1997 Intercooled Hilux Surf 3.0

ys, and an OEM spoiler. Aside from a few light imperfections, the paint is in good shape, and this head-turner is turn-key ready for the interstate, beach, or campsite. A Japanese Classic that can be daily driven year-round or overlanded with ease, the terrific Toyota won’t last long! The cabin is in good nick and comes well equipped. The dash lacks any cracking or fading and a passenger SRS airbag is standard. The driver can find the ideal seating position courtesy of a tilt-adjustable steering column, which is mated to a sleek woodgrain MOMO steering wheel. The center stack is close by and includes functional OEM Audio and a simple-to-use automatic climate control system. Cold AC and piping hot heat are available, and if you prefer more natural ventilation, the side windows and rear glass power down. By the map lights, a trick field monitor displays information about the outside conditions should cell service be lost. Power mirrors and electric locks make daily use more enjoyable. If you need assistance while reversing this rig, a button quickly drops down a power convex backup mirror, so you have an idea of what’s behind you. The headliner, door cards, and carpets are in fine shape, and the moon mist upholstery lacks any major rips, stains, or tears. The rear row 4-way reclines and tumbles forward to create a flat loading floor. Aside from a non-functional power-folding feature on the side mirrors, and an accessory hole in the center console trim that has been covered, it’s hard to critique the cabin. Even the a spiffy set of OEM moulded floor mats are included with the purchase of this truck. Under the skin, this rig shares most components with our domestic 4Runners. This gives new owners tons of service and parts options that are readily available and affordable to purchase. The engine, however, is an intercooled diesel option we never saw on our stateside shores! Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 1KZ-TE churns to life courtesy of two new 12V batteries. A new set of accessory belts, a new fuel filter, and a new engine air filter were installed as part of our tune-up, and one of our trained technicians replaced the valve cover gasket and half moon seals so that the oil level would stay full. The 1K is linked to a stout automatic that sends torque through a selectable 4WD system. The 4WD can be engaged on the fly, and a center locker and low range can be accessed through additional settings on the selection stalk. The Hilux gets up to highway merging speeds with ease and is peppy from stoplight to stoplight. It slows down with confidence, and ABS brakes are standard for all third-generation Surfs. The suspension features an adjustable panhard bar and feels predictable. The ride quality was refreshed with new Bilstein rear shocks for good measure. We also replaced the driver’s inner tie rod and performed an alignment so that this truck tracks straight as an arrow. The power steering is easy to articulate, and grip is handled by four new 31′′ tires. The new rubber looks mean, quells road noise, and will last for tens of thousands of miles to come.