Mileage

139k miles

Odometer Certified by ATL

Body Color

Desert Dune Metallic (1A5)

Engine

1KZ-TE 3.0L TurboDiesel

Transmission

A/T

1996 KZN185 Surf SSR-G

SOLD

Mileage

139k miles

Odometer Certified by ATL

Body Color

Desert Dune Metallic (1A5)

Engine

1KZ-TE 3.0L TurboDiesel

Transmission

A/T

Stock #6525

Practical enough to be daily driven year round, this versatile KNZ185 is a Japanese Classic that can pull double duty on or off the beaten path!

Exterior Overview

We recondition and retail hundreds of JDM SUVs every year, but the Hilux Surf is our best moving product for a reason. The mechanicals are incredibly reliable and robust, and parts are easy to source, so they fly through the shop. They also strike a chord with our enthusiast client base, because these rigs perform well on tarmac, and are safe, durable, powerful, and highly efficient. This 1996 turbodiesel is fresh off a recent service, and is offered with only 139k verified and documented miles on the clock. Finished in a classic Desert Dune Metallic (1A5), this SSR-G is set off by 16″ D-Window steel wheels, a desirable OEM swingarm spare tire carrier, an aggressive OEM rear spoiler, OEM moonroof visor, OEM rainguards, and some menacing privacy tint. Aside from a few light scuffs, dings, and chips, the paint is in good shape and this is a five-seater you would be proud to show off at a beach BBQ or the local Cars & Coffee. Practical enough to be daily driven year round, this versatile KNZ185 is a Japanese Classic that can pull double duty on or off the beaten path!

1996 KZN185 Surf SSR-G
1996 KZN185 Surf SSR-G

Interior Overview

The cabin was cared for overseas and includes several OEM upgrades, too. For instance, this example includes a power rear under mirror, which drops down from the spoiler to provide a view of what’s behind the rear bumper. It also includes the power folding mirror option, which pulls the side mirrors inward after parking, making vehicle entry and exit more seamless. Additionally, an OEM Field Monitor displays the exterior temperature, barometric pressure, and direction of travel should you lose cell service. To monitor boost pressure a Greddy dial is dash mounted. For this redesign, more emphasis was put on safety for the third-generation Hilux Surf. The addition of ABS and dual SRS airbags as standard equipment should add some peace of mind for those who might have concerns compared to earlier models. More comfort was dialed in too, as the slate of interior materials became more premium. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and adjustable lumbar support to find the ideal driving position. Even those riding behind have four-way reclining seats, so they don’t feel left out. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading and the center stack is within arms reach. Automatic climate control pumps through piping hot heat or cold A/C depending on the weather outside. If you prefer more natural ventilation a power moonroof, electric windows, and power reach hatch glass all retract for improved airflow. Functional power locks make daily use more enjoyable and work in typical Toyota fashion. The Moon Mist cloth lacks any major rips, stains, or tears and the same can be said for the matching door card fabric. The carpets and headliner are in fine shape and an Alpine headunit upgrade supplies tunes to compliment your road trip.

1996 KZN185 Surf SSR-G
1996 KZN185 Surf SSR-G

Mechanical Overview

The simple and sturdy body on frame platform is a good reason why so many Surfs survive to this day. The same things can be said for the 1KZ-TE engine, which is a nearly bulletproof mill. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L springs to life care of two new 12v batteries. To ensure the driveline and electronics act in unison, we had the ECU professionally rebuilt. Even better, a transferrable lifetime warranty is included on the repaired components!  A new fuel filter was installed for good measure, and one of our trained techs replaced the valve cover gasket and half-moon seal so that the oil level remains full. We also replaced the crossover tube which had a hairline crack when the truck arrived Stateside. The four-banger is connected to a stout automatic gearbox. This unit makes good use of the prodigious low-end torque the 1KZ provides and it’s linked to a selectable transfercase. For the best MPG and straight line performance, RWD is the ticket , but when the going gets tough, this Surf has s some tricks up its sleeve. Not just equipped with a low range 4WD, it also was spec’d with a factory center locking differential. This spits the torque 50/50 front and rear to keep momentum moving forward. If you need to slow down in a jiffy, the ABS brakes do the trick. The suspension can handle the rigors of daily use and abuse. The revised multi-link rear pays dividends over the pavement and boasts tons of ground clearance. The front sway bar links were changed out for new ones and this rig has passed its Virginia state safety inspection with flying colors. The power steering is communicative and on point and grip is handled by four new 31″ Falken all-terrain tires. The new rubber looks mean, reduces road noise, and will last for tens of thousands of miles to come.

1996 KZN185 Surf SSR-G
1996 KZN185 Surf SSR-G

*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.