Stock #7063
Exterior Overview
Long live the Surf, Toyota proclaimed, and four and a half decades later, this model soldiers on! This 1996 is a lovely truck, finished in a fresh coat of Aspen Silver (339). Set off by OEM rainguards, refinished 16″ bullethole wheels, and a prized OEM spare tire swingarm, the body is in good shape aside from some light imperfections. Powered by a potent yet frugal turbodiesel engine, this 98k verified and documented mile rig is barely broken in. Ready for wheeling and spacious enough to ferry the kids to soccer practice, this 4×4 would make for a fun daily driver or wicked weekend cruiser. A Japanese Classic to the core, this reliable, tough, and capable Hilux is turnkey and ready to rock.
Interior Overview
The cabin is simple, ergonomic, and in good nick. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading, and dual SRS airbags are standard equipment. Power windows, power locks, electric rear glass, and power mirrors all work in typical Toyota fashion, making daily use more enjoyable. Drivers of all sizes can find the ideal seating position courtesy of an adjustable steering column and adjustable lumbar support. The center stack is close by and within arm’s reach. A Panasonic radio is on hand to handle the tunes, and above it sits a simple-to-use automatic climate system. It pipes in cold A/C and piping hot heat, and if you prefer more natural ventilation, a large moonroof can tilt or retract open. The seats are in good shape and upholstered in a durable moonmist cloth. The rear seats 4-way recline, split fold, and tumble forward and fold flat, creating a larger cargo area. The headliner is in good shape, as are the door cards and carpet. All in all, it’s hard to critique the cabin, as it was clearly cared for during a life overseas.
Mechanical Overview
The body on frame underpinnings are tough as nails, and the same can be said for the powerplant. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 1KZ-TE churns to life promptly, courtesy of two new 12v batteries. A proper tune-up was in order, and so we installed a new engine air filter, new fuel filter, and a new set of accessory belts. The 1K creates gobs of low end grunt and is mated to a stout automatic gearbox. It shifts as it should, and the pilot can toggle between 2WD and 4WD on the fly. So that the power gets to the ground, new front CV clamps were installed, and this truck gets up to highway speeds without breaking a sweat. If you encounter any loose surfaces, a center locking differential and low range can be engaged to keep momentum trudging forward. To slow down, ABS is standard, and we have installed new front brake discs and pads to keep stopping distances short. The long wheelbase distributes road imperfections confidently, and one of our trained technicians has fully refreshed the suspension. New shocks were installed at each corner, and new front lower ball joints, front lower control arms, and front sway bar links were replaced. Out back, we took care of the rear upper and lower control arms and new rear sway bar end links. It rides like a dream now, and a fresh alignment ensures that the new 31″ Falken tires we mounted and balanced last as long as possible. The power steering is light and easy to articulate, and the ABS brakes do a swell job of slowing this SUV down. Determined, trustworthy, and safe, what’s not to like about this terrific Toyota!
*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.
