Over the past few weeks, we’ve featured several fancy rigs, including a GXV Patagonia and a 2021 6×6 SLRV Expedition Vehicle, both priced at an eye-watering $675,000. A seasoned overlander once told me that these ultra-expensive overland vehicles offer the “realities of luxury, but the illusion of freedom.” In other words, these behemoths are incredibly comfortable and well-equipped but can be heavy, cumbersome, attract unwanted attention, and limit access to locations in some parts of the world.
In my opinion, the best overland rigs are lightweight, compact, and incorporate everything you need and nothing else. The first-generation Toyota 4Runner is a fantastic example of overlanding at its simplest (and arguably finest). This vehicle offers zero luxury, but is engineered specifically to be rugged, easy to fix, capable when the tarmac ends, and very long-lived. Today’s two-owner offering has covered just 132,000 miles, is exceptionally clean, and includes the original hardtop roof and a new soft top.
From the Seller:
“I am only the second owner; the original owner was located in Oregon. It has been in Michigan for about a year but [was] never driven in winter/salt. The truck is all original, with the exception of upgraded suspension and a soft top (I still have the original white hardtop). [It has] new tires, and runs and drives excellent. Absolutely no issues.”
1987 Toyota 4Runner
Fitted with the legendary 22RE motor that’s nigh-indestructible, the first generation 4Runner produces 113 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. Interior refinement is pretty non-existent, but the 4Runner makes up for this with bulletproof reliability, workhorse credentials, and impressive all-terrain capability courtesy of 4WD and a two-speed transfer case.
Distinguishing Features
- Old Man Emu suspension
- New softopper
- Powder-coated original steel wheels
This 1987 Toyota 4Runner is listed for $17,500 and is currently located in Greenville, Michigan. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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