2000 KDN185 Toyota Hilux Surf

y a set of snazzy factory floormats. The dash is tight and tidy as well, lacking major cracks, fading, or distortion. The center stack frames a redesigned digital automatic climate control display. Ripe with cold A/C, and hot heat for your front and rear passengers, it’s easy to use and ideal for seasonal climates. Adjacent to the HVAC, optional OEM audio displays clearly and works like a charm. Power windows, locks, and electric folding side mirrors are all in good working order. For outdoorsy types, you can unfurl the rear window to give your passengers a real open-air experience. The rear bench is versatile. Unlike our US market examples, this one has the option to slightly recline, and it can split-fold into a flat loading surface if you need more cargo space. The door cards have resisted the rigors of daily wear and tear to boot. That’s not to say this is a perfect cabin, as 25 years of use have yielded some wear to the driver’s door armrest. Still, the condition is in far above average shape, and the owner’s manuals and maintenance booklets have been retained for good measure! There’s a lot of good things to say about Toyota’s K series diesel engine, and we’re inclined to think the intercooled, direct injected 1KD-FTV is the best of the bunch! It packs in more ponies than its 1KZ predecessor, is great on fuel, and ours is fresh off a recent service from our trained technicians. It cranks over with haste, care of two new 12v batteries we installed here at the shop. After an oil and filter service, we took care of a new serpentine belt, and flushed out some old coolant with brand new fluid. We’re quite impressed with the driving dynamics of these direct injected 3.0’s, and midrange power and torque is improved tenfold. A stout automatic gearbox helps send power rearward, or to all four wheels if the transfer case is engaged. We also resealed the transmission pan and performed a fluid flush to prolong the life of the drivetrain. For real off road expeditions, a center locking differential and low range are handy, too. Comfortable over bumps, divots, and larger imperfections, the factory suspension has enough life left and passed state safety inspection with flying colors. The same goes for the power steering, which is light and easy to maneuver. The ABS brakes benefit from new pads and rotors up front, and to make the most of the freshly installed Falken tires, a fresh four wheel alignment was performed to keep this Surf running tip top.