Stock#5837

By the late 1990s, Toyota had seemingly mastered SUV design and this 1997 Surf is a great example of one of the brand's best diesel models ever. Finished in Lunar Rock (6X3), this athletic five-seater is set off by bronze refinished factory alloys, a sporty rear spoiler, OEM spare tire swing arm, and subtle rear privacy tint. While not noted on the Japanese inspection sheet, this truck appears to have been involved in a front end collision. Regardless, this rig is in good shape, drives well, and is also fresh off a recent service. Racking up a scant 150k verified and documented miles over the years, this thing is barely broken in. This brawny and brutish SUV is capable and reliable, and built to be a Japanese Classic!

The cabin is logically laid out and spacious, too. The dash is in good shape and lacks any cracking or fading of note. Dual SRS airbags are standard for those riding up front, and the driver benefits from adjustable lumbar support and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading as can occur with these N185 models when exposed to the UV rays of the sun. Mounted by the map light, a neat factory field monitor displays outside direction travel, exterior temperature, and even the barometric pressure. The automatic climate controls are at arms reach. A new A/C compressor is handy to have this time of year and was replaced here in the shop. Piping hot heat and cold A/C can be set at a moment's notice and if you prefer more natural ventilation the side windows and rear window can be rolled down with the press of a button. The electric mirrors and locks work too, and make daily use more enjoyable. A large sunroof allows natural light to flow through the cabin making it feel much more spacious. Although it no longer powers back, it does seal from the elements and can be covered with a sunshade. The dark gray cloth lacks any major rips, stains, or tears. The front seats are supportive and the rear bench is accommodating. The seat bottoms can be pivoted forward, and the seatbacks folded into a flat loading floor to maximize this Surfs cargo capacity. That's not to say the cabin is perfect as we wanted to note some light carpet and headliner stains, that the head unit volume is nonoperational, and that the power folding function of the side mirrors has given up the ghost. On the positive side, the door cards and faux carbon trim are in good shape, and the rest of the cabin seems to have been well cared for in Japan. 

This body-on-frame bad boy is powered by the legendary 1KZ-TE turbodiesel. Mated to a stout automatic and a slick selective transfercase, these rigs can be put to the task year-round. Unlike lowly US 4Runners this one is equipped with the optional center locking differential, which off-road types know is a must have. Fast and efficient, these powerplants are ideal for a weekend on the trails, making quick work of a sandy beach, and happily blasting down the interstate. Fresh off an oil and filter service the 3.0L churns over care of two new 12v batteries we installed here in our shop. The cracked old crossover tube was replaced with a new OEM one, and we didn't stop there. A new engine air filter and fuel filter were sourced, and the weary old valve cover gasket was replaced with a new one. With the 1K running right as rain, we shifted our focus to the driveline. New shocks were installed to deliver a more premium ride. New front lower and upper control arms were replaced by one of our trained techs. The lower ball joints are a common failure point and were done along with the front axles. While we were in there we swapped in new wheel bearings up front and replaced the front inner and outer tie rods to improve the steering feel. The rear differential was rebuilt too, which should add some peace of mind for those looking to hit the road for an immediate trip. The ABS brakes feel reassured and the refined factory alloys are wrapped in massive brand-new 35" rubber which rides great save for some slight rubbing at full lock. The new tires match the rugged aesthetic and most importantly will provide tens of thousands of miles of grip to come. To complete the mechanical refresher, we had it aligned to ensure the tires wear properly and the rig drives straight as an arrow. 

*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.