1997 Toyota Surf 3.0TD

SOLD

Stock #5981

Stock #5981The 3rd generation Hilux Surf is our most popular body on frame vehicle and with examples like this Purple Haze (A24) 1997 N185 sitting pretty on our lot it's easy to see why. Extraordinarily capable, easy to pilot, and good on fuel, these turbodiesel Surfs are certified winners and definitive Japanese Classics. Set off by OEM rainguards, privacy tint, a sought after rear tire carrier, and sleek polished OEM steelies the exterior has a lot to write home about and with only 68k verified/documented miles on the clock, it's easy to feel good about the purchase as well. Some minor paint defects are present along the body and we did want to note a prior replacement of the right rear door in Japan, but that does little to take away from this low mileage rig's appeal. No matter which way you spin it, this Hilux Surf is one model that's here to stay.A true strong point of the Surf's appeal, the interior is amenity-rich, plenty comfortable, and admittedly a safe place to be for all who occupy it. That's mostly thanks to helpful features like dual front SRS airbags, ABS, and reinforced body panels and the condition of the upholstery should give you some peace of mind that this one was well cared for in a prior life. Outside of some minor staining the corduroy-esque material shows well and the headliner, door cards, and sweeping vinyl dash show well to boot. Positioned conveniently in the center stack, automatic climate control operates without a hitch and an adjacent Kenwood audio system pumps out tunes on command if you have CD's, cassettes, or Mini Discs handy. Power windows, power mirrors, and power locks work as advertised, and if you prefer a completely open air driving experience you can unfurl the rear glass and moonroof to allow your passengers and furry friends plenty of natural ventilation. A factory field monitor displays outside conditions at will and is mounted conveniently at the top of the windscreen. The driver benefits from a tilt adjustable steering column, and the lumbar adjustment can be dialed in manually for added comfort behind the wheel. Additionally, your rear passengers can capitalize on comfort by reclining the rear bench, a feature our stateside 4Runners never got. Overall, it's hard to complain about this cabin, especially in this condition.From the three engine options available, the 1KZ-TE under the bonnet is a fan favorite amongst enthusiasts for being a stout, efficient, and surprisingly potent mill. Ours is fresh off a recent service by our trained technicians and cranks over swiftly with the twist of a key and a new 12v battery. After an oil and filter service she settles into a smooth, reserved idle, and a new fuel filter keeps any unwanted contaminants from working their way through the diesel. This terrific truck shoots right up to highway speeds, and the turbo delivers a significant grunt down low to help propel you off the line. For off-road junkies, an optional center locking differential is available to propel you out of adverse road conditions, and we've replaced the output seal on the front of the transfercase and the right rear axle seal to shore up the drivetrain. The revised multilink suspension pays dividends in way of handling and comfort behind the wheel, new brake drums and shoes on the rear allow you to stop on a dime, and we've wrapped the factory chrome steelies in fresh Falken rubber, sure to return their investment on or off the beaten path!*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.