Hilux Surf, are they any good?

OK. You've opened a can of worms.

You are right, the 3.0L (1KZ-TE) is the only way to go IMHO. But they still can suffer from overheating, but not because "they are not built for australian conditions". They overheat because they are neglected and not maintined properly. Because they are built for cooler climates they do tend to show signs of neglect sooner in the cooling system as there is less margin for error (so to speak).

We overload our poor surf evertime we go away, we live in WA and have HOT summers, we don't pussy foot around and we have now solved ALL of our overheating problems without doing any major modifications.

Things to do when you pickup your new surf:
1. Do an oil and filter change (you should do this with ANY new second hand car).
2. If you feel up to it change: air filter, diff's and tranny/transfer oils too. (why not).
3. Get the radiator to a specialist and get them to re-core it, get the system pressure tested. (mine had pin hole leaks that you couldn't see that were causing the system to loose pressure when worked, therefore over heat). MAKE SURE YOU RUN TOYOTA LONG LIFE COOLANT (the red stuff).
4. While the Rad's out get the Viscous Clutch Fan re built. (squeeze some special silicone into it).
5. If it's an auto (which I WOULD recommend, they are great) get a third party oil cooler fitted for the transmission (if it doesn't have one already). They are realitivly cheap and you'll find that the heat from the standard oil cooler in the bottom of the radiator is what causes most of the heat build up in your Rad. It will also make you tranny last longer if you work it hard a lot.
6. MAKE SURE YOU AIR FILTER IS ALWAYS CLEAN!
7. If it has a Safari Snorkel, ensure it doesn't have a restrictor in the top of it (a big metal washer). This will restrict the air flow and cause you motor to run rich. A Diesel running rich produces smoke and runs hot.

Now this may seem a lot, but really you should be doing most of those to ANY car you buy.

The surf is comfy, very nice to drive on road and off, very capable, the 3.0L has plenty of go and they are well priced. The 1KZ-TE motor is nice to work on and parts have been easy to get and well priced so far (touch wood). The Auto is very responsive and just "the bomb" off road, I'll never go back to a manual 4by.

Click on my Rig Pic (avatar) to see the surf mod's we've done.

The Surf is great, if you dont want any spare parts as some Toyota dealers will not get spare parts as they are not built for Australia, if you need to get a rebuild on the motor or G/box you may find that some parts are not available in Aus

Zach,

I can't comment on the Surf but I do know this. It is a "Grey Import" and as such was never sold in Australia. Whilst it is virtually a 4 Runner, it will be likely to have some parts on it that are not available in Australia. This is the bane of all Grey Imports.

You may find something as innocuous as, say, an indicator lense impossible to buy. This could render your car unroadworthy until you are able to import one at great expense and time.

In addition the history of the vehicle will be unknown.

Prices of Grey Imports that I have seen from specialist dealers do not IMO warrant the associated risk.

Fortunately the Govt has finally placed a well overdue ban on Grey Imports.

Your money, your choice.

Hope to have been of some help.

Cheers,

Jim.

Zach,

I had one and it was great to drive. But keeping the money up to it was impossible,

Mine was a 2.4 litre. 3litre has to be better
Blew a motor, Broken crank.
Motor over heated all the time before and after repair.
Clutch was an issue. Only burnt one out on the sand.

Was the most expensive mistake I ever made.

Some love them. Owners are a proud lot but you have to be very loyal for a product such as this.

Garry

Zig...every 4WD has its traits...every 4WD will cost money...every 4WD needs maintenance unless you buy new and trade every three years (I dont have that luxury)

Dont listen to the scare mongers about grey Imports, there are all the parts you need out there for any of them and plenty of support groups (forums) dedicated to whatever you choose.

Find the veh that suits your needs and your budget and get out there!

Goodluck with it mate!

Matt.

Hi Zach, could not talk highly enough about a turbo deisel Surf. Our first and currently second car is a 1990 turbo. Can't be killed as long as it has maintainance. You must make sure the water cap seal doesn't deteriorate! The imported ones don't like the additives we use! a fantastic work horse that has taken us to many wonderful places, but in our "old age" have upgraded to a Prado and is this fabulous! A couple of freinds had truble with their Surfs but they did not have proper maintenance and regard for the cooling system.

Thank you to all who replied, I appreciate the imput,

zach