I\'m considering buying one of these vehicles, either the Hilux pickup or the Hilux surf. I\'ve got around £6500 to spend which will limit my choice a bit, but I\'d be grateful if you could let me know common problems, things to look out for etc.
Many thanks
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Have you had a read of HJ\'s Car By Car Breakdown for that particular model? They\'re pretty handy for a bit of research.
If it\'s an import (which I think all Surfs are) I\'d check pretty thoroughly for rust. I\'m pretty sure that cars for the Japanese market aren\'t as well protected/galvanized as British cars, due to the weather in Japan being a fair bit more steel-friendly.
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If a pickup, check for a vehicle that has been thrashed. Loads of heavy bricks; brutal use. Scratched paint (particularly on the top of the cab where ladders have rested. Driver's seat wears by the door. My G-reg one had rusted through at the bottom of the doors when the gearbox died at 180k last year (top tip - change the oil despite 'sealed for life'. Otherwise, I think it had a new prop shaft at about 130k.
If 4x4, check the free-wheel front hubs work & are easy to engage (you have to get out of the cab and turn the thing in the middle of each front wheel). (If they won't, how do you think he's maintained the rest of the vehicle!)
Errrr, then check it hasn't been drowned in the Bristol Channel or dropped from a towerblock.
You'll often find that the wheels have been changed to broader wheels & tyres.
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£6500 budget should get you 1994/1995 II generation Toyota Hilux Surf with 3 litre engine, mileage below 60,000 miles or 100,000 km immaculate inside and out.
Unlike suggested Hilux Surfs don't have rust problems and despite age they are very well equipped and are very resistant to wear and tear. The weakest point in the range was early design and cooling of 2.4 litre engine cylinder head. Cylinder was known to warp under load and temperature. Economy of 3 litre engine is very similar, but provided cooling system was checked and maintained they literally run forever.
Typical Hilux Surf of the era should have air conditioning, adjustable suspension (hard and soft), automatic gearbox with overdrive and ECT power boost, all 5 windows operated electrically as well as mirrors and sunroof. Sites to visit, people to ask:
www.yotasurf.co.uk/forums/
www.showmesome.info/hilux/
www.toyotasurf.asn.au/
I actually have Hilux Surf on my driveway right now, so if you live around London and want me to "show you around" you are welcome to contact me...
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