Stock #7231
Exterior Overview
The Hilux Surf appeals to all. The styling, ease of service, reliability, and price point are all strong suits of this legendary model. Turbo diesel models, like this 1996, are also frugal on fuel and a blast to drive. Finished in a lovely Dark Green Mica over Silver (751), this SUV is adorned with a set of Bridgestone Berg CV645 wheels, an OEM spoiler, OEM rainguards, a factory bash bar, and functional oversized OEM amber fog lamps. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scuffs, the paint is in fine shape, and this 4×4 is fresh off a recent service. Offered with only 78k verified and documented miles on the clock, this baby is barely broken in. Useful, collectible, and capable, this Japanese Classic is our best selling model. Ready to be daily driven, this truck can pull double duty on the trails or out at the beach. Safe for families and aggressive enough to please a demanding off-road enthusiast, we feel the Surf can do no wrong, and this one can be yours today!
Interior Overview
The cabin is simple, spacious, and ergonomic. Pilots of all sizes can find the ideal seating position courtesy of a tilt-adjustable steering column and adjustable lumbar support. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading, and dual SRS airbags are standard equipment. Power mirrors, power locks, and power windows all work as they should, making daily use more enjoyable. Even the rear window can power down to improve cabin ventilation. The center stack is easily accessible and features a simple OEM audio system. It sounds clear and crisp, and the climate system above works as it should. Cold AC and piping hot heat are available so that this Surf can be enjoyed year round. The seats are trimmed in a durable Moonmist gray colored cloth. They lack any major rips, stains, or tears, and aside from a tiny hole in the driver-side seat bottom, they seem to be well cared for. Rear occupants benefit from a 4-way reclining rear seat back. The rear bench also split-folds and tumbles forward to create a flat loading floor. Aside from some light staining on the headliner and carpets, there is little to nitpick, and the door cards are in fine shape, too.
Mechanical Overview
The rough and tumble body-on-frame platform is built to withstand rough terrain and treacherous environments. The same can be said for the powerplant, the 1KZ-TE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L churns to life courtesy of a new 12v battery. A proper tune up was in order, and we replaced the fuel filter, engine air filter, and the accessory belts as soon as it got onto the lift. To ensure the oil level remains full, one of our trained technicians replaced the weary old valve cover gasket with a new one. So that the Surf can handle the diesel’s thermal load, a new thermostat was installed, and a coolant exchange was taken care of, too. The 1KZ feels strong as an ox and is connected to a stout automatic gearbox. It makes good use of this engine’s low-end grunt and shifts as it should. The pilot can choose between 2WD and 4WD on the fly. When mud, sand, or snow are present, a low range 4WD setting and center locking differential can be utilized. This Hilux gets moving in a jiffy and is a comfortable highway cruiser with its long wheelbase. We have completely refurbished the suspension to deliver a premium feel. New front and rear shocks were installed to improve the ride quality. We also replaced the front lower control arms and front lower ball joints. The rear upper and lower control arms were swapped out for new ones, and we also replaced the rear panhard bar as the bushings were showing some wear. The power steering system was refreshed too, which is an expensive and difficult service. The steering rack was rebuilt, new fluid was flushed in, and new bushings and boots were installed. We performed an alignment and replaced the inner and outer tie rods at the same time with new ones, so future adjustments would be made seamlessly. For the VA state safety inspection, we installed new front sway bar links and bushings and then mounted and balanced four brand new 31″ Falken tires. This truck tracks straight as an arrow, and the new rubber will last for tens of thousands of miles to come. With a clean frame, wonderful mechanicals, and great interior options, it’s hard not to fall in love with this sweet SSR-X.
*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.
