PHP Warning: Use of undefined constant VBA_SCRIPT - assumed 'VBA_SCRIPT' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in ..../includes/functions_navigation.php(802) : eval()'d code on line 1 ADVICE PLEASE TOYOTA HILUX SURF/4 RUNNER
i need some advice please i am comming over to AUS in oct and i want to buy a toyota hilux surf/4 runner can you tell me please is there any difference between the surf and the four runner as they look the same to me?? and can you advise on what models are best to buy i dont have loads of bucks around 10-15k to spend are there lots of probs with these vehicles that i should be aware of or any thing you think is relevent??
Surf is a used imported vehicle. The Jap 4runner.
4runner is the australian name.Surf has all the fruit.
Keep away from the 2.4 diesel as they seem to have a lot more probs with the donk.
In a diesel if it blow black smoke the injectors are u/s and the pump may need attention so look out for that.
For a later model (post 91) a surf will have to be had.
Get a 3ltr is the go. Might cost about 17-19 to get a good one with low K's around 1996-7.
Thanks guys for your help i will look out for the 3 litre diesel as you say and poss go for the petrol model also if they come up i have been looking on auto trader on line and i will be in QLD is there some where else better to look like local papers etc etc i will be in an area south of bris for 2 weeks called Carina then we are heading for the sunshine coast but need to get sorted with a vehicle quick as i have lots of fishing to do!!!lol lol
Paul,
Here is a carpoint surf in brisbane to give you an idea what sort of bang you might get for your buck. Do a search on carpoint for surfs or hiluxes and you should get more info. http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/Deskt...ias=carpointau
Cheers
Jeff
Mate,
There are differences between surfs and forerunners.The latter has better cooling for aussie conditions.and different engine options .I owned a 92 model 2.8 diesel.Best vehicle ever sold it with 350000ks still goin like a charm. Only complaint was underpowered but if you arent in a hurry and use the gearbox theres no problem.I towed a 17.5 ft caravan around Aus twice and never laid a spanner on it..Total 65000Ks.have a good look before u buy.
You could try looking in the Trading Post to give some idea of prices http://www.tradingpost.com.au/ ...From memory all surfs are diesel but i may be wrong
I am a moderator at the surf website and own a 2.4 92 surf myself. It has all the bells and whistles and is a very capable 4wd. If you visit the website you will get a good idea of the known problems they suffer and how people have dealt with them. Parts are no longer an issue as they can be sourced through many outlets now. The biggest problem that the 2.4 faced was the overheating caused by the original head gasket and radiator. If the original stuff was left on the motor when coming to Oz it quicly failed due to the hotter temps here as opposed to Japan. If you do find a nice surf here in Brisbane and it happens to be say a '92 2.4 auto, make sure that if it is still original that you allow yourself some cash to put the 2.8 (3L) head gasket on and a new 3 core radiator, thermostat and radiator cap. All these parts are available from Toyota with all part numbers available on the surf website. The 3 core radiator can be purchased at most good radiator shops for around the $500 mark, and all up allow about $700 to do the job. I mean if you get a really nice surf for around the 12-13k mark and extra 700 will insure that you will minimise future head cracks. To replace a head you would be looking at about $3k. The 3L head gasket is the key to the surf overheating as the original gaskets caused most of the problems. The other thing you must do if going down this track is to flush out the system and refill with toyota coolant. I just had my head shaved and all the above done to mine and she runs like a dream now. Hope this helps, and please feel free to contact me if you need more info/help.
thanks Les,
mate the four runner,does this have better cooling more designed to the aussie climate,another guy has told me this and is there any easy checks i can do at the car lot when i buy to see if the modifications you mention have allready been done?
the other thing is does the petrol model suffer the same overheating problems? and with all this in mind am i to understand that the easiest way round these cooling issues would to be to go straight for the 3.0L version as this has none of these probs as standard?
thanks Les sorry for all the questions mate but we are coming over real soon and i will need a veichle quickly once we arrive and i dont want to buy a bag of trouble from a dodgy car dealer!! from what you say if they do have these problems then it is possible that i might buy one that has overheated and have a warped head or gasket problems and i am not really that clued up mechanically so im not to sure sure how to spot a problem??
Hi paul,
Mate the only difference in the 4runner is that it doesnt have quite as many accessories as the surf, and is a petrol and dont come in auto. They had there own issues with lack of power and dodgy gearboxes ect....
If you are able to source out a good priced Surf, my mate is a mechanic and will check it out for you at a resonable price. Very trustworthy guy and knows Surfs well, as he owns a KZN185, 96 model.
If you were to look at a 3 litre Surf, they dont have the overheating problems like the 2.4. They seem to be a pretty good engine with the bugs ironed out.
Here is a link that you can read about what to look for when sourcing a surf, complied by our forum administrator, more to come and is a work in progress. http://toyotasurf.asn.au/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2274
I was under the impression that there are differences in the components, specifically the clutch plate/throw out bearing, different gear ratios in box, different ECM for engine etc. Maybe it is different now but I thought Toyota Australia also stated that they would not hold these special items as a stocked item here in Australia and you need to go through non OEM business to get them ???
Yes you are absolutly right about the differences in specific parts, but Toyota have come to the party with quite a few parts and in some instances go the extra mile to locate certain parts. Some Toyota spare parts divisions still to this day will not recognise the surf, but many more do and are very helpful. The thing about the surf website is a lot of the guys who own the surfs have done a lot of the hard yards and can supply part numbers for almost all the parts you need. Yes things were bad in the early years but these days its not very hard to track down parts.
Its like most things that get bad press early on..... the reputation lingers longest cos a mate who knows, told me so.
hehehe
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