1999 Hilux Surf V6 SSR-G

The third generation 4Runner has a cultlike following here in the US. This platform has stood the test of time due to its beloved reliability, off road prowess, and low cost of ownership. Sadly most domestic versions have been heavily used, and come with lots of miles and even more blemishes. Models like this 1999 Surf remedy this problem and ours is being offered with a stellar 90k verified and documented miles on the clock. Utilizing the same bulletproof V6 sold here in the good old US of A, this 4×4 is easy to service and can be modified on the cheap! Finished in a lovely Desert Dune Metallic (1A5) this SSR-G is set off by a one-off front chin spoiler, a factory rear spare tire swingarm, a stylish rear spoiler, OEM rainguards, and some classy privacy tint. 16″ bullethole style alloys round off the aesthetic, and look great wrapped in fresh Yokohama rubber. Aside from a few light dings, chips and clearcoat hazing, the paint is no worse for the wear, and this SUV is turn-key and ready to roll. Perfect as a pavement-pounding daily driver, this tough Toyota would also make for a dependable dedicated overlander or wicked weekend play toy. Versatile, practical, safe and serviceable, this Japanese Classic has it all!

The cabin is in good shape, spacious, and nicely equipped. Access within is made easier thanks to working keyless entry. A few upgrades are on hand, including a sweet OEM optional MOMO woodgrain wheel, which looks great and feels even better in the palms of your hands. Another upgrade is the Pioneer touchscreen audio system, which sounds crisp and includes functional Bluetooth integration. Need a wall charger? This Hilux comes with a factory 100w plugin for your accessories. We also wanted to note the fitted leather seat covers, which add an upscale feel to the interior and can protect against future spills and stains. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column, and dual SRS airbags are standard equipment. Power folding mirrors, power locks, and power windows all work like a charm, in typical Toyota fashion. The automatic climate control unit is simple to operate and doles out cold A/C and piping hot heat. If you prefer more natural ventilation a large panoramic moonroof can tilt and retract and the rear glass can be powered down into the tailgate. An optional field monitor was spec’d in this example and displays info about the exterior conditions should cell service be lost. The headliner is in good shape, as are the door cards, and the carpets have withstood the past 25 years without sustaining major damage. Aside from some repaired cracks on the radio trim, it’s hard to complain about the cockpit as it was clearly cared for in a life overseas. Even the original owner’s manual is included with the purchase.

This body-on-frame brute is one tough customer and the same can be said for the nearly unstoppable V6. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.4L chugs to life with the twist of the key courtesy of a new 12v battery. We replaced a PCV hose and installed a new intake air filter so that the Surf can breathe freely. It’s fair to say that the V6 feels healthy as a horse. It is connected to an automatic gearbox that shifts like a champ. The pilot can toggle between 2WD and 4WD on the fly, and a center locker and low range can be engaged should you travel off the beaten path. It gets up to highway merging speeds without breaking a sweat and slows down confidently with its standard ABS. New front brake hoses improve the pedal feel and we chucked on a set of new front pads while we were in there. The long wheelbase distributes bumps nicely and the suspension has been refreshed with new front lower control arms and new front lower ball joints. It’s connected and nimble for a truck and predictable over uneven pavement too. The power steering is easy to articulate, and grip comes from brand new 31″ Yokohama tires. We aligned the platform so that it would track as straight as an arrow, and now it’s turn key and ready to rock!