85K Original Miles: 1983 Toyota Pickup 4×4 – Sold?

April 12, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

These days, it’s hard to be certain what investments are “safe.” Certainly, the stock market can make even the most self-assured among us want to start trading in gold, but as car enthusiasts, we can look towards other forms of capital that can sometimes seem more stable than traditional investments. Toyota pickup trucks are seemingly one of the best bets out there for a vintage automobile investment that doesn’t require a huge bank account, and this 1983 Toyota 4×4 long-bed pickup originally listed in March 2022 on Craigslist in Anaheim, California has just 85,000 original miles and an asking price of $22,000. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Price Guide shows us that the seller is asking top-dollar for his truck, as a Toyota of this vintage in “Concours” condition is valued at $24,900.

Toyota trucks are desirable on a few different fronts. For one, the trucks made after 1995 are still useful as daily drivers or job site workhorses. The Tacomas are hot items on craigslist, often snatched up quickly regardless of equipment specs. Throw in the fact that many older Tacomas still on the road have either had their frame replaced by Toyota under warranty or are one of the magical examples that never developed rust issues in the first place, and it becomes clear that some of these trucks will still be on the road decades from now, getting the same kind of money (and likely more) that the seller of this ’83 model is seeking. One additional wrinkle is how both used and new vehicle prices are out of control at the moment, so a proven used vehicle with a great track record for dependability is going to be in demand more than ever before. Toyota trucks are extremely compelling because they check that box, and they’re also fast becoming a rad-era appropriate collectible.

The BetaMax YouTube Channel provides this 1982 vintage Toyota commercial demonstrating the offroad capability of the 4×4 HiLux:

The seller’s truck is a desirable four-wheel-drive model, as the smaller, 2WD examples fetch far less on the collector vehicle market. While the mileage is relatively low for the year and the bodywork appears to be pristine, it’s also been modified with larger tires, aftermarket wheels, and what almost certainly looks like a lifted suspension (or perhaps a body lift.) Whatever the story is, this is a no-no when you’re trying to get top dollar for a vintage rig like this. The seller’s Toyota does look quite nice with an interior that appears to be damage-free and the up-close photos of the paint show that it maintains excellent luster. The good news is the alterations made here can be very quickly reverted back to stock condition if no one bites at the current price. Regardless, the drivetrain will easily outlast the rest of the truck, so the superficial issues shouldn’t stop you from making an offer on this awesome vintage Toyota with some nice upgrades if you don’t mind a truck that isn’t stock.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1983 Toyota pickup with 85k original miles.
Runs great.
488’s with limited slip
15×13.5×36 Irocz
Eagle alloy wheels
Drive anywhere.
Clean title in my name.

Asking $22000 OBO

Don’t contact me unless you have $$ and have gotten permission from your wife, or have sold your car..”

Stock or not: should the seller bring this Toyota pickup back to OEM condition to get top dollar?