A good indicator of longevity and value is how many remain on the road 10, 20 and in this case 30 years later.
In New England the Pathfinder version of this truck was everywhere along with the pickup.
Within 10 years not many were left. After 20, almost none. Today? It’s a museum piece in these parts.
Was it the dreaded paper thin non-virgin recycled Japanese steel made from 60’s era Corolla’s? Not likely.
Was it the lack of phosphate bath and other corrosion protection during the build? Probably not.
Was it a lack of design that might have provided better water shedding and debris trapping from voids in the body and frame, combined with intensely corrosive road treatments and a lack of attentive washing? Probably.
Mechanically the SOHC V6 and the Jatco automatic was pretty good, most of these trucks came off the road when they could no longer pass a State inspection.
In New England Ford and GM pickups no older than 10 years are frequently seen with cab corners, rockers and rear bumpers rotted out. Where I live, if you want 10 years from a truck you have to wash it everyday above freezing you can. And even then its no guarantee.
Danny Plotkin
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