bad head days

[fearlessliving]

Hi, I have just joined the forum as I came across it while looking for a hylux surf. After a few weeks of searching I have put a deposit down on a 1993, 2.4 SSRX. Around 50,000 miles on the clock. It’s blue and in great condition, I will be paying £4,500 for it - is this a reasonable price?
Also, I have been told by a few people to keep away from the 2.4's due to head gasket problems, is this always the case with the 2.4's? What are the signs to look out for and is there anything that can be done to stop it happening?. Is the 2.4 a good surf, or should i have held out for the 3.0L?

p.s what’s the last year that surfs were made? - it seems most of the ones you see around are J, K, and L reg.

[matt steds]

i hate my surf

i bought a 2.4td 93 surf over a year ago and in the last 6 months it has done about 300 miles because in my opinion whats under the bonnet is a lump off !!!!e, im now having a fresh engine because the local garage are fed up trying to fix it and they have had it since may. i have been kicking myself for not holding out for the 3.0. as i knew it was a risky having a 2.4 not all 2.4s have head trouble but when they go wrong they eat money. i loved driving the beast and for the money there is not a better looking truck around but what happened to japanese reliability

[muncher]

Hi mate welcome to a great site. The price you paid seems about right. The head saga that old chesnut. My advise is to NOT panic that your head is about to go nuclear.As said many times before on here, your will always hear about the things that go wrong it's what these forums are all about. If you haven't already done so get your Surf serviced and do it regularly. Apart from that just enjoy.
Happy Surfing...............Muncher

[jotto]

Hi, some where on the forum is a poll for 2.4 owners to see what percetage have had head problems i can't remember what the exact out come was but I think it was only about 20% had, mine being one of them but I got it fixed and I love it so much I brought the wife one and yes it was another 2.4

[Warrior]

bad head days.......

Well, im just about to purchase (93,2.4 ssr-g) and have the obvious concern of head/head gasket failure. HOWEVER, you could say the same for any car you buy, and not even second hand or imports. new vehicles are not immune. So, as Muncher said - just look after it. I do wonder What Quality parts ppl are using??? this may have a bearing on it.i.e. some coolant antifreezes may not have adequte oil in them-this can help with anti-corrosion of water jacket. plus poor quality may also lead to higher temps and pressurising. My merc van had its porblems, as did my car b4.
Surf's look cool , drive great as for the rest - i am about to find out......!!! and sure to report here.....lol

[rob88]

When I bought my 2.4 I asked the dealer about Head probelms.

He told me he had NEVER had one of his 2.4s returned with a didgy head, and he tends to service all the surfs he's sold.

I think that 20% is a bit high.
I'm sure a lot of people come to this forum only once their head has blown and then stick around, so you end up with an unusualy high percentage of people with knackered heads.

I've had about 4 or 5 times when I though my head had gone, but each time it was something different.
Radiator pipes leaking, not enough coolant on expansion tank, radiator again, then the thermostat went.

[fearlessliving]

thanks to everyone for replys, really looking forward to picking it up.