Buying a Surf!

[thom5r]

Hello all!
I've decided to buy a surf because they're generally bad-ass and I want a 4x4.
Anybody know this Surf: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TOYOTA-HILUX-SURF-SSR-X-4X4-FAB-SIMILAR-SHOGUN-SPORT_W0QQitemZ130352391118QQc mdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK ?hash=item1e599ba3ce#ht_528wt_ 1165

It's in my area, and while it's more pricey than other Surfs, it looks pretty tidy. What advice is there to check for head gasket failure?

[thom5r]

No input?
Don't take to kindly to newcomers here huh?

[BigBobE]

hey try this it should help you with all you need:

http://daemon4x4.org/tech/hiluxsurf/info/faq.htm

[jotto]

No input?
Don't take to kindly to newcomers here huh?

We do normally, Your post must have got lost some where.
Hi and welcome

£2100 is far to much for a 2.4 surf

[tillytops]

hi does take a while for first post to be put up, I have a 2.4 same year as the one you looking at.It does look tidy but your best bet is to go have look round it. See if it has any service history take it for a drive Check everything works ie 4wd.Rear window can be an issue check it works from the key and the interior switch. Does look a little bit saggy on back end but again common, a lift can sort that .it is a bit pricey since mot out in march there is a few in the classified section on here.No doubt somebody will be along soon to give you more advice on what to look for.Good luck on the surf hunt.

[slobodan]

Hi, That one is expensive, but I guess people think there value is high at the moment because of the bad weather.
Others on here have more experience with buying than me, But that would be TOP price for a 3.0 with low miles and in good nick.

[Rustinho]

No input?
Don't take to kindly to newcomers here huh?

I've generally found the forum to be pretty friendly and really helpful. Give it more than 10 mins or so though dude!

Personally not too sure on any secret tricks to watch out for head problems other than the fact that it'll go through a fair bit of water when it goes. You can check for water in the oil and oil in the coolant but thats no guarantee cos it could be fresh oil/coolant prior to inspection.

My gut feeling is that the fleabay ad you initially linked to is overpriced, and I'd be slightly suspicious of a fleabay seller who suddenly appears to sell a car. Seen too many dodgy sellers on there to trust someone doing that! (Especially on a classified ad where you can't leave feedback)

If you hunt around you'll probably find something every bit as good as that one appears to be and for a lot less money - just be patient. It took me a while to get mine and it was cheap enough to not especially worry me when I discovered that the head had gone and I had to get it sorted.

Good luck on your search and welcome to the forum!

[BigBobE]

Sorry for the length but here ya go....


I'm thinking of buying a Surf/4Runner, what should I look out for or check?
Things to ask on the phone:

What engine does it have?
Is it Automatic or Manual transmission?
What year model is it?
Does it have ABS?
Is it constant 4wd or 2H/4H/4L selectable?
Are there any panel damages or mechanical/electrical issues?
Is it an import or a UK vehicle?
What colour is the interior and what factory/aftermarket options are fitted?
Does it have a radio or CD?
Has it ever been in an accident?
Were you the original owner and does it have logbooks and service history?
How much life is left in the tyres?
How long has it been on the market?
Home much MOT and tax is remaining?
What is the current mileage (and is this Miles or Kilometres)?
What colour is it? What condition is the paint in?
Is there any rust?
Does it have an immobiliser/alarm?
Things to check at a test drive:

Full steering lock and listen for clunk (steering stops).
Check all 4WD transmission operations.
Check for smoky engine.
Check for rattly engine.
Check service record for completeness, including recorded mileage at last service.
Check that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) recorded on page one of the Car Inspection Report is identical to the number recorded on the registration document (V5).
Check MOT certificate.
Check when next cam-belt change is due.
Check if airbag and seat-belt pre-tensioners (if fitted) are due for specialist checking or replacement.
Check that the cooling fan switch is working OK - i.e. that the cooling fan comes on automatically when hot.
Check radio aerial not snapped off.
Check blade rubbers for splitting and hardening.
Check spare wheel, tyre and tools. If applicable, check if key for locking wheel nuts is present.
Lift up rear door = 185 (post '95). swing down = 130 (pre '95).
Check rradiator for stains or leaks.
Check rear springs for butt sag (standard hight = center of wheels to wheel arches should be about 22 inches).
Check all electrics especially the electric back window
Check glowplugs dash light.
Check tailgate window inc heating element.
Check for window rattles and operation.
Check for leaks in sunroof
Check condition of driveshaft boots - scored? holed?
Check all switchgear.
Check brake discs for scoring and squeaks.
Check for any oil leaks.
Check under/behind chrome bumpers for rust (there almost certainly will be some).
Check bodywork for corrosion, dents and scratches.
Operation and fit/alignment of doors/bonnet/boot-lid/tailgate.
Operation of sunroof.
Operation of all locks, including child locks in the rear doors.
Operation of heating/air-conditioning systems and heated glasses.
Operation of rear seat-belts/damage to seat-belts.
Operation of all window lifts.
Operation of in-car entertainment/trip computer/navigation systems. Ensure details of radio code are passed on to you.
Operation of seat adjusters.
All glass for cracks/damage/milkyness (de-lamination).
All lights, including interior lights, for operation and damage.
Check carpets and interior for dampness/damage.
Operation of screen wipers and washers, including intermittent function.
Things to do after purchase:

Change all fluids to UK suitable - especially coolant fluid, this is very important.
Renew thermostat.
Change timing belt (also known as cam-belt).
Replace rear coils if vehicle is sagging (standard height seems to be 22" from wheel center to wheel arch).
Fuel/oil treatments (Redex etc.).

[wishbone]

When you go and view it book it in at a nearby garage for a sniffer test on the coolant. If it fails don't buy it.

Most other stuff is easy to fix on a surf, it's the head that gives them value / no value.

I wouldn't pay over £1000 for a 2.4, and will be expecting ~£850 for mine when I sell it.

Rob.

[thom5r]

Wow, you guys are friendly!

The one in question seems really tidy and I was thinking of offering 1700 for it. But I'm getting the impression that's too much. TO be honest I think they look better beaten up anyway!

Sadly, I need to get a 2.4 as the difference in insurance is massive between the 2.4 and 3.0 for me.

So, the rear window can be lowered with the key?!

[thom5r]

Is ebay the best place to look?

[BigYin]

Well, in theory it should....! Maybe one day mine will... Once some kind person tells me how to fix it that is!

[thom5r]

As in you turn the key in the hole to lower the window?

[Sancho]

If insurance is a massive issue, look for a UK 4runner. The premium is normally about half and they're almost exactly the same.

[Mrbill]

If I could do it all over again I would wait and by one from someone on this site maybe, least that way there is a little history.

If i wanted a surf with all the mods I would buy one that's had them done already. I'm stuck with mine cause I've spent much more than what's it's worth. I don't mind but I would do it different next time if there is a next time...

Oh yeah, if you can stretch your funds go for the 3.0 :-)