Mileage

84k miles

Odometer Certified by ATL

Body Color

One-Off Hyper Black

Engine

3.0TD 1KZ-TE I4

Transmission

A/T

1996 KZN185 Hilux Surf

SOLD

Mileage

84k miles

Odometer Certified by ATL

Body Color

One-Off Hyper Black

Engine

3.0TD 1KZ-TE I4

Transmission

A/T

Stock #6511

Rugged, dependable, and capable, this Surf boasts an astonishing 84k verified miles and is the real deal!

Exterior Overview

As our stateside roadways crowd with crossovers, mall crawlers, and electric soft-roaders, the Hilux Surf is a fantastic return to form. Rugged, dependable, and capable this 1996 is the real deal. Nearly identical to our stateside 4Runner, this 4×4 rig is equipped with one special option, the 1KZ-TE turbodiesel engine. Finished in a one-off Hyper Black, this beast is set off by a 2.5″ lift, an optional OEM spare tire carrier, WEDS Keeler alloys, and beefy Falken all-terrain rubber that’s brand new. The paint is in good shape aside from some light dings, chips, and scratches associated with normal use, and we did want to note a prior replacement of the front bumper in Japan. Still, this sleek and sinister-looking truck turns more than a couple of heads! Best of all, this Surf boasts an astonishing 84k verified miles, which is a tough find on any 25 year old SUV! For those with families, adventurous lifestyles, or for those with an appreciation for a torquey, efficient, and unique rig for year-round use, this Japanese Classic is it!

1996 KZN185 Hilux Surf
1996 KZN185 Hilux Surf

Interior Overview

The interior is spacious and nicely optioned too, boasting aftermarket leather seat covers for a premium feel throughout. The cowhides are clean, and free of any unwanted rips or tears. Also in good shape is the vinyl dash cover, which we’d consider to be in above average condition. Dual SRS airbags are mounted up front for some added peace of mind and the driver has a commanding view of the road ahead. For daily use, power mirrors, locks, and windows work like a charm. The center stack includes a functional Kenwood headunit and automatic climate control system. The A/C blows cold and the heat is on hand for the winter ahead. The headliner is clean and free of excessive wear or discoloration, and the carpets and door cards are in good shape to boot. On the positive side, the OEM optional rear curtains are included, and it’s tough to complain about the cabin otherwise.

1996 KZN185 Hilux Surf
1996 KZN185 Hilux Surf

Mechanical Overview

This body on frame KZN185 is a tough cookie, and can outlast its next owner with regular maintenance and TLC. The 1KZ-TE under the hood is surprisingly refined for a turbodiesel, and frugal on fuel for what it’s worth. One of our trained techs has given the engine a bit of a refresh care of a new valve cover gasket and oil and filter service. To help with cold weather startups, a new 12v battery was also chucked in for good measure. We also changed out the tired old serpentine belts with new ones. Mated to a slick-shifting automatic transmission, the driver has the ability to send power to the rear wheels or all four. We also flushed the gear oil to keep the transmission in good operation. To maintain its grip on loose surfaces the selective transfer case can be utilized for 4WD low, and for the nasty stuff, a center locker can be deployed. To keep the 4×4 system running tip-top, we replaced the front and rear output seal on the transfercase. She drives right as rain now and is every bit as good on the tarmac as she is off the beaten path. The lifted suspension rides like a cloud, and benefits from new Bilstein shocks in the rear, with new rear lower control arms and front swaybar links to keep the handling dialed. We also gave the power steering a full service. The steering rack was fully removed and rebuilt, and we installed new inner and outer tie rods, and rack bushings while we were in there. The ABS brakes bite hard, and new pads and rotors were installed up front. To complete the list of items in the shop we mounted and balanced four new Falken all-terrains, and gave the Surf a fresh alignment to make the most out of all the good recon, and get you where you need to go safely!

1996 KZN185 Hilux Surf
1996 KZN185 Hilux Surf

*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.