1996 Toyota Hilux, SSR-G

only 82k verified miles from new. Chock full of torque and reliable as all get-out, this Surf would make a terrific daily driver, mail-route master, or a dedicated overlanding office for those who prefer to go off the grid. A bulletproof Toyota that just keeps getting better with age, this Japanese Classic puts new SUV’s to shame! Without speaking with too much bias, it’s hard to find fault with the 3rd gen’s interior design, and we think Toyota really hit the mark in every possible category. It’s durable, like any good family SUV should be, stylish, just like the exterior, and it makes daily driving delightful with a full slate of equipment including an optional moonroof. The seats are upholstered in a durable moon mist grey. Outside of a driver’s bolster repair and a few minor holes, it’s hard to knock the nearly 30 year old fabric, and adjustable lumbar support makes long drives a breeze. Dual SRS airbags are tucked into the vinyl dash assembly up front, which has also remained in fine shape. Looking directly below to the center stack, automatic climate control works like a charm and lies adjacent to an upgraded BOSS audio headunit. To pump in your own tunes, Bluetooth and aux functionality are on tap, and the adjacent HVAC control module serves up cold A/C and hot heat on demand. If you prefer to listen to the turbodiesel’s soundtrack, power windows can unfurl all the way around, including a nifty slide-down rear glass feature. Power locks and electric folding side mirrors are also on hand to assist daily use, and a factory field monitor helps monitor conditions off-road. It’s worth noting the field display has gone a bit dim over the years, although that’s nitpicking on a vehicle of this vintage. The headliner is tight and tidy, and the carpets are in good condition overall. Save for a spot of fade above the dash, and a divot in the center armrest, we think most enthusiasts will be quite pleased with this classic cockpit. Perhaps the most desirable N185 powerplant we never received in the states, the 1KZ-TE is a great companion under the hood. Ours is also fresh off a sizable recent service, and cranks right over thanks to an optional cold weather package, which includes two 12v batteries and a diesel fuel heater. A few minor oil leaks were attended to, and one of our trained techs replaced the valve cover gasket and half-moon seals. We flushed the old coolant with new fluid too, to keep the 3.0 running tip-top. A new engine air filter and fuel filter were installed for a bit of a preemptive tune-up and with the work performed this Surf excelled on its first highway road test. An automatic gearbox benefits from a drain and fill service, and feeds power to a selective transfer case, which features a center locking differential and low range for the off-road enthusiast. This body-on-frame beast lets nothing get in its path, and the factory suspension gobbles up road imperfections without breaking a sweat. The power steering is easy to maneuver, thanks to a freshly rebuilt steering rack. New inner and outer tie rods, rack boots, and rack bushings were also installed as part of our rebuild service. It stops well too, and the ABS brakes engage predictably. Capping off the laundry list of recon, the refinished alloy wheels were refinished and wrapped in all new Falken rubber. After a fresh alignment, she drives like a dream and should keep you glued to whatever surface you encounter!