It has often been said that any 4×4 can get its occupants where they want to go, but only a Toyota guarantees they’ll get home again. Toyota off-roaders have a reputation for bulletproof reliability, and this 1986 SR5 4×4 should ensure the occupants will complete their journey in total comfort. The original owner loaded it with optional extra, and with most of its life spent in a dry climate, it will head to a new home as a rust-free survivor. The SR5 is listed here on eBay in Greensboro, North Carolina. It would be fair to class the bidding as frantic, with the action pushing the price beyond the reserve to $18,600.

I agree with the seller when they state it is refreshing to see a 4×4 of this vintage without bigger wheels or a lift kit. Both modifications are common, but this beauty is as it left the factory. Its Code 033 White paint shines nicely, although we’re warned that it looks better from 10 feet than up close. It has the usual array of chips and marks you’d expect on a vehicle of this type and age, and the distinctive stripes show some deterioration. This isn’t the end of the world because if the buyer uses it for its intended purpose, they will probably add to the collection. However, a repaint would return the Toyota to its former glory, and complete decal kits retail for around $150.00 to add the perfect finishing touch. The seller states the Pickup started life in sunny California, only leaving that state in 2013. That makes its rust-free status no surprise, with the underside showing little beyond some mild surface corrosion. The glass looks in good order, as do the trim and factory alloy wheels. The first optional extra to note is the factory sunroof, and the lack of moisture inside this classic suggests the seals are in good order.

The engine photos supplied by the seller aren’t great, but we know this 4×4 features the fuel-injected 2,366cc 22R-E four-cylinder engine producing 105hp and 136 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the road via a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The 22R-E is slightly “peaky” for an off-roader, with maximum power delivery at 4,800rpm and maximum torque at 2,800rpm. However, millions of buyers across the globe couldn’t have been wrong when they ordered their Pickup with this motor. The seller doesn’t make outrageous claims about a low odometer reading, admitting this classic has 210,700 miles on the clock. However, it has only accumulated 3,700 miles since 2013, suggesting it hasn’t seen much recent action. Frustratingly, we receive no information on how the vehicle runs or drives, but the seller seems approachable and willing to answer questions on the subject.

We need to look inside this 4×4 to find the only non-original component. Someone swapped out the factory radio for a CD player, but there are no other visible changes. The interior of many 4x4s can look tired as time passes due to the nature of the work they do. Delving deep into the wilderness often means confronting mud, slime, and other “icky” substances. It is almost inevitable that some will find its way inside, leaving stains and marks that prove impossible to shift. This Toyota hasn’t suffered that fate, with its carpet and cloth upholstery looking excellent. There is no crumbling plastic or evidence of abuse. For those who like their luxury touches, this 4×4 features almost every option offered in 1986. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a power antenna for the CD player. The only non-functioning item is the cruise, but careful investigation might prove that repair is easy and inexpensive.

It can sometimes be challenging to gauge the desirability of a classic, but this 1986 Toyota SR5 Pickup leaves us no doubt. It has already attracted forty-nine bids with plenty of time remaining on the listing. Values have recently softened on these classics, but the drop isn’t dramatic. I believe the combination of its condition and options should see the bidding easily top $20,000, but I wouldn’t rule out $25,000 if two or more people show enough determination. Even if you aren’t in the market, the spirited bidding could make monitoring this auction as it concludes pretty entertaining.