As soon as this little truck popped up on the Expedition Portal forum, I had to share it immediately. This comes from a place of bias as my own red 1990 Pickup holds a place near and dear to my heart. It is, however, also incredibly rare to find a ‘90s Pickup in mint condition and nearly impossible to find one that has such a low number of miles (85,000 to be exact) on the odometer.
Often confused with the Hilux and the Tacoma, the 3rd-Gen Pickup was manufactured between 1989 and 1995. It comes as no surprise that these vehicles are notoriously reliable, but they also boast a surprisingly decent payload for such an itty-bitty truck. Depending on the model and trim level, these trucks can have a higher payload than a modern Tacoma. It’s no secret that the 3.0-liter lacks power compared to modern trucks, but for the right owner, this Pickup might just be the perfect fit.
From Steve:
“This really is a great little truck. I longed for a new one of this era when I was in high school and college. Best color, best body style. The 3.0 has a reputation for being the “3.slo,” but with the 4.56 gears and the willingness to let it wind up a bit, it is a great motor, and it definitely comes alive at over 3,000 rpm. I have to plan extra time wherever I go as everyone wants to come over and chat about it. Why sell? I live in New Hampshire, and there is no way this truck should ever see any salt. So, for six months a year, the truck would just sit. It really ought to head back down south or out west and be enjoyed all the time.
Starts, runs, drives perfectly. Tight, no squeaks, rattles. There is no rust on this truck. The only spot of any kind was on the A-pillar, passenger side. I took this down to bare metal, then used Corroseal Rust Converter on the area. This was the only spot on the truck.
Any issues? There is a driver-side valve cover leak. I replaced it with a new OEM gasket, but it decided to leak again. I did use some FIPG on the 90-degree corners that are the usual culprit, but apparently not enough. I haven’t tackled it again. It’s the easy side, the intake plenum does not need to come off. The rear pinion seal is leaking. I have not had this repaired. I was considering keeping the truck and putting a Detroit Truetrac LSD in the rear, so I had delayed the seal replacement for that.
Paint is a nine [out of 10]. There are a few stone chips on the passenger rear fender leading edge door ding in the bed on that side that is hard to photograph. There is a door ding on the passenger rear arch molding chrome, and a vertical ding in the front bumper just off center.
Bottom line: I believe this is the nicest example of this generation of minitruck that you will find. This is a genuine survivor and a well-optioned truck. It needs a good home. I’d love to see it go to an enthusiast and see it head out of New Hampshire before the snow flies. Trades? Maybe a nice LR Series III or a Pinzgauer in excellent condition.”
Specifications
5-speed 3.0-liter 1994 DLX V6 4×4 Toyota Pickup
4.56 factory differentials
Tachometer, power steering, power brakes
Air conditioning
Alloy wheels
BFGoodrich KO2 31×10.50R15 tires
2-inch receiver hitch
Husky Liners floor mats
Transmission fluid swapped for Redline MT90 GL4
OEM Toyota parts: water pump, idler pulleys, timing belt, plugs, cap, rotor, radiator, heater hoses, etc.
Currently located in New Hampshire, this 1994 Toyota Pickup will be up for auction shortly on bringatrailer.com.
Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to make sure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination.
