Afternoon folks... I have been after one for a while now, and the feeling is not going way.. I live way out in the sticks and the supra is my only car again so I want another daily driver...


I initially wanted a truck, but the mrs has persuaded me a surf will be better for our needs, I want to have some fun off road so off road performance is a factor, -although I want it to be well behaved onroad,

I'll be going for a 3.0 TDi, to avoid head problems, I just can't decide if a Gen 2 or Gen 3 will be best, any suggestions???

I'll be looking at some mods, a slight lift, decent nudge bars, possibly a winch, decent lighting etc.

I'll probably be looking at an auto, if the auto box is any good (any feedback?) Are there any optional extras that are particularly desirable for off road, general use etc? Was the recaro interior available on the Gen 3s? Are the newer ones as well built/rugged?


I spotted this Gen 2 beauty on google images, the stance is perfect, can anyone confirm or guestimate what kind of lift that is? Tyre size etc?

I know nothing about off roading or 4x4s... I live in the middle of nowhere and there are some good places to play, plus this year three of us have got stuck already getting home with floods/snow etc

could be a 4inch lift with 31x10.5/15 fitted.
try n find a gen 3 with lockable diffs or a gen 2 with lsd . best option. these cars still get stuck if they sink in mud n clay

too much plastic on the gen 3 for me - the 1 above is just like mine without the lift and big wheels

big wheels and off road mud tyres are a must i suppose if ur gonna be offroading big style.

these beasts run just as well on a mix of veg oil n derv too 60/40 in the summer .As 25 mpg isnt much .




http://english.auto.vl.ru/catalog/toyota/hilux_surf/

Sweet, cheers...

How are they on the road? How agricultural feeling are they? I like the sound of the centre diff on the gen 3, but was wondering if it hinders off road capability??

Is yours an auto?

on the road the 3.0 kicks out about 136 bhp , the turbo delivers some good torque , which in the wet on roundabouts can kick out the back end in 2wd .Mine is a manual and gets to 70 mph pretty quickly as the corsa boys soon find out.

i tend to stick to 56 - 60 to keep engine noise down to avoid the agricultural feel as you say , i just love the stature of the thing and the views you see whilst driving it .

the central dif should be an asset rather than a hindrence as it allows 4wd at anytime , whereas the 2nd gen has to be 4wd in the wet or on loose ground.

the autoboxes are apparently very good and capable off road as well as on road , they do however use a bit more fuel.

i went from a st205 to my surf , i do miss the power and speed of the gt4 , but the surf makes me smile in other ways , specially when offroading at my local beach.I dont think you'll be dissappointed once you get used to its characteristics.

Cheers fella great help