Will the real SR5 please stand up?
I have noticed quite a few trucks for sale on Ebay lately that are advertised as “original”/ SR5/ rare/ collectible trucks. But looking at the VIN, its easy to tell that they are not “original” SR5 trucks. I wish there were a way to report the false advertising, but it seems that you can say just about anything in your Ebay listings. So best to be informed about what you are actually buying before clicking the bid button, or laying out the cash from a roadside sale.
Since alot of parts are available, it’s not too difficult to update your truck to an “SR5″. Depending on the year and model most of the SR5 upgrades are “bolt ons”. Finding a donor truck at a junkyard could net a set of gauges, bucket seats, carpet, and interior panels. Finding stripes & decals that most SR5 models sported is nearly impossible these days, so that could be a first clue when approaching a truck for sale.
In the end, the only way to know for sure is to check the VIN code. This is really a good idea anyway to make sure you are buying the right truck. For example, first generation Toyota trucks had 3 models: regular, deluxe, and SR5. Well thats not quite true as 1981 was the first year for SR5 pickups. Previously they were known as Sport models. In any case, for each model there is a letter in the VIN code that corresponds with the model. ‘R’ = regular, ‘D’ = Deluxe, and ‘S’ indicates that the truck is indeed an SR5 model.
This is not to say that a Deluxe Toyota truck isnt worth anything. But when the seller tries to extract a few exta Ben Franklins from you by claiming its a rare original SR5, you will at least have the knowledge to say, “I dont think so”.
May 9th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Hi;
I read your article on the Mojave 2 Wheel drive truck. I am the original owner of a 1983 Toyota SR5 Black Package 4×4 with Mojave Package Option pickup. I purchased it new at Englander Toyota in Orlando, Florida in June of 1983. The truck was totaly built in Japan and has a No Name tailgate, chrome factory mirrors, chrome front bumber without the rubber ends, chrome tailights, etc. The interior is all black, not two toned like most trucks were, has a dark gray dash insert instead of simulated wood and map pockets on both doors. I still have the original rear oval bumper but I sold the special wheels years ago. The original bucket seats that had Mojave embroidered on them were replaced in 1990 when I had the truck repainted Wild Strawberry Pearl Metallic. The VIN # JT4RN38S8D0066012. I would like to know if there are other people with trucks like this. Thank you and I like your WEB site.
May 11th, 2008 at 5:31 am
Hello Don
I am very interested in learming more about your truck. However this information should be posted in the rare section of the website. Please post your comments there or send an email via the link in the footer in each page.
Thanks!