2000 Hilux Surf 2.7L

ne we received stateside, this rig is easy to service and inexpensive to operate. It’s also a handsome truck, and this SSR-X is set off by a new 2″ Eibach lift kit, refinished multipiece alloys, aggressive privacy tint, an OEM spoiler, OEM spare tire swingarm, and chrome license plate garnish. Aside from some light dings, chips and scrapes, the body is in good shape overall, and this five-seater would make for a competent daily driver, wicked weekend overlander, and anything in between. Affordable, collectible, and cool Japanese Classics are our forte, and this one is turn-key and ready to go! The cabin is ergonomic, simple, and logically laid out. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading, and dual SRS airbags are standard equipment. The center stack is close by and within arm’s reach. A large Panasonic touchscreen headunit pipes in the tunes, and above, a simple to use digital climate system can regulate the cold A/C and piping hot heat. If you prefer more natural ventilation, the side windows power down, as does the rear glass. The driver can find the ideal seating position courtesy of a standard tilt-adjustable steering column and optional adjustable lumbar support. Power mirrors and electric locks also function in typical Toyota fashion makimng daily use more enjoyable. The tan upholstery is in good shape and lacks any major rips, stains or tears. The same material is mirrored in the door cards. The rear occupants benefit from 4-way reclining rear seatbacks. When not in use, the seat backs split fold, and tumble forward all the way, to create a massive flat loading floor. The headliner is in good shape as are the carpets, aside from some light stains, and even the original carpet floor mats were retained and are in great shape for their vintage! A prolific engine, the 3RZ-FE is all you can ask for in a powerplant. They’re inexpensive to service, easy to maintain, and get better fuel economy over its V6 counterpart. Fresh off an oil and filter, the 2.7L churns to life instantly courtesy of a new 12v battery. It sounds great, thanks to a new muffler and tailpipe assembly we replaced while it was on our lift. A new fuel filter and engine air filter were installed as a part of our tuneup, and one of our trained techs rehabbed this I4 with a new valve cover gasket so that oil level would stay full. The four-banger gets up to highway speeds with ease, and the automatic transmission makes good use of the powerband. It shifts like a champ and the pilot can choose to send power to the rear axle or both, on the fly. For off-roading adventures, a low range and optional center locking differential can be engaged. To keep the 4WD underpinnings working flawlessly, one of our team members replaced the transfercase rear output seal. The long wheelbase aids high-speed stability, the brand new inverted shocks deliver a premium ride, and we also replaced the front lower ball joints, front lower control arms, and front swaybar end links. When called upon to slow down, new front brake pads and rotors aid standard ABS. The power steering is light and on point and we have freshly aligned the chassis so it drives straight as an arrow. Lastly, we mounted and balanced four brand new Falken tires at each corner. The new rubber looks mean, quells road noise, and will last for tens of thousands of fun-filled miles to come!