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Let’s say you want that classic Bronco look. The boxy lines. The upright glass. The rugged, no-nonsense vibe that screams trail-ready. Well, I don’t even need to include the “Let’s say” part, there. I’ve pined for one since childhood. The problem? First-gen Broncos are collector gold now. Clean ones can run you $45,000 or more. But there’s another way: enter the 1986 Toyota 4Runner featuring the 22R-E engine.

It’s vintage. It’s bulletproof. And it’s still affordable

The ’86 4Runner is part SUV, part pickup. It shares DNA with the Hilux pickup and wears a removable fiberglass top over the rear seat area. Pop the top and you’ve got the same open-air experience you’d get from a classic Bronco. Just with a lot more Japanese reliability baked in.

Case in point: Let’s talk about this engine.

The 22R-E is the fuel-injected version of Toyota’s legendary 2.4-liter inline-four

It’s not fast, but it’s one of the most durable engines ever built. You’ll see 22R-Es still humming along with 300,000 miles on the clock, happily climbing mountain trails and idling like it’s still 1991. It makes around 105 horsepower and 137 lb-ft of torque. Not much by today’s standards, but enough to move the 4Runner’s light frame, especially with the 5-speed manual.

What really sells this truck is its simplicity. Solid front and rear axles in early models. Manual locking hubs. A real transfer case shifter. It’s a rig you can wrench on with basic tools and a cold beverage nearby. Parts are everywhere. Enthusiast forums are thriving. And the build potential is wide open.

You can tailor a 1986 4Runner to your taste and still have money left over to actually drive it somewhere

On Bring a Trailer, you can expect to pay less than $30k, $20k, or even less than $10,000 in some circumstances.

You want roof racks? Done. A mild lift and bigger tires? Easy. Soft-top conversions? Absolutely. 

Yes, the ride is bouncy. The interior is spartan. But if you’re chasing character and capability on a budget, this Toyota delivers.

So if you’re sweating over affording an old Bronco, skip it. Find yourself a clean 1986 4Runner with a 22R-E.

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Editor-in-Chief

Sarah Kennedy

Sarah Kennedy is the Editor-in-Chief of MotorBiscuit. She joined the team as Managing Editor in 2021 and has more than 20 years of automotive and operations expertise. She held ASE certifications as an Automotive Service Consultant and Parts Specialist and was a licensed car salesperson for many years. Sarah often focuses on helping drivers navigate used car buying and vehicle ownership. She created “Shop Smarts,” a column for MOTOR Magazine, and was a contributor there for eight years. Her work earned her a Gold Medalist award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors in 2014 and Bronze Medalist awards from the International Automotive Media Competition in 2014 and 2015. She attended the Automotive Management Institute and earned her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.

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