Stock #6993
Ideal as a weekend warrior, dependable daily driver, or brash beach cruiser, this SSR-X does it all. Sporty, unique, and collectible, this Japanese Classic is hard to find, fun to drive, and surely won’t last long here at the dealership!
Exterior Overview
The Hilux Surf turbodiesel always gets Stateside enthusiasts excited. They perform well off-road, are easy to service, and are powered by a torquey and efficient powerplant. This 1997 is even more special, as it was optioned with a manual gearbox. Finished in a classic Desert Dune Metallic (1A5), this freshly lifted 4WD model is set off by OEM rainguards, refinished OEM 16″ alloys, and an optional factory spare tire swingarm. Aside from some light dings, chips, and scuffs, the paint is in good shape, and this terrific Toyota is fresh off a recent service. Touting a mere 116k verified and documented miles on the clock, this Surf has loads of life left in it. Ideal as a weekend warrior, dependable daily driver, or brash beach cruiser, this SSR-X does it all. Sporty, unique, and collectible, this Japanese Classic is hard to find, fun to drive, and surely won’t last long here at the dealership!
Interior Overview
The cabin is in good shape and was clearly cared for in Japan. It arrived with a sleek looking Pioneer audio upgrade to supplement your drive with some jams. The automatic climate control doles out piping hot heat and cold A/C on demand, and if you prefer more natural ventilation, the windows and rear hatch glass power down. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading, and dual SRS airbags are standard. The steering wheel is in good shape and mounted atop a tilt-adjustable steering column. Optional driver adjustable lumbar support makes daily use more enjoyable, as do the power locks and power mirrors. The seats are trimmed in a durable tan cloth. They lack any major rips, stains, or tears and are supportive. The middle row split folds, 4-way reclines, and tumbles forward to create a flat loading floor. The headliner is in good shape, as are the door cards and carpets. Even the maintenance booklets and a spare key are included with the purchase.
Mechanical Overview
The engine and body on frame platform are as tough as they come. The 1KZ-TE providing propulsion is fresh off an oil and filter service, and churns to life courtesy of a two new 12V batteries. A new engine air cleaner and fuel filter were installed as soon as it got on the lift for its 205 point inspection. The 1K creates loads of torque and runs right as rain. It is mated to a manual gearbox that makes for a fun drive compared to a slushbox equipped model. A new transmission mount reduces vibration, and gearchanges are seamless. The driver can toggle between two and four wheel drive on the fly, and a low range and center locker are available if you plan to take the road less travelled. We further bolstered the driveline with new axle seals and new front CV axles, and the Surf has no problem getting the ponies to the ground. It gets up to highway merging speeds without breaking a sweat and slows down quickly with standard ABS brakes. The braking system was fully overhauled for the new buyer. New front calipers, pads, and rotors were installed, and we replaced the front brake lines and performed a fluid flush for improved pedal feel. The long wheelbase distributes road imperfections well, and a new 2″ Eibach lift kit delivers a smooth ride. When the lift kit was going in, we also swapped in new front lower ball joints, new front and rear lower control arms, and new rear upper control arms. We also added new front and rear sway bar links and new front sway bar bushings. New inner and outer tie rods allowed us to dial in the proper alignment, and this rig tracks straight as an arrow. The power steering system is easy to articulate and feels direct for a truck. Grip is handled by four new 33″ Falken tires. The newly mounted rubber quells road noise, looks mean, and will last for tens of thousands of miles 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.