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  • Thinking of buying... Have a couple of questions!

    Hi all,

    I'm hoping to start racing in the TVR Tuscan series next season and am just starting to think about basics I'll need before buying/building a race car. The first thing I'll need is a tow car and to be honest, I have no experience with such things!

    So first question, is a Hilux Surf a good tow car? (car will be around 1100kg + some sort of trailer) If it isn't then I should probably look elsewhere...

    If it is, I'm attracted to the Hilux because they seem to be going for great prices right now whilst having plenty of room inside for tools etc and they look pretty cool I reckon. On the mechanical front however, all I know is that they are famous for being as strong as an ox.

    Would I be best off looking for a 2.xL or 3.0L Diesel and in auto or manual? Are there any differences between import and UK spec? And is the insurance affected a great deal by this?

    Then if this all fits the bill, what kind of problems do Hilux Surf's encounter? I've not owned a diesel before, or a 4x4 for that matter so it would be a learning experience but I'm pretty confident doing mechanical work, so hopefully I can undertake most maintenance myself, though some things I am happy to leave to the professionals!

    I'm looking to sell my daily hack for around £3-4k and after seeing some of the current prices for 92/93 models, thought I might be able to get both a Hilux and trailer with a bit spare to add to the race car fund. This would see me buying a Surf around the 100k mile mark - are there any issues to look out for on a car of this age? I could potentially push the budget a bit higher if it was really worth it, but I'd rather put it into the race car if at all possible...!

    Anyway sorry for the long post, thanks in advance for any help!

  • #2
    Welcome, No probs with towing at all both models. i tow 2600kg all the time with my 2.4 You need a trailer with good brakes coz the surfs are shit with that sort of wieght.

    The heads are a common problem so need to look out for that.
    www.cnpbetterhomes.co.uk

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    • #3
      Cheers mate, are the heads a problem on any particular model or all of them?

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      • #4
        Hello mate!

        welcome to the site

        2.4s are very common to have head failure but there age means most have gone 'pop' and have as such been repaired already!

        some 3.0ltrs are starting to go pop but as with anything its just a chance!

        You can get some nice trucks reeeally cheap, you can do fantastic modifcations to the surf an all in all they are a fantastic truck! Well worth considering mate!

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        • #5
          Thanks for the welcome and the info! What are the implications of said pop? Just a head gasket replacement or is it more than that? For the ones that have been fixed, are they fixed for good or until the next pop? I'm leaning toward the 3.0 diesel if I can find one for a good price, what sort of mileage do the heads go on these and is there any specific cause that can be righted or is it just pot luck?

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          • #6
            Afraid its kind of pot luck mate! The 2.4 heads were poorly designed leading to overheating issues which then blew either the head or gasket or both!!

            a 3.0ltr in black would be the way i would go! As long as its looked after an you carry out basic bits eg: oil + filter, fuel filter, air filter, grease points etc, atf fluid an give the rad a good flush an get fresh coolant and a new rad cap an thermostat then you should be good to roll for a long time.

            look into getting an ATF cooler to really help with towing and you should have many years of very happy motoring mate!

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            • #7
              Nice one thanks for that, I agree a 3.0 in black would be nice, especially on some beefy tyres... I'm not looking to buy for a month or so but does anyone know any good ones up or soon to be up for sale??

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              • #8
                By the way, what's the difference between a 3.0D Surf and a 4Runner?

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by thenick100 View Post
                  By the way, what's the difference between a 3.0D Surf and a 4Runner?
                  Basically, they are the same vehicle, Surfs are imports and have more creature comforts fitted, and less rust.

                  One for sale here BTW.........http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/forums/sh...ad.php?t=44189



                  oh yeah, welcome on board, enjoy your stay.

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                  • #10
                    Hi and welcome to the home of insane surfers.
                    I am having a head rebuilt with new valves etc and pressure tested and then will be refitting onto a burgandy 3.0l and will be up for sale soon for about £2500. I will be putting a post up in the surfs for sale section once the truck is up and running properly.
                    https://www.facebook.com/groups/henpals/

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                    • #11
                      c,mon chaps....

                      if you want a good tow vehicleget a surf,if you want a great tow vehicle get a land cruiser


                      i'll get me coat now
                      Non intercooled nothing.

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                      • #12
                        Hello, good morning, and welcome!

                        If you've got the money, I'd recommend a 3rd gen really, it is a bit pretty - but other than that, very strong smooth engine, excellent transmission/transfer and will pull a house down...

                        You have to get us all passes to the races too - so we can cheer on a fellow Surfer of course.....
                        Too old to care, young enough to remember

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by MudSurfer View Post
                          Hello, good morning, and welcome!

                          If you've got the money, I'd recommend a 3rd gen really, it is a bit pretty - but other than that, very strong smooth engine, excellent transmission/transfer and will pull a house down...

                          You have to get us all passes to the races too - so we can cheer on a fellow Surfer of course.....
                          oh dear, are you sure the 3rd gen is Nina's lol
                          Hold my beer and watch this

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by captain_chaos View Post
                            oh dear, are you sure the 3rd gen is Nina's lol
                            I'm allowed to drive it and it is excellent!!!!
                            Too old to care, young enough to remember

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                            • #15
                              Hehehehe there is a echo ......two threads ......same subject

                              http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/forums/sh...ad.php?t=45745
                              Last edited by BioHazard; 21 May 2008, 12:24.
                              ' You've arrived on a rather special night. It's one of the master's affairs.'

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