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New posting I might to try and see this weekend. Anyone have any initial thoughts or insight? Seller is selling relative's vehicle that passed away (he was second owner, bought in California)- vehicle has 57k original miles, clean title: https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/rvs/d/1987-toyota-dolphin-57k/6367553742.html

I read that basically early V6 engines had head gasket problems and that if they weren't sent in for recall then they could have major issues. does anyone know the approximate max altitude for the 4-cylinder? How high up can I take it before it stops working very well? Can it go over 10,000 feet? Assuming that the load is relatively light in the camper.

Thanks for this info. I will pay close attention to heat when I am test driving (and I will work the engine hard). Any tips in this regard? Are there any telltale signs of a tendency toward overheating beyond the obvious?

It makes me think that I should really be patient and shop around for a 1990 until I find a good deal; The more and more I read about mid 80's models, the more I get nervous. That said, I did find an 84 Sun Land Express in west Texas this morning that looked really clean . . .

So essentially, a spare for the front won't work as a spare in the back? Is this just a manufacturing quirk because of its model year, or something after market? My goal today is to look in the Craigslist market further east of us (where its generally dry/sunny) and see what prices are like on early 90s models.

Thanks, I've really appreciated all the info from today's responses! The Sunrader really does look like the best option at this point. I'm of course dreaming of a 4x4 model, but that's a future goal unfortunately, considering my budget. I found a Sunrader in good condition in Oregon for $4500, but the interior was semi-stripped, so it would need some project work. The under-developed crafty side of me had its interest peaked. With regard to previous owner's care; is it storage with a cover that can help prevent rot, as well as the location of storage, etc? Is there anything else to consider in this regard? I'm assuming that not every owner of an alumnium or all-wood framed camper goes in to investigate the status of the interior construction ... I will keep looking! I will not be discouraged!

Thanks for that advice. I am a total newbie to the type; Do you happen to know which specific models are the alumnium framed Toyota minis?

Thank you both for the excellent advice. It is appreciated! I have been learning new things all day. What is your opinion on this listing linked below? Is the 1989 4cylinder priced at $8,000 a bit steep? Listed as 75k miles. https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/d/toyota-dolphin/6336116598.html

My partner and I are hoping to hit the road for several years this coming spring following the end of her graduate degree. We've been looking for a Dolphin. We don't necessarily plan to do an overly large amount of driving, and we don't really mind going at a leisurely place. We stumbled upon a 1986 4 Cylinder Automatic with 80,000 miles with nice condition interior. I have yet to test-drive it or inspect it myself (but have photos of it; the owner seems trustworthy enough); I am hoping to do so this week. Seller says they are third owner and that they are sad to part with it; it has Washington plates. Questions: --What things should I look for when inspecting it? --What things should I look/listen/test for when driving it? --It's being listed for $6,000 dollars. Is this a fair price? (This is pushing our budget, unfortunately). Is there a lower amount that would be considered a fair offer? --Is there a ballpark amount of money can I expect to put in with regard to maintenance initially? --We're outdoorsy people, and we're used to tent camping when we road trip; if we're spending longer periods of time in BLM sites with long term permits (i.e. it's parked for 1-2 weeks at a time), I am thinking that in that case we would take it out for weekend jaunts. Would this be harmful to the vehicle/not advisable? Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer! I am a newbie to Toyota RVs in general; really nice forum you've all got here. Cheers from Arizona.