1985 Toyota Pickup Xtracab SR5

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: This is a 1985 Xtracab SR5 with the fuel-injected 22R-E four-cylinder and an automatic with overdrive. The private seller says it recently got a valve job, plugs and wires, a battery, a water pump and a radiator. They describe it as original with cosmetic wear and minor body rust, and say the frame is clear.

At $7,500 it is a cheap way into a 22R-E truck, priced under the middle of recent 2WD sales. It is two-wheel drive and automatic, which is why it costs less than the 4x4 manual trucks, and the discount is modest. Title status is not stated, so confirm a clean title in hand before you go see it.

The value check

The seller is asking $7,500. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $5,500–$14,250, so the middle of the market is about $9,875. That put this car 24% under.

Driver-grade 2WD 1986-88 Toyota pickups have sold for $5,500 to $14,250 in the last few months (BaT, Cars & Bids). This 2WD Xtracab automatic at $7,500 sits about 24% under the middle of that range.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1986 Pickup Xtracab 2WD sold $7,300 (Aug 2026)
• 1987 Pickup Regular Cab 2WD sold $9,100 (Aug 2026)
• 1988 Pickup Regular Cab 2WD sold $14,250 (Sep 2026)
• 1987 Pickup Regular Cab 2WD sold $5,500 (Oct 2026)

What to check

• Inspect the frame closely, especially the rear section over the axle and around the leaf spring hangers; these frames rust badly even when the seller says they are clear.
• Check bed floor, cab corners, rocker panels and the area behind the Xtracab rear windows for rust.
• 22R-E timing chains and plastic guides wear out; listen for rattle at startup and ask if the chain was done with the valve job.
• Check the A43D automatic for slipping or harsh shifts and confirm overdrive works.
• Title status is not listed; confirm a clean title in the seller's name.

Making it drive like new

Good candidate for a lowered street truck or light resto-mod: a 5-speed swap (W56 or R150 series), updated springs and shocks, bigger front brakes from a later 4Runner or Tacoma and a modern stereo and wiring refresh. A 3RZ or turbo 22R-E swap is a well-documented path for more power.