1987 Toyota Van DX review from North America

A/C did not work when I bought it-still did not work after I spent $700 to get it working, did not pursue further repair.

Head gasket went bad at 100000 miles.

"Igniter" assembly went bad at 105000 miles.

Rust has set in at point where front and rear window seals meet sheet metal (3 places)

perforating rust in front of rear fender, passenger side.

Rare 4WD-manual hubs, great in snow/ice, but a nightmare to work on (so little room/so much in the way).Labor costs can get real high.

Can't evaluate interior as this is a conversion van made by a long defunct company,"Carlisle Van Works"in PA. Company used flexsteel seats in back (stock front seats) which are holding up very nicely.

Transmission shifts very smoothly-I wish I had the 5 speed manual, though, as the automatic trans is robbing some horsepower.

Rides rouph-no surprise as driver/front passsenger sit on top of wheels (explains why one sees few cab-over trucks used for US distance hauling)

Best turning radius of any 4 wheel vehicle I ever drove, very easy to parallel park too. Great for short drivers, still good for tall drivers, too.

These vans are rare on the east coast,4WD versions even rarer. Most show their age, as people have used them for work or frequent people hauling. Before you look at one for sale, make sure you find a mechanic familiar with these-not just any Toyota mechanic knows this van (helps if the guy is real short in height).If the mechanic is already familiar with these, he will probably shake his head and mention the cramped engine area.That's a good sign!