Faults:

UK import.

Rusty underneath due to salt use on roads in winter. Silly people!

Replaced ball joints, brake discs front and pads. D-bushes and fan belts also replaced.

General Comments:

Absolutely reliable. My old 4-runner was good in terms of reliability, but not great to drive, and a bit unwieldy.

The Series 3 Surf is revolutionary to drive. Comfy, safe, spacious. Go anywhere ability. Will be used to drive from Ireland via Spain to North Africa and thence to Petra in Syria. No reservations about vehicle at all.

If you want a proper 4x4, buy a Surf. Forget all other pretenders (with the exception of the 2002 to 2005 Nissan Navara, a truly indestructible vehicle if comfort is not an issue). Buy a Surf!!!

Faults:

Battery cable corroded and required replacement at 115,000 - must have been due to driving in the sea.

Bushes on the steering rack required replacement at 80,000.

New shocks fitted at 190,000. Original ones were not broken, just thought it would be a good idea.

General Comments:

Great truck, the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, cost next to nothing in repairs. Can't seem to find a reason to sell it other than to buy another one. This vehicle has put up with a lot as it has been used for many off road tours, carrying huge amounts inside and towing heavy weights over long distances.

Faults:

Anti-rattle washer at base of gaerstick broke at 148,000 km (<$100)

Fuel pump failed at 142,000km ($105)

Radiator leaked from top tank 154,000km (cost 1/2 carton of beer to fix)

General Comments:

The vehicle has been very reliable in the last 5 years. Except for normal running items such as tyres, oil & batteries, the vehicle has not cost me anything.

I find the vehicle to be a bit rough riding, but this is due to the 15" light truck tyres & the helper springs at the rear to assist with the weight of the fibreglass canopy on the car when I bought it.

I have never had any other problems except as outlined above. The air-con & heater work well. I changed the sealed beam headlights to Hella H4 inserts for better night driving. The car gets a fair bit of off-road use & gets used as a trade-mans vehicle loaded with tools. Fuel economy is a bit poor at 24mpg on the highway.

Faults:

One battery terminal needed replacement as it was badly corroded.

General Comments:

This is my second time owning a Surf, having had a '93 model before (see http://www.carsurvey.org/review_11585.html)

This is a seriously comfortable vehicle. Plenty of leg-room and generally quite spacious, both front and rear. The boot-space is terrific too.

This is the top spec (in theory) SSR-G model, which includes a number of extras, including a rear mounted spare wheel with electric drop down mirror in the rear spoiler for parking etc. This is however one area of poor design, as the wheel badly obscures the view afforded by the mirror. Nice gimmick though.

Seat bolsters are not taking the high mileage incredibly well (but still better than many other manufacturers would).

Fabulous to drive; one of the most car-like driving experiences you can get in a (proper) 4X4.

This in my second Surf; it won't be my last one.