Should I buy this 86?

Carburetors can be tuned to run very well by a skilled person.

EFI is used because it is much easier to meet emissions. Even when running very well a carburetor is only adjusted to give a good average. The EFI system is constantly monitored and trimmed by the computer to optimize running and more importantly emissions in real time.

Carburetor and computer are two words that should never be used in the same sentence by the way: as in "computer controlled carburetor". I'm sure anyone old enough have worked on those cars will agree.

The truck looks like a nice collector or nice weather vehicle, I wouldn't want to daily it or use for off road. Value is up to you, keep it in the current condition and it would probably be worth more in the future. I personally purchase older vehicles to drive and enjoy, not worry about resale in the future.

 

Yeah definitely. It might even increase in value as it's well taken care of, and because these 80s tacos are becoming rarer

 

I will regret selling mine until the day I die, it was my first car. In my sig actually. I say if you want a project truck that is also reliable, this is your best bet. The prices are only going up, I sold my 82 longbed 5spd to someone for $10k. Just thoroughly check the frame under the hood, where the bed and cab meet, and the ends. Make sure there's little blowby in the engine, just like take the oil cap off and see if there are fumes when idling. Everything about these trucks is legos, they're very very easy to work on and upgrade.

If you can justify it, go for it. You won't have buyer's remorse in my opinion. The only reason I sold mine was that I needed a bulletproof truck for the foreseeable future, I'll be joining the Air Force next year.

Edit: I bought mine for $7k after it sat from 2007 to 2017ish. It was fully restored from the ground up including a full engine rebuild (albeit kind of poorly done with the piston rings). Sold it even with that issue and the knowledge that it has been rear-ended with a dented up tailgate and a bad odometer for $10k with roughly 170,000 miles. Don't even worry about resale value, you're investing in a stock that only goes up.

 

I love my 89! I paid 8k for it in January 2020, it had roughly 172k miles. Up to 184,480 and she still runs like a top! I get offers from people ALOT wanting to buy it

 

+1 if it is carb I recommend either the stock Aisin carb because it's better on angles or if you're willing to put money into it you can do an EFI swap without too much of a headache. I ran a Weber 32/36 carb because it was just more peppy, economical, and simple for driving on the street. It didn't do too terribly offroad, but it's noticeable on inclines. And be careeeeeeeful with water crossings. Not to mention that it really cleaned up the engine bay because the Aisin requires a lot of vacuum lines. It's a popular swap, I wouldn't be surprised if a rebuilt carbed engine has one actually.

 

Check above that horizontal bed seam and the wheel arches for rot. In the rust belt that was one of the worst vehicles for premature rot and holes in the bedsides. If it’s clean be sure to Fluid Film that area ASAP if you do buy it.

 

OP if it is worth the money and you can pay cash Go for it.

Myself I have more then enough of that vintage I will pass .

If you buy and decide to convert to EFI the hardest part to me was going to the electric fuel pump in the tank. The rest was just grunt work.

Good luck no matter what.

 

No off reading planned, will just be a truck for me to run around town with and enjoy. Thanks!

 

Thanks for this! The truck will only be used for me to run around town with and enjoy. I am not so much worried about resale because I do not plan to sell, just wanted to make sure I wasn’t way overpaying. Most seem to agree it seems like a fair price at least.

 

Thanks for your reply, makes me feel good about it. I plan to keep it, but you never know. Things happen and I am only 24 years old so a lot could change. I truly feel it would hold its value as long as I keep it well maintained and stay on top of things.

 

With a collector vehicle value is really subject to the individual, some folks wouldn't drive a 35 year old truck if you gave it to them, therefore to them $100 is too much to spend.

As long as you keep it in the current condition you won't lose down the line if you choose to sell.
It is a sharp little truck.

 

X2

 

Unless that’s your dream truck, I think I would have to pass. I have to work a lot of hours to make 9k.

 

Maybe I missed it, is it a 4 wheel drive?

 

It is. They didn’t make prerunners back then. The 2wd’s were noticeably 2wd. As it should be.

 

Maybe not my “dream truck” but I do love Toyota’s and I want a nice old body style. I have to work a bit to make 9k as well but what’s it worth if you’re not enjoying it? It’s not like I’m blowing every penny I have, I feel I can manage my money well enough to not go into a financial hole over 9k lol

 

Yes, 4wd!

 

If you do swoop it up post more pics!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/old-school-toyotas-whos-got-em.87667/