Stock #6442
Exterior Overview
Undeterred by rough terrain and bad weather conditions, this 1997 Hilux Surf is a top-tier year-round ready SUV. Finished in a menacing Toyota Black (204) this turbodiesel model is set off by an OEM bashbar, factory rainguards, OEM polished steel wheels, rear privacy tint, spare tire swingarm, and an attractive rear OEM spoiler. Chrome door handles, mirrors, and a chrome grill complete the aesthetic and add a splash of class. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scuffs the paint is in fine shape, and this center-locked beast is fresh off a recent service. Offered with a mere 98k verified and documented miles on the clock, this nearly bulletproof drivetrain has seen much less wear and tear than our high mileage domestic 4Runner models. Efficient, powerful, and capable, these Toyota’s are built for those who demand reliable performance. Tough as nails, this Hilux is a certified Japanese Classic that would be just as comfortable decimating some backwoods trails as it would be safely hauling the kiddies to school!
Interior Overview
The cabin is in good nick and was cared for overseas. The dashboard was covered by a protective carpet cover in Japan, and lacks any cracking or fading. Dual front SRS airbags are standard for those who may be safety conscious, as is ABS. The driver can find the ideal driving position thanks to a tilt-adjustable steering column and optional adjustable lumbar support. Cabin entry is seamless thanks to factory keyless entry, power-folding mirrors and electric locks make daily use enjoyable. The center stack includes upgraded audio in the form of a functional Mitsubishi head unit. Above the audio is a simple-to-use automatic climate control system. Cold A/C and piping hot heat can be plumbed through the cabin, and if you prefer more natural ventilation, the side windows and rear glass retract downward supplying the cabin with more airflow. The seats are in good shape and lack any major rips, stains, or tears. Rear occupants can enjoy 4-way reclinable seatbacks and the seat bottoms fold flat into the floor when a larger cargo area is required. The headliner, door cards, and carpet are in good shape, and aside from a broken rear cupholder and some slight distortion of the dash by the glovebox there is little to complain about. Even the OEM owner’s manuals and maintenance booklets are included with the purchase.
Mechanical Overview
Body-on-frame and built to last, this Surf is certainly no soft-roading tall sedan. It’s a real truck, and is powered by one of Toyota’s most legendary turbo diesels. The 1KZ-TE starts up promptly care of two new 12v batteries, and we have performed a fresh oil and filter service. Like all of our diesel-powered imports, we have installed a new fuel filter and replaced a cracked intake hose so that the 3.0L doesn’t skip a beat. The four-banger pulls hard to redline and produces gobs of low-end torque. Power is fed through an automatic gearbox, and the driver can choose between 2wd and 4wd on the fly. Acceleration is impressive and the Surf never struggles to get up to merging speeds and can handle 80mph sustained on the highway. For low traction scenarios an optional center locking differential can be engaged as can the low-range 4WD gearing. Slowing down is a stress-free affair and those living in snowy climates will love the fact ABS is standard. The front brakes were fully rehabbed with new pads, rotors, and calipers. We also addressed some suspension needs and improved the ride quality a fair amount. New rear shocks deliver a more premium road feel and we also replaced the inner and outer tie rods before we performed a fresh alignment. Tons of ground clearance is afforded to the driver for off-road escapades and the overall feel is predictable and connected for a SUV. The power steering is light, yet on point, and the rack was fully rebuilt by one of our trained techs. We also replaced the steering rack bushings and front sway bar links for good measure. The OEM polished steel 16″ wheels are wrapped in four brand new 31″ Falken tires. The new rubber looks mean, but most importantly will last for tens of thousands of miles to come, and reduces road noise noticeably. Turn-key and ready to rock, this super Surf 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.
