1999 Toyota Hilux Surf, SSR-X

rainguards, chrome mirror caps, and door cards, and refinished 16′′ OEM alloys. Aside from noted front right fender replacement in Japan and a couple of light dings, chips, and scratches, the paint is in fine shape, and this SSR-X is fresh off a recent service, which included a new timing belt and water pump. Having logged only 82k verified and documented miles on the clock, this terrific Toyota is barely broken in. Practical, handsome, and inexpensive to operate, this truck would make for a competent daily driver, wicked weekend playtoy, or dedicated overlander. A Japanese Classic like this won’t last long, and we think the new American owner is getting a stellar SUV! The cabin is in above average shape for its age, and we sell a boatload of Surfs as confirmation. The stylized blue and charcoal upholstery steals the show. It is in above-average shape and lacks any major rips, stains, or tears. The driver’s seat includes adjustable lumbar support, and the rear bench reclines 4 ways for optimal rear seat comfort. If you have a fair amount of cargo to lug around, the rear seats split fold, and tumble forward to create a flat loading floor. Pilots of all sizes can find the ideal driving position courtesy of a tilt-adjustable steering column. The center stack is close by and within arm’s reach and includes an upgraded OEM audio system with blue accents that complement the cloth upholstery. The digital climate system is primed and ready to deliver ice-cold A/C or piping-hot heat, depending on what’s required. If you prefer more natural ventilation, the rear glass powers down to supplement airflow. Daily use is improved with functional power windows, locks, and mirrors. The door cards are in good nick, as are the carpets, and the headliner has withstood the past 25 years without sustaining major abuse. The body-on-frame platform is a far cry from the modern tall sedans masquerading as crossovers. It can handle lots of abuse, as can the engine, the 1KZ-TE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.0L chugs to life immediately courtesy of a new 12V battery. A new fuel filter, engine air filter, and accessory belts were installed as part of our tune-up. Best of all, one of our trained technicians performed a timing belt and water pump service, which won’t be required for another ten years. With that service, we installed a new thermostat and flushed the coolant for good measure. The 1K makes tons of twist and is mated to a stout automatic. It shifts properly and sends power through a selectable transfer case. 4WD can be engaged on the fly, and a low range and center locker are an ideal combination should you head off the tarmac. We bolstered the driveline with a new front passenger axle seal. It gets up to highway speeds in a jiffy and slows down with confidence with its standard ABS. The suspension received a heavy refresh while on the lift. New front shocks, new front lower ball joints, new front lower control arms, new front sway bar links, and bushings were replaced. It rides like a dream now, and grip is handled by four new 31′′ Falken tires. Freshly aligned, this power steering-equipped rig tracks straight as an arrow, and the new rubber should last for tens of thousands of miles to come.