Body Color

Desert Dune Metallic (1A5)

Engine

3RZ-FE 2.7L Gasoline

Transmission

A/T

1997 Hilux Surf SSR-X RZN185

SOLD

Body Color

Desert Dune Metallic (1A5)

Engine

3RZ-FE 2.7L Gasoline

Transmission

A/T

Stock #6634

The best-selling platform on our lot is the 3rd generation Hilux Surf. These Toyotas are highly capable, easy to service, handsome, and durable. With room for five, this Japanese Classic 4x4 is a turnkey solution for those with families and active lifestyles.

Exterior Overview

The best-selling platform on our lot is the 3rd generation Hilux Surf. These Toyotas are highly capable, easy to service, handsome, and durable. With room for five, this Japanese Classic 4×4 is a turnkey solution for those with families and active lifestyles. Fresh off a recent service, this Desert Dune Metallic (1A5) SSR-X model is offered with a mere 90k verified and documented miles on the clock. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scuffs the paint is in good shape, and this rig is adorned by a stylish OEM rear spare tire swingarm, OEM rainguards, a factory bash bar, refinished 16″ 4Runner alloys, and some aggressive privacy tint. Safe, spacious, and stylish, this truck does it all! Fun to drive and affordable to purchase, this terrific Toyota is a beast!

1997 Hilux Surf SSR-X RZN185
1997 Hilux Surf SSR-X RZN185

Interior Overview

The interior is in above-average shape and was clearly cared for in Japan. The driver can find the ideal driving position thanks to a tilt-adjustable steering column and adjustable lumbar support. Power windows, power locks, power mirrors, and power back glass all work in typical Toyota fashion, making daily use more enjoyable. An Addzest stereo pumps in the tunes and makes the daily commute feel a bit quicker. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading, and dual SRS front airbags and ABS are standard for those that prioritize safety. The center stack features a simple-to-use auto climate control system that can blast cold A/C or pipe in heat upon request. The moon mist colored upholstery lacks any major rips, stains, or tears. The same material is found in the door cards which are in good nick. The rear row split-folds, 4-way reclines and can fold flat to create a flat loading floor. The headliner, door cards, and carpets have also withstood the past quarter century and remain in excellent shape. The cargo area lacks any major abuse, and as a whole, there is little to nitpick about the cockpit!

1997 Hilux Surf SSR-X RZN185
1997 Hilux Surf SSR-X RZN185

Mechanical Overview

The body-on-frame platform is robust, as is the 3RZ-FE gasoline engine. Sold here Sateside, these 2.7L engines lack a timing belt and are easy to source parts for. The four-banger churns to life care of a new 12v battery and is fresh off an oil and filter service. It sounds decent, too, as we replaced the old catback exhaust with a new unit! Additionally new spark plugs, wires, and a new distributor cap and rotor ensure the powerplant pulls hard to redline and feels smooth. One of our trained techs fixed a few pesky oil leaks by resealing the oil pump cover and oil pump gasket. We didn’t stop there and replaced the rear main seal and distributor O-ring, too. To extract all the power out of the 3RZ, we installed a new engine air filter and four new spark plugs. The 3RZ pulls hard to redline and is linked to a stout automatic gearbox. For top tier fuel economy the pilot can motor in RWD, but when sand, sleet, or snow present themselves, this Surf has a trick up its sleeve. The selectable transfer case can be switched over to 4WD on the fly, and a low range can also be engaged to keep the momentum trudging forward. The suspension is connected and predictable and offers loads of ground clearance. For state inspection, we replaced the front sway bar links. We also rehabbed the power steering. The rack was fully rebuilt, and we also replaced the inner and outer tie rods before aligning this RZN185. The ABS brakes stop this rig quickly, and this Surf benefits from new front brake pads and rotors. Grip is handled by four new all-terrain tires. The fresh alignment will prolong tire life, and the new all terrains will last for tens of thousands of miles to come. Turn key and ready to rock, this SUV would be a wonderful daily driver, cool campsite companion, or fun family hauler!

1997 Hilux Surf SSR-X RZN185
1997 Hilux Surf SSR-X RZN185

*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.