1997 Toyota Hilux Surf, SSR-X RZN185

s a hot prospect, and boasts an impressive 67k verified/documented miles on the clock. Save for a noted replacement of the front bumper in Japan, this driver should please most any enthusiast, garner plenty of looks at car shows, and with a comprehensive recent service done you can putt this gasoline four banger just about anywhere. Unique, unkillable, and special both on and off-pavement, it goes without saying this Hilux is a real deal Japanese Classic! Despite its outlandish exterior, the interior is reserved, comfortable, and practical. It’s fashioned in a durable charcoal cloth, and set off by faux carbon accents exclusive to the limited trim. The multicolor upholstery is soft to the touch and shows no discernible defects, even after over two decades of use. The matching vinyl dash shows no major imperfections, although it is peeling next to the glovebox, which is a common area for 3rd generation models. This Surf also boasts a period correct Kenwood audio upgrade. Power windows, locks, and electric mirrors are on hand too, to assist daily use, and a trick convex mirror even drops down from the rear wing to help you squeeze into tighter parking spots. Cold A/C and hot heat work like a charm, but when natural ventilation takes priority, the rear glass can unfurl too, as well as an optional power moonroof. The rear bench is versatile, folding flat should you need to lug around extra cargo, and the seat backs recline slightly for optimal passenger comfort. In the rear, an optional cargo shade can be pulled taut to obscure your valuables. Overall, it’s hard to nitpick the cabin as it was cared for extremely well overseas, although we wanted to note the field monitor display is cracking and difficult to read, and the carpet is lightly stained in the rear. Still that does little to take away from this Surf’s appeal, especially if overall quality is a priority! The simple and sturdy underpinnings of the N185 generation is one of the main reasons why they stand up to well to the test of time. Powered by the 3RZ-FE, this lovable rig can stand up to a ton of abuse, and is fresh off a recent service to get you on track for future maintenance schedules. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the four-banger cranks to life care of a new replaced 12v battery. We performed some beneficial preventative maintenance on the 3RZ, starting with a new thermostat, and a fresh coolant flush to keep internal temps regulated. Four new spark plugs were installed, and this I4 is surprisingly peppy getting up to and above highway speeds. Power can be fed through a selective transfercase to the rear, or all four wheels if you so desire. For stickier situations, the Hilux Surf has a dedicated low 4WD gearset to multiply torque so you can forge forward through loose terrain. The acceleration is nearly as good as the thirstier V6, and fuel economy is surprisingly better. The suspension offers loads of ground clearance and is predictable even on rougher pavement. We installed new front and rear shocks, and bolstered the suspension with new front lower control arms and lower ball joints. This Surf aced its state safety inspection, and feels great when running around town. We also did the legwork of fully rebuilding the steering rack. Complete with new rack and pinion seals, inner and outer tie rods, boots, and bushings, the new steering gear feels great and we’ve added new power steering fluid and freshly aligned the Surf to make the most of our reconditioning. The ABS brakes feel confident, and we installed new front brake pads and rotors to add some peace of mind for the new American buyer. Lastly, we mounted up four new Falken tires. The all-terrains look great, ride even better, and should keep you covered for tens of thousands of miles to come!