1998 Toyota Hilux Surf, SSR-V

one-off Icestorm White and is adorned with chrome bumpers and mirror accents, OEM rainguards, wide refinished gunmetal 16′′ aftermarket alloys, a spare tire swingarm, and some aggressive privacy tint. Aside from some light paint body imperfections, this turn-key turbo diesel Surf is ready to rock, and fresh off a recent service. At only 136k verified and documented miles, this 1998 is barely broken in. Powerful, efficient, safe, and capable, this collectible and handsome Japanese Classic not only looks great, but drives even better! The cabin is logically laid out and includes all the power amenities you’ll need to comfortably daily drive this wonderful five-seater. Dual SRS airbags are standard for those who may be safety-conscious, and so are ABS brakes. With lots of side glass, a low beltline, and skinny pillars, outward visibility is above average, and the dashboard is in good shape, lacking any cracking or distortion. The center stack includes a simple-to-use automatic climate system that is primed to blast cold air conditioning through the cabin for the remaining dog days of 2023. For those in seasonal climates, rest assured, the heat works as well. For those who want to air out naturally, the rear glass powers down with the press of a button, and the standard power windows do the same. These features function properly, as do the power locks and power mirrors, making daily use more enjoyable. Below the aforementioned climate controls, an American touchscreen Atoto head unit resides. It sounds great, and includes Bluetooth functionality so that the driver can keep their eyes safely on the road. Other AV upgrades include a high-resolution rear backup camera that feeds through the rearview mirror and a forward-facing dash cam. The confetti-style blue and black cloth upholstery is in good shape overall. Aside from some light bolster and seat bottom wear on the driver’s chair, they lack any major rips, holes, or tears. The material is also durable, and those who require ample cargo to haul gear will love the fact that the rear bench folds flat into the floor to maximize room for parcels. Unlike the US 4Runner, the rear seats also 4-way recline so that human travelers can undertake long hauls in relative comfort while in the back seat. The headliner and door cards are in fair shape and overall it appears the cabin was cared for in a prior life. Aside from some steering wheel wear, a small tear on the passenger side sun visor, and some carpet staining, it’s hard to complain about the interior. It even has the OEM owner’s manuals and OEM carpet mats on hand for the new US owner to enjoy. Under the skin, this platform is the same as the 4Runner, so parts and service options are straightforward and seamless. The biggest mechanical difference between our domestic models and this SSR-V is the powerplant. Enthusiasts love this big four-banger, and the 1KZ-TE is fresh off an oil and filter service. Like all of our diesels, it’s a good idea to replace the fuel filter, so we installed a new one. The 1K is a highly efficient engine and boasts fifty percent better fuel economy compared to the gas-powered models. It also produces tons of torque, making it a blast to wheel or boogey down from stoplight to stoplight. The 3.0L is linked to a smooth-shifting automatic transmission that shifts like a champ. For maximum efficiency, the transfer case has a 2WD setting. 4WD can be engaged on the fly when the weather doesn’t comply or loose surfaces off the beaten path present themselves. If that isn’t good enough, a low range 4WD can be engaged through the selectable transfer case. Acceleration is impressive for an SUV, and sustained highway driving is effortless. The power steering is on point, and a fresh fluid flush has been performed. As such, this Surf is effortless to wield in the tight confines of a parking lot. While it was up on the lift, we refreshed the suspension with new front upper control arms and upper and lower rear control arms. After that, we dialed in a fresh alignment to promote long tire life. The brakes feel confident thanks to new front brake hoses and a brake fluid flush. Grip comes from new 31′′ Falken all-terrain tires mounted and balanced at all four corners. For an SUV, this platform is fun, communicative, and enjoyable overall! Perhaps that’s why the Hilux Surf is our best-selling model.