STOCK #5524

The 4Runner is well into its fifth generation and sales are strong as ever. It turns out that if you design an SUV to be ultra-reliable, capable, and easy to service you can create quite the following. Borrowing from Toyota's currently incredible slate of colors, this 1996 has been repainted in a fresh coat of Lunar Rock (6X3). Set off by a set of black powder coated OEM alloys, the optional front valance, and chrome rear tail light garnishes, this turbodiesel rig turns plenty of heads and has a decidedly more modern aesthetic than a run-of-the-mill Hilux. Fresh off a recent service, this five-seater is offered with a mere 134k verified and documented miles. Safe, spacious, and surprisingly sporty it's easy to understand why these have a cult-like following. For someone who needs practicality, efficiency, and year-round usability, this special Surf can be your Japanese Classic today!

The cabin is roomy and accommodating, including a few upgraded options and accessories. The view of the road is clear and commanding, as the driver sits far above traffic. There is some dash distortion located on the driver's side by the lower base of the windscreen, but it really isn't noticeable from behind the wheel. On the positive side, there are no cracks, and it also includes standard dual SRS airbags. Front and center is a functional automatic climate control system with cold A/C and Kenwood headunit. The driver also benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column, manual lumbar support, electric windows, locks, and side mirrors. Even the glass in the hatch powers down for extra ventilation! If that wasn't enough of a breeze the OEM sunroof tilts and retracts as well. One of our favorite features is the rear power under-mirror. With the press of a button, the driver could unfurl a small backup mirror from the rear spoiler to see the vehicle directly behind it. Aside from a small tear on the driver-side seat bottom, the gray corduroy style upholstery is in good shape. The seats are comfortable on long hauls and the middle row can be folded forward so you can maximize the cargo area. That's not to say the cabin is perfect, as one of the center climate vents is loose, the field monitor screen is blurry, and only the passenger side mirror can still be power folded. And while those items are a bit nitpicky, the headliner and carpets are in fine shape, and the OEM mats, maintenance booklet, owners manuals, and even a spare key are included in the sale.

The Japanese Hilux Surfs boasted some huge powertrain advantages over the US models. Starting with the legendary 1KZ-TE, which powers this beast. The 3.0L is fresh off an oil and filter service and starts up promptly with the twist of the key. Two new 12v batteries, a new fuel filter, and a set of brand new glow plugs have been installed to keep this four-banger churning over, even in the dead of winter. To keep those new Super Start's charged, one of our trained techs has installed a new alternator and taken care of replacing the old accessory belts with new ones. Thanks to this recent service work the N185 runs like a champ! The turbodiesel is mated to a slick-shifting automatic gearbox. The midsize SUV gets up to highway speeds with some gusto, and is peppy around town. For the more adventurous types, the 4WD system has some tricks up its sleeve. A center locker, which mind you wasn't even offered in the states, can be engaged at a moment's notice. If you really get this thing stuck somewhere you can also utilize the 4WD-low gear set. To shore up the driveline even more, we installed a new left axle while on the lift. The suspension is stable, predictable, and has plenty of ground clearance. It takes large potholes with confidence and is stable at freeway speeds. The brakes have been serviced too, and new front brake pads and rotors were done while the truck was up on our lift. Lastly, we replaced all the tires, including the spare, with 31" Falken all-terrains. These meaty units not only look tough but 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.