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Hilux or Surf

Tech Talk for Cruiser owners.

Moderators: toaddog, Elmo, DUDELUX

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Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Aug 22, 2005 3:42 pm

Hilux or Surf

Post by mcharg »

Hey, I'm looking at getting either a Hilux or a Surf/4 Runner for around $10,000 what are the pro's and con's of them both. Thanks in advance for your help.

McHarg
Posts: 71
Joined: Tue Feb 24, 2004 11:16 am

Post by dandownunder »

It depends what you want to use it for. I bought a Surf about 4 years ago because I wanted a comfortable touring truck and not a Ute. There is some info on the surfs here: http://www.toyotasurf.asn.au/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2274 all the pro's and Con's of them.

Can't say there is much wrong with the surfs, they have more features than the Aus complianced Hilux, you just have to find a good one :) and if you can afford it go the 3.0Lt over the 2.4 for power, but I'm happy with my 2.4 ;)

Cheers
Dan.
Posts: 510
Joined: Fri Feb 04, 2005 7:31 am
Location: Brisbane

Post by whiteknight »

If you want to do serious offroading go the Hilux but make sure its a solid axle front end and not the IFS.

If its just a beachrunner and for the mrs's to drive around in the Surf is probably the way to go..

Just my thoughts before someone flames me :roll:
Posts: 1231
Joined: Sun May 15, 2005 1:00 pm
Location: Bayside, Brisbane

Post by Mr DJ »

Value for money wise, I could not go past the Surf for my requirements and have found that they are not the POS many others seem to say (I wonder how many of them have ever owned one :P ).
Just for your info, the bottom of the range Surf (SSR) is one step up from an SR5 in std vehicle features.
There are electrical wiring differences but the body/chassis is the same as an Aussie 4 runner but a diesel and much less $$$ (seen some good early 90's examples for around $8k with upgrades).
It's true that your local Toyota dealer is rarely helpful when he hears "Surf" but when he hears "LN130" the parts just seem to fit :? .
There are some issues with possible overheating, tho I have had none myself (I think regular maintenance is the key as with most cars).
If I were to buy again now I would look for a KZN185 (late 90's early 2000) as they would have come down a bit on price by now.

The missus and I love the Surf :cool: and the best advice I can offer is, do your own research, and make up your own mind from facts.

You can find some Surf info here http://www.toyotasurf.asn.au/

Happy Hunting, Doug.

EDIT : Agree completely with White Knight, if your after serious offroad use (I need to type faster :roll: )
91' Hilux Surf with the usual mods & a few different ones ....
Coil SAS by www.budscustoms.com.au
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