Hilux surf opinions WTD from dudes who know

[BlakeNZ]

Hi. I am contemplating buying a Surf approx 92-97. I know to avoid the 2.4 litre diesel, so was looking at the 3 litre diesel(1KZ i believe), though some of these crack heads too. So buying an older vehicle like this, am i better to buy the 3 litre V6 (3VZ i think), or will it be extra thirsty?
I intend to do about 400km a week for about three months over winter(pull a trailer on occasion), then use will drop way for the rest of the year till winter again. I'm guessing less around 10,000km annually.
Or should i spend the extra money and buy a later (96-'97) 3RZ 2.7 litre petrol?
Is it worth holding out for a very rare manual, for the extra fuel economy?
any helpful views welcomed. thanks.

[Lloyd]

3VZ is thirsty, and they do head gaskets every so often. The 1KZ engines crack heads also but you often can't predict when it'll be. The 2.4 diesels (2L) will usually do heads also.

Pick of the bunch is the 1KZ, they're a damn good engine... if you look after them. And keep on top of the coolant changes.

The 3RZ is good too, they don't give a lot of issues.

Don't hold out for a manual, they're a lot nicer as autos.

[Dell'Orto]

Get a KZN***. Its a much better engine than the other options, and cylinder heads aren't too dear for them.

[blackmk3]

+1 for the 1KZ

Budget in a brand new radiator, toyota t-stat, and obviously good coolant

A intercooler will prolong the head cracking, especially with towing frequently
The intake temps get up there that's forsure

[Boost_4_Life]

i rock a 1kz in the supercustom. Mean engine for towing. But yea as long as you are pretty pedantic with maintaining the coolant etc it will be fine. I towed up the kaimais on Friday, went mint as!

I assume the surfs are the same in that they run a trans cooler pipe through the bottom of the radiator for the auto? Often a good idea to asshole this and put in a separate trans cooler. That way you ease up the loading on the engine cooling system by pumping less heat into the radiator

[solitaire]

the wife has a kzn185, awesome wagon

[edwagon]

The kzn185s (96+) are a much better truck than the kzn130 imho
The 1kzs are not noted for their fuel economy but waaay better than the v6, and do go well.
Not sure on the 2.7 petrol, would imagine a little light for towing but they are a tough engine and fairly gutsy in the 2wd 'lux

The diesels are hard to pick up cheap but they do resell well, so prob worth picking up a clean one and then at least having easy sale once you're finished

[BlakeNZ]

thanks for the awesome valuable input guys. Does anyone know much about the 3.4 litre v6 petrol(5VZ) that comes in the 96 onwards Surfs? i've read it is less prone to head gaskets than the 3 litre 3VZ, and is more economical too. The only reason i would look at that in preference to a diesel(after reading the above posts) is because of price- they seem to be a reasonable margin cheaper. The later models also gives me ABS and airbags, compared to the earlier ones.

[solitaire]

The 96 has airbag and cracking abs - only thing with the 1kz is service schedule is a killer and registration with ruc makes it rather expensive to run

[Mr Revhead]

KZN185 is far superior, it's closer to a Prado than a Hilux.
I doubt a petrol would be cheaper to run than Diesel. RUCs aren't that dear, 5c a kay is pretty cheap.
Personally I'd go a 1KZ no question. Just look for a good one and make the above mentioned mods.
I guess as you are looking at 130 models your budget won't stretch to a 185 or Prado? If it does they are a much better wagon.


Or you could get an Isuzu MU

[BlakeNZ]

i can afford a petrol 185, but the more expensive diesel 185s are hard to justify with the lower annual distances i'd cover.

[Mr Revhead]

Yeah true, for something thats ya main vehicle def go 185. But sounds like a 130 will suit ya. Plus parts a bit chepaer.

[fj40cruzapete]

both the sales guys at work have 1kz one in a prado one in a surf both have done over 500k and still going strong

[rollaholic]

i too would only want a 1kz powered surf

[strx7]

whats your budget approx?

[wde_bdy]

Last I looked, the actual tow ratings are completely shit for any decent usage.

Callum

[BlakeNZ]

not towing heavy stuff. one ton max i guess.
My budget is not limited as such, but getting a land cruiser could cost 15-20k, or a prado 12-15k, a kzn185 $11k, but a tidy 130 could do the job anywhere from 5500-$9000.
so i guess i'm looking to spend 6 or 7 grand, but would stretch a little more to get ABS and airbags.
Here is a high km, but cheap petrol v6 xxx185. Most of these tend to come in this slightly unmanly pale blue...
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 203010.htm

[Quint]

3L for the win. can get one in an ln130 for sub 5g. mines done a shit load of hard work (know prior owners) and it has no $&#$% to give.

has 400+ on the clock and still blows less smoke than my new 1kd

[BlakeNZ]

by '3L' do you mean the the 3 litre v6 petrol or 3 litre 1KZ?

[Mr Revhead]

Or the 3L 2.8 non turbo. I hope not, it's a good engine but too slooooow