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.