1996 Toyota Hilux Surf, SSR-G

r hatch spoiler, and a factory swing-out spare tire arm. By classic Toyota standards, this terrific SUV is barely broken in, showing only 134k verified miles from new. Easy to service, this Toyota would be a top candidate for daily driving, weekend trail running, or even mastering a rural mail route. A bulletproof sport utility that just keeps getting better with age, this Japanese Classic puts new SUV’s to shame! The interior feels familiar, has a host of power appointments and amenities, and was clearly cared for in a prior life, which should inspire a bit of confidence about its condition. Just like our stateside models, Toyota opted for a “moon mist” color scheme, and the materials have withstood the better part of 25 years with minimal defects. The gray upholstery spans both rows of seating and is free of excessive rips, stains, or tears, and the dash cover is in good shape despite some typical peeling and punctures around the top edge of the glovebox. The remaining hard plastics and trim surrounding the center stack are in good shape overall, and the driver has easy access to a simple automatic climate control unit, which is ripe with cold A/C and hot heat. It sits adjacent to period-correct AddZest audio, which functions well. If you prefer to unfurl the windows and listen to the turbodiesel’s soundtrack, the Surf offers a panoramic experience. All four windows are power operable, as is the rear hatch glass. Even the power moonroof opens and shuts on command. Power locks and power folding mirrors round off the list of available switchgear, and a digital field monitor is affixed to the headliner to keep you abreast of outside conditions. That’s not to say the cabin is perfect, as we did want to note some wear to the driver’s seat bolster, and a rear backup mirror stuck open. Still, that’s nitpicking on a vehicle of this vintage, and for a classic Toyota, we think the next owner will be satisfied with its condition. The Surf’s body on frame chassis is one tough cookie, and the same thing can be said for the 5VZ-FE under the hood. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.4L whirrs to life care of a new 12v battery. A new fuel filter, six new spark plugs, new plug wires, and an intake air filter work in unison to aid combustion and maximize power. We addressed a few oil leaks to refresh the V6 and give it a new lease on life, and one of our trained technicians has replaced the valve cover gaskets and half-moon seals. Best of all we installed a new timing belt, water pump, and radiator, and flushed the system with all new juice. The engine is linked to a stout automatic that shifts reliably. It’s connected to a selectable transfer case that allows the driver to choose between 2WD and 4WD on the fly. Even an optional center-locking differential was spec’d, allowing the pilot to split torque evenly between both axles. If that isn’t enough, a low-range multiplies torque to keep this Hilux trudging forward. The suspension cruises comfortably, and the Surf feels a bit more agile than your conventional SUV. New front sway bar links were added to help this rig ace state inspection, and we removed and rebuilt the power steering rack with all new seals, inner and outer tie rods, rack boots, and bushings. We flushed in new power steering fluid, which makes turning the brand new 31′′ Falken rubber an easy affair. The new tires should last for a good while, and work in tandem with factory ABS to keep stopping distances abrupt. There’s a lot to love about this classic Toyota, but at almost three decades old, there are a few suspension bushings starting to show their age. Still, the truck is safe, sturdy, and drives like a million bucks!