Body Color

Desert Dune Metallic (1A5)

Engine

3.4l 5VZ-FE V6

Transmission

A/T

1996 VZN185 Hilux Surf

Available for: $15,995

Body Color

Desert Dune Metallic (1A5)

Engine

3.4l 5VZ-FE V6

Transmission

A/T

Stock #6534

Ideal for a postal route, off-road expedition, or simply going about your day-to-day in a clean hauler, this rig does it all and does it dependably

Exterior Overview

Toyota built their reputation on creating strong, durable vehicles, with foolproof drivetrains likely to outlive their owners. This 1996 Hilux Surf SSR-G is no exception, and is about as close to a USDM 4Runner as you can get without switching the steering wheel back to the left! It has much more to offer, however, as the 133k verified and documented miles on the clock are seldom seen in our used car market here domestically, and the cosmetics are in above-average shape to boot. Finished in Desert Dune Metallic (1A5) and set off by gloss black lower body cladding, an optional OEM front bug deflector, factory rainguards, an OEM spare tire swingarm, an optional rear spoiler, and refinished 16″ factory alloys. The exterior is in good shape save for some minor swirls, dings, and fading. Ideal for a postal route, off-road expedition, or simply going about your day-to-day in a clean hauler, this rig does it all and does it dependably, thanks to the trusty 3.4l V6 under the hood. The Surf is a best seller here, and one of the easiest Japanese Classics to own, and it doesn’t take a whole lot to find out why!
1996 VZN185 Hilux Surf
1996 VZN185 Hilux Surf

Interior Overview

Hop in any 25-year-old 4Runner in the USA and the interior will likely look well loved, to put it kindly. In Japan, these trucks are cherished. That typically translates to the condition of the cabin, where this Moon Mist cloth has resisted any unwanted rips, stains, or tears. This SSR-G also boasts plenty of upgrades we never got domestically. The vinyl dash cover is also in good shape, with no UV fading, or cracking, although there is some minor distortion above the glovebox. Both driver and passenger benefit from dual SRS airbags up front, and a full slate of power amenities to make daily commuting a breeze. Power windows work like a charm, as do the locks and power side mirrors. An automatic climate control system cycles through cold A/C and hot heat on command, and an adjacent Pioneer audio system serves up textbook early aughts nostalgia and is fully functional. The rear seats are in good shape and can be folded flat to expand the cargo hold in the rear, and if needed, a factory toolkit can be retrieved from under the bench. A factory field monitor is a nifty gadget that displays more info about outside conditions if you venture off the grid. Forward-thinking for the 90’s, a power convex mirror can also unfurl from the rear wing, and acts as a primitive backup camera. The headliner is tight and tidy, as are the carpets beneath. If we were to pick apart anything, it’s worth noting the left side mirror no longer electronically folds, there’s some steering wheel wear, and the antenna motor has given up the ghost. Other than that, this interior should satisfy almost any enthusiast!
1996 VZN185 Hilux Surf
1996 VZN185 Hilux Surf

Mechanical Overview

The 3.4L V6 under the hood is a favorite amongst Toyota enthusiasts, and with ample power, decent fuel economy, and an abundance of affordable parts available, it’s easy to see why these six cylinders regularly crest the 400,000 mile mark. Ours is fresh off a recent service so you can get there too, and we started by dropping in a new 12v battery to aid ignition. From there, we changed out the intake air filter and fuel filter to rid the 5VZ-FE of unwanted contaminants, and we installed a new PCV valve. For a 25 year old truck, it runs right as rain, however, we wanted to note a minor seep from the oil pan and driver’s side cam plug, which may need to be addressed in a few years. Still, this Surf is primed and ready for daily driving and passed its state safety inspection with flying colors. The V6 is mated to a smooth shifting automatic, which throws power rearward, or through a selective transfer case if the going gets rough. An optional center-locking differential pays dividends off tarmac, and is ideal if you traverse up a rocky trail. We rehabbed the drivetrain with new shock bushings in the rear, and swaybar links up front. The most important piece of preventative maintenance, the steering rack was freshly rebuilt with new seals, and we threw in new rack bushings, inner and outer tie rods, and bellow boots before it went back in the truck. The ABS system benefits from a fresh brake fluid flush, and we freshly aligned the truck after installing fresh Falken A/T rubber on all four corners. Knee deep in tread, quiet, and able to take you just about anywhere, they’re the perfect mate for the 3rd gen platform and look dang good too!

1996 VZN185 Hilux Surf
1996 VZN185 Hilux Surf

*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.