1996 Hilux Surf SSR-X 3.0TD

Stock #6855

Toyota aced the design for the 3rd-generation Hilux Surf. It is the right size, incredibly dependable, and as capable as they come.

Exterior Overview

Toyota aced the design for the 3rd-generation Hilux Surf. It is the right size, incredibly dependable, and as capable as they come. This 1996 is also a top-tier performer, with its terrific turbodiesel powerplant. Fresh off a recent service, this turn-key 4×4 is offered with a mere 134k verified and documented miles on the clock. Finished in a classic Desert Dune Metallic (1A5), this handsome rig is adorned with OEM 16″ refinshed wheels, OEM rainguards, a factory spare tire swingarm, and an OEM bash bar. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scratches, the body is in good shape, and this Japanese Classic SUV would make for a competent year-round daily driver, cool campsite crawler, or bona fide beach cruiser for the summer. Efficient, affordable, and cool, these collectible trucks are aging like a fine wine.

Interior Overview

The cabin is ergonomic, spacious, and full of electric options that make daily use a fun affair. Toyota also added a healthy heap of safety features, like increased side impact bracing and dual SRS airbags as standard equipment. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading, with the center stack is close by and within arm’s reach. The driver and passenger can easily adjust the automatic climate system to dispense piping hot heat or cool air conditioning depending on your preference. Below, a fancy Pioneer headunit resides. Complete with an integrated backup camera and Bluetooth streaming integration, this package is a handy upgrade to have! Other power options include power windows, locks, power back glass, and electric mirrors. All these work in typical Toyota fashion. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column and manually adjustable lumbar support, which makes finding the ideal seating position seamless. Rear occupants can relax with 4-way reclining seat backs. Those can be set individually, and the seatbacks also split fold, and fold flat when additional cargo room is required. The door cards, upholstery, and headliner are in good nick overall and lack any major imperfections. Aside from some carpet stains in the cargo area that have been obscured by a rare OEM weatherproof boot mat and some scratches on the interior plastics, it’s hard to nitpick this cabin as it was clearly cared for in a previous life overseas. Even the owner’s manuals and some spare keys are included with the purchase!

Mechanical Overview

Under the skin, this body-on-frame beast is a real truck-based sports utility. Not a soft-roading tall sedan, the ladder chassis design harkens back to a forgotten era. As durable as the platform is, the engine is equally resilient. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L chugs to life courtesy of a new 12V battery. A new fuel filter and engine air filter work in unison to keep the 1KZ-TE running tip-top. One of our trained techs replaced the valve cover gasket, and we then performed a transmission fluid service to shore up the powertrain. The automatic gearbox shifts like a champ, and the driver can choose between motoring in 2WD or 4WD on the fly. For low-traction scenarios, a low range and center locking differential can be utilized. It gets up to highway merging speeds quickly and is around 50% more efficient than its gasoline-powered counterparts. ABS brakes are standard, and this rig has no issues slowing down when called upon. The power steering is light, and the system was fully refreshed when it was up on the lift. We rebuilt the rack and replaced the old, weary power steering pump with a rebuilt one. New rack bushings, inner and outer tie rods, and a system flush were performed. It tracks straight as an arrow thanks to a fresh alignment, and the suspension is predictable and can handle the rigors of daily use and abuse. Lastly we mounted and balanced four new 31″ Falken tires. Turn-key and ready to roll, this special Surf only needs a new owner.

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*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.