which model to buy?

[newkiwi]

Hello,

I am about to purchase a Surf, but dont know which one.....I would be grateful for some expert advice!

I have just moved to new Zealand form the UK and have never owned a 4x4 so dont have any technical knowledge.

I will be using it for on and off road. The offroad will be dirt tracks, beaches and getting to snow resorts in winter.

Any suggestions?

should I get diesel or petrol?

which engine size?

any major difference between the models (X,G,V) or is it just trim and gadgets?

should I go for a particular age and mileage? (is 100,000km too high for a petrol etc?)(are the old ones beter than newer ones?)

grateful for any tips to stop me buying a dog!

Cheers

[plumb bob]

Go for the 3.0 TD auto, more power than the 2.4, and the auto will be easier to drive on and off road.

Check all the stuff you'd normally check when buying any car, lus make sure the 4WD works, and check ALL the windows, sunroof, aircon and all the other electrical gadgets work.

100k kms is not high on any Toyota, but I would avoid the petrol model unless you have loads of money for fuel.

The diesels will do 4-500k kms before major rebuild, and are pretty bullit proof engines and gearboxes.

Old/new is probably a personal preference, I prefer the 2nd gen shape wise, and it has more chrome, and looks more like the classic Toyota 4x4 IMO.

[M35A2]

Hello,

I am about to purchase a Surf, but dont know which one.....I would be grateful for some expert advice!

I have just moved to new Zealand form the UK and have never owned a 4x4 so dont have any technical knowledge.

I will be using it for on and off road. The offroad will be dirt tracks, beaches and getting to snow resorts in winter.

Any suggestions?

should I get diesel or petrol?

which engine size?

any major difference between the models (X,G,V) or is it just trim and gadgets?

should I go for a particular age and mileage? (is 100,000km too high for a petrol etc?)(are the old ones beter than newer ones?)

grateful for any tips to stop me buying a dog!

Cheers

Hi mate. Depends what you want out of it and if you will do a lot of the work yourself. Definitely go for a 3.0lt Turbo diesel engine, not bad economy, pretty reliable and very good power. A gen2 is more basic and is easier to work on. The SSRG is the top of the range, but they have so many optional extras for each model you just have to see what each truck has. A gen3 is more plastic, has things like a steering rack instead of a box, but is faster and better equipped than a 2nd gen (like ABS and airbags). Just test drive both types and see how you feel.

[newkiwi]

Ok good advice, 3.0ltD Diesel it is then


Can somene tell me the year of change between gens 2 and 3 ?

Also (and sorry for a stupid question) do i need to be looking or listening for anything specific whan I check the 4WD?

thanks again

[darkdezigns]

1996 matey and as for the 4wd,any sort of whining isnot good,and remember 4wd on surfs is not for road use!as for which gen to go for try both,but a bit of price diffrence between the 2

[Woodzie]

http://www.showmesome.info/hilux/info/faq.htm

[yoshie]

1996 matey and as for the 4wd,any sort of whining isnot good,and remember 4wd on surfs is not for road use!as for which gen to go for try both,but a bit of price diffrence between the 2

3rd gen 4wd on road is okay
2nd gen you will get axle wind

[newkiwi]

OK,

So I have been to look at some 96 models and one 98 (all 3.0l DT)

The 98 model has had a facelift and has an air intake in the bonnet apparently for an intercooler which is essential according to the salesman ;O).

Question is what difference will this make for what I intend to use it for and do all 98 onwards diesels have this?


Thanks for the replys and cheers woodzie that link was ace for a newbie!

[BUSHWHACKER]

The intercooler version has approximately 30bhp more than the standard 3.0.


By the way, the trucks you looked at are 3rd generation models. Check that the steering rack bushes are OK and not too much free play, also check the back of the rear brake drums as the drive shaft oil seals can leak leaving a splattering of diff oil.

[newkiwi]

Thanks Bushwacker, sounds like I dont need the inercooler as im not towing or serious offroading but it guess it would be nice anyway!

Can anyone help me with what the differences are with the facelift model 98/99?

[Fordy]

Hi mate. Hope your move there is a success. It's tempting to go and blow a load of cash on a shiny low mileage fresh import from Japan. I know, I did.



But from my personal experience I'd suggest you keep that money in the bank for 12 months time and in the meantime get a cheap 2nd gen. If you can just use a 2nd car or get a <$1000 cheapy to give you time to find a good one you can find them on most streets with a For Sale board in the window or keep looking at Trademe for your local listings. NZ is flooded with loads of Japanese imports so that dealer prices are low, but 2nd hand prices are lower still. You should be able to find an absolute bargain.

The immigration service paint a pretty picture but sometimes expectations can't be met, family ties prove too strong and many other reasons it doesn't work out for everybody. If you've splashed out on a dealer car you'll lose $5000+ if you have to go back.

If in 12 months its all working out for you, and I hope it does, you'll have earnt decent interest and have the cash for that fresh shiny import.

And get yourself this or the North Island book, awesome trails

[newkiwi]

Good advice Fordy!

We had an unexpected bonus when we arrived cuz my mother half gets a car to use for work so we have gone from owning two cars in the uk to one here, so we figured we should have nice one! I was originally looking at 2006 models which are mega bucks but we came to the conclusion we dont want to be worrying about it getting trashed so older the better as you say!...just difficult when the xchange rate is so good not to get carried away with shiny new boy toys!

Will definately look to get one off trademe though and will find the book ASAP

Cheers mate

Phil

[Fordy]

The exchange rate may be good, but your in NZ now! Your net worth is in NZ$, don't spend it just 'cos its cheaper than £ in the UK as it soon runs out!!

Good luck buddy, where have you settled?