Runner/Surf differences

[phorbiuz]

Hello again.

As I'm still new to this forum, I have (another) probably easy & frequently asked question. I got a couple of good responses last week for a Surf buyers guide so I'm hoping I'll find someone just as helpful again!

Can anyone tell me the advantages of owning the Surf over the Runner? It seems that they're similarly priced, but parts and servicing for the Surf is more difficult, and the Surf will more than likely be measuring in km, not mls.

So, there you go - what are the advantages in the Surf?

Cheers.

[marky]

why are surf parts difficult to obtain none of us seam to have any trouble. toyota uk arent much good & are fairly expensive we get parts from milners etc

[phorbiuz]

Cheers Marky - I was led to believe some parts are difficult to source. I've looked at a couple of Surfs now but was just wondering if there was any significant differences between the two.

[Guest]

Hello again.

As I'm still new to this forum, I have (another) probably easy & frequently asked question. I got a couple of good responses last week for a Surf buyers guide so I'm hoping I'll find someone just as helpful again!

Can anyone tell me the advantages of owning the Surf over the Runner? It seems that they're similarly priced, but parts and servicing for the Surf is more difficult, and the Surf will more than likely be measuring in km, not mls.

So, there you go - what are the advantages in the Surf?

Cheers.

Main difference is that the Surfs come with Higher Spec (unless you go for an import 4 runner from the states (however it will be a left hooker).

The Surfs all come with AC, Adjustable suspension, etc wheras the 4 runners (official UK ones) don't.

I have yet to find a part that I couldn't get for the Surf one way or another - either from the likes of Milners / roughtrax or from Toyota. If you are prepared to wait you can often get the really hard to get pieces - mainly trim stuff - from breakers either here (Bob Hilux or Streetluge Chris) or from Australia.

Cheers

[TonyN]

Any good Toyota dealer will get parts for a Surf with Vin and Chassis numbers.

Or you can just tell them you have a 4Runner it you know the parts are the same.

The only advantage of a 4Runner over a Surf, is you won't have to argue with insurance Co's over covering an import, plus the parts guy looks more relieved at the dealers.

Plus its rust proofed properly from new, comes with factory immobilser and alarm and the V6 motor is easier to find.

[bensonsnuts]

Any good Toyota dealer will get parts for a Surf with Vin and Chassis numbers.

Or you can just tell them you have a 4Runner it you know the parts are the same.

The only advantage of a 4Runner over a Surf, is you won't have to argue with insurance Co's over covering an import, plus the parts guy looks more relieved at the dealers.

Plus its rust proofed properly from new, comes with factory immobilser and alarm and the V6 motor is easier to find.

"Plus its rust proofed properly from new, comes with factory immobilser and alarm and the V6 motor is easier to find."

Yeah ,open the bonnet and......

[TonyN]

"Plus its rust proofed properly from new, comes with factory immobilser and alarm and the V6 motor is easier to find."

Yeah ,open the bonnet and......

hehe, fool!

[BI1]

Does this mean the Surf is going to rust quickly if imported ?

[Koi]

Does this mean the Surf is going to rust quickly if imported ?

No, if its a fresh import you just need to underseal it. Use waxoyl, you can spray it on all over the underneath and in the cross sections etc or get the brush out and use the good old black stuff for the accessible parts and waxoyl the rest. If the vehicle has been over here for a while and has been used on our roads, when they have been gritted etc and it aint been undersealed then I would buy with caution give it a real good looking over but even then you cant see in the cross members etc.

[phorbiuz]

Cheers for all the input guys. I've got a couple to look at at the weekend, and a user 'bigd' is getting me the number of a recommended importer.

[icsys]

Hmmm,
Regarding rust. i have a mate with a L reg runner and i had a look at it just before i bought my Surf. I was quite shocked at the amount of rust on it. The Surf looked like it had just rolled out of the showroom.
Needless to say i spent several hours with the waxoyle back in september so hopefully when the weather is warmer again it will still look like new underneath.

Does anyone know if a jet wash would remove the waxoyle in exposed areas?

[Guest]

Hmmm,
Regarding rust. i have a mate with a L reg runner and i had a look at it just before i bought my Surf. I was quite shocked at the amount of rust on it. The Surf looked like it had just rolled out of the showroom.
Needless to say i spent several hours with the waxoyle back in september so hopefully when the weather is warmer again it will still look like new underneath.

Does anyone know if a jet wash would remove the waxoyle in exposed areas?

Shouldn't do if the waxoyle was applied to clean surfaces as It sticks like s**t to an army blanket when correctly applied.

Cheers