Hilux Surf

[500bhp]

Does anyone know anything about the Hilux Surf 3.0td 1996 vintage, just seen one for sale at a good price but know nothing about them, any thoughts gratefully received :D

[Hobnailkelly]

I had one about 12 years ago, imported oficially by Toyota and called the Four Runnner.  There were rare in those days but it was a great motor.  Most of the imports now have the 2.4 diesel, the 3.0 is much much better.  It was as reliable as a Toyota and went down to the south of France a few times loaded to the top.  Good for 100+ should you be on an autobahn and if you drive with a light right foot you can get near 40 to the gallon on a run.

Dislikes:  The rear window was a drop-down job like the Freelander and the mechanism could freeze in winter then corrode with all the road salt and muck - expensive to replace.  Newer models have a side hinge I think?
OK off road but no Discovery.

[500bhp]

This is the one I have taken fancy to, think it could do quite well off road.

[Littledan]

thats a nice motor mate! :D

[graham78]

try our owners forum....   www.hiluxsurf.co.uk

we have loads of forums on there someone maybe able to help you

and hey its not that vintage, looks like a third gen....  if the number plate central??  if so it is more than likely a third gen, i have a second gen l reg, 2.4 td, are you able to look at it??  under the bonnet on the rear of the engine bay is the vehicle id plate, the first bit of the numer is the type of veh... i.e kzn 180 or similar.

hope this helps

ttfn

graham

[500bhp]

It is a third gen  :D

[500bhp]

Do you think with wheels that size it will effect the gearing much even though its an auto.

[rollazuki]

Do you think with wheels that size it will effect the gearing much even though its an auto

erm....of course, the auto aint a magician, but, there are many alternative diff ratios available for the Toy 4x4 range.

Check out some Yank 4x4 sites, (randys ring and pinion) you can gear the hell out of Toy axles, dont forget that if you leave the stock ratios in the axles and add massive tyres, then you just load the propshafts and the transmission. At least if you drop the diff ratio, you transfer the stress to the 1/2 shafts, cheaper and easier to replace, and pretty bomb proof in a Toyota.

Rolla

[graham78]

Do you think with wheels that size it will effect the gearing much even though its an auto.

if done proper then no as the box should of been sorted to cope....

[bullfrog]

Most of the import ones that were lifted etc over there are done properly. They can all have head problems though and anyonne who says differently is lying.
New head with bits £1999 !
Exhaust (toyota only) £245
Brake pads £50
They are not cheap to fix. Very nice to take to sainsburys etc but not an ideal offroader. Most of the imports look the part but dont cope that well. I would look at something thats cheaper to fix and has greater all round ability.

Oh and I have had a fair few import 4x4s so have a fair idea what I am talking about and also know a fair few "in the trade" that deal with them.
The 3.0 is a fine engine but needs the coolant changing very regulary . Get it checked whilst under warrenty :idea:

[Drift]

Took a mate out laning a couple of years ago in a Surf inexperience caused him to slide back wards on a very slippey ice road.
He hit a tree and did some damage, we didnt expect the bill to come to £500 :shock: , he sourced the bits and paid a garage the labour, as we helped but he wanted it done properly  :oops:
And this was all the damage was (exhaust he let us fix )


All said and done if I saw a goodn and had the money I would go for it :D
Though with me it would have to double as a familyish car to  :roll:  :lol:

[Bush Tucker Man]

One of our Specialist Registrars has just bought one of these.
I haven't seen it yet, but she seems to be happy with it.

[UDTrev]

I've seen a 3rd gen offroad, in the right hands they are a very capable truck.

The 3rd gen also benefits from a centre diff, which means they can be driven anywhere with 4x4, the 2nd gen like mine is part time not to be used on tarmac.


Trev

[gwh200]

i beg to differ !!!

my friend pete has a highly modded disco,which is pretty damm good off road, my 2nd gen 2,4 surf has always managed to keep up (and once or twice surpass)said disco. i dont want or mean to start a mine is better than yours just that with a few sensible mods it is a very capable and extremely durable old lump

[Hobnailkelly]

Don't they have an LSD in the rear as standard?  Helps a lot in the slippy stuff.

[laser_jock99]

....anyonne who says differently is lying.
New head with bits £1999 !
Exhaust (toyota only) £245
Brake pads £50
They are not cheap to fix. :

I beg to differ with some of your price 'information'...

http://www.milneroffroad.com/KZN130.htm

Brake pads are really £12.5
New cylinder head kit £540

[gwh200]

Don't they have an LSD in the rear as standard?  Helps a lot in the slippy stuff.

some do some dont. mine has, and it gives good performance even in 2wd. also prices for spares are not as dear as that!!!!!!!
ie new head kit from milners less than 6oo, brakes 30 quid from roughtrax etc.with regards to head probs, about 30% of 2,4 surfs had the dreaded head prob,not great but not disasterous