1987 Toyota Van LE 4WD review from North America

Power steering pump failed.

Transmission throttle cable failed.

Window washers don't work. Rear wiper failed.

Cruise control decides when it wants to function or not.

Ball joints (or something like that) are going out. Front end is beginning to "shimmy".

This is one outstanding vehicle. I converted it from a surf-dude-van to a racer-dude-van. I road-race motorcycles in California and have used this van to haul my racebike, spares, tools, canopy, etc. to race events and track days for four seasons now. Plus, the van is very useful for dump runs, hauling the odd large item from a store, and the like. I've put about 25,000 miles on the van.

I load the van with well over 1200 pounds of cargo, not including myself, and the automatic transmission just takes it without complaint.

I will begin racing two bikes in different classes so I'll have to move to a trailer as even this van can't carry my entire pit and two bikes.. I know this van will pull a Class I trailer just fine. I'll install a tranny cooler just in case (should have done that anyway!).

I installed stiffer shocks which helps some, but it's still pretty bouncy at times. We call it the "bouncy van".

I have maintained the mechanicals (tune ups, compression checks, new shocks, lubes, etc.) and I expect this will go well into the 200 thousand mile mark.

It's pretty goofy looking!

My only real dislikes are comfort (what can I expect for $800??) and safety. A head on collision would not be good in this vehicle.