1997 Toyota Hilux Surf, KZN185

rear spare tire swingarm. Save for some minor cosmetic defects, the exterior condition is far and above your typical domestic 4Runner, and the 148k verified and documented miles on the clock are a heck of a lot better, too. These midsize rigs are the perfect size to drive daily, and are frugal on road trips thanks to their efficient turbodiesel drivetrain. Safe, dependable, and stylish, the third-generation Surf is a true jack-of-all-trades! The interior is a highlight of this truck, and is fashioned in a charcoal cloth with corduroy accents. It’s also jam packed with amenities that make daily driving a breeze, and features some impressive standard safety equipment. Dual SRS airbags are notable, as is additional crash support in the door structure. The dash is trimmed in a complementary grey vinyl and tucks nicely into the front of the cabin, and it has also resisted any unwanted wear and tear from daily use. The center stack is easy to access from the driver’s seat and features easy to use controls for automatic climate control and optional OEM audio. The HVAC works as advertised, with hot heat and cold A/C available to be cycled in at a moment’s notice. The quality of the audio is also decent for being over 25 years young. Power windows, locks, and power side mirrors work well, in true Toyota fashion, and just like our domestic 4Runners the rear glass powers down if you need to squeeze in some oversized cargo. A factory field monitor is on hand for overland enthusiasts, and an expansive power moonroof can be opened to funnel in natural ventilation. The rear bench can fold flat if you’re not lugging around a full squad, and overall, this cabin impresses for being over two decades old. That’s not to say it’s perfect, as there is some wear on the driver’s seat bolster, and the passenger mirror no longer electronically folds. That’s nitpicking a vehicle of this vintage however, and it even sports a set of ultra desirable molded carpet mats that perfectly match the aesthetic. Under the hood, Toyota’s 1KZ-TE remains the brand’s most premium offering in this chassis. With plenty of torque, efficiency, and a number of half-million-mile examples still trekking across the globe, it’s easy to see why this big block turbodiesel appeals to the enthusiast. We’ve done a few key maintenance items up on the list here to get this one ready for the road ahead, starting with 2 new 12v batteries that help this 1K turn over with haste. For a diesel, the idle is pleasantly smooth, and a fresh oil and filter service, as well as a new fuel filter, get this 3.0 in tip top shape. New serpentine belts drive your accessories, and with the maintenance performed, this one runs right as rain and reaches highway speeds in a jiffy. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and 4WD is easily accessible, with a center locker on the ready should you become entrenched in sand, snow, or mud. New output seals on the front and rear of the transfercase keep any fluid from escaping, and the transmission fluid was exchanged too, for good measure. To reinforce the drivetrain, we’ve performed a laundry list of suspension work. New front lower ball joints, rear upper and lower control arms, and swaybar links keep the chassis planted to the pavement, and we installed new shocks all the way around to shore up the suspension lift. The power steering is light and easy to maneuver, even on this imposing rig, and the brakes bring the truck to a screeching halt if necessary, thanks to new front pads and rotors. The fresh 33′′ Falken rubber aids grip and stopping power too and we have aligned the suspension to promote proper treadwear. Mounted on refinished factory alloys, it’s hard to match the aesthetic of this beast and this truck is turn key and ready to rock!