hilux surf

[fraztiree]

iv been offered a hilux surf for a swap for my astra van are they any good whats your apinion its a 2.5 l k plate looks minted new turbo just fitted.. iv also been offered a subaru imprza sport . dont no witch to get both have there good and bad points

[astra]

import or not?

[Neil Harvey]

I love the surf, so I'm on my third!
The first I had was a g reg 2.4 with bigger wheels and a body lift. it was a beast. Had it years,and always swore there was something wrong with it, but it just kept going no probs, and tough as old bots.

the second was a facelifted P reg 3l, very nice, but unexpectedly got a job in switzerland 1 week after buying it, so it had to go.

Now on an R reg new generation 3l diesel, but with intercooler :-)
The new (3rd) gen ones have things like a centre diff, ABS etc, not essential, but nice to have if you can stretch that far. You can pick up a 1996 one for circa 3-4k.

they didn't do a 2.5l diesel, assume you mean the 2.4l diesel.

Quite reliable, but with the 2.4, got to make sure the head is OK, they are a known weak spot.

3l is much better, with better power and pulling ability. Lots of info at hiluxsurf.co.uk

personally, i'd steer clear of the 2.4, unless you know the head has been properly changed.

There are some K, L and M reg ones badged 4Runner, which are UK cars, all Surfs are imports I think.

[fraztiree]

cheers yea its an import k plate 2.4l yea . i asked about head he says its great engine no leaks new turbo just fitted. its auto so prob be heavy on the juice?

[Neil Harvey]

Originally Posted by fraztiree

cheers yea its an import k plate 2.4l yea . i asked about head he says its great engine no leaks new turbo just fitted. its auto so prob be heavy on the juice?

he would say it's a great engine... seriously, they often have head problems, and if it's not been done already, I would not touch it with a bargepole, and would only consider it if the head has been done.

I think my manual 2.4 did about 25-28mpg. IIRC, people said they gor 21-25mpg from the 2.4 auto.

most important question - what colour?

[astra]

if its a import and engine is sound check the cv boots and suspension bushes and grab it,solid motor

[Rogue Wave]

I think Neil is right the head on the 2.4 is very prone to going and they have to be put right at large expense. check out ebay an see how many 2.4have blown. it's got something to do with the rad being to small,i believe

they are bery strongly built and the 3 tre is a very reliable truck. I've had one for 7 years but I've never liked it cos it's an auto. I've done about 100k (72miles) in mine this year

the keep there looks very well

[codprawn]

Mate of mine has a Surf 3L - asked me to collect it from London. Not bad to drive but very tail happy in the wet - no permanent 4 wheel drive like on a Landie. Better than many jap vehicles I suppose.

[Jon Tallis]

Just picked up this old post and thought I'd reply as a fan of the surf.
Had Landies for years but now on my second surf and won'd be going back.
Observations.
Theyre TOUGH. Go for a face-lifted 3.0 (diesel obviously) and you get all land-cruiser running gear. Mine has 200k kms on the clock and nothing has EVER gone wrong with it.
There were several transfer box options - make sure your have an option to select both "4WD" and "4HL" (4WD, high ratio, difflock) This indicates the truck has the transfer box with centre diff meaning you can drive it on tarmac in 4WD.
2.4's are very prone to blowing head gaskets - get a 3.0 if you can - theyre cheap enough.
They ARE tail happy in the wet. This can be improved a bit by removing the rear anti-roll bar. If its very greasy run in 4wd (provided you've got a centre diff model) put some weight in ths back or hitch up a trailer!
They like a chunk of nose-weight on the trailer (see above)
Great brakes. Front disks are the size of dinner plates and vented with 4-pot calipers.
Max towing weight is a bit of a grey area. As they're all Jap imports they're not 'plated' as such so towing weight is limited to the vehicle kerb weight as stated on the V5 (they vary dependant on what was declared at import). I regularly tow 2.5Te with mine and its pulls like a train and stops like one too. However you are probably invalidating your insurance if towing above the approved weight - you've been warned!
They're cheap - compared to a landy at least.
They're reasonably fast and economical (for 4x4). Top speed 95ish. Will cruise all day at 85-90 fully laden and return 25mpg.
They are getting old now so beware of all the usual older car problems esp rust.
Factory bullbars are VERY flimsy (compared to Landrover at least). Dont try to tow off one or you'll break it (I speak from experience).

Feel free to reply or PM me with any surf-related queries or try one - you won't regret it!
[/LIST]

[Mollers]

18mnths later, he's prob gotton himself sorted.