Stock Number: 4671

Toyota Hilux models are prized around the globe due to their storied history dating back to the 1960s. The model earned a reputation for its offroad capability and bulletproof reliability. The Surf, which was the SUV variant, entered its second generation of production right before the '90s began. The Toyota touted a more civil on-road feel, as evident by the more amenity-laden interior and slightly larger proportions. Luckily since the US did have a version of these it makes parts availability much easier which is a big concern with most of our customers. The key difference is under the hood since Japan kept the best motor to themselves, the 1KZ-TE. Finished in Prussian Red Pearl (25T) over Dark Grey Metallic this Hilux is a real head-turner. The body is free of any major flaws as far as dents or dings go and the paint is in similar shape. Naturally, there are a few scratches and door dings, but well above average for a 27-year-old vehicle. Touching down with a mere 78K verified miles it comes as little surprise. While the exterior has been kept all stock the spare tire swing arm was removed at some point. All of the hardware was kept in place so it would be simple to add back on down the road if you wanted to.

The interior, while spartan in its design, is driver-focused and very straight forward. The factory seats are not only comfortable but also provide plenty of support to keep you firmly planted in the seats when the road disappears and things get a bit rocky. Both front and rear seats are in spectacular shape. Free of the dreaded stains, bolster wear, or seam rips that have a tendency to creep in overtime. You can say that about the key areas like the door panels, headliner, and even the carpets. The 50/50 split-folding rear bench makes great use of the rear cargo area nearly doubling your hauling capacity for those larger trips to Lowes. As this model is a SSR-X trim level Surf, it comes with more interior features and options than a base model. Power locks, windows, and mirrors all function as they should and an adjustable column allow drivers of all sizes to get comfy behind the wheel. The A/C and heat work as they should and the system is rather straightforward to use making it less annoying to deal with while on the move. Like US 4Runners, the rear window rolls down to aide ventilation and a set of rain guards reduce the buffeting noise from the wind. Upfront you actually have two cup holders that pull out from the center stack, which was a surprisingly rare thing to find in a Japanese vehicle back in the day. There is a mount atop the dash, probably from an old GPS mount, that we choose not to remove for fear of possibly damaging the otherwise great looking dash. The only other aftermarket addition is the radio which is functioning, to the best of its ability stateside, though the antenna itself is not. While not a huge issue we did want to make note of it.

Powered by the brutish 3.0L 1KZ-TE turbo diesel engine this Hilux is ready to tackle whatever you have to throw at it. 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 and settles into your trademark diesel clatter. Unlike your neighbor's F350 these are rather quiet in the cabin by diesel standards. 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 rather light considering the size of those new 31" Falken tires hugging the 15" Keeler wheels. There is a bit of additional road noise as a byproduct of the offroad rubber, but most anyone in the truck/SUV game already knows to expect it. The stock suspension does great at sorting out all the poorly maintained roads and has no issues for when you run out of pavement. The brakes also feel strong, and the midsize SUV comes to a stop without issue. As with all of our vehicles our trained technicians have thoroughly inspected this Hilux and all maintenance is up to date. Aside from correcting a window regulator (right front) we also put new pads up front and replaced the right axel. This capable, unique, and reliable SUV is a timeless design. Its over-engineered diesel drivetrain, sterling reputation for a low cost of ownership, and curb appeal make it an instant classic. Whether you're looking for a proper daily driver or a platform to build a wild trail rig off of, the Hilux has you covered.

*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.