Buy it or not to buy it

hey guys! I currently own a 2016 tacoma and I'm a member of the sister site tacomaworld.

At this moment I have some money sitting on he bank that I would like to "invest/enjoy" buying a first gen 4 runner.. It's been restored paintjob, upholstery, engine...

It is a 4cyl, 5 speed, 1986.

I already talked to the guy that is selling it and we agreed on $9000. I am going to check it tomorrow to make sure everything looks good..

I'm looking for some advice from some of you guys that know a lot about this truck..

Thanks!!

 

I don't know anything about that 4Runner and have nothing to add, but it sure does look good!

 

I did a search on an SR5 for you and nadaguides says less than $5K...http://nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1986/Toyota/4Runner/SR5-Utility-4X4/Values

The truck looks nice.

 

Thanks for the info!! Do you think that a serious restore would worth 4K more? I've been trying to find another 4Runner like this and I havent had anny success...

I'm plannning to enjoy this truck for a while and then sell it and get a little profit... at this point I don't know if it's doable...

 

I don't know that it's a good investment for selling later on...but it sounds like you really like the truck.

 

Yes I really like the truck but my main purpose is to make maybe a couple of grand selling it after 2 or 3 months.. I have that money sitting in the bank and I was looking to enjoy it and make some profit.. but if the truck is overpriced I'm not going to do it...

 

Restorations aren't cheap, what would it cost to buy one in the 4-5k range according to NADA values and then restore it to this condition? My bet is it would cost more than 4-5k depending on what all has actually been done. As far as trying to make money on it, I don't think it's a good investment. If you wanted to keep it it's probably worth it.

 

How many miles?

 

If I had the money I would consider buying it to keep but not as an investment.

 

It has 219.500 miles.

Mechanical work done:

-Head removed, reconditioned and installed
-New larger cam installed
-Timing chain with metal guides
-Water pump replaced
-New injectors flow matched and installed
-New rocker arms and push rods
-Headers
-New exhaust from the cat back
-New clutch and pressure plate
-Air conditioning compressor replaced.
-New tires on 17" 2007 FJ Cruiser wheels
-Rear Bumper replaced with tube style from 4Wheel Parts.
-Front bumper replaced with factory same.
-Aisin lockers on the front

Appearance work done:

-Full paint job done this past September, 3 coats factory white, 3 coats of clear. Windows removed, body stripped for paint job.
-Interior was removed, dash was refurbished
-Front and rear sets completely reupholstered.
-While cabin was stripped, all interior body panels were cleaned, prepped and Frame Saver anti rust coating applied.
-All new carpet with heavy dense padding.
-Seats reupholstered

 

How much would you guys pay for it??

 

It's only worth what the buyer is willing to spend. If I was really considering buying it I would ask the owner what his lowest cash price is and go from there.

 

I don't think $9k is too bad considering everything that has been done on it.

 

Yes.. is not bad but my plan is use it for a while and sell it and make a little bit of money.. that's why I'm doubtful..

 

The making money part is the issue..... I'm sure somewhere down the road someone will buy it but I doubt you would be getting a big profit out of it. Who knows though, I have seen people spend money on things I never thought was worth the money like Range Rovers and Land Rovers.

 

I'll see how much can I lower the price.. If I could take it for $7000 I think I'm going to pull the trigger..

 

Good question...if you scroll down this page http://nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1986/Toyota/4Runner/SR5-Utility-4X4/Values , it provides a value definition section. Here's an excerpt from that page:

High Retail Value
This vehicle would be in excellent condition overall. It could be a completely restored or an extremely well-maintained original vehicle showing very minimal wear. The exterior paint, trim and mechanics are not in need of reconditioning. The interior would be in excellent condition. Some vehicles may be considered “matching numbers” vehicles.

 

I would not count on that. If you want to invest in cars, stick with 60's or 70's era Muscle cars.
I cant see you making any future money on this old 4runner, no matter what the condition. As a former car collector,
I dont see it appreciating much at all, just not much demand there. It's not like the old Land Cruisers or Jeeps....Just my opinion.

 

So what was the verdict @Cmarfie?

 

I have to admit that I would've love to buy it... that truck is a chick magnet!! (Don't tell my wife) hahaha but is a little bit expensive... I had to decline... i told the guy to let me know if he does not sell it and he is willing to drop the price.. I don't think is gonna happen...

 

IMO, too much, there is a 1uZ swapped T4R with Solid axle on either this board or toyota120 in Denver area for like 5 or 6k, needs paint, that's about it and you can do a DAMN good paintjob and come in way less than this price and have a solid built 1st gen with v8 power and all the bugs worked out.

I have owned 2 1st Gens, I would not buy another 86-89 as the main attraction for me was the Solid axle, and 85 is the year if you must go stockish, 85 has the EFI 22re - better motor than the 3VZ, and the solid axle already

 

Here is the one I'm talking about - if your in the market, and are legit looking would be a waste not to consider this one: https://www.4runners.com/threads/fs...h-v8-lexus-engine-and-many-more-goodies.2516/ I'm not in the market and honestly having a hard time not buying it.

 

Well guys it's been a pleasure being a member of this forum for about a week... see you (the ones with tacos) on the other forum (tw) thanks for all the advise!

Cheers!