Toyoyta Hilux Surf
Submitted: Sunday, Nov 16, 2003 at 10:34
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Tony
Hello all, has anyone had any experience with a Toyota Hilux Surf, Diesel, Automatic, 1990 - 1995 Models. I would like to know if they are any good for off road, Mainly sandy condtions, and what they are like with towing a small caravan. Any comments would be apreciated.
Reply By: Tuco69 - Sunday, Nov 16, 2003 at 13:31
Sunday, Nov 16, 2003 at 13:31
Be aware that the 2.4 litre version (2L-TE) often has overheating problems when used in the Australian environment. Our average ambient temperatures are higher than those experienced in Japan - where the Surf was designed for. Overcoming the cooling problem is usually solved by fitting a larger 3 or 4 core Hilux radiator.
Our 3.0 litre version (1KZ-TE) doesn't suffer the same problem. The 1KZ-TE is usually fitted from 93 models onward.
We tow an off-road camper through sand without any problems - tyre presures adjusted of course.
Very happy with our Surf - so far parts have not been a problem, however
check with your insurer prior to purchase - you may be in for a suprise.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Tuco69 - Sunday, Nov 16, 2003 at 21:46
Sunday, Nov 16, 2003 at 21:46
Another thing that you will have to upgrade on a Surf intending towing a van is the rear coil springs. The Surf (and any Japanese
home market vehicle) was never intended to be fitted with a towbar to lug any sort of trailer about - upgrade of the rear coils is just about mandatory.
As
well as a towbar,
mine also is fitted with an aux fuel tank, a 60 litre
water tank and a roller drawer system - definitely needed to upgrade the coils and shocks (Rancho RS9000) !
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Reply By: Dmitri - Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 14:13
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2003 at 14:13
I had 2.4 Surf. My opinion - 2.4 lt engine is not powerful enough. I haven't got any overheating problems with it, but I recored the radiator when I bought the car.
Also, I agree with Tuco69 - you need to get a new
suspension, because the factory one is very soggy.
Cheers,
Dmitri.
AnswerID:
37674
Follow Up By: Tony - Saturday, Nov 22, 2003 at 00:56
Saturday, Nov 22, 2003 at 00:56
Thanks Tuco69 & Dmitri for your replys. Do your vehicles have auto transmission or do you know what there performance is like with auto transmission. cheers Tony
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Follow Up By: Dmitri - Saturday, Nov 22, 2003 at 01:34
Saturday, Nov 22, 2003 at 01:34
I had the manual one and the perfomance was pathetic. On the Western hwy (
Melbourne-
Ballarat) I was unable to drive at 110 km/h uphill - no enough power.
Another comparison - it took 8 hrs to drove on
Border track (SA), I was stuck on every
sand dune. But 2 month later I've been there on 3.0 GU patrol, took me 4 hrs without any problem.
But I
test drove 3.0 Surf - the perfomance was much better.
Cheers,
Dmitri.
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