Stock #6411
Exterior Overview
Most modern sport utilities are overcomplicated, tall, soft-roading sedans masquerading under the SUV moniker. The new breed of “trucks” are really for tarmac use only, unlike this 1996 Hilux Surf. Built on a sturdy body-on-frame platform, this gutty turbo diesel model can traverse nearly any terrain, while being refined enough to be daily driven. Finished in a lovely Light Blue Metallic (8L6) this SSR-X is set off by OEM rainguards, a factory front brush guard, 16″ WEDS alloys, and a stylish OEM rear tire swingarm and rare OEM spare tire cover. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scuffs the paint is in good nick, and this trusty rig is fresh off a recent comprehensive service. Offered with only 145k verified and documented miles, this KZN185 is barely broken in. This safe, affordable, and performance-oriented Japanese Classic is a timeless design. It’s ideal as a weekend offroad playtoy, and versatile enough to be a daily-driven family hauler. Easy to service, and inexpensive to modify, you can’t really go wrong with a 3rd generation Hilux Surf!
Interior Overview
Mechanical Overview
This platform is beloved for so many reasons. It’s easy to work on, parts are inexpensive, and these rigs are as reliable as they come. Part of the reason is the 1KZ-TE engine that powers this truck. Simple, yet sturdy, the 3.0L is fresh off an oil and filter service. It churns to life care of a new 12v battery and like all of our diesels, we swapped out the old fuel filter for a new one. To ensure top tier power and fuel economy, a new air cleaner was installed. Recommended every four years, we exchanged the old coolant for new stuff, and the Hilux maintains proper thermal management. The 1K feels healthy as a horse and pulls strong to redline. The four-pot is linked to a stout automatic gearbox that shifts just as it should. It makes good use of the prodigious low-end grunt and this KZN185 accelerates impressively for a ute. The drivers can choose to send power to the rear axle alone or engage 4WD on the fly. For those who want to go out wheeling, this Surf includes a low range and the optional center locking differential. While the off-roading prowess certainly impresses, we realize most miles will be logged over pavement. That’s a good thing as the 3rd generation N185 platform includes a revised multilink rear suspension which rides loads better than its predecessor. It’s predictable, too, and one of our trained techs has installed new front shocks to keep it that way. We also replaced the outer and inner tie rods so we could perform a proper alignment. The steering rack is rebuilt, benefits from new boots and bushings, and the Toyota goes right where you point it. It slows down properly as well, thanks to standard ABS brakes. Grip is handled by four new 31″ Falken tires mounted and balanced at each corner. The new rubber not only looks mean, but reduces road noise, and 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.
