New member enquiry

[phorbiuz]

Hi there

Being a user of forums for many years on bikes and stuff, I know how often boring questions are asked - so I'll ask anyway sorry!

I'm looking at buying a Hilux Surf which will be primarily used for pottering about, going to work, and towing a caravan (don't all hate me at once - I also race my bike and drink copius amounts of lager if that balances things up!).

I'm wondering if anyone can provide any good advice on them. Budget wise I reckon I can go to a 96 N plate which would be the 3 litre diesel. I would prefer an auto. Questions:

1. I only seem to find these as imports so is this particular model only available as an import?
2. If they are only imports, what is the support like from Toyota etc for servicing?
3. Are specialist suppliers needed for parts?
4. Would it need an improved oil cooler on an auto model to cope with towing? **key question**
5. What are insurance costs like (I currently have a V6 2.5i Vectra so I reckon the Surf should be less)?
6. Does anyone know of a good buyers guide around for these, and what I should certainly avoid?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[bensonsnuts]

Hi there

Being a user of forums for many years on bikes and stuff, I know how often boring questions are asked - so I'll ask anyway sorry!

I'm looking at buying a Hilux Surf which will be primarily used for pottering about, going to work, and towing a caravan (don't all hate me at once - I also race my bike and drink copius amounts of lager if that balances things up!).

I'm wondering if anyone can provide any good advice on them. Budget wise I reckon I can go to a 96 N plate which would be the 3 litre diesel. I would prefer an auto. Questions:

1. I only seem to find these as imports so is this particular model only available as an import?
2. If they are only imports, what is the support like from Toyota etc for servicing?
3. Are specialist suppliers needed for parts?
4. Would it need an improved oil cooler on an auto model to cope with towing? **key question**
5. What are insurance costs like (I currently have a V6 2.5i Vectra so I reckon the Surf should be less)?
6. Does anyone know of a good buyers guide around for these, and what I should certainly avoid?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi Dave,welcome to the forum....heres a few answers
1. Yes
2. crap generally but some dealers are ok.You generally need to go armed with your chassis number etc & a great deal of patience.But everything should be available to order
3.Lots of independents offering a better & cheaper service
4. Should be ok but some folks fit them for piece of mind
5. Depends on your circumstances (budget for £400 & ignore anyone who gives a stupid quote)http://www.yotasurf.co.uk/Forums/showthread.php?t=1015
6.http://www.showmesome.info/hilux/info/faq.htm ...lots of good info on here & this forums the best buyers guide around.

Good luck with your purchase...you won,t regret it

[Koi]

Hi there

Being a user of forums for many years on bikes and stuff, I know how often boring questions are asked - so I'll ask anyway sorry!

I'm looking at buying a Hilux Surf which will be primarily used for pottering about, going to work, and towing a caravan (don't all hate me at once - I also race my bike and drink copius amounts of lager if that balances things up!).

I'm wondering if anyone can provide any good advice on them. Budget wise I reckon I can go to a 96 N plate which would be the 3 litre diesel. I would prefer an auto. Questions:

1. I only seem to find these as imports so is this particular model only available as an import?
2. If they are only imports, what is the support like from Toyota etc for servicing?
3. Are specialist suppliers needed for parts?
4. Would it need an improved oil cooler on an auto model to cope with towing? **key question**
5. What are insurance costs like (I currently have a V6 2.5i Vectra so I reckon the Surf should be less)?
6. Does anyone know of a good buyers guide around for these, and what I should certainly avoid?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Yes only imports on the Hilux Surf, the 4 Runner was made for this market.
The rest as Geoff says, happy hunting.