1998 Toyota Hilux Surf, RZN185

k bedliner and set off by a factory rear swing-out spare tire arm, chrome mirror caps, and refinished late-model Toyota alloys. The durable tough-coat exterior is an overlanders dream, and outdoorsy types need not worry about ruining their brand new paint job. Easy to service with US parts, and enjoyable to drive overall, it’s easy to see why this is one of the easiest Japanese Classics to own! The interior is in good shape, and Toyota really knew how to design a cockpit to withstand the test of time. The black and blue upholstery is in good shape overall, and shows no discernible defects, which is a rare find on any 25 year old sport-utility. The same can be said for the dash, which has resisted peeling, fading, or UV distortion, and safety conscious occupants benefit from dual SRS airbags up front for a bit of extra peace of mind. The center stack is easy to navigate and intuitively designed. A simple climate control system sits front and center, pumping out cold A/C and hot heat on command, ideal for those in seasonal climates. The driver has access to quite a few comfort options and power amenities. Power windows unfurl with haste, and in true 4Runner fashion the rear glass powers down too. Also operable are power locks and side mirrors. Unique to Japan-market examples, the rear seats recline slightly, and just like our USDM variants, the rear bench can fold flat to stuff in some additional cargo. The headliner is tidy, and the carpets have resisted excessive wear and tear apart from a few light stains. An optional privacy shade is intact in the cargo area, and we’ve retained the original owner’s manual and maintenance booklet to preserve this Hilux’s history. Overall, this Surf is clean where it counts, and despite an inoperable power antenna and radio, we think the next owner will be pleased with the interior condition. Under the hood is one of Toyota’s most dependable truck motors, the 3RZ-FE. Easy and inexpensive to maintain, this 2.7l is a mirror image of engines found stateside, and for additional peace of mind, our trained technicians have already serviced this Surf for the road ahead. A new 12v battery was plopped in to aid ignition, and the fuel filter was preemptively changed to keep contaminants out of your petrol. We performed a fresh oil and filter service, and replaced the mass-air flow sensor to keep this 3RZ running tip top. The four-pot is mated to a slick shifting automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels via a selective transfercase. For snow or other loose surfaces, 4WD engages with the push of a button, and low gearing is close by for sticky situations. The suspension handles larger road imperfections with ease, and we bolstered the ABS system with new front brake pads and rotors. The steering is light and goes where you point it, and this Surf benefits from a fresh four wheel alignment performed at our shop. Tracking straight as an arrow, this should prolong the life of the freshly installed 31′′ Falken rubber, and take this bedlined beast to whatever corners of the backcountry it wants to explore.