New here and help deciding..!!

[ahmed]

Hi All,
I am new to this forum, just signed up today. Been lurking here for a while and found a wealth of info (and a bunch of great people )

I am writing from Canada and highly considering buying a '93 Hilux Surf Diesel that's imported from Japan. I just test drove the car today and it is great considering its age. Here's a link to the sales page:
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...QAdIdZ42798379

The price seems right I even tweaked it down to $6500~2900GBP, the condition is good and the salesman seems honest (well, they always do until you drive off the lot!). What scares me is any hidden surprises that maybe lurking underneath without me knowing. This is where experience with this model comes into play. I would very much appreciate your opinions on this and providing me with any key things to check for before the purchase. Any failure-prone items or nags that shows up frequently with this model. Things like that..
I am a hobbyist mechanic myself and own a couple of MG's, a '72 MGB and a '58 MGA. So, I don't mind crawling underneath and check for stuff.

Cheers..
Ahmed

Calgary, AB - Canada

[Albannach]

Hi Ahmed, welcome to the nut house.

I'm not sure how the second hand car market is in Canada, but I'd say that car was a bit over priced, even at £2,900. Mine is roughly the same age, but only cost me £1,400.

Check to see if the cylinder head has been done recently, that is their Achiles heel. Also check absolutely everything electrical, make sure 4wd works, overdrive switches properly and the gearbox works well. Doesn't look like it has a saggy arse, so that's a good point.

Best advice is to shop around, if you can, and maybe look out for a 3.0 diesel.

The grown ups are all in bed just now, it's 4:30am here, but when they get up, they'll give you more help.

[ahmed]

Hi Ahmed, welcome to the nut house.

I'm not sure how the second hand car market is in Canada, but I'd say that car was a bit over priced, even at £2,900. Mine is roughly the same age, but only cost me £1,400.

Check to see if the cylinder head has been done recently, that is their Achiles heel. Also check absolutely everything electrical, make sure 4wd works, overdrive switches properly and the gearbox works well. Doesn't look like it has a saggy arse, so that's a good point.

Best advice is to shop around, if you can, and maybe look out for a 3.0 diesel.

The grown ups are all in bed just now, it's 4:30am here, but when they get up, they'll give you more help.

Thanks Al,
I know what you mean by the "nut house". I am a member of a forum for MG's and, man, is that addictive! Now, it seems that I about to add one more BBS to the list.. Some wise man said: "we don't own cars, they own us"

The Japanese used car market in Canada is somewhat special. By law here, any car imported for re-sale has to be 15 years or older. So, the newest model that can land now is '93. Now, there was never a Lancruiser or Hilux Surf sold in Canada by Toyota since 1989. The imported Japanese cars opened the doors to get cars that were not normally available to us here. Expect to pay ~ C$15000 for a Landcruiser, ~C$11000 for a Prado version and ~ C$9000 for a Surf. Cars from Japan are usually low mileage for their age hence more attractive.
The importers usually don't know anything about major mechanical repairs. They buy off pictures in Japan too until the car lands here. I would rather buy a car that's already here instead of buying sight unseen. So, I would assume that the cylinder head is original. Is there anyway to check it in-situ? Maybe look for oil in the water or vice versa?
Also, how can I properly check the 4x4 and overdrive operation?
Thanks again and I appreciate the help..

Cheers,

[BioHazard]

this link may help with some of your questions.....
http://www.showmesome.info/hilux/info/faq.htm