Stock #6409
Exterior Overview
Toyota knows how to make a tough truck that can be daily driven comfortably, and put to the test off the beaten path when needed, so it should come as no surprise we drive our 4Runners into the ground here in the states. In Japan, SUV’s are a luxury, so models like this 1999 Hilux Surf avoid excessive mileage, wear and tear on the frame, and damage to the interior. It also has an intercooled diesel drivetrain, which is worth its weight in gold to any enthusiast in the know. Sitting pretty with 121k miles on the clock and Black (204) paint, the cosmetics are in good shape, and the exterior is set off by an OEM sport hood, factory rainguards, and OEM polished bumpers. Save for a few paint imperfections, and a prior replacement of the factory hood in Japan, the aesthetic is rugged yet clean and should please most enthusiasts. Fresh off a timing belt and water pump service, this special rig is turn key and ready to rock. This is a truck that gets everything right and checks all the boxes for a new rig. Why wouldn’t we deem it a Japanese Classic?
Interior Overview
The cabin is spacious and nicely equipped. The cabin is also a bit safer than the prior generation and front occupants benefit from dual SRS front airbags. The driver has decent outward visibility thanks to this truck’s tall ride height, an adjustable steering column, and adjustable lumbar support to find the optimal driving position. Power windows, door locks, and electric folding mirrors are all standard and work like a charm. A period-correct Panasonic headunit matches the interior aesthetic and is mounted adjacent to a digital automatic climate control system. The latter of which is on standby ready to blast both cold A/C or piping hot heat through the cabin. If you are a fan of more natural ventilation, the rear glass powers down and also provides easy access to the rear cargo hold. The blue tiger upholstery is in above-average shape and lacks any major rips, stains, or tears. The rear bench reclines 4 ways unlike the lowly US 4Runners, and can also fold down flat to create a sizable cargo area. The headliner, door cards, and carpets have all withstood the past 25 years without sustaining major abuse, and it’s clear to see this car was cared for in a prior life overseas. That’s not to say the cabin is perfect as we did want to note that the headunit cuts on and off intermittently. On the positive side, we do have the original owners manuals and it is to be included with the sale of the Surf.
Mechanical Overview
The body-on-frame platform is able to withstand loads of abuse as can the nearly bulletproof 1KZ-TE engine. Fresh off a recent service, this Hilux is ready to attack a road trip immediately. The 3.0L is fresh off an oil and filter service and starts up with the twist of the key and new serpentine belts keep unwanted under-hood squeaks to a minimum. Power is supplied from a new 12v battery that was installed here in the shop. A fuel filter replacement was also performed, keeping unwanted contaminants out of the powerplant. Best of all one of our trained techs has performed an expensive timing belt and water pump service. A coolant flush and a new thermostat have been installed for good measure. The 1KZ runs right as rain and scoots up to highway speeds with haste. Linked to a slick-shifting automatic, power is fed to the rear wheels or to all four, depending on the driver’s preference. The selective transfer case even has a low-range 4WD setting and a center locker to keep your momentum moving forward, even on less-than-ideal surfaces, and we also replaced the front output seal to keep your lubricant internal. The drivetrain was fully rehabbed with a rebuilt steering rack, which we also changed the bushings and inner and outer tie rods on. The ABS brakes bite down nicely, thanks to new pads and rotors on the front, and the suspension is soft and compliant with new shocks all the way around. The power steering is light, yet on point and grip comes from new 31″ all-terrain Falkens mounted and balanced at all four corners.
*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.
