1989 Toyota 4Runner V6 5-speed with a freshly rebuilt engine, priced well under market

Why we picked it

First-generation 4Runners with the 3.0-liter V6 and a manual gearbox have been selling for around $15,000 to $19,000 as high-mileage drivers this year. This one is listed at $9,495. The seller says the engine was rebuilt with an LC Engineering kit, the clutch was replaced, and it gets new shocks, fuel pump, alternator, exhaust and BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires. The seller also says it is driven daily, has a solid frame, and has a clean, mostly original interior.

The catch is stated plainly in the listing: the rear quarter panels have rust. That is the main reason the price is low, and it is fixable on a truck that already has the mechanical work done. It is a consignment car from Classic Car Deals, the VIN is only partly shown, and the title status is not listed, so get the full VIN and title before anything else.

The value check

The seller is asking $9,495. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $9,600–$19,000, so the middle of the market is about $14,300. That put this car 34% under.

High-mileage first-gen V6 4Runners in driver condition sold for $9,600 to $19,000 in 2026 (manual V6 trucks clustered at $15,250 to $15,750). At $9,495 the asking price is about 32% under the $14,300 midpoint, though the rear-quarter rust justifies part of the gap.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1989 4Runner SR5 V6 5-speed, 244k mi, BaT May 2026, $15,750
• 1988 4Runner SR5 V6, 185k mi, BaT Jul 2026, $15,255
• 1988 4Runner SR5 V6 auto, 163k mi, BaT Jun 2026, $9,600
• 1988 4Runner SR5 V6, 212k mi, private sale Aug 2026, $19,000
• classic.com 4Runner 1st gen sold results

What to check

• Rear quarter rust is confirmed; check rockers, cab corners, tailgate and the rear wheel arches under the removable top
• Inspect the frame near the rear spring hangers and the fuel tank area, even though the seller calls it solid
• 3VZ-E head gaskets are a known weak point; ask for receipts from the rebuild and check for coolant in the oil
• Removable fiberglass top seals leak; look for water damage under the carpet
• Odometer reads 265k; confirm transfer case, front diff and ADD/hub function
• Get the full VIN and a clean title; the listing shows a partial VIN only

Making it drive like new

With the engine and clutch already done, start with the rust repair and a full brake refresh, then add modern disc and caliper upgrades and new rubber in the steering and suspension. An Old Man Emu or similar suspension kit, a gear-reduction starter and LED lighting make it a good daily driver, and a later 5VZ-FE 3.4 swap is a common path if you want more power.