can sum1 give me a run down on g2/g3

[Arkamelis]

hi to you all
Just wondering if you can give me a quick run down on gen 2 and gen 3 surfs, any common issues with them, whats the ride like, how good is the 4x4 on them and can it be used at anytime, what sort of mpg do you normally get from them. soz for all the questions but i have never been in one and i am soon about to buy one.
my main use for a surf will be normal driving here and there occasionally, during the week i work and have works van. im just abit concerned that if the weather gets bad and we get snow i feel 4x4 would be a safer way to get around, another reason why i want a 4x4 is for when i take the boat out,with the merc i can only go down a slipway to where the concrete ends, so with a 4x4 i should be able to go onto the sand/stone and launch the boat into the sea earlier and get back out with out any issues.
oh almost forgot, i go log cutting on some weekends, some lovely 4x4 ground to try out so will try it out, my partners dad has a hilux pickup and he gets around with no issues

you guys and girls have them so who better to ask.

big big thanks Ark

[Wolfracer]

Use

[Wolfracer]

The

[gwh200]

Force...young luke!

[Arkamelis]

re use

Use

?

[Albannach]

Use

... spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, proper diction and the search facility.

[Arkamelis]

ok i've got it

thanks guys, was just trying the easy way to get the info, yes my spelling and grammar is poor, i know.

[Wolfracer]

...must resist ...must resist.

Anyway, back on topic.

The search function will answer most of your questions. If you are serious about these vehicles, then spend some time researching them properly.

[Surf77]

hi to you all
Just wondering if you can give me a quick run down on gen 2 and gen 3 surfs, any common issues with them, whats the ride like, how good is the 4x4 on them and can it be used at anytime, what sort of mpg do you normally get from them. soz for all the questions but i have never been in one and i am soon about to buy one.
my main use for a surf will be normal driving here and there occasionally, during the week i work and have works van. im just abit concerned that if the weather gets bad and we get snow i feel 4x4 would be a safer way to get around, another reason why i want a 4x4 is for when i take the boat out,with the merc i can only go down a slipway to where the concrete ends, so with a 4x4 i should be able to go onto the sand/stone and launch the boat into the sea earlier and get back out with out any issues.
oh almost forgot, i go log cutting on some weekends, some lovely 4x4 ground to try out so will try it out, my partners dad has a hilux pickup and he gets around with no issues

you guys and girls have them so who better to ask.

big big thanks Ark

2nd gen 4 wheel drive can only be used on the soft stuff, 3rd gen anytime. At best both will get about 30mpg, maybe 35mpg if your really really good. I have found around town to get a lot less. However still one of the best for a 4x4 of this size and age. I have got to pull my van out of a field tomorrow so I will let you know how that goes!

[shokenore]

3rd gen multi mode can be used on all surfaces.

Most 4x4's will be better than say a rwd BMW,the most important thing about driving in snow is preparation first,it will not matter how good your 4x4 is if it is poorly maintained and running tyres with very low tread,you will get into problems.


Any off road driving should be done with at least one other vehicle.

What ever you get if you are dipping it in the sea get it undersealed.


http://www.hiluxsurf.eu/faq_general.htm#specs

[Black Sheep]

I couldn't comment on the 3rd gen (apart from I'll probably get one as my next car)!
You wont go wrong with a 2nd gen. All my friends are green oval drivers with heavily modified 90's. The surf can keep up with them until the going gets really hard and that's due to my choice of tires.
If you have a concern about mpg.... don't buy one imho

[Arkamelis]

re gen2/3

2nd gen 4 wheel drive can only be used on the soft stuff, 3rd gen anytime. At best both will get about 30mpg, maybe 35mpg if your really really good. I have found around town to get a lot less. However still one of the best for a 4x4 of this size and age. I have got to pull my van out of a field tomorrow so I will let you know how that goes!

cheers surf77
in a way i think i would be better with a gen 3, sounds a safer option. bet there's plenty of gen 2's out there that have been put into 4wd at the wrong time, just my luck i would end up with one, someone from the site is selling a gen 3, but bit confused to about the wheel size concern, people say a 15" alloy shouldn't fit on a gen 3. any view on that ?

[JD_975]

Third gens are a lot more refined, more of a car sort of drive, second gens are more agricultural like a "proper" 4x4, if you have never driven a 4x4 with a separate chassis I suggest you find someone that will let you have a go, either a test drive with a garage or if a family member will let you try theirs thats ideal. Neither are good on fuel, estimate 15-18 mpg and you won't be far out, although the 2.7 petrol third gen is receiving high praise at the minute.

Which ever gen you choose they still don't have "car" levels of ease with driving and that puts a lot of people off, you have to adapt your driving style as the truck won't comfort or conceal your mistakes, at 2 tonnes+ you need to be aware of what your doing, also having a 4x4 doesn't automatically mean you know how to get yourself out of trouble in adverse conditions, you need to learn that!

You need to get behind the wheel of one and see how you get on with it, they are not for everyone, that goes for all "proper" 4x4's not just surfs, not sure where you are but if you are local to Lincolnshire your more than welcome to pop by mine and I'll take you out for a run.

I use the term "proper" 4x4 to differentiate between the modern offerings most manufacturers have on their books which are effectively big 4wd cars, they will serve most people well while looking pretty enough for the school run and handling a mild snow fall without you having to adapt your driving style. Surfs will not do this, you need to adapt your driving, they will not adapt to you.

Hope that helped

[jotto]

cheers surf77
in a way i think i would be better with a gen 3, sounds a safer option. bet there's plenty of gen 2's out there that have been put into 4wd at the wrong time, just my luck i would end up with one, someone from the site is selling a gen 3, but bit confused to about the wheel size concern, people say a 15" alloy shouldn't fit on a gen 3. any view on that ?

I could be wrong but I think the very early 3rd gens had the 15" wheels and no multi mode on the 4wd

[Arkamelis]

re

I couldn't comment on the 3rd gen (apart from I'll probably get one as my next car)!
You wont go wrong with a 2nd gen. All my friends are green oval drivers with heavily modified 90's. The surf can keep up with them until the going gets really hard and that's due to my choice of tires.
If you have a concern about mpg.... don't buy one imho

cheers black sheep
fuel issues isnt a concern just curious to what they average