Stock #6961
Tough as nails, the Hilux Surf is dependable and capable as they come. This handsome SUV is also appealing to the true performance enthusiast with its reliable, efficient, and torquey turbodiesel powerplant and center locked 4WD underpinnings
Exterior Overview
Tough as nails, the Hilux Surf is dependable and capable as they come. This 1996 is also appealing to the true performance enthusiast with its reliable, efficient, and torquey turbodiesel powerplant, and center locked 4WD underpinnings. It’s also a handsome truck, with its proper SUV proportions and classic Stellar Blue (8L7) paint. Set off by a set of OEM rainguards, rare OEM graphics, and refinished factory alloys, its simple and subtle aesthetic leaves little to be desired. Aside from a few light scrapes, dings, and chips, the paint is in fine shape, and this SSR-X is fresh off a recent service. Offered with only 131k verified and documented miles on the clock, its barely broken in! Perfect as a year-round daily driver, safe hauler for the kids, or as a dedicated weekend overlander, this terrific Toyota is a certified Japanese Classic.
Interior Overview
The cabin is spacious and well-equipped for daily use. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column and adjustable lumbar support to find the ideal seating position. Power mirrors, electric locks, and power glass all work, making daily use more enjoyable. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading, but does have a small bit of adhesive damage that’s hardly noticeable on the driver’s side. Dual SRS airbags are standard for those who might be safety-conscious. An upgraded Eclipse headunit powers the speakers, and above the automatic climate control unit is mounted. Cold A/C is on hand for the upcoming summer, but for the time being, the heat is handy to warm up the cabin. The seats are trimmed in a durable moon mist gray cloth. They lack any major rips, stains, or tears and are mirrored in the door cards. The middle row can split fold, tumble forward to create a flat loading floor, and 4-way recline. The headliner is in good nick, and aside from some light scratches on the interior plastics and some carpet stains, this one has fared well over the years, and we think the next owner will happily agree.
Mechanical Overview
Built atop the same frame as our Domestic 4Runners, this durable chassis is easy to source parts for, and upgrades can be had on the cheap. The 1KZ-TE is an absolute beast of an engine. It sips fuel, produces tremendous low-end grunt, and runs like a top! Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L churns to life immediately courtesy of two new 12v batteries. As always, we replaced the Japanese fuel filter with a new one, and we also chucked in a new engine air filter. So that the oil level stays on full, one of our trained techs replaced the valve cover gasket with a new one. A fresh coolant flush and new thermostat assist the 1K to maintain proper thermal efficiency, and boy does this four-banger run well! It’s linked to a stout automatic gearbox that benefits from a fresh fluid service. The auto sends torque through a selectable transfercase that allows the driver to switch between 2WD and 4WD on the fly. Off the beaten path this Hilux excels. A standard low-range and optional center locking differential can be engaged to produce all the forward momentum required to get through sand, snow, and mud. It is a comfortable cruiser on the highway and maneuverable about town. The standard ABS makes slowing down in inclement weather less stressful and the power steering is light yet direct. New steering rack bushings keep play to a minimum, and for state inspection, we added in a new set of front swaybar end links. The suspension is predictable and can handle the rigors of daily use and abuse. Grip is handled by four new 31″ Falken tires. Freshly mounted, balanced, and aligned, these should last for tens of thousands of miles to come and provide all the all-weather traction required for any type of use. Turn key and ready to rock, this Surf is the total package.
*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.