Stock #6677
Exterior Overview
Durable, determined, and inexpensive to own, the Hilux Surf is our best-selling SUV. This example is a special truck, with its incredible turbodiesel engine and surefooted, center locked 4WD system. Finished in Toyota’s iconic Lunar Rock (6X3), this five-seater is set off by a stylish set of black OEM 16″ alloys, an aggressive OEM rear spoiler, spare tire swingarm, and some rear privacy tint. Aside from a few light imperfections, the paint is in good shape on this 1996 model, and our SSR-G is fresh off a recent service. Offered with only 112k verified and documented miles, this terrific Toyota has tons of life left in it. Ideal for families on the go and adventurous types, this midsize SUV would make for a wonderful year-round daily driver or cool campsite crawler. Safe, sporty, reliable, and useful, this Japanese Classic won’t break the bank and is a unique option in a sea of boring sports utilities.
Interior Overview
The cabin is in good shape and includes several factory upgrades, optional equipment, and aftermarket goodies. For instance, the new owners of this lovable Surf will be able to enjoy this upcoming summer with their functional power moonroof, which can tilt and retract for a blast of fresh air. There was also an audio upgrade in Japan, and jamming in this KZN185 is a blast with its Pioneer audio that sounds crisp and clear. Faux wood trim adds a bit of class to the cabin and is a factory option. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column and adjustable lumbar support to find the ideal driving position. The view of the road ahead is clear thanks to this rigs tall ride height, and an OEM Field Monitor is mounted next to the map lights and displays information about outside conditions to those behind sitting up front. Dual SRS airbags are standard equipment for this truck, and the dashboard lacks any cracking, fading, or distortion. Power locks, power windows, power mirrors, and electric rear glass all function, making daily use more enjoyable. If you happen to live in a seasonal climate, this Surf includes an automatic climate system. A new A/C compressor ensures the summer time is bearable and the heating system works like a charm, funneling piping hot heat through the vents. The Moon Mist upholstery is in above-average shape and lacks any major rips, stains, or tears. The door cards also feature this same material, tying everything together. The middle row can 4-way recline, split fold, and also tumble forward to create a flat loading floor. The headliner and carpets are in fine shape and have resisted major use and abuse over the years. Other neat features include a power rear under mirror. It drops down from the spoiler to provide a view of the rear bumper, ensuring you don’t have any pricey insurance claims to deal with when reversing into a cramped parking space! That’s not to say the cabin is perfect as we wanted to note the passenger mirror no longer power folds, some steering wheel wear that has been obscured by a cover, the tach is intermittently operable, and the pop-out audio screen is no longer legible. Still, at thirty years old, the cabin condition impresses, and we know this truck was clearly cared for in a life overseas.
Mechanical Overview
Under the skin, this truck is a beefy, body-on-frame unit. It can withstand loads of abuse and the same can be said for the legendary 1KZ-TE, providing propulsion. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L churns to life promptly, aided by two new 12V batteries that we installed when the vehcile arrived to us. It sounds great, and a new catback exhaust keeps the tone nice and mellow. Like all of our diesels, we installed a new fuel filter and replaced the soiled old air cleaner with a new one, which should work to maximize fuel economy. The 1K pulls hard as a horse to redline and gets moving in a jiffy. We had the ECU professionally rebuilt to bolster the powertrain, which is an expensive repair. It’s important to know the ECU repair work carries a lifetime transferrable warranty on it, too! We shored up the driveline by resealing the rear differential and performing a transmission fluid service. We also replaced the front CV axle seals to make sure all the power gets to the ground. For the best acceleration and fuel economy, the Surf can drive the rear wheels, but when the going gets tough, 4WD can be engaged on the fly. For sticky situations, a low-range and center locker can be utilized. The suspension can handle the rigors of daily use and abuse and feels predictable. New lower control arms bushings, front sway bar bushings, and new ball joints were installed, and we also rebuilt the power steering rack, which is a massive job in itself. New inner and outer tie rods were installed to make sure the alignment was easy to dial in, and this truck drives straight as an arrow. The ABS brakes do a wonderful job of slowing this SUV down, and grip is handled by four new 31″ Falken all-terrain tires. The new rubber looks mean, but also 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.
