Stock#5425

The third-generation Hilux Surf is remarkably well-rounded. It does great on tarmac and is capable off the beaten path, with its selective 4WD. This 1996 also boasts a spacious cabin with a few upgrades, and a lot of power equipment. Finished in Stellar Blue over Gray (8L7) this SSR-V is adorned by a set of OEM rainguards, privacy tint, and new knobby all-terrain rubber. Aside from the normal dings, chips, and scuffs associated with normal use the body and paint are in good nick. The good news is that its beauty is more than skin deep, and this recently serviced Toyota utilizes the legendary 1KZ-TE for propulsion. For those in the market for a performance-oriented family five-seater SUV with the stones to handle a few trails too, this is your perfect Japanese Classic.

The cabin was well cared for in a prior life and even has a few upgrades to it. The Kenwood headunit upgrade jazzs up the cabin a bit and supplies some tunes if you've got a long trip ahead. The seats are trimmed in a soft light gray and blue cloth, and have held up well over the years showing no major rips, tears, or stains. The driver's front door card does show some light wear, but the others are free of major blemishes. We also wanted to note some light staining of the carpets. The view of the road ahead is clear and commanding. 1996 was the first year where you can find dual SRS airbags as a standard safety feature, a nice perk for a vehicle of this vintage. The analog gauges are simple to read at a quick glance so you can keep your attention on the road, or trail, ahead. Amenities include a factory keyless entry remote, power windows, power locks, and power mirror adjustments for driver comfort when you're behind the wheel. The climate controls are simple to use and blow cold A/C on demand as well as heat when you need it. You also have the option to open the sunroof to allow a fresh breeze and the rear window rolls down into the tailgate to accommodate a furry friend. Even the factory owners' manuals are still sitting in the glove box and we think the next owner will appreciate the condition of the cockpit!

The mechanicals are simple, sturdy, and straightforward. The engine is a brutish 3.0L that is fresh off an oil and filter service. We also replaced the old alternator with a new one, ensuring the batteries receive all the juice they need. Due to the fact the odometer is stuck at 199999 kilometers, we couldn't verify the mileage, but the 1KZ pulls hard to redline. The four-banger is connected to a slick-shifting automatic gearbox and selective 4WD. For the best efficiency the driver can select 2wd and when the going gets tough, 4WD can be engaged. For the worst traction scenario, low 4WD is on hand, too. Acceleration is better than most midsize SUVs and prolonged highway cruising can be done in comfort. The suspension can handle the rigors of daily use and abuse, and one of our trained techs has bolstered the driveline with a new right front inner and outer tie rod. The brakes are confident and the power steering is light but on point. Best of all the alloys are wrapped in new Falken all-terrain rubber, which can be put to use 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.