Looking to buy an '87 Toyota Pickup....problems with VIN #.....

Hi All:

I am looking to buy an '87 Toyota Pickup on E-Bay and I am concerned with a VIN # issue.

Carfax and Geico both say the truck I am looking at is a 1987 Standard Bed 1/2 Ton....Rear Wheel Drive. (2.4L L4 2BL)

The Ad on E-Bay (and Photos) say/indicate it's a 4X4 and V6.

I called the guy who is selling for his friend and he confirmed it's a 4x4 and V6. The truck has been owned in CA, AZ, and NY. As far as he knows it has never been modified/converted to 4X4.

How can the VIN be off on the Info like this?

Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

E-Bay Link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=110283351510

 

Steer clear of the 3.0v6. Crappy engine.

 

I have a truck like that. It is a SAS 4x4. I had it towed and the guy ran the VIN and told me it was the biggest 2WD Toyota he has ever seen.

 

I really want a 4 cyl. but the fact that this truck has no rust and is in my price range ($3,000.) is very enticing.

 

Ive never heard anything good about that engine. keep searching for a 4banger

 

or get a 3.0 one and swap it for a 2RZ or 3RZ LIKE I DID.

 

I appreciate it.

Any thoughts on the VIN # Issue?

 

I am interested in this also since I have the same VIN issue.

 

Well, I've owned 2 toyota 4x4 trucks w/ the V6 3.0 (1990 & 1995 last yr made) and had absolutely no problems. Each truck drove well into 200k with my 95 still a daily driver today. These trucks had no issues other than normal maintenance. True the engine wasn't going to win any performance contest nor was much available to improve it, & true, there was a head gasket issue on some but Toyota issued a lifetime no mileage repair campaign to address it. I absolutely enjoyed each truck as well as an 87 22RET a factory 4 cyl turbo. All 5 spd manuals, man, do I miss these trucks & wouldn't hesistate to buy another if it was taken care of, that is what its all about.

Good luck with the vin...

 

I agree that the 3.0 is not a crappy engine. However, for what it costs to have it rebuilt it is not worth the expense. That is why I ran mine into the ground (never had the timing belt done, but did all the other maintenence) until it went and burned a valve or more. Then I ran it that way (no power, horrible gas mileage, etc) until I found something better- a complete 2RZ with 2WD tranny, harness, radiator, etc for only $600.