Stock Number: 4206

The Toyota Hilux could be the high watermark of SUV design Toyota's illustrious history of off-road vehicles production. Due to safety and emissions, modern vehicles are laden with complicated electronics prone to failure, but this Hilux is the polar opposite. Our 1993 was optioned with the most desirable powerplant, the bulletproof 1KZ-TE 3.0 turbo diesel, that was sadly never offered here in the USA. Lifted 3" and shod with oversized 31" Achilles rubber, the Surf is mildly imposing. The Prussian Red Pearl (25T) paint really pops against the chrome accent pieces which include door handles, mirrors, running boards, and OEM brush guard. The paint is in excellent condition; likely having been redone in the factory hue at some point, as this 26-year-old this Hilux looks better than cars half its age running around the US. The body looks just as good with no notable large imperfections to point out other than a door ding or two, which is common for vehicles of this age

The interior of the Surf has been kept up with just as well as the body, if not better. The first thing that catches one's eye when they enter the cockpit is the quality of the materials Toyota used. As an SSR-X trim level vehicle, the interior is anything but spartan and features some rarely seen creature comforts. The gray, thatched cloth in both rows is durable, yet soft to the touch still. Besides some slight drivers side bolster wear, the cloth seems has held up very well. The seats may lack the bolstering of the factory Recaros, but are much easier on the hips for long cruises. The controls are all easy to find, and the driver can clearly read all the appropriate gauges. Rarely seen, an optional factory sunroof allows extra ventilation into the cabin, and allows for natural light to filter through the cabin. If it gets too hot, the manually adjustable climate system is there to assist, and cold air pumps through the vents when A/C is requested. Unlike many sunroof equipped vehicles, the headliner is devoid of any major damage and is taut and tight to the roof. The door cards and carpet are also in fine shape, without any major imperfections. The dash shows little wear and is neither cracked or discolored from weather-related damage. Privacy tint has likely aided the condition of the interior plastics, and keep prying eyes away from the cargo area. Power options include roll-down rear and side glass, power locks, and mirrors. While the head unit needs a replacement, the turbo-diesel soundtrack is all you ever need.

Powered by the brutish 3.0L 1KZ-TE turbo diesel engine this Hilux is ready to tackle whatever you have to throw at it. With only 73K verified miles, it's hardly broken in! Without a doubt, the 3.0L was the best motor never offered here and famous for being indestructible. The large four-cylinder fires up quickly, care of two new 12V batteries, which can handle the coldest winter temperatures. Idle is as smooth as a huge four-cylinder can be, and the diesel clatter isn't terribly invasive in the cabin. This reliable turbo diesel gets up to highway speed quickly and effortlessly, comfortably cruising at speeds. The stout automatic transmission shifts well, and the robust 4WD system functions properly. The steering is smooth and somewhat light, and the TEMS adjustable factory suspension can handle any pothole or road imperfection with ease. Ride height in about three inches higher than a standard Hilux, as a suspension lift was added at some point in Japan. The suspension upgrade hardly affects ride quality, and the increased ground clearance could be useful for journeys off the beaten path. As noted before, the grip is aided by five new Achillies all-season tires were mounted to the factory alloys (including the spare). Since arriving stateside our techs have gone through and made sure that the maintenance has been brought up to date, with a fresh oil and filter service. This ensures the new owner need not service the vehicle for another three thousand miles.

This imposing, brutish Japanese truck makes for a great daily driver or an off-road icon. Its low cost of ownership, stubborn 4wd drivetrain, and comfortable interior make this an instant Japanese classic. 

*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB complaint first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.