Stock #6730
Exterior Overview
Coming up on our fifth year of the Hilux Surf being our best selling model, it’s safe to say that their popularity is far from a fad. It’s easy to see why we sell so many, as the condition, mileage, and equipment offered on this Japanese-market 1996 far surpasses anything available on stateside 4Runners. Turbodiesel equipped and ready to tackle US tarmac, this Surf shows well in Desert Dune Metallic (1A5), and is set off by a swing-out factory spare tire carrier, an OEM spoiler, and OEM rainguards. Above-average in condition, this SSR-X has amassed only a few rock chips, dings, and spots of paint fade from daily use, and the 98k miles on the clock are far and above what our US examples typically tally. Durable, stylish, and capable, these 3rd gens are commonly used as daily commuters or weekend road trip warriors, and the tenacious turbodiesel allows them to decimate off the beaten path. One twist of the key and it’s easy to see, this Surf is a Japanese Classic through and through!
Interior Overview
The interior design is timeless, plain and simple. Fashioned in an attractive moon-mist gray, Toyota utilized premium materials and packed this cabin full of functional and useful power amenities to boot. The seats serve up flecks of color to break up the cabin, and corduroy accents on the bolsters to coddle you. Save for some minor bolster wear, they show well for being almost 30 years old. The dash is stylish too, resisting any UV fading, distortion, and cracking that typically plagues vinyl of this vintage. It houses dual SRS airbags up front to keep things safe, and coupled with ABS, this is one of the safest platforms you can purchase here! The center stack is well designed. Digital automatic climate control is centrally mounted, and serves up cold automatic air conditioning and hot heat no matter what the season. Adjacent to the HVAC, OEM audio works like a charm to boot. For fans of natural ventilation, there’s a sizable power moonroof, and power windows are operable on all four corners. The rear glass even drops down, which is ideal if you’re hauling around a few pets in the back. For your rearmost passengers, the seat backs can recline slightly, and the bench can fold flat if you need to expand the cargo hold. Power locks and power mirrors assist daily use, and an optional factory field monitor displays information about outside conditions and your direction of travel. The remaining materials are in good shape, from the matching door card inserts, to the headliner and carpet, which has been protected by some snazzy factory mats. We even held on to the original owner’s manual to preserve the history of this darling Surf!
Mechanical Overview
Under the skin, this platform is the same as the 4Runner, so parts and service options are straightforward and seamless. Enthusiasts love the big four-banger diesel, and this 1KZ-TE is fresh off an oil and filter service. A new 12v battery aids ignition and we also replaced the engine air filter and fuel filter. A new valve cover gasket was installed to shore up any leaks, and we replaced the half moon seals for good measure. We changed the serpentine belts with new units, and a coolant flush was performed to keep the turbodiesel running tip-top. The 3.0L is linked to a smooth-shifting automatic transmission that works well with the 1K’s powerband. For maximum efficiency, the transfer case has a 2WD setting. 4WD can be engaged on the fly when you encounter loose surfaces, or if you need to trudge up a mountain. Acceleration is impressive for an SUV and sustained highway driving is effortless. We addressed a leaking power steering rack by fully rebuilding the unit. Not only did we change the seals, but new inner and outer tie rods and bellow boots were addressed. While it was up on the lift we refreshed the brakes with new front pads and rotors. The ABS system feels confident, and grip comes from new 31″ Falken all-terrain tires mounted and balanced at all four corners. For an SUV, this platform is fun, responsive, and enjoyable overall! Perhaps that’s why the Hilux Surf is our best-selling model.
*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.
