Toyota Surf - opinions?

[RS13]

Anyone had much to do with these? My brother in law had his non-turbo 2.8 Surf stolen recently, so is looking for a replacement, mostly looking at 94-96 models.

He has shortlisted these;

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 510489.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 630987.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 477628.htm

What are the 3L turbo diesels like? Thirsty? Reliable? Any weaknesses or things to watch out for?

Many thanks!

[Mr Revhead]

Middle one is a KZN185, which is effectively a Prado underneath and quite a lot nicer than the 130s
The other 2 are KZN130s

1st one is well over priced I think.
The 1kz-te is a much better motor than the old 2.4. Can't really compare the two...
If there is any sign at all of a problem in the cooling system (rust etc) walk away. Like all surfs, the cooling system is marginal and any neglect will result in BHG and/or cracked head.
Infact, on those kzn130s, unless they have had the head done, I'd be inclineded to forget them if they are fresh imports.

Usual other car stuff applies... bushes, leaks etc.
Oh, check power steer fluid. the seal in the back of the pump can leak engine oil into the fluid. Fluid will be like dirty engine oil.

[rollaholic]

have seen a few 130s getting rusty too! doors especially

185s are win, though you pay for the privilege

[RS13]

So best to get a leak down test, maybe a coolant system pressure test?

[solitaire]

My wife has a 96 KZN185 1kz-te.

Really quick off from the lights (quite torqey) and just generally a really nice car.

I would recomend, we paid $10,500 for it last year, high ks though (225,000)