Stock #6202

The Hilux Surf is a solid midsize SUV. Diesel power, steadfast reliability, and sharp styling made trucks like this 1997 a dream to own. Finished in a lovely Desert Dune Metallic (1A5) this SSR-G is set off by a sport hood, aggressive rear spoiler, spare tire swingarm, refinished Land Cruiser alloys, and some subtle rear privacy tint. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and loss of gloss, the paint is in good shape and this rig is fresh off a recent service. Boasting only 148k verified and documented miles, this baby is barely broken in and has tons of life left in it. Capable, collectible, and cool, this KZN185 would be a fantastic daily driver or sweet weekend cruiser. Japanese Classics like this one are too practical, fun, and affordable to ignore, and that's why the Hilux is our best-selling model!

The interior is spacious and in good shape overall. The 3rd generation Surf was the first to make dual front airbags standard in case you value safety. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading and is low lying, allowing for a clear view of the road ahead. Located by the map lights an OEM field monitor displays information on the outside conditions to the driver. The center stack is easy to reach and including the automatic climate control panel. Cold A/C and piping-hot heat are available on request and if you prefer more natural ventilation the rear hatch glass powers down into the tailgate to supply a light breeze. The seats are in above-average shape and lack any major rips, stains, or tears. The Moon Mist cloth is durable too, and the driver's seat even has an adjustable lumbar support. The middle row can 4-way recline, split fold, and even tumble forward to create a flat loading floor. Power windows, electric locks, and power mirrors all function making daily use more enjoyable. The headliner, door cards, and carpets have resisted major wear over the past quarter century, and are in good nick. That is not to say the cabin is perfect as we wanted to note a crack on the front armrest, and that the passenger power folding mirror function has given up the ghost, as has the head unit. Still, after 25 years of use, it's hard to complain about the condition of the cockpit and this rig was cared for in a life overseas for certain.

Based on our US 4Runners, these Surfs are inexpensive to service and upgrades are plentiful. The biggest difference between this unit and stateside models is the powerplant. One of the brand's most legendary designs, the 1KZ-TE is durable, powerful, and highly efficient. This one is fresh off an oil and filter service and churns to life care of two new 12v batteries. We are big on preventative maintenance, and as such, a new engine air filter and new fuel filter were installed as soon as it rolled into the shop. We also replaced the old leaky valve cover with a new one for good measure. The 3.0L is linked to a stout automatic gearbox that makes good use of the prodigious down-low torque this mill creates. The shifter plate had a slight leak that was addressed, and while we were in there we performed a fluid exchange for the gearbox. Power can be fed to the rear axles to maximize acceleration, and if the weather conditions deteriorate, 4WD can be engaged on the fly. If a beach trip is in order the Surf even has a low range and center locker for a bit of extra traction when you need it. Acceleration is impressive and the extra oomph from the intercooled models is nice to have, and the 3.0L runs lower exhaust gas temperatures than the non-intercooled version. Sustained highway cruising is effortless, and the Surf is peppy from stoplight-to-stoplight. The suspension is happy to handle the rigors of daily use and abuse, and we have given it a light refresh. New front and rear lower control arms were installed by one of our trained techs and we also replaced the rear upper control arms, too. Paired with new sway bar links, the ride quality is decent and this truck demonstrates predictable handling. The power steering is light and on-point and the platform has been freshly aligned. The ABS brakes reel this rig in from higher speeds without breaking a sweat, and grip is handled by four new 31" Falken tires mounted and balanced at each corner.

*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.