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**dirtydog** · 10 February 2005, 16:28

Welcome mate! right place to come!
I have to rush out but ill start with saying you can get a good 3.0 Surf for that sort of money.

Try clicking the search button at the top - you can find loads of info by searching there. Good luck!

**Guest** · 10 February 2005, 16:29

If you have up to 5 1/2K to spend then you could probably get yourself a 3.0 which would be the one to go for if you can. I personally would go for an unmodified one unless you know who did and how well it has been done. A lot of people on here have modified there Surfs but I would say they have more than likely done a good job, however there are some people who will not have done such a good job.

Go for the best Spec you can find, not many problems really to talk about, some of the electrics can get a bit iffy but we are generally talking about the less essential items here like interior lights. Rear window motor on the second gen is a bit fragile so make sure it runs well - new one from Toyota is big money however you can often find them for sale from people here or on ebay for reasonable money.

The Cylinder Heads on some 2.4s are known to have problems (not all I would hasten to add) so if you go for a 2.4 (which should be less than the 5.5K unless you are being stuffed by the seller) make sure it has had this replaced (I had to replace mine).

Apart from that the Surf is generally built like a Tank and is just as reliable as the Hilux Pickup which is known to go on for ever.

I've got mine for sale however it's a bit far from you being as I am in Hertfordshire however It's a 2.4 with a new Cylinder Head, rear wheel bearings, number 2 piston, Sidebars instead of running boards, full length roof rack, roof lights, new rear window, soon to have new rear window motor, replaced the Sunroof last year, maintained properly and it has BFG Mud Terrain Tyres that are 40% worn only.

If you want to see it we could probably arrange something however as I said it's a bit far so probably not and you will probably find something good closer to you anyway.

Good luck and you have made the right choice of motor, you won't regret it.

Cheers

**Verbal** · 10 February 2005, 17:52

You can get Surfs in Glasgow and Edinburgh no problem (about 2 hr 30 drive from Inverness).

I know a guy was selling a minted high spec Surf around Wick area and was asking a good price, but I`m not sure its still for sale (was on Ebay) you might find some Surfs in Aberdeen, not sure where though (plus it takes about as long as it does to get to Glasgow/Edinburgh from Inverness due to the crap road. Perth doesn`t have any garages selling Surfs. Try Autotrader or ebay and look for one in your area and try and get a test drive and see if its for you.

**Verbal** · 10 February 2005, 18:02

There is a 3lt SSR-G on Autotrader 10 miles from Perth (just checked). SSR-G is the best spec and its at a good price (�5250) if its in good nick. If I`d not bought my 2.4 I`d seriously be looking at that motor.

**Mike66** · 10 February 2005, 18:15

Hi Mate and welcome to the mad house.
Im on my second 3.0L surf and wont be buying a different car for a long time.
They are just great trucks.
When deciding make sure you have a good look at the truck and take your time. I bought the first one i saw and paid �7500 for it( it was from a dealer) and when i bought the second one which was identical i paid �4700. I looked at about 20 -30 surfs before buying the second one so its pays to be patient.
You wont find a surf with any service history .If it has its a load of b^%%$�"s and would have been made up just before being imported. So make sure you check your warrantee and that it is comprehensive covering all the major parts.
Apart from that its really down to you what colour /condition etc .

good Luck

Mike

**Silversurfer** · 10 February 2005, 20:26

Buying 1st Surf

Hi and Welcome

I bought a 1995 3lt Surf in August and I am absolutely chuffed to bits with it.
I have been off-road with it and was mightly impressed. The type of terrain it went through truly amazed me. Have had a Diahatsu 2.8TD Fourtrak for 3yrs and it is not in the same league as the Surf by a long shot. I have towed a double horse box with absolutely no probs whatsoever. For the money you have a good 3lt is well possible. If you are buying from a dealer there are a few points to watch.If you search this Forum a lot of members have posted some good info on what to watch out for. I was lucky and bought from a decent dealer close to where I live but if you search this Forum there have been a few horror stories. If you see one you like...mention it on this Forum...there are some very knowledgeable guys (and guyesses..not sure if that is coreect) who will gladly help you with advice.
There are a few for sale on this Forum and in general terms they will have been owned by genuine Surf enthusiasts so will be worth a look at if poss. I believe one the members...Hilux Bob... imports Surfs so will be a good place to check.
I have had my Surf since August and since then nothing, zip, not a sausage has gone wrong with it. even after a day on Langdale quest all I had to do after was wash it, (I do hate that bit though).
As you have probably twigged by now the manual Surfs are rare but the Autos are just as good in their own way. Certainly in heavy traffic the auto is really relaxing to drive and on some really tricky off-road bits I found the auto was actually easier to drive than a manual and there were no worries about burning clutches out.
Good luck with your searching and welcolm to the club.

**wantsurf** · 13 February 2005, 17:36

Thanks to all for all info received

Wow So much info in such a short time. Ta. I Saw the one in Perth Verbal but some other lucky B got to it first.
What do you all think of the idea of getting a 2.4 as they seem to be quite a bit cheaper and using some of my budget to do it up if neccessary, will it last me long? its just that the fuel consumption may be a bit higher than i would like with the 3.0.

Why are they all so expensive? I no they are good but most of them take the p with price.

Cash is now sinjing my leg need a surf sooon i like the sound of the one you offered me above but distance is tooo much starts to eat into surf money then and i cant do that!

just one other quicky already checked one locally and had a bud look it over he spotted a few things but had no idea of cost - small corrosion on susspension, small diesel drip from the seal every 20 secs when idle. all else was good 5 new tyres new radiator 2 new batteries J reg ssr-g 3.0l, 80,000 kilometers on clock what you think? they want 5k

**Verbal** · 13 February 2005, 18:09

Price sounds about right.

I`ve got a manual 2.4td and i love it, although I`d love a 3lt for the extra power, as the 2.4 is a little underpowered on the motorway and your always a little cautious of the temp guage.

I`ve heard the MPG is the same for both the 2.4 and 3ltr, as the 2.4 is always in higher revs, it goes through the same as the bigger engine.

I`d sell you mine, but its needing a new CV boot, and I would not sell a motor thats needing work done to it

**wantsurf** · 13 February 2005, 18:34

fuel

what is the average mpg for a driving miss daisy driver on a 3.0l as opposed to the 2.4 and is it true a 2.8 exists???

**Koi** · 13 February 2005, 19:03

Originally posted by wantsurf

what is the average mpg for a driving miss daisy driver on a 3.0l as opposed to the 2.4 and is it true a 2.8 exists???

any where from 20 to 30mpg, depending on heavy right foot and sort of journey covered.

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