Stock #7129
Exterior Overview
To be clear, we are drinking the Hilux Surf Kool-Aid. These rigs fly through our shop with minimal reconditioning needed; they are uber reliable, capable, and easy to source parts for. This 1997 also happens to be a turbodiesel model, so it’s frugal on fuel yet still fun to drive with its prodigious low-end grunt. Finished in a fresh coat of Brooklyn Gray (C4P), this rig is set off by a set of stylish refinished OEM 16″ trispoke wheels, OEM rainguards, a factory spare tire swingarm, and a stylish rear spoiler. Aside from some minor imperfections, the body is in good shape, and this 4×4 is fresh off a comprehensive service. Offered with a mere 67k verified and documented miles on the clock, this terrific Toyota has tons of life left in it. Perfect as a year-round family hauler, wicked weekend play toy, and about everything in between, it’s fair to say this Japanese Classic is not one you’ll want to miss out on.
Interior Overview
The cabin is in good shape, comes well-equipped, and includes a few decent safety features. The driver benefits from adjustable lumbar support and a tilt-adjustable steering column to find the ideal seating position. Power mirrors, power locks, and electric rear and side glass all work in typical Toyota fashion, making daily use more enjoyable. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading, and dual SRS airbags are standard equipment. An optional OEM field monitor is located by the map lights and displays vital information about the outside conditions, should you lose cell service. The center stack is close by and easily accessible. The automatic climate control blasts cold A/C and piping-hot heat, so this Surf can be enjoyed year-round. Below, the OEM audio sounds great and pipes in the tunes to supplement the turbodiesel soundtrack. The moon mist gray seats are in good nick and lack any major rips, stains, or tears. The rear row has the ability to tumble forward and fold flat to create a massive cargo hold. The rear seats also happen to split fold, and 4-way recline for optimal rear seat comfort. The headliner, door cards, and carpets have resisted major wear and tear over the years. Aside from the power folding function of the side mirrors giving up the ghost, it’s remarkable how clean this cabin is, and it was clearly cared for overseas in a prior life.
Mechanical Overview
The body on frame platform is a robust one, and the same can be said for the 1KZ-TE engine. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L churns to life courtesy of two new 12v batteries. A proper tune-up was in order, and so we slapped on some new accessory belts and replaced the engine air filter and fuel filter with new units. We didn’t stop there, as one of our trained techs replaced the leaky old valve cover gasket with a new one so that the oil level stays full. There was also a crack on the intake crossover tube, so that was fixed while we were in there. So that the four-banger would stay on top of thermal management, we replaced the radiator cap and performed a coolant flush, which won’t be required for another four years. The 1K pulls hard as a horse to redline and creates gobs of low-end grunt. Power is fed through a stout automatic gearbox that shifts just as it should. The selectable transfercase allows the pilot to choose between 2WD and 4WD on the fly. For off-road excursions, a low range and center locker can be deployed to keep momentum moving forward. The long wheelbase distributes road imperfections nicely, and the suspension is predictable and connected for a truck. New front lower control arms and new front lower ball joints were added prior to this SUV passing its VA state safety inspection. We also rehabbed the power steering system. The rack was rebuilt, new inner and outer tie rods were swapped in, and new boots and bushings were added. The fluid was flushed out for good measure. We then aligned this Surf so it tracks straight as an arrow. The ABS brakes feel confident, and grip comes from four brand new 31″ Falken tires we mounted and balanced here in the shop. Turn key and ready to rock, this attractive, trustworthy, and fun to drive Hilux leaves little to be desired.
*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.
