tintinmt Posted May 25, 2018 Share Posted May 25, 2018 Assuming there are a few Surf owners on here - any buying advice? Any recommendations on owners club sites or other sources of advice please. How do they compare to the Land Cruiser and the Hilux commercial vehicles? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrickTT Posted May 25, 2018 Share Posted May 25, 2018 Had one a couple of years ago, 3.0 diesel auto. Good fun car and probably the best stock engine choice although there are some out there with a lexus v8 They are very nice and relaxing to drive, comfortable with a very car like driving position, but not at all quick. Check the chassis number on the body and chassis as they can be swapped easily. Watch out for rust, make sure the 4wd engages and disengages smoothly - its vacuum/ electric actuators on the front diff and transfer case and can stick. Make sure the tailgate glass opens from the switch and key. Havent looked for a while but the uk forum was a bit dead but did have some useful info on. The uk facebook was dominated by a couple of arseholes who spent all day slagging off every truck as worthless junk apart from their own. The aussie forums were much better, especially if you were a fan of crocodile dundee I enjoyed mine but they are a bit old now, I'd still have another if I could find a good one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spunkmeyer Posted May 25, 2018 Share Posted May 25, 2018 Weed Japan do some really nice clean/modernised one’s for import though they aren’t cheap compared to what’s left of the UK stock but will be better condition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tintinmt Posted May 26, 2018 Author Share Posted May 26, 2018 Thanks guys - that does tend to back up what I had managed to glean from the web. The UK Surfs for sale seem to be cheaper than the Land Cruisers; although as you say, they are all mostly old and rusty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dnk Posted May 26, 2018 Share Posted May 26, 2018 (edited) I had an 80 series Landcruiser 4.2 TDi, was a great truck, best tow vehicle i've had, mine got to 175,000 miles before i sold it. Only issues i had was calipers seizing up and front axle swivel knuckles looking tired and corroded, would probably need a new axle, not sure if the surf runs the same set up Edited May 26, 2018 by Dnk (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swampy442 Posted May 26, 2018 Share Posted May 26, 2018 Ive never owned one but know a couple of people who have, always go for the 3 litre as the 2.4 loves to blow head gaskets. And rust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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