Stock #5765

With our stateside roads awash in tall sedans and soft-roading crossovers, this 1997 is an authentic Japanese Classic SUV. Powered by a durable and punchy intercooled turbo diesel, and underpinned by a gutty 4WD system with a locking center differential, this SSR-G Hilux is capable of taking you nearly anywhere! Finished in subtle yet classic Stellar Blue over Gray two-tone (8L7) this rig is set off by a set of gold JAOS Excel II alloy wheels, a facelift front bumper with OEM fog lights, OEM front rainguards, a 2" lift, and some subtle privacy tint. Toyota die-hards will certainly appreciate the condition of the factory spare tire carrier, where a matching JAOS alloy is conveniently mounted. The body and paint are in good nick overall, aside from some light scuffs, dings, and chips associated with normal use. We wanted to note that prior repairs in Japan include a replacement hood that includes the functional air scoop. Rocking a few performance and interior upgrades, this turn-key rig is fresh off a recent service, and boasts 180k verified and documented miles. For the diesel die-hards, they know this 1KZ-TE is a legendary engine, and barely broken in at this point! As a daily driver, weekend cruiser, or rough-and-tumble trail truck, this efficient, capable, and fun-to-drive Surf would be ideal.

The cabin is spacious, nicely equipped, and includes a number of standard safety features not found in the previous generation Hilux. Also improved was the upholstery. For 25 year old fabric, the light grey corduroy trimmings have held up well over the years, with no serious defects to note outside of some light age-related staining on the driver's bucket. The view of the road ahead is clear and commanding as this SUV rides far above traffic. The dash lacks any cracking or fading and standard dual SRS airbags are mounted atop it to give any passengers some much needed peace of mind. The centrally mounted automatic climate control system is intuitive to use and delivers piping-hot heat and chilled A/C upon request. Directly below is a touchscreen Clarion headunit, primed to pump tunes through the cabin, though radio frequencies are limited. Power windows, door locks, and power folding side mirrors make daily use enjoyable and the signature power rear window can rapidly unfurl at the push of a button to allow some natural ventilation to flow throughout the interior. Unfortunately the power moonroof has given up the ghost, but it still allows for some more natural lighting in the cabin. The driver also benefits from adjustable lumbar support and a tilt-adjustable steering column to find the optimal driving position. For those looking to use this as a utility vehicle, the middle row is able to be folded fully forward to accommodate some extra cargo space, and reclines as well for any passengers looking to catch some Z's on a road trip. Overall, the condition of this cabin should please even the most discerning truck enthusiast, and despite some wear on the tortoise trim there isn't much to complain about.

The driveline is dependable and capable, and it's one of the reasons these rigs have developed a cult following across the globe. The engine is an absolute gem, and this one boasts an intercooler for more power. It also happens to lower EGTs too, which is beneficial for those looking to rack up plenty of highway miles. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L springs to life care of two new 12v batteries. The four-banger sounds mean thanks to a one-off free-flowing catback. It breathes easier thanks to a new engine air filter and we also replaced the fuel filter while we were at it. To keep the dipstick reading full a new valve cover gasket was installed by one of our trained techs. The 1KZ idles with confidence and is mated to a slick-shifting automatic gearbox. To reduce the play in the shifter, new bushings were installed and the gearbox shifts smoothly up and down the gears. A selective transfer case allows the driver to choose between two and four-wheel drive, and even a center locker can be engaged when the going gets tough. To shore up the drivetrain a bit, a new front left axle was installed as well. The suspension offers plenty of ground clearance thanks to the lift, and new Bilstein rear shocks deliver on a premium ride. The steering is power-assisted and on point, and new steering rack bushings as well as new front inner and outer tie rods have been installed while it was up on the lift. The brakes were also refreshed with new pads up front, and the ABS system is key in cold weather climates. The tires are all wrapped in brand new Falken A/T rubber, in case of any freak snowfalls, you'll be covered with plenty of grip for the roads ahead!

*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.