Why this vehicle matters
This is the truck that built Toyota's American reputation. The one that survives neglect, abuse, and decades of use. It's not fast, not luxurious, not particularly capable by modern standards. But it starts every time, runs forever, and does exactly what a truck should do without drama. The 22R-E engine has a cult following for good reason: it may be the most reliable engine ever mass-produced. These trucks just refuse to die.
Patina notes
These trucks age beautifully when they're used. Frame rust is the enemy — check it carefully, especially if the truck lived in salt states. The paint oxidizes to a pleasant matte finish. Dents and scratches tell stories. A fifth-gen Toyota pickup with honest wear is a badge of honor. Avoid the ones that have been mall-crawlered into submission with roof racks and snorkels they'll never need.
Ownership reality
Mine's a BaT purchase that I use as intended. The V6 isn't fast but it's capable. Parts are everywhere and cheap. Any mechanic can work on it. The manual transmission and 4WD are bulletproof with basic maintenance. It's not a comfortable highway cruiser, but that's not why you buy one. You buy it because when everything else is broken, this truck will still run.
★ From the Collection
Acquired January 2020 from Bring a Trailer (listing →)
82,000 miles at acquisition
Equipment
- · Dark Blue Pearl exterior (8E3)
- · 3.0L 3VZ-E V6 engine
- · 5-speed manual transmission
- · Shift-on-the-fly 4WD with dual-range transfer case
- · PowerTrax locking differential (rear)
- · Front grille guard with auxiliary foglights
- · Wheel arch extensions
- · Custom powder-coated double-tube rear bumper with hitch receiver
- · 15" American Racing alloy wheels
- · BFGoodrich KM2 All-Terrain T/A tires
- · Blue cloth interior
- · Manual windows
- · Aftermarket radio
- · Forward-facing folding rear seats
Work Performed
- Pre-purchase Head gaskets replaced
- Pre-purchase Clutch and slave cylinder replaced
- Pre-purchase Oil change at 81k
- Pre-purchase Rear differential rebuilt with PowerTrax kit
Condition Notes
Rust on tailgate inside bottom edge. Clean Carfax (no accidents). Spare paint-matched tailgate included. Original wheels included.
The verdict
Buy if
You need a truck that works. You value reliability over refinement. You understand that slow and steady wins the race.
Skip if
You need to tow anything substantial. You want a comfortable daily driver. You're allergic to basic transportation.
What to look for
- → Frame rust (the killer — inspect thoroughly)
- → 22R-E timing chain guide wear (listen for rattle)
- → Transfer case condition
- → Rust in cab corners and bed
- → Head gasket issues on 3.0 V6 (known problem)
- → Leaf spring condition and sagging
Common problems
- ⚠ Timing chain guides wear (22R-E)
- ⚠ Head gasket failure (3VZ-E V6 only)
- ⚠ Frame rust (especially in northern climates)
- ⚠ Speedometer gear failure
- ⚠ A/C compressor dies (they all do)
- ⚠ Window crank mechanisms wear
Parts & community
Parts sources
- Toyota dealer (surprisingly well supported)
- RockAuto
- Toyota Pickup Parts (partsgeek)
- Marlin Crawler (4WD upgrades)
- Trail Gear
Forums & communities
- YotaTech.com
- Toyota-4Runner.org
- IH8MUD.com
- TacomaWorld (overlapping community)
Sources
- Personal ownership · 2026-02-02
Specifications
| Engine | 3.0L 3VZ-E V6 |
| Power | 150 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | 4WD with shift-on-the-fly and dual-range transfer case |
| Weight | 3,400-3,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 103-121.9 inches |
| Production | Fifth-generation ('Hilux' in export markets) |
Notable Features
- • 3VZ-E V6 (this example)
- • Shift-on-the-fly 4WD
- • Body-on-frame construction
- • PowerTrax locking differential (rear)
About Toyota
Reliability as religion. Toyota built vehicles so dependable they became the default choice for anyone who just wanted their car to work.
View all Toyota vehicles →Find one
Looking to buy? Search current and past listings on Bring a Trailer.
Search on Bring a Trailer →More from Toyota
1974 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
The FJ40 is the off-road equivalent of a Rolex Submariner: an icon that transcends its original purpose. Toyota built these trucks to work in the harshest conditions on earth, and they delivered. Aid workers, safari guides, and military forces worldwide trusted their lives to FJ40s. The formula was simple: bulletproof inline-six, solid axles front and rear, and body-on-frame construction tough enough to survive anything. This isn't a lifestyle accessory — it's a working tool that happens to be beautiful.
1994 Toyota Supra Turbo
The A80 Supra was Toyota's grand touring flagship, but the tuning community turned it into legend. The 2JZ-GTE inline-six is perhaps the most overbuilt engine ever put in a production car. The factory bottom end can handle 700+ horsepower without modification. Tuners discovered this, and 1,000 hp street Supras became almost common. The Fast & Furious franchise made the orange Supra iconic, and prices went stratospheric. But even stock, the Supra Turbo was a sophisticated GT car with genuine performance. The sequential turbos eliminated lag. The Getrag 6-speed was nearly indestructible. It was the last of Toyota's great sports cars before they went conservative.