Anyone own a Toyota hilux surf

[thinmyster]

Looking to possibly buy one. Anything I should be aware of? look for? trim/models

Any other comments are welcome.

thanks!

[project240]

My brother had one a few years back. Obviously very similar to the 4runner. He had a 2.4L turbo diesel and it had absolutely no power and took forever to get up to speed. Other than that it was a great vehicle.

I'd look for a 3.0 v6 if you can find one.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I would only buy one with the bigger diesel.

[jdmsource]

what model are you looking to get? the 96 model KZN185 is now legal to import, should look into those ones

[DonJuan]

Dont do the V6, they really like the fuel. But I would say are more reliable and all the parts are sold here.

I own a KZN130 3.0 Diesel Surf with the 1kzte turbo engine. Its the one you want. Plenty of power, tons of torque and excellent mileage. In the summer I'm at 550km to a 60L tank with big tires. Winter time though, it drops to 400-450km. 94-96 are the best years as the newer KZN185 with its ground effects looses some ground clearance. The 1kz is still used today, and is borrowed from the land cruisers.

AVOID the 2.4 diesel! RUN! unless you like replacing a cylinder head on a yearly basis. Toyota scrapped it for a reason.

Try and find a SSR-G which are the fully loaded models with sunroof and LSD diff. They are hard to find, especially nice low milage ones. Which is why I have an SSR-X (no sunroof or LSD) but only has 67,000km and grade 4.5.

Low milage ones are REALLY hard to find.

[Kardon]

Pass on any gas models, and definitely get the 3.0 diesel. Unfortunately those cost almost as much as a 80 series land cruiser with the inline 6 turbo diesel.

[thinmyster]

thanks guys! I have more questions Ill post later. keep the comments coming.

Is there any hilux forums you guys frequent?

[Redlyne_mr2]

Yep stay away from the 2.4, it's a pos engine. Get the 3L gas version, it's not as efficient as the diesel but parts are way easier and cheaper to find. It's the same engine they used here. If you're ever owned a JDM car you know what a pain it is to find parts.

[thinmyster]

are the 3.0L turbo diesels okay to look at? Looks like the fixed the cylinder head issues right?

V6's look to be harder to come by...

[master hec0]

ct4wd.com there is a few guys that own hilux's there and alot of info for any toyota owner.

[Redlyne_mr2]

Originally posted by thinmyster
are the 3.0L turbo diesels okay to look at? Looks like the fixed the cylinder head issues right?

V6's look to be harder to come by...

v6s are harder to come by but worth it IMO, finding parts to the diesel 3L sucks. the D3 engine is a great engine though.

[DonJuan]

I havnt had any issues with the 3.0 Diesel parts. It took a little looking online for getting part numbers, but toyotadiy.com is great. Then again, I havnt had to look for anything other than oil and fuel filter, and an AC belt.

[sxtasy]

I'm trying to make up my mind between a Hilux diesel and a 3rd gen 4runner with gas V6. I want a great winter vehicle with good offroad capabilities. Where are the best places to find a 3rd gen Hilux diesel? How are they to start on those -30 days? How are they for towing? Maintenance?