend most of the last 35 years in southern California, so minimal rust & rot, but there's a little on the bed (big surprise).
Interior isn't too bad, but that PITA (literally) bench seat has got to go. Most of that California smog junk on the engine has to go too, and I'll install a Weber 32/36 instead of the Aisin carb. After 35 years, most of that junk probably doesn't work as intended any more. We have no vehicle/smog inspections here, and it's already registered as a "Collectors Vehicle".
The truck is at my favorite suspension shop at the moment, getting the steering and suspension blessed as OK. So no photos except for one from Craig's List.
After driving down to see it & drive it, we struck a deal for $5700. Now that may seem steep to some, but this truck is really in nice shape. Spend most of the last 35 years in southern California, so minimal rust & rot, but there's a little on the bed (big surprise).
The truck is at my favorite suspension shop at the moment, getting the steering and suspension blessed as OK. So no photos except for one from Craig's List.
