Eduardo Posted January 20, 2010 Share Posted January 20, 2010 (edited) I am a first time poster here and I cam eto this forum looking for advice. I've been feeling the urge to get a vehicle I could camp in, and in my local classifieds I saw a 1984 Toyota Mirage with 66,500 miles on it for $2,500. I'm knee deep in info here, I've read about the problems with the rear axle, problem with being underpowered, and some find it too small. I'm coming from the mentality of getting an Element, so this is way better and I hadn't even considered it. The last couple of days have been interesting with all the wealth of information about these vehicles. So I talked to the seller today and he tells me that it ain't finished. Details, he calls them, but I've that before. Missing cushions, no carpeting, won't include the appliances, no shower (he says he removed it but I thought that the model with the big rear door didn't have a shower). Some rust and I imagine a couple more things. He did do electrical supposedly and water. I'm not looking for a beauty queen but I need a reliable vehicle that affords me the freedom to go anywhere. He says he will considerable lower the price with cash on hand, I'm guessing $2k, I have set apart about $2k more for repairs. But if the rear axle hasn't been changed (apparently I have to make sure it has 6 lugs) it won't be a good buy. My main concern is, is it something worth doing? I could get an already running and working Chevy Coach Men for 4 grand or a Dolphin for $6k. One advantage would be being able to restore to my taste and needs. It will be a camper for only one person. I like the style of it and the simplicity. So, do I keep looking or do I snatch it up? Edited January 20, 2010 by Eduardo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
84TOYRV Posted January 21, 2010 Share Posted January 21, 2010 It looks like a shorty to me. Maybe it doesn't need a HD rear axel. Check on that. I would check on the mechanical condition of the truck. It looks a fiberglass shell, which is good. Hope your find is a good one. The price is right. Tudy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eduardo Posted January 22, 2010 Author Share Posted January 22, 2010 It looks like a shorty to me. Maybe it doesn't need a HD rear axel. Check on that. I would check on the mechanical condition of the truck. It looks a fiberglass shell, which is good. Hope your find is a good one. The price is right. Tudy I'm actually trying to come up with a budged on how much renovations and the finishing touches would cost. I want to take a real close look at the unit and address the rust issues and the rear axle. Althought I think the smaller Mirage didn't ahve those issues. Also if it's coming without appliances, are they worth putting back in? In PR you don't get those really long roads with nothing on the horizon, everything is pretty close. Honestly I wouldn't need a refrigerator, I could just take a cooler. And I would need a stove, since I'm going to be by myself and I don't cook also I don't wash dishes. I don't plan to stay in it more than 2 or 3 nights at a time. My schedule does not allow it anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogre Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Run, don't walk, away from this deal. It needs some work, and it needs alot of money. Keep searching and you will find a better deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
85mirage Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Hi eduardo, from what you're telling me i think the Mirage is for you. Work him down and snatch it up.Is it in PR?The Mirage is more simple than other rv's due to their lack of things. Mine and i think this one dont have plumbing just a sink that you hook a 5-7 gall jug up to and use a hand pump to get water. No holding tanks, water pumps nor pipes. The cushions and interior can be replaced and i bet for far less in PR.The mirage is fiberglass so dont staple fabric use glue. As far as heat you dont need any in PR. 66k on 22r is nothing.Is it efi or 22re? My mechanic from DR sees them with 300k+ Check frame as islands probably have more rust? My mirage has "bad" axle i've put...oh near 100k on her and i have not had any axle problems, sure others will say yet, but im happy. Ive got picts on here somewhere. 2k for renovations, tune-up etc should be far plenty. Carpeting is only $20-30 cause their so small. Go check it out in persona and report back. My mirage has 4 burner stovetop which is usefull and dometic fridge havnt used it in years. Hope info helps happy mirage owner ps replaced engine when i purchased,later gas tank,lp tank,tranny,4 sets of shocks,brakes,leaf springs,...and a %hit load of other stuff Im sure... relays, shorts in wiring.Couldn't be happier never left me on the side of the road yet except for all the times i ran out of gas forgetting that the gas gauge is slightly off. Guess i should get that fixed and the gas leak. I am a first time poster here and I cam eto this forum looking for advice. I've been feeling the urge to get a vehicle I could camp in, and in my local classifieds I saw a 1984 Toyota Mirage with 66,500 miles on it for $2,500. I'm knee deep in info here, I've read about the problems with the rear axle, problem with being underpowered, and some find it too small. I'm coming from the mentality of getting an Element, so this is way better and I hadn't even considered it. The last couple of days have been interesting with all the wealth of information about these vehicles. So I talked to the seller today and he tells me that it ain't finished. Details, he calls them, but I've that before. Missing cushions, no carpeting, won't include the appliances, no shower (he says he removed it but I thought that the model with the big rear door didn't have a shower). Some rust and I imagine a couple more things. He did do electrical supposedly and water. I'm not looking for a beauty queen but I need a reliable vehicle that affords me the freedom to go anywhere. He says he will considerable lower the price with cash on hand, I'm guessing $2k, I have set apart about $2k more for repairs. But if the rear axle hasn't been changed (apparently I have to make sure it has 6 lugs) it won't be a good buy. My main concern is, is it something worth doing? I could get an already running and working Chevy Coach Men for 4 grand or a Dolphin for $6k. One advantage would be being able to restore to my taste and needs. It will be a camper for only one person. I like the style of it and the simplicity. So, do I keep looking or do I snatch it up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eduardo Posted January 22, 2010 Author Share Posted January 22, 2010 Yes this is in Puerto Rico, so the stock is limited. Also the humidity is the playground for rust. If I get it i'm going to keep it mostly empty so there won't a lot of weight on the rear axle anyway. All that is left is going over there and checking it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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