Radiator leaked when I got car. Guy sold me new replacement, that took me few months, and few dollars to find out that it was rebuild. When IDIOT at Pep Boys installed water pump, he used RTV Black which clogged radiator (already marginal).
No other problems, 27 mpg average, with 20 city with A/C and 30-32 highway. This is extended cab!
Love it. I do valve adjustments and all maintenance myself. No computer, simple carburetor, 2WD, very practical and cheap to run. Mine has a Japanese bed (=no rust) Stay away from Toyota with USA manufactured bed as they corrode like hell. Locking gas-cap is one feature that indicates a Japanese bed. Mine has NO RUST and is 12 years old. American Bed is equal in quality to Nissan or Isuzu. Small Ranger or S-10, much better, right behing 2WD Toyota P/U.
The review has good and useful advice on the truck bed. This is very helpful.
I now have 148600 miles, still in NYC and no problems. Just bought for $35 a carb rebuilt kit as it seems that I may have accelerator pump leakage. Well maintained and driven very hard in the city, I still average 20 mpg w/AC usage and 27 highway. The new one is a little expensive, at 16K out the door, but I would buy a 4x2 Tacoma w/AC package for 13K out the door. My operating costs to date including ins. & depreciation are at 9 cents per mile, can anyone beat that?
Now my TOY has 158,800 miles and still running strong. On the horizon: shocks, alignment and steering dampener. I am planning to change the seats to Recaros for more comfort. Can't beat the 5 speed for winter driving. Also, the front valance under bumper keeps getting bashed in by parked cars backing into it at an angle. No rust yet and mileage holds at 20-22 city, 30 highway.
Feb 2005, 170550 miles. Still no rust, mileage holds at mid 20s avg. Choke started to stick. I replaced timing chain and found plastic guides broken. They must be in the oil pan which is pain to drop. All 4 plugs stay consistent and power is good. One exhaust valve sticking a bit at start-up. I will sell this and replace with 97 short cab for easier parking. Changed original clutch and brake pedal support bracket for it cracked and made shifting hard. Common problem I hear. This part was 175 at Toyota and 400 aftermarket?!?!
What can I say? Runs like a champ and adequate power for 98% of driving with bed full of books and furniture. Don't waste money on 4x4 or V6 unless you MUST have them.
Can you tell me how the 5 speed man. makes winter driving easier? mines a 2wd 5 spd man. could it beat a 2.3 L 4 cyl. volvo wagon '89 auto in a drag race? thanks.
Does anyone know the answer to my previous comment about the race and the winter driving??
I appreciate your feedback,
Justin.
I have a 1990 ext cab 4x2 Toyota pickup 5 speed with 184000 miles and original clutch and it is running like a camp. and to answer the comment before this one it is easer to drive in the winter with a manual because you can down shift in to slow your self down in stead of using the brakes. and I think you could beat the 2.3L Volvo wagon good luck. p.s. if you don't have a Tachometer get a after market one, you will discover a lott, more power.
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