Stock #5921
Stock #5921
This 1996 N185 Surf has a little bit of everything, including many desirable options we never got in the USA. Underpinned by a trusty turbodiesel drivetrain and dressed up with a few choice factory extras, this Stellar Blue (8L7) Hilux Surf is a definitive Japanese Classic rig. The exterior shows well for being 27 years young and the factory front brushguard spruces up the front fascia a bit against the two-tone bodywork. Save for some imperfections in the trim and some expected paint chips and dings throughout, the exterior is no worse for the wear and OEM rainguards, a factory rear spoiler, striking LED taillamps, and an optional OEM swingarm spare tire carrier do a lot to dress up the already handsome exterior. Fresh off a recent service and boasting a mere 174k verified and documented miles this one turns plenty of heads and is turn-key ready to rock. Durable, dependable, and lovable all year round this SSR-X Surf is a top-performing rig from coast to coast.
We champion these interiors for their utility, durability, and overall spot-on design. Easy to navigate without being too over the top, this Surf offers up all the power amenities you would need, with the added benefit of safety features like dual SRS airbags and ABS braking to keep your passengers safe and satisfied. Power windows, power mirrors, and power locks work like a charm, and the rear glass can slide up and down if you choose to funnel some extra ventilation to the cabin from the rear. The seats are trimmed in a durable patterned cloth with corduroy-esque accents. Soft to the touch, the material has withstood the last couple of decades in Japan without undergoing too much use or abuse, and the remaining upholstery shows well from the headliner to the carpet beneath. The center stack serves up a functional automatic climate control system that pipes out cold A/C or hot heat at a moment's notice. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column and some additional lumbar adjustment for some added comfort behind the wheel. The rear bench is versatile. Not only does it recline slightly for any road trip nappers, but it can also fold fully forward to extend the cargo area in the rear a bit. Overall, the condition of this cabin is above average and it's clear this Surf was cared for in a prior life. Even the Japanese owners' manuals are included in the sale!
Under the hood, the durable 1KZ-TE turbo diesel proves once again to be the best powerplant for this chassis, and our trained technicians have given this one a thorough once-over to certify this one for the road ahead. The 3.0 springs to life, care of a new 12v battery, and settles into a smooth idle. New serpentine belts keep things quiet and work to properly power the onboard electronics. A new engine air filter and fuel filter keep any unwanted contaminants from entering the diesel, and we performed a fresh oil and filter service to keep this one topped up with the necessary lubricant. With all the proper the maintenance performed, the 3.0L powers this rig up to highway speeds without issue, and the turbo provides a formidable grunt down low. Mated to a slick-shifting automatic transmission and a selective transfercase, there are plenty of options to propel you out of sticky situations, as 4WD low and a center locking differential can easily be engaged. All four wheels receive power with ease, and we've replaced the front right axle to ensure smooth operation for the road ahead. The suspension feels great, as we've replaced both sets of struts front and rear, and road imperfections are no challenge for this beast. We also replaced the front lower trailing arms and installed new steering rack bushings to get the handling in compliance. The brakes chomp down hard when called upon, and the new Falken A/T rubber does a swell job at keeping the power to the ground on all four corners.
*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.
