1997 RZN185 Toyota Hilux Surf

handsome, and is set off by some black refinished OEM 16′′ wheels on 33′′ tires, an aggressive factory spare tire carrier with a full-sized spare, OEM rear spoiler, OEM rainguards, OEM bashbar, and some menacing privacy tint. It also rides high, on a brand new Ironman 4×4 lift. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scrapes, the Black over Gray (204) paint and factory graphics are in good shape overall and this trusty rig is fresh off a recent service. Boasting only 121k verified and documented miles on the ticker, this baby is barely broken in. Perfect as a safe family hauler, cool campsite crawler, or unique daily driver, this Japanese Classic is as versatile, practical, and collectible as they come. The Surf has a simple cabin with a clean design. It features functional power windows, electric locks, power mirrors, and power back glass, which makes daily use more enjoyable. An upgraded touchscreen Panasonic head unit pumps in the tunes to supplement your daily commute and looks great, too. If you value safety and entertainment, the unit includes Bluetooth hands-free tech. A standard passenger SRS airbag is on standby and adds some peace of mind for those who may feel safety-conscious. To find the ideal driving position, the pilot benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column and adjustable lumbar support. A woodgrain steering wheel replaces the chunky factory unit, and classes up the cabin a tad, too. This lifted rig is easy to maneuver in tight parking situations, thanks to a trick convex power under mirror that unfurls from the rear spoiler. The automatic climate control unit is close by and within arm’s reach. The heat gets nice and toasty, and the air conditioning blows cold for next year’s summer. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading, and the owner’s manuals and maintenance booklets are stowed in the sizable glovebox. The cloth seats are in good shape and lack any major rips, stains, or tears. The rear row four-way reclines and can also tumble forward and fold flat to increase the cargo hold size. The textured cloth door cards match and are in fine shape. The headliner is clean and held taut to the roof, too. Aside from some a broken antenna and the power folding function of the side mirrors not working, it is hard to complain about the interior. This Surf has one of the cleanest frames we’ve seen in recent memory, and the ladder chassis can take tons of abuse. The same can be said for the engine, the 3RZ-FE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 2.7L whirs to life immediately with the twist of the key. It sounds good, too, thanks to a brand new muffler we installed. To ensure the four-banger stays topped up on lubricant, one of our trained techs has repaired some pesky oil leaks. We resealed the oil pump and oil filter housing so that the new owner could hit the road immediately and enjoy this Surf. Thermal management is handled by a new water pump, as well. The engine is linked to a stout automatic gearbox that shifts just as it should. New shifter bushings replaced the old ones, and it slots into gear like a precision-built machine. The selectable transfercase allows the driver to ride around in RWD, which improves fuel economy and acceleration. For the occasional dusting of snow, 4WD can be engaged on the fly, and for low-traction scenarios, a low range is on standby. This Hilux feels peppy about town and is comfortable getting up to highway merging speeds. It slows down impressively well thanks to standard ABS and benefits from new front brake pads and rotors. For state inspection, we replaced the right rear axle seal and changed out the brake shoes and drum on that side. We also installed a brand new Ironman lift kit, which improves the off road capability, overall ride quality, and aesthetics. Upgraded axles for the lift were also installed! Freshly aligned with new inner and outer tie rods, this truck tracks straight as an arrow and the power steering rack was fully rebuilt, too. We also took care of new rack boots. Grip is handled by four nearly new 33′′ Falken tires. Mounted and balanced here at the dealership, and complete with a rear-mounted spare, they reduce road noise and will last for tens of thousands of miles to come.