1996 Toyota Hilux Surf 3400 V6 Right-Hand Drive
Available now: $31,995
If you want a special Hilux Surf, and don't want to pay the tax, import fees, and transportation, look no further than this 1996. Rocking the rare and eye-catching factory Recaro interior, this Desert Dune Metallic (1A5) example is about as good as it gets. Sporting a set of aggressive WEDS Keeler alloys, OEM rain guards, a factory rear spoiler, and an OEM brush guard, this stunning Toyota is offered with a mere, verified and documented, 112k kilometers (69k miles).
Aside from some light dings, chips, and scratches, the paint is in good condition and is set off by TRD-style decals for a more modern aesthetic. Boasting a couple of fancy upgrades and a smorgasbord of electric equipment, this five-seat 4x4 is an incredible value and is turn-key, ready to roll! Collectible, easy to service, and trusty enough to be a year-round daily driver, how could this VZN185 be anything other than a Japanese classic?
The interior is above-average and was cared for in a prior life. More safety equipment was integrated into the 3rd gen Surf than the N130 before it, and ABS became standard alongside dual front SRS airbags. They are mounted atop the dash, which lacks any cracking or fading. A JVC audio upgrade sits front and center and works like a charm. (Most of the time! There is an issue with it shutting off intermittently.)
Directly above is a simple-to-use automatic climate control system that blows cold A/C and piping hot heat on demand. The driver benefits from adjustable lumbar support and a tilt steering column to find the most comfortable driving position. Electric windows, power-folding mirrors, retracting back glass, and power locks make daily use even more enjoyable.
In typical Toyota fashion, these all work as they should, and this rig even has a functional OEM sunroof. There is also a trick rearview mirror that unfurls from the rear spoiler, so you don't cream the Prius parked behind you when in reverse. The Recaro seats and bespoke door cards steal the show and lack any major rips, stains, or tears. They are supportive and stylish and were never offered stateside. (So you can roll up to Toyota truck meets and have 4Runner owners bask in your glory.)
The rear bench is in equally good condition. It can fold forward for a flat loading floor and has four reclining preset seating positions. The carpets and headliner have withstood the past 25 years without sustaining major abuse, and aside from the non-functional Field Monitor, it's really hard to complain about the interior. (The Field Monitor is mounted between the sun visors and provides temperature and compass heading. Used replacements are available.)
The mechanicals are largely shared with the stateside V6 4Runner, except for the beefy locking center differential for serious off-roading types. The heart of this beast is the quad-cam, 5VZ-FE. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3.4L jolts to life. For those who value preventative maintenance, a new timing belt and water pump were performed (1 year ago) here in the USA, which will save plenty of money and add some peace of mind. It idles with confidence and is mated to a slick-shifting automatic gearbox.
Power is fed to the rear, or all four wheels, depending on the driver's preference. 4WD low is also on standby should you become mired in the muck. It accelerates nicely and cruises on the interstate with poise. To refresh the steering, new inner and outer tie rods on the right front of the Surf were installed.
The suspension offers plenty of ground clearance and is predictable and confident. It soaks up large and small potholes without breaking a sweat. The power steering is light and on point, and the brakes feel quite responsive for a midsize SUV.
Lastly, new 31" Falken all-terrain tires were installed all around to deliver tens of thousands of miles of grip no matter what weather this Surf may encounter.
I have provided studio-quality photos, but since this type of high-quality photo shoot never tells the real story, I have included pics of all the nicks and scratches. As you will see, this 25-year-old classic has been well carried for.
