ADVICE PLEASE TOYOTA HILUX SURF/4 RUNNER

[MTpockets]

There ya go. I wasnt sure with 4runners and diesel as I always thought they were petrol. Thanks for the headsup Jim
cheers
Les

[Gorilla_in_Manila]

Here you go MT ..... in the flesh!
http://carpoint.ninemsn.com.au/Deskt...ias=carpointau
Cheers
Jeff

[MTpockets]

Thanks for that Jeff
Maybe I should pay more attention to the 4runners instead of being so one eyed with the surfs
cheers
Les

[Gorilla_in_Manila]

Les,
This has been quite interesting reading for me actually.
Worked up in Malaysia during the 90's and only knew 4 runners from aus. Then started noticing a few getting around over there (mid 90's) and checked them out and found out they were called surfs.
I just assumed it was the asian version of the 4runner, and, like a lot of other models up there, have lighter transmission, suspension and motors than the aussie versions. Was quite shocked to notice Surfs in aus when I got back for a while (late 90's). My first thoughts were oh no, hope they upgraded them for aus conditions, coz if they haven't, the owners are going to have some expensive repairs.
By the sounds of the above, the importers didn't upgrade them and there has been the expected dramas in the earlier models.
Anyway, haven't had one myself, but interesting all the same.
Cheers
Jeff

[MTpockets]

I actually find it interesting that you had the same thoughts about Surfs that I did. When I first came upon them I thought I wouldn't touch them with a 10ft pole, but now that I have done the research on them and now own one, I must admit I am very much converted. I have always been so dead against grey imports for so many years that I suprise myself with the way I changed my way of thinking

Dollar for dollar I beleive the Surf is the best value 4wd in the country. If you take the 3 litre KZN series for instance, you can have a very capable 4wd for the whole family with all the bells and whistles for less than 20k. It is definatly in reach for most middle wage earners who cant afford the Cruisers and Patrols, and the like. I am proud to own a Surf and I share my passion with 800 other surf owners on our site who feel the same. Life really is good
cheers
Les

[jimbamb]

Pockets,
Never had a surf but the forerunner was the best vehicle ive ever owned,Comfy,reliable,go anywhere,an i mean ANYWHERE,economical easy to drive,even the missus drove it over big red near birdsville.should never have sold it.

[MTpockets]

Yeah, isn't it the way Rarely do you get a car that you can say that in hindsight. At least you know that whoever is driving it now is saying the same thing

cheers
Les

[Marz]

Hi guys just found this site hope someone can asnswer my question.

im looking to buy a car soon and i was looking at either a 4runner or Surf. 1996 onwards.

Was there a petrol motor available?
Also what is the difference between a 4runner and a Surf?
Are they both grey imports or is it only the Surf?
How is their power compared to other 4wd's?
What am i looking at spending to get a decent one?

Cheers from Marz

[MTpockets]

Was there a petrol motor available?

Yes, it was released in the 1996 version. it is a VZN185 V6.

Also what is the difference between a 4runner and a Surf?

The 4 runner released here in Australia was an Australian built car. Very simular but built for Aussie conditions.

Are they both grey imports or is it only the Surf?

The Surf was imported from Japan. The 4 runner was Aussie built.

How is their power compared to other 4wd's?

The 2.4 turbo diesel was pretty sluggish but still had great torque. The KZN130 3 litre was pretty good and had heaps of go. The KZN 185 3 litre is basically the Prado running gear and is also very good. The VZN185 is the V6 petrol same as the Prado and goes like a rocket.

What am i looking at spending to get a decent one?

The 1988-1992 2.4 will go for around the 11k to 15k.
The 1993-1996 3litre will go for around 15k to 19k.
The 1996-1997 still fetch from 19k to 26k depending on the kays and the options.
In general the surf is well catered for these days and parts are no longer a problem in Oz. They are a fairly cheap way to buy a 4x4 with all the bells and whistles, and are a very capable 4wd.
Seeing as how you have gotten my answer here I wont bother answering your post at our forum at www.toyotasurf.asn.au, I will just link it back to here.
cheers
Les

[MY-TopEnder]

I was going to add my 2c worth but it seems Les here has done the job just nicely.

I basically own a clone of Les's truck except for the engine problems. I've had it a month now and honestly i wouldn't buy anything else, if i ever upgrade, it'll be to a newer surf.

[MTpockets]

Rob...... engine problems solved with a new 3L head.
Goes like a champion now mate

cheers
Les

[Girella]

How is the leg & head room for the taller gentleman ?

I heard from a friend of an aquaintance of a relative of a workmate's wife that they are a
a bit cramped.

PK

[MY-TopEnder]

They're not too bad... like i'm not 6ft but theres plenty of room there, you wouldn't want to be taking a few passengers in the back though as things tend to cramp up a bit there.

Anyway most of em have a sunroof

In terms of luggage room, bloody massive, i've had a sleeping bag in the back of mine and been able to sleep in it with the seats down.

I think about the only difference between Les's truck and mine is that his has the engine issues fixed, and i haven't had any pop up with mine. (hugs a bloody tree touching wood )

[Marz]

Thanks for the info Les just what i needed to know.
Now i have another question.
What is it that makes you guys prefer a Surf over a 4Runner?
Is it the price or optiona available?
How good is the economy from the petrol v6 motor in efficiency compared to the diesel motor?
Or does it guzzle like some landcruisers do on petrol?
Do htey have a full chassis?

Cheers from Marz

[MTpockets]

What is it that makes you guys prefer a Surf over a 4Runner?

Simply put..... there is not very many 4 runners around, but of the ones that are, have way too many kays on em and considering the options the surf has, it makes sense and they come as a diesel only. The V6 petrol runner is very heavy on juice. Surf's usually have low milage due to them being from Japan and complied with less than 100,000 ks.

Is it the price or optiona available?

Its both. The price is affordable and the options make it worthwhile.

How good is the economy from the petrol v6 motor in efficiency compared to the diesel motor?

The V6 petrol Surf is very good on fuel. The 3 litre diesels get around the 12 litres per 100k, not bad.

Or does it guzzle like some landcruisers do on petrol?

No, they do much better than the cruisers due to them not weiging as much. Prolly 2/3rds of a ton lighter.

Do htey have a full chassis?

Indeed they do