Need advice on Hilux Surf Diesel or Petrol?

[dazlin]

I have been looking at getting an early 90's hilux / surf. I would prefer a diesel due to cheaper fuel costs but i have hear that these diesel can become costly for servicing. Does anyone know if they are a good motor or would i be bett off getting something in a petrol model, maybe even a converted one with a holded V6.

Would i be better off just looking for a 2.8 turbo diesel australian built hilux duel cab? or are the imported surfs worth the effort.

[+dj_hansen+]

Biggest trouble with all of the 2.4l diesel surfs is their habit or cracking heads. They are very nice car, but can become quite costly depending on what you want done.


What is the main purpose this rig will serve? answer this and we can help you more.

[dazlin]

main ise on road but would like to go camping more. I would still take it off road in some tough area's.

[+dj_hansen+]

For onroad id go a surf, but depends on what you mean by 'tough'

Surf is IFS, so far more comfortable onroad and gravel, but it will let you down in rough terrain unless you wish to splash some cash on lockers.

There are 2 forsale in melb atm, a 3.0lt, pretty stock, and a modified 2.4lt modified, both for 10k...

Can give u details if u like.

[dazlin]

that would be great if you could send me the details.
my email is crap@yaussie.com.au

[sniper]

http://www.toyotasurf.asn.au/forum/index.php
the holy bible to all things surf

Surfs have an interior that is above the Aus standard and not a bad car at all. A 4Runner is the Aus version and a SR5 is still a very nice car but is a V6 or 2.8 diesel.

In my opinion i will only go diesel in a 4WD. A diesel is actually cheaper to service then a petrol, there are no spark plugs, leads, coils, rotor buttons so on and so on. Just oil and filters.

A surf has alot of electronics as a 4Runner doesnt. Depending on what year you are looking at. 4Runners only ran to 96 i think. So if you where after a 3ltr motor you will have to go surf or hilux ute.

[HG]

PPFFFFTTT Diesel cheaper to run
For my last oil & filter change $ 30.50.
and this lasts me 10,000 kays, I get on average 13 ltrs per 100 kms (fuel) & 17/100 on LPG and I have 300 + HP to play with.
A set of 8 platinum spark plugs set me back $70 which will last me 60,000 PLUS kays and full electronic ignition (no points) .
So I'll go the petrol/gas way
Oh and it's a gas guzzling V8 that has a nice rumble too.