Advice Please

[Mark O'C]

Hello all,
I'm Mark O'Connor. I live in Cambridgeshire in a village and I'm thinking about getting a Hilux, either a Surf or a pick up truck to use as a second vehicle.
I owed a mark 3 (1997) hilux pick up for a while did alot with it bed liner bumpers body n engine repair etc sadly I don't have it anymore but ow I think the time is right to replace it, I just need your help to decide what to get.
I'll use the Hilux pick up or Surf for a little DIY trips to the tip if I'm honest I don't see me off roading much but I would use the truck in bad weather ice n snow etc. I'd also like a lil comfort if I'm bringing windsurfing gear around sequrity would be good too.
From reading posts here I think the 3 litre diesel is the way forward as opposed to the 2.4 litre. I'd like a manual transmission or is an automatic OK. I'm I'd like to get a second or 3rd generation surf or mark 3 or 4 pick-up but the trucks certainly aren't the quietest or most comfortable things on a long journey. Are surfs better in this regard?
Also do surfs have the manually locking front hubs or not.
I'm happy to buy one that requires a little cosmetic work but I don't have a garage just a fairly big driveway, my budget is between 2.5 and 3K am I wasting my time or can I pick up a decent example for that kind of cash. I would just really need my surf/pick-up to be mechanically sound.
If you can advise me on what is the best way to proceed I'd be greatfull any advice will be most welcome.
Many thanks,
Mark

[mckirdy-services]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1501?logcode=p

£3875 but you could haggle a bit I suppose, 2.5k to 3K could get you a 3gen, £3500 to £4500 would get you a clean shiny example. But if your not too fused on the condition, they do come up a bit cheaper.

I spent ages looking for a manual one as I was not keen on the idea of an auto. In the end I could only find an auto that I liked so I got it. I now prefer auto to manual

Most 3gens have electronically selectable 2wd/4wd and lockable center diff / limited slip differential.

Basically stick a decent set of tires on them and they will go most places ;-)

They are quiet and comfortable, but be warned, you WILL become attached to it

Good luck finding one, ask on here for info and have a look at the search button as most things have been discussed.

Comfort wise, nothing I have driven comes close! they are great for long drives, thirsty, but very comfortable

[JUDWAK]

welcome dude

[yoshie]

3k gets you my clean example 3rd gen, and it's the RARE mannual version

[puddlesurfer]

Hello: wave: you'll get a nice 2nd gen for that (with change) or possibly a 3rd gen - Take your time look around

[Animal Mother]

There's a nice 2nd gen in the for sale section. Auto though.

[Apache]

...and they're ALL noisy compared to the 2.7 petrol 3rd gen

[Mark O'C]

Thankyou all for the warm welcome and for your 2 cents. I guess having had a mark 3 pick up before the 2nd generation diesel appeals to me the 3rd generations looks really well but a little too land crusiery if you don't mind me saying.
Sad to say but I think I'll betray my dream of another truck and I'll keep my eyes peeled for a nice surf.
Once again thnkyou all so much for all your help, advice, and the warm welcome.
Bye for now,
Mark

[gwh200]

...and they're ALL noisy compared to the 2.7 petrol 3rd gen

Dunno about that...mines petrol and it loosens peoples bowels, it's so loud.

[che2318]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1501?logcode=p

£3875 but you could haggle a bit I suppose, 2.5k to 3K could get you a 3gen, £3500 to £4500 would get you a clean shiny example. But if your not too fused on the condition, they do come up a bit cheaper.

I spent ages looking for a manual one as I was not keen on the idea of an auto. In the end I could only find an auto that I liked so I got it. I now prefer auto to manual

Most 3gens have electronically selectable 2wd/4wd and lockable center diff / limited slip differential.

Basically stick a decent set of tires on them and they will go most places ;-)

They are quiet and comfortable, but be warned, you WILL become attached to it

Good luck finding one, ask on here for info and have a look at the search button as most things have been discussed.

Comfort wise, nothing I have driven comes close! they are great for long drives, thirsty, but very comfortable

ditto on these points.


i also preferred manuals but since having this auto surf i have changed my mind.


an auto surf is a great relaxing drive!

[Mrs B]

We just picked up a 3 ltr for a silly price,needs a little bit of a hug as opposed to a lot of love.Just hang out for the right vehical in your price range.
And welcome to driving the worlds most comfy car that does it all.
michelle..x