Which surf would be better?

Rayni

Give the old grey imports a miss.
Ron is completely right in what he has stated.
Service history is the key to any 4x4.
Stay with the Jap brands.
They are not perfect but are far superior to the others

Cheers

The way I see it is Toyota are the best 4×4's and the only decent Toyota I can afford is a surf. I need a Wagon and 4runners seem to be quiet rare but by the looks of it I'll just have to wait till a decent one comes up.

If thats all you can afford then I'd steer clear of diesel's.

I would just like to add that my surf was the 2.4 td model. All filters were readily available from supercheap. I bought a spare electronic injection pump from toyota for $400. had the suspension upgraded by a local suspension mob with all parts available off the shelf. i had the turbo reconded at a local turbo specialist. I had the injectors replaced by a local guy with off the shelf injectors. Mine was a manual and I had the dual mass flywheel replaced with a standard hilux one as well as the clutch.
When people say parts are hard to get its not true.

The saying "grey import" is funny because all 4wds are imported into oz.

wizzer

Wizzer - Yes, that's right, all 4WD's are imported, but the manufacturers often build models specific to the country.
That's why the parts blokes always want to know your model number or VIN.

When you produce a model number that is not an Australian model, or a VIN that their books or computer doesn't recognise, they just up and tell you that they "can't help you".

Many times there are subtle differences in panels, differences in lights, mirrors, bumpers, and other accessories, and differences in trim as well.
I picked up a set of genuine Toyota disc brake pads in an auction bulk parts deal - but the pads part number is only for overseas models, they fit nothing sold in Australia.

There are aftermarket people and vehicle importers who will import panels and some parts for "grey imports" - but overall, a lot of people have got into trouble when they want to repair a grey import.

Cheers, Ron.

Tell you what a grey import does do...
teaches you how to do your own mechanical work and how to to source parts because no one wants to help you lol

wizzer

I don't mean to be pedantic steamfire01, but a Surf is actually a Hilux. Next time you get a chance, check out the badges on the back of a Surf above the number plate light and you'll see it is actually badged a Hilux Surf from the Toyota factory :-P I'm not disputing your later points, just clearing up this small point that a Surf IS a Hilux, just not an Aust factory delivered Hilux.
Names aside, I suspect you're simply trying to make the point that the Hilux Surf doesn't have the same components of the Aust factory delivered Hilux, that I agree with.
Most people agree the Aust delivered Hilux is a bit more reliable and parts availability is better than a grey import, which is definitely something rayni M needs to consider in 4WDs of this age and mileage.

rayni M, the '96 model you've linked to is not as common as the '93 model. With parts supply already less common on Surfs compared to an Aussie Hilux, the '96 model parts supply may be slightly harder yet again.

Compare an Aussie Hilux, 4Runner and Surf of the same age and the Surf will have a more refined interior and more advanced features/gadgets. The base model Surf interior is probably equal in finish to the same age top model Aussie Hilux (even slightly later model Hilux's) if that is important to you. The Surf offers auto-hubs (vacuum controlled) which are handy, no getting out to lock/unlock hubs. Surf will have electric windows and air controls, some have separate rear fan/heater controls and seat are more comfortable in a Surf. Surf seats are a common budget upgrade for a similar aged Hilux. The Surf had lots of little thing like this years before they were available in an Aussie Hilux, but as age gets to them, it also means more things can go wrong. Nobody can dispute that the gradual failure of these components with time, will add fuel to the argument that an Aust delivered Hilux is more reliable. These greater comforts in a side by side comparison between Surf and Aussie Hilux make the Surf appear better value up front, but that is for you to decide as a nicer interior or greater parts availability/reliability will vary in priority for all buyers.

Good luck with your purchase