Which one should I buy?

Hey, I'm looking at buying an old 1980 toyota truck, I already drive a 2010 TRD double cab so no worries there. Reason Im wanting the old one is I'm wanting a nice off road rig but dont wanna hurt the rig I am making payments on. I was considering buying a decent atv this year but am thinking of buying an older toyota truck instead.

Currently scoping out two options:
1. 1980 reg cab 4x4 with roll bar and some decent off road wheels / rubber. 132000 km's [82000 miles]. Body in excellent shape.
2. 1989 reg cab 4x4 with roof rack and decent wheels / rubber. 23600 km's [14600 miles]. Some rust on body around rear fender. This unit comes with an aftermarket sound system and is $800 cheaper.

Which would you buy?
Any particular years / models to avoid or look into?

 

the one with the solid front axle, the 1980.

 

It does seem like a better truck, even though I was unaware of the solid front axle detail. Thanks for the tip. know if there are still lots of parts for these lying around the world?

 

22re ftw!

 

For me it would depend what the laws are in your neck of the woods for putting in a bigger engine. The 1980 should be old enough that you can put in a bigger engine and still meet exhaust laws in much of the US. Can't do that with the 1989.

 

1980 for sure. Those thing are pretty valuable to the right people: fix it up a little, wheel it hard for a couple years, and sell it for a profit.

 

i voted 89 ifs or not i have a 22re 5speed 4x4 89 with 156000 slow but still very reliable thats my 2cents worth

 

buy the 89......so I can buy the 80.

 

80

 

Here's a pic of the 1980, going to go look at it this weekend.

 

X2

 

How are the frames with the trucks? The 1980 looks to be in near perfect condition.

 

the 1980 will not have the 22re. it will be the 20R

Body looks great! make sure you look for problematic rust areas on the frame. Check everywhere especially on the inside of the frame right at the front spring hangers for the rear springs. Hard to see on the passenger side run your hand across that part and feel for bad rust.

 

What year was the 22R available in the pickups? I had one in my 1985 pickup - wish I didn't sell it.

 

81-88 was the life span of the 22r

 

88 was also the demise of the 22rte (turbo efi). Both were ditched because of the new 3vze v6 3.slow engine.

 

i say the 1980 for sure!

 

^ what he said