Stock #6772
Exterior Overview
The SUV market is much different now than it was 25 years ago. The sturdy, body-on-frame workhorses that trudged America into the millennium have since been replaced by lifeless piles of technology, with Toyota’s cultlike following keeping models like this 2000 Hilux Surf alive. Sporting USDM-equivalent mechanicals, an optional center locking differential, and fan-favorite looks, this Toyota is worth writing home about. Set off by a facelift front bumper, an optional front bumper guard, a factory rear spoiler and OEM rainguards, this Surf looks great in Millenium Silver (K73) drives even better, and has only a mere 107k miles to its name. Save for a few cosmetic blemishes, this reconditioned Surf is easy on the eyes, easy to service, and enjoyable to drive overall. All in all, it’s easy to see why this is one of the easiest Japanese Classics to own!
Interior Overview
Like the rest of the truck, the interior is durable, sturdy, and offers all the equipment you’d need to make daily driving a walk in the park. The seats are upholstered in durable tan cloth which have resisted any major wear and tear. Sure, there are a couple minor holes in the driver’s seat bottom, but that’s small potatoes compared to your average USDM 4Runner. Typically prone to UV distortion and peeling, the dash is in good condition overall and houses dual SRS airbags to keep your and your occupants safe when traversing at our higher US highway speeds. The center stack frames an optional OEM TV/Radio display and a simple to use digital automatic climate control system. Cold A/C and hot heat are available on demand and separate rear heat controls can be doled out to rear passengers in need. All four power windows work as advertised, as do the power locks and electric folding side mirrors. Aiding tight parking jobs is a power retractable rear under mirror, which can unfurl in a pinch. The switchgear is all at hand and easy to read, including the optional illuminated instrument cluster. Different from our USDM 4Runners, the Surf features a reclining rear bench which can come in handy for any sleepy passengers in the rear. An interior this nice is a tough find in the states, and although it shows well cosmetically we did want to note some wear beneath the steering wheel cover, and a spotty radio display. To sweeten the deal, we’ve even retained the original owner’s manual and maintenance booklets.
Mechanical Overview
The convenient part of ownership is that stateside 4Runners came with the same drivetrain. Powered by the 3RZ-FE four-cylinder this N185 starts right up, care of a new 12v battery and is fresh off an oil and filter service. The 2.7 liter purrs like a kitten thanks to a new set of spark plugs and breathes freely with its new engine air filter. To ensure this Surf utilizes all its available oil, a new valve cover gasket was installed, along with new half moon seals. Mated to a slick-shifting automatic gearbox, the Hilux manages to accelerate adequately, and sustained highway use is comfortable and stress-free. When subpar weather arrives, 4WD is easy to engage, and for really sticky situations, an optional center locker and low gearing can be deployed. The suspension benefits from all new shocks and front swaybar links, and we refreshed the power steering system with a full rack rebuild. New inner and outer tie rods were tossed on and this SUV feels tight and tidy. A new set of front pads and rotos keeps stopping distances to a minimum, and we flushed out the system with new brake fluid to boot. The wheels freshly refinished, and are all wrapped in new Falken 31″ all-terrain rubber. The new tires not only look great but will deliver tens of thousands of miles of premium year-round grip to come.
*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.
