japanese made toyotas are junk. our repair shop always has at least 5 sitting around mal kelowna bc canada

Just bought 1996 hilux surf ssrx. Nothing but problems, over heating constantly. Radiator has been flushed, now requires new rad, pump, thermo. This is low milage vehicle that's been well serviced. Very disappointed, not what you would expect from the best brand of of vehicles in the world.

I bought my truck 2 month ago and all I can say for a truck that was made in 1995 WOW It drives fantastic and starts every time on the key, the ride is comfortable and the engine pulls like a train, everything works in like it should and it has a very powerful 3.0 ltr turbo Diesel engine that pulls like a train, and I personally don't think for the size of it, is expensive to run. The second day I bought it I hadn't even given it a look round and drove 250 miles in it without a problem, if you are after a very nice looking reliable truck then what are you waiting for, the money you can buy on of these for now it's a steal. Before this I had the 3.6 HSE Range Rover that gave me nothing but problems I only had it 1 month and couldn't wait to get rid of the thing. But the Surf is a different beast you can just tell it was built for the job and it just feels like it will never let you down. I will have this car for many years to come and love everything about it. And when you put the seats down its like owing a van you can get anything in. Well done Toyota you got it spot on.

What can I say, I am on my third hilux surf, the 1st one I had for 3 years which was the 2.4 diesel, the 2nd one I had was newer at a good price so I upgraded from the 2.4. To be honest if it wasn't for the 2nd surf myself and family would not be alive today, myself, my wife and 2 young children got side swiped by a Spanish articulated lorry on a roundabout, the surf rolled over 3 times smashing every window and crippling the car totally, especially as after we finished rolling the lorry then ramed us into a wall, the only injuries we had was a small cut to my 5 month old baby's head. Now I am on my third surf, and I wouldn't own anything else, go out and buy one

I love my 3L auto SSR-G Surf. I only wish the towing capacity was higher than, I think, 2200kg, Discoveries and Fourtraks can tow 3500kg and Shogun's, Pajero's 3300kg and Terrano's 2800kg. Its the only thing that lets the super Surf down when you want to tow a horse trailer and unfortunately the only reason I am thinking of changing it for a Fourtrak.

Have owned a 1996 Toyota Surf SSR-G 3ltr for 12yrs and covered 150k rapid miles. Apart from the usual servicing parts and three sets of tyres, the only thing that went wrong was the cylinder head, they don't like starting hard in frosty weather. The interior is still like new, even the floor mats are original and everything works including the aircon, only been recharged once. Drove it to Cyprus and left it there last year, took five days and never missed a beat. I have an X5 in this country, brilliant engine but everything else is inferior compared to the Toyota, even a 14yr old one! Her indoors loves driving it and finds it easier to park than most cars shes had. Would thoroughly recommend one to anybody.

Fantastic all round vehicle, have had the usual problems expected with imported surfs (suspension, a/c ceased, interior electrics not all working) but what else can you expect from vehicles of this age that don't get the attention they need in Japan before we import them. This is my 2nd Surf and as it is the 3lt I'm not expecting the cylinder head problems associated with the 2.4. Surfs cope well with pretty much anything provided you have the right tyres and suspension. after much trial and error (and whiplash!)Pirelli Scorpion A/T's seem to be perfect for this vehicle. Fuel economy is not great around town (20mpg if you drive enthusiastically) but on long runs is excellent for a car of this age and size. Change oil and filters regularly, as often as you can afford but at least every 6 months. If the a/c works you're lucky, but they can be sorted out, biggest problem with the older models is they were de-gassed for export due to Japan using a different gas to us. recommend upgrading to stiffer suspension if you want to offroad or drive hard, mine is permanently on firm setting and is still a bit wallowy. To get a UK vehicle as good as a Surf you would be spending £10000+. Toyota dealers won't touch them but can get parts but try Rough Trax or Milner 4x4 first. Lastly, don't whinge about little niggles, sort them out as cheaply as poss and enjoy driving the best 4x4 in the world! If you need technical help, go to the Surf owners club forum Hiluxsurf.co.uk

Having had various cars, vans etc. Found the 3.0 surf when fed up with my 850 T5, Was not sure if it would suit my needs from family and work. Since then it has proved it's worth, I have all my tools for work in the back and still plenty of room for the family. Has never let me down and can beat most things away from the lights.

i have owned my 95' hilux surf ssr-g 3.0t diesel for 6 months now and it has been a great 4wd, if you change the oil and filter every 5,000km always check your oil never run it low this will cause engine damage, diesel filter and air filter between 7,000-10,000km you shouldn't have a problem with it also depending on how often you drive on dirt roads if you do it will pay to either use a air hose to blow out the dust from the air filter or just simply buy a new one this will keep your engine running for a bit longer. if the engine check light comes on the dash the it will most likely be a dirty diesel filter especially if you constantly run the engine on less than a quarter of a tank of fuel.

i bought my 3.0l ssrx td ltd 5 years ago i have only had to put on tyres,(general grabbers), change exhaust, rear shocks, brake pads,timing belt and new batteries along with the normal oil,fuel and air filters every 6000 miles. it had 55000 miles when i bought it and now sits on 110000. it also runs on 50% veg oil straight out of tesco all year never lets me down 30lts of diesel topped up with cooking oil goes great quieter, and smells lovely!. i would only swap it for an ssrg 3.0ltr auto when i can find one.a.g.

I bought a toyota hilux surf about 1 year ago and have been having problems ever since. first it was breaks and then the engine started to over heat and suspension problems and now since of last week again i am having break problems and a noise in the front suspension. The best is i haven't even taken it offroading.
What seems to be the problem with this. I like this vehicle but can some one please tell me if they've had this kind of problems