1998 Toyota Hilux

ower moonroof and OEM field monitor. Both work like a charm, and the Japanese owner also installed a Kenwood radio, which fills the cabin with tunes. Above a simple to use automatic climate control system pipes in cool A/C and piping hot heat. If you prefer more natural ventilation, the rear glass powers down with the press of a button. The tan cloth seats are in good shape. The material is durable and lacks any major rips, stains or tears. The middle row can tumble forward to create a massive flat loading floor. They rear seatbacks also spilt fold and 4 way recline for optimal comfort. The door cards are in good shape, as is the headliner, and the carpets have escaped the past quarter century with on only a few light stains. Other highlights are the dash mounted OEM 100W outlet and a drop down rear spoiler which automatically unfurls so that you don’t smash the vehicle parked directly behind you. Even the owners manuals are included, and overall it’s clear the cabin was cared for in a prior life. Under the skin, this vehicle is nearly identical to our domestic 4Runner. The engine isn’t, and this Surf has the best option of the bunch with a stout intercooled turbodiesel. The good news is that the 1KZ-TE has no shortage of parts support here in the US. Fresh off an oil and filter service, this Surf churns to life courtesy of two new 12v batteries. A new fuel filter and engine air filter were installed as a part of our tune up and the 3.0L feels healthy as a horse. The four banger is linked to a stout automatic transmission that shifts properly and makes good use of this engine’s low end torque. A selectable transfercase allows the pilot to switch between 2WD and 4WD on the fly. A center locker can be engaged when on loose surfaces, and the low range can be utilized when grip is at a minimum. It hustles up to highway speeds with the best of them and is peppy from stoplight to stoplight. ABS brakes are standard and feel confident reeling this beast in from speed. The suspension is predictable and rides well even over larger dips and divots. New front lower control arms, new rear lower control arms, and new front lower ball joints have been installed to give it a healthy refresh. Also a pesky job, one of our trained techs rebuilt the rack and pinion with all new seals. New fluid was flushed in, and we added new steering rack bushings for good measure. A proper alignment was dialed in easily as we replaced the front inner and outer tie rods. The Toyo tires are knee deep in tread, and will last for a good long while to come.