Stock #7217
Exterior Overview
In 1997 when this Hilux rolled off the line, times were different. SUVs were underpinned by a true ladder chassis, instead of the typical unibody construction we see on most sport utilities today. Toyota’s stable of trucks from this era were built to withstand harsh terrain and unseasonable weather, and believe us, this Surf is up to the task. Its sturdy 4WD system and frugal, powerful, and durable turbodiesel are a perfect pairing, and are beloved by enthusiasts and commuters alike. Fresh off a comprehensive service, this Desert Dune Metallic (1A5) colored rig is offered for sale with a mere 72k verified and documented miles on the clock. Set off by an OEM bash bar, factory spoiler, OEM spare tire swingarm, refinished OEM 16″ alloys, and a subtle set of OEM rainguards, this Terrific Toyota is classically handsome. Aside from a noted hood and left fender replacement in Japan, the body is in good shape overall aside from some normal age-related wear and tear. Reliable, determined, and inexpensive to operate, this one-owner Japanese Classic is our best selling model for all too many reasons!
Interior Overview
The cabin is in good shape and is decently equipped. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column and adjustable lumbar support. Power windows, power locks, and power mirrors all work in typical Toyota fashion. The center stack is close by and within arm’s reach and includes a touchscreen Pioneer head unit. It pipes in the tunes to supplement your commute, and above, is a simple to use automatic climate control system. It blows cold A/C and piping hot heat, so this surf can be enjoyed year round. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading and dual SRS airbags are standard. The seats are trimmed in a durable moon mist cloth. The material lacks any rips, stains, or tears. The rear row can split fold, 4 way recline, and can tumble forward to create a large cargo area. The door cards and headliner are in good shape and aside from some light carpet stains, it’s hard to critique the interior much at all.
Mechanical Overview
This body on frame SUV was overbuilt from the factory. The engine is legendary in its own right, the 1KZ-TE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L churns to life immediately with the twist of the key thanks to a new 12v battery. A new fuel filter and engine air filter were replaced as soon as it got onto our lift, and we also replaced the valve cover gasket with a new one, so that the oil level will remain full. The 1K creates tons of low-end grunt and is mated to a stout automatic gearbox. The transmission shifts without issue, and the driver can choose between RWD and 4WD on the fly. For off-road excursions, a low range and center locking differential can be utilized to maintain forward momentum. The Surf gets up to highway merging speeds with aplomb, and when you need to slow down, ABS is standard. The long wheelbase distributes road imperfections well, and the suspension was refreshed with new front lower control arms and front lower ball joints. Lastly, we mounted and balanced four brand new 31″ Falken tires. The new rubber looks mean, quells road noise, and will last for tens of thousands of miles to come courtesy of a fresh alignment with new inner and outer tie rods.
*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.
