Stock #6830
Exterior Overview
The Surf model was a home run after Toyota completed a full redesign smack dab in the middle of the 90s. Safer, more capable, and reinforced by the brand’s commitment to quality, these rigs are still hot commodities 30 years after rolling off the assembly line. This 1996 is a handsome truck, with its Desert Dune (1A5) over one-off Sunset Copper two-tone. It is set off by an OEM spare tire swingarm, rare hardshell spare tire cover, stylish rear spoiler, OEM rainguards, and 17″ aftermarket wheels. Aside from a few light dings, chips, scuffs, and wear to the OEM vinyl decals, the body is in good shape, and this 4WD truck is fresh off a recent service. Boasting a mere 98k verified and documented miles on the lock, this reliable and safe hauler is barely broken in. Easy to service, and ideal for year-round use, these terrific Toyotas make for fun family haulers and cool campsite cruisers. Tough, collectible, and cool, this Japanese Classic has some serious staying power!
Interior Overview
The cabin is in good shape and includes a few factory upgrades. Dual SRS airbags are standard, and the dashboard lacks any cracking or fading. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column and adjustable lumbar support. The automatic climate control system is simple to use and blasts piping hot heat or cold A/C through the cabin depending on your preference. If you prefer natural ventilation, a large power moonroof unfurls, and the rear glass and side windows are electric. Power locks and power mirrors are also on hand and work as they should, in typical Toyota fashion. Below, a Pioneer radio upgrade fills the cabin with tunes and looks a bit more modern. The Moon Mist upholstery is in fine shape and lacks any major rips, stains, or tears. The middle row split folds and tumbles forward to create a flat loading floor when you have a lot of cargo to haul. The headliner is in good shape, as are the door cards, and aside from a few light carpet stains, it’s hard to nitpick the cabin overall.
Mechanical Overview
This body-on-frame SUV is one tough cookie. It can withstand loads of abuse, and the same can be said for the engine under the hood. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3RZ-FE springs to life courtesy of a new 12V battery. So that the oil level stays full, one of our trained techs replaced the weary old valve cover gasket with a new one and resealed the half moon seals. To ensure that it runs tip top, we replaced the engine air filter, fuel filter, and chucked in a set of spark plugs. Thermal management is handled by a new water pump, radiator, and thermostat, too. A bath of new coolant should be good for another four years to come, as well. The ignition system was refreshed with a new cap and rotor button. The 2.7L is linked to a stout automatic gearbox. It shifts as it should and is geared nicely for interstate usage. The selectable transfercase allows the pilot to switch between 2WD and 4WD on the fly. For snowstorms, muddied trails, and beach days, a low range can also be engaged to maximize traction. To slow down, ABS is standard, and we have performed a brake fluid flush to improve the pedal feel. The suspension was given a heavy update while up on the lift, and it rides impressively well for a Surf. New shocks were replaced at each corner, and we also replaced the front lower ball joints and control arms. The rear upper and lower arms were also swapped out with new units. Freshly aligned, this rig drives straight as an arrow thanks to a fresh alignment. The power steering is light and easy to articulate. The rack was rebuilt, and new inner and outer tie rods, new rack bushings, and new boots were installed as part of the repair. Lastly, we wrapped the 17″ wheels in new 31″ Falken rubber. The new tires look mean, quell road noise, and will last for tens of thousands of miles to come. Turn key and ready to roll, this Surf has a clean bill of health, and can hit the road for an immediate camping trip!
*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.
