1992 Toyota Hi-lux Surf 4WD 2.4 turbo diesel
Summary:
Very disappointing
Faults:
The fact is, don't buy one; avoid 2.4lt turbo diesels. We had two separate ones, as the car dealer exchanged our first for another one, as we had problems with the turbo losing power shortly after purchase.
The second one was better, but despite always being maintained/serviced as required, after 30000kms the motor was stuffed; it was blowing black smoke a lot. Very disappointing, as we were told we should of gone for the 3Lt diesel version, which is better.
A lot other owners had blown head gaskets, which are known to happen - very expensive to fix. We were fortunate this didn't happen to us!
General Comments:
Very disappointing, Toyota does make very reliable vehicles, as we owned many Toyota's in the past, but these Toyota Surf 2.4 Diesel 4Wheel drives were a nightmare!!! They are not as good as cars.
In fact you'd be better off with a Morris Minor!!
We had horror repair bills with the Toyota Surf.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th July, 2007
10th Oct 2007, 09:00
SURFS are GREAT!! 250000km and still going strong.
With Surfs, you have be VERY CAREFUL when purchasing, as a lot are imports from Japan, which may have been wound back (odometer). They also need a good thrashing to flush out/off carbon deposits from crawling around Tokyo for a few years. Just fang it on the freeway.
Also don't trust a car salesman - since when were they ever honest!!
Finally, you should service (at least oil and filter change) any vehicle every 5000km, no matter what the manufacturer says - remember, you only buy a car every so often, but you service it at least twice a year. I do agree 3ltr is better than 2.4ltr when it comes to grunt.
Check out http://toyotasurf.asn.au/