Toyota Hilux surf KZN185 2000? Thoughts?

[extremesurf]

Hello

I have jumped on this forum because i am looking at getting a Toyota Surf KZN185. At the moment i have a 2002 Lexus RX300 3L V6 and don't get me wrong all round great car get be from a-b with easy and comfort, to be honest i think i am going to keep it as well. The reason for buying a new motor is purely for the extra space but of course i also wan't it to be an all round good SUV. When looking online at Surf KZN185 classified ads sites i have come across quite a few that i like ranging from £4,000 - £8,500 depending on mileage etc.... But there is one in general that i like i will place the specs and price below let me know what you think.

SPECS
Model: Surf KZN185
Year: 2000
Colour: silver
Engine: 3.0L
Transmission: 4 speed automatic electronic control type
Turbocharger: Turbo with intercooler
Mileage: 86,920
Price: 6,400

What i need from you guys what's the maintenance like on a 16 year old SUV?? and in general day to day use what do you have to say?? also what kinda things should i be looking out for when going to view this model??

Example image below


Thanks guys looking forward to chatting to everyone

[POPEYE]

Seems to me like a real good Surf at a reasonable price, like all second hand motors just give it a good test drive and check everything works ok, if you buy give it a good service, these are hardy vehicles (had my old 2nd gen for over 11 years) and will last just about forever, long as you take care of it,

[tashtego]

+1

The Intercooled 3rd Gen is probably the best of all surfs.

Mileage might not be genuine but it doesn't really matter. I think there's a sticky called 'buying advice' somewhere on the forum , with details on what to check. First thing: remove the overflow tank cap and check that it has nice quality coolant in it, not some watery brown looking sludge. If that's ok, then you are half way there!

Good luck!

[extremesurf]

Am i right in saying that brown sludge means the water pump has gone/going?

I will 100% take care of a motor that takes care of me . And will have a look for the buying advice section i haven't stumbled across it yet..

Thanks for the reply's guys

[NiftyNev]

Am i right in saying that brown sludge means the water pump has gone/going?

Brown sludge is rust. A sign of poor maintenance, which may also means other things such related to maintenance have also been neglected. I always walk away if I see any vehicle with a poorly maintained cooling system.

Nev.

[Bogus]

Is that truck still in japan? Thats a jap auction pic. If it is im guessing youll struggle with any tyre kicking or coolant checks. Having said that and exchoing others, i have a 1996 intercooled surf which ive now owned for around 9 years. Only money spent on it has been care and maintenance and what i have wanted to spend. Its been supremely reliable.

[extremesurf]

Some great reply's and advice guys, the picture is only an example it could possibly be in Japan. I'm going to book a couple of viewings and test drives see what they are like and get back to you all with the out come..

Thanks guys

[budweiser]

that picture came of these people http://www.algysautos.com/Pajero_LWB.html

it seems that some people aren't too happy with them,

just be careful of who you want to buy, just check their feedback

[rollo ford]

I have had 3 3rd gen surfs,an intercooled model first,stupidly sold that and bought a car,then a high mileage model then the low miles surf I have now.
Done 48000 km in the 1 I have now and the only money spent has been on an exhaust,starter motor rebuild kit and servicing so apart from servicing it's only cost around £150 in parts in 3 years.
The most common thing I have noticed on surfs is the paintwork on the lower half and wide arches can flake off.
Apart from that the solenoid on the front axle can be troublesome but cheaply fixed and engine overheating problems.
New parts are quite cheap from the likes of milner offroad or roughtrax.
My surf is a daily and it drives like a car,can easily keep up with traffic and does around 22mpg,best thing is it carries anything in the back be it kids and dogs or a cut up ford escort shell and it would pull a house down.
Can't recommend enough.

[AlexKzn130]

Some great reply's and advice guys, the picture is only an example it could possibly be in Japan. I'm going to book a couple of viewings and test drives see what they are like and get back to you all with the out come..

Thanks guys

I echo what budweiser says I've also heard some dodgy goings ons with algy

Be careful

[J i m s t e r]

I'd avoid Algys too.

Bloke on here ordered a Surf he'd seen in Japan through them.
A completely different (and worse condition) truck turned up.
Their response was something along the lines of "Tough."

JUST SAYING...

[J i m s t e r]

Some nice trucks for sale here (shipped from Japan):

http://www.goo-net-exchange.com

eg:

http://www.goo-net-exchange.com/used...002/index.html

1480000 JPY in GBP = £ 10789.20



+ shipping...

[J i m s t e r]