STOCK #5683

By the middle of the 90s, Toyota saw fit to redesign the aging N130 Hilux Surfs. The new model was indeed one of the brand's most timeless designs, and still has a massive following to this day. This 1995 turbo diesel N185 is a special rig, with its fresh Cool Khaki Gray (PAF) paint, and white accents. Aside from a few light imperfections the body is in good nick and is set off by a stylish rear spoiler and retro-themed set of OEM steelies. Fresh off a recent service, this center-locked 4x4 is turn-key ready to rock, and offered with a mere 155k verified and documented miles. In diesel speak, this is barely broken in, and these punchy and efficient powertrains have some serious advantages over our American gasser models. For families, weekend warriors, or those with an active lifestyle, these trucks are ideal. Spacious, safe, and practical, this 3rd generation Surf is a Japanese Classic through and through, and is primed to be your year-round JDM hauler!

The interior is spacious and nicely equipped. For those riding in the front, dual SRS airbags are standard for some added reassurance when on the road, and the driver benefits from an adjustable steering column and lumbar support. The view ahead is clear and commanding, and this tall ute rides far above traffic for premium visibility. We did want to note the dashboard is distorted by the outer edge of the glovebox and by the base of the windshield behind the gauge cluster. While this is common, the good news is that the latter is hardly visible unless you know it's there. Otherwise, the dashboard is in good nick and lacks any cracking or fading. The center stack includes working OEM audio and a simple-to-use automatic climate control system. Heat and ice-cold A/C make year-round use pleasurable. There is a host of electric amenities, too, including power windows and locks. That's not all, as the rear glass electrically unfurls for extra ventilation for your furry friend and the rear spoiler's rear under mirror can be deployed to see the vehicle behind the Surf when reversing. The upholstery is done in a durable bluish-gray corduroy cloth. The seating surfaces lack any major rips, holes, or tears, and are comfortable on long trips. For those along for the ride in the back, the rear bench 4-way reclines unlike our plebeian 4Runner's bench. The door cards, headliner, and carpets are in fine shape and even the OEM carpets, mats, spare key, maintenance booklet, and owners manuals are included in the sale. That's not to say she is perfect as we also wanted to note that the power mirrors have given up the ghost and that the tachometer is inoperable! Still, at 25 years old, this gem was really cared for in a prior life in our opinion.

Under the skin, this body on frame SUV is a tough cookie. The robust platform can deal with tons of abuse, and the 1KZ-TE under the hood has a reputation for being nearly bulletproof. Fresh off of an oil and filter service, the 3.0L churns to life care of two new 12v batteries. The additional battery is great to have for those who plan to camp and charge accessories off the grid. To breathe freely one of our trained techs has replaced the engine air filter, and also installed a new fuel filter and serpentine belts, too. To give the Surf's powerplant a light refresh we also replaced the old valve cover gasket with a new one, and also resealed the oil pan so that the 1K can stay topped up on lubricant. The engine feels strong and pulls hard to redline. Mated to a slick-shifting automatic this rig gets up to highway speeds with aplomb and returns better MPG than the gas V6. We replaced the shifter bushings to remove the slop usually present in the gear selector, which can rattle and vibrate when at speed. The transfer case is a massive upgrade over stateside 4Runners. It's been serviced with new fluid while we replaced the old, leaking front output shaft seal. It's quite easy to operate from inside the cabin, and is fully electronic. A locking center differential and low-range 4WD are the perfect complements to the turbo diesel, and these rigs are awfully tough to get stuck. The suspension is predictable and the steering is direct. New front inner and outer tie rods have been taken care of by one of our trained techs for some added peace of mind when behind the wheel. An alignment was done too, as you might expect. If you're planning to slow your forward momentum, the factory ABS brakes are on standby. New front pads and rotors have been installed, and she stops on a dime, for a midsize SUV that is. The factory steel wheels have been refinished to match the mirrors, and are all wrapped in new 31" Falkens at all four corners. The new rubber not only looks mean, but will last for tens of thousands of miles to come.

*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant 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.