Newbie looking for Surf

[RobStubbs]

I would like a Surf as a Hobby and to tow my Caravan with,at the moment i tow with my Rav4 but the Caravan is a bit heavy for it.The Wife likes the Rav4 and wants to keep and says "get your self a Surf If you want one"

So where do I start,
1, 2.4 or 3.0 litres

2,Is there anyone local to me on this forum to go hunting for one please (Leek, Staffs near to Alton towers).

3,Is there any net- working to help each other with repairs or Club meets for advice and hand on (used to be in Rattling Tappets Club when I had my Mini Cooper) or similar.

Regards Rob.

[s car go]

Hi Rob,
You haven't said what your budget is and therefore what Surf you will be looking for.
What weight is your caravan ?
I've had 1.5 and 2 tonnes on the back of mine and I personally think she struggles a bit with it!
You may be swapping a penny for two half penny's!
Loads of support and information on this site though to keep you on the road.

Welcome along by the way!!

Regards

Mark

[RobStubbs]

Hi Mark,budget is £3000 and my Caravan is Lunar Lexon 540 1465kg.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...91053897_n.jpg

[Yorkshire Devil]

4runner

There is a 1995 4runner advertised on ebay for £1400. Its the UK spec version of the Surf, manual no auto gearbox or aircon to go faulty plus easy to insure unlike imports.

Its a steal I think as the Engine is always worth £700-800 all day with that mechanical fuel pump

[shokenore]

Welcome along.

Not wanting to cause offence but I would steer clear of the 4runner as they do tend to have had a fair few more years in the British winter and with the salted roads giving a nice corrosive bath to the under bits.

You may find that if you can stretch to a bit more you could get one of those "modern" 3rd gens....


Got a picture of the money? I find caravans boring.

[s car go]

What he is trying to say is 4 Runners are rot boxes!!!

My last one was a runner and it was riddled with rust, although the surf isn't immune to a bit of rust as well. It's just that the first ten years in Japan have been very kind to the body work.

Manual Gearbox is agricultural and engine revs higher at cruising speed. Auto boxes IMO are much better for towing!!

I'd think at 3k your firmly in Third Gen territory Maybe an intercooler version would be better??

Regards

Mark

[RobStubbs]

Thanks for all the replies, very informative and a big help.

Are there any Clubs or yearly enthusiasts meetings to go along to.

Regards Rob.