1998 Toyota Hilux, VZN185

g mirrors, which make daily use more enjoyable. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading and dual SRS airbags are standard for those riding up front. The pilot can find the ideal driving position thanks to a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and adjustable lumbar support. The audio controls are close by and the factory TV/Radio funnels in the tunes. The seats are trimmed in a tan cloth. They lack any major defects apart from some bolster wear and separation on the driver’s bucket. The same material is mirrored in the door cards which are in good shape. The rear bench 4-way reclines and can also fold flat to expand the cargo hold. The headliner is in good shape and aside from some scuffs on the interior plastics, UV damage to the radio screen, some soiled carpets in the cargo area, it’s hard to complain about the interior. There’s even an optional rubber trunk liner which should work wonders with protecting this Surf for the future! Mechanically nearly identical to our American stock, this VZN185 offers ease of service matched by few platforms. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.4 churns to life care of a new 12v battery. A new intake air filter helps the quad cam engine to breathe freely and a set of new spark plugs aids combustion. One of our trained techs rehabbed the inline-six with new valve covers to ensure the oil stays topped off. The V6 is linked to a stout automatic gearbox. Its returns shifts properly and is geared for comfortable highway usage. Acceleration is never an issue and getting up to merging speeds is a stress-free affair. When a bit of snow or sleet arrives, 4WD can be engaged on the fly. This optional selectable transfercase also includes a center locker and low range for the most extreme road conditions. ABS brakes are standard and benefit from new brake pads up front. The power steering is light and easy to articulate and the suspension feels more premium than your average Surf. That’s likely due to the fact we replaced the rear shocks. For state inspection, we also replaced the front sway bar links and bushings. The factory 16′′ wheels are wrapped in new 31′′ Falken rubber. The all-terrain tires look mean, keep road noise to a minimum, and will last for tens of thousand of miles to come.