30th Nov 2004, 12:20

I too own a surf. A brilliant motor, but please flush the cooling system upon purchase & each service.

I learned the hard way.

3rd Mar 2005, 11:45

It’s the best, have had my Surf 2.4 TD SSR 1991 over a 1½ years now. What a car, used it for mini cabbing for a year covering over 6000 miles every 2-3 months, always loaded, and being in Camden, London, need I say speed bumps galore. Not a single problem in that time, and everyone loved being picked up in it; had loads of airport work, as there was so much space for luggage.

Only had my cooling system flushed through once last spring ready for summer. Once warm that needle never moved.

Just put new wheels and tyres on, what a difference they make, as well as each tyre being around £20.00 cheaper and a lot bigger (Enduro 31x10.5/15 AT). Got them from Rough Trax.

When the time comes to buy a new car, well say no more, it’s got to be a Surf 3.0 TD.

11th Feb 2006, 01:23

I agree, my 1991 2 wheel drive toyota is an excellent truck by far. It has never let me down with 149,600 miles on odometer I would recommend a hilux to anyone! With a 5-speed gearbox and a tight clutch it is one of the easiest manuals I have driven to date. Though it is a light and compact truck I wouldn't trade it at all, no way! I have owned it now for 2 yrs and finally had to replace the radiator 73.00 U. S dollars. Here in America the hilux is a sought after pickup for its high end reliability. This is by far a fun little 2 wheel drive yes.

20th Aug 2006, 19:25

I love my surf. Got it off ebay for £1150 2.4 TD with chrome wheels. It looks like new, was imported 4 years ago, and done just 70k, just failed its MOT on 3 shockers (rather suspect the last 2 MOTs are iffy) but it's a luvley motor, 15 years old, and I think we will remain friends for a long time to come.

Superb engineering, and a joy to won and drive.

5th Sep 2006, 12:59

Hi I brought my surf 16 months ago imported from japan. After 2 weeks the clyinder head went no fault to the garage. They did the repair and ever since it as been a great motor. It is my first 4x4 and tow a twin wheel base caravan and had no problems at all. I would be very pleased to recomend this motor to anyone

Thanks

John J.

20th Sep 2006, 12:09

I've had a 3.0 diesel surf for about 6 months. Before that I've always had sports cars, and always whinged about diesels. The Surf changed all that. Its 1996 mk3, comfortable and capable on long drives, and everyone comments on it.

If you are thinking about getting one, don't wait... just do it.

15th Oct 2006, 05:39

I agree with everyone here I live in Australia and I take my 91 2LT SSR LMT anywhere its unstoppable I recommend the Hilux to anyone.

2nd Nov 2006, 13:01

True Blue, I've been working on cattle stations in Oz for the last 6 months and they all have at least one hilux. They are indestructible and brilliant off road, highly recommended over any other 4x4.

3rd Nov 2006, 15:11

Could not agree more had my hi-surf (1992) model for three years now, never any trouble, but with all the hype I did do a water flush, fitted toyota anti-freeze, and stat. temp gauge never goes past normal. on 70,000,miles now. will keep it for a few years yet, just keeps going, (just the way I like it.)

17th Dec 2009, 01:56

Hey, I'm thinking about buying a 1991 Toyota Hilux Surf 2.4TD with 214000 kms on it, all still original parts. The thing I would like to know about them is are there 5 inch lift kits for this 4x4?

26th Mar 2010, 05:38

I bought my '93 SSRX 2.4 TD around 2 yrs ago for work in the building trade. It really is an awesome truck, and I love it, as do my wife and three young children. My eldest told all his friends at school his daddy had bought a 'monster truck', and it gave him some serious kudos, unlike the other dads in their 'pretend' 4X4s.

This is a working vehicle, but I still couldn't resist going mad and spending upwards of £800 on some goodies for it over time, i.e. bull bar + 'angel eye' grilled spots, s/s rear light guards, Aero roof bars, etc. etc...

I'd definitely recommend this tank to anyone. Love the way I can waft along sedately (ace auto box) or floor it and surprise people. Everyone comments on it. Bought for £1500!?!

30th Dec 2010, 15:31

Bought mine, a 1991 J reg a year ago. What can I say, it's a mean machine. After a good service, it feels like awesome. Surprisingly low price of 1000 included full service.

It pulls the weight fantastic, road handling pretty good, and fuel consumption is not too bad; just a little over that of my Micra ;-D.

Would definitely recommend to go for it, as this is the Japanese car that never stops, nor lets you down. Driven almost 29k already in 6 months, up and down from NW to MAN APT.

Next one would probably be Hilux Twin Cab.

27th Jan 2011, 08:39

Brought a J plate surf import, 2.4 TD 170,000 kms under powered for the auto box.

It is really bad on diesel, about 18 MPG, electrics are about average, speedo can be a problem if not working. It's hard to locate the problems.

It's nice to drive and comfortable, it's not got the ground clearance for any proper offroading.