Hi all,

Might buy a little 87' mini truck on Craigslist. BUT it has 280k miles. Based on some research, this seems like the highest they get to... It is FLAWLESS on the body and interior, but I don't know much about engines.

Happy to pay some local mechanics to get it up to snuff. BUT, my question is.. Is it a lost cause at this high of miles?

What would my options/costs be if I wanted to keep her going for another 100+k?

 

Lost cause, NO.

Once a vehicle reaches a certain age, mileage doesn't really matter with the right information/investigation.

It comes down to details...mainly maintenance and condition.

I'd buy a truck with 1,000,000 miles that's currently driving, over one that has "low miles" but has been sitting for a while.

If it's running and driving, it's easier to see, hear and feel potential work needed. AND to be running and driving means some form of maintenance has had to happen to keep it in that condition. Possibly even an engine replacement at some point?

You need details...or we do, to help.

Location, price, a link to the ad?

 

My '86 has 230k miles, but 40k on a rebuilt engine, wheel bearings, brakes and suspension have been gone through all the way around. They're simple trucks, so it doesn't take much to keep them going.

 

Engines can be rebuilt or replaced, suspension components the same, if the body is great & it is what to want,go for it!

 

Thanks for the quick replies and confidence, all!

I went for it. Here are the photos:

Exterior Passenger by ll_coolray posted Jan 21, 2018 at 12:33 PM

She's an '87 with 285,000k miles - all original from what I can tell.

 

If it aint broke...

Timing chain/timing chain guides would be my #1 concern. The death of all good 22R/22RE.

 

My dad owned an 86 that went about 350k before it decided to throw a rod - I think only because he bought a Chevy a week prior to replace it...the truck knew!

Anyways, that 350k on the Toyota was original everything -- just regular oil changes and one clutch job somewhere in there. Haven't seen the truck in a solid 15yrs, but to my knowledge my uncle bought it from my dad and swapped in another 22re and it's still alive today with even more miles on it, lol.

I had a friend with an 86 also - his truck had 450k on it, no rebuilds...then someone stole it.

So to me 100k on a 22re truck is "just broken in", 200k is "being used" and over 300k is "going strong" lol.

 

331k and still on the road

 

That trucks a beaut. I have an 87 4x4 with 393k has a new head, and appears to have had the bottom end refreshed at some point. Even has auto transmission. Runs and drives great.

I agree with yoguyda. Well maintained and high miles is better than low miles and sitting.

 

My 86 has at least 308k and that was when the odometer was working probably closer to 320k by now,and has earned every mile ,still running strong with just general maintenance

 

get on my level

 

lol↑↑

 

I'll make an introduction post when i have time LOL!

 

I think you just did! Well done, and welcome coy