Guys, great news!! I found a 96 Surf Intercooled done 240ks. Am almost done with the deal, and today will be finalizing the deal and picking up the truck. I would like to thank all of you who gave me advises and support, especially to BlakeNZ who gave me lot of insight. Thanks a lot Blake and I will ...

True Blake. Just saw one truck until now with these problems like I said before. Will take a qualified mechanic going forward for viewing any truck

Ohh...anyway, I just told him that I ain't takin

Gone and checked this 96 surf...the Kays one are 180,000 but following are the points noticed - Has done cambelt at 100,000 - There is this light glowing on when the engine is started ELT PWR on the dashboard - Oil or diesel dripping underneath Asking a price $11,500, I dont think I want this truck ...

In the Dog & Lemon report, it was stated that cylinder Head need to be replaced after 150k, thats how I came to know but not until you are telling that it ain't necessary. So you reckon just timing belt to be done.

Been to view the Surf 96 Diesel Turbo who was quoting $11,500 which has clocked 180K. The truck looks good but Timing belt not done and Head gasket not replaced which should be replace essentially after 150k. So how much you think will it cost to do these, around $3K? that's what I guess. Wanting to ...

Great, thanks Blake. Will try to check this out too. The 12 k one am trying to negotiate for 10. However will check out the one you sent, thanks again mate.

The Prado I was eyeing for has clocked more than 300k, hence dropped the idea. Found a Surf 1996 with just 180k and asking 12k. Can I go ahead if everythings well. And I also saw Bighorn 1997 with 200k. Obviously surf is the best bet, but my mind started wavering if I should go for Bighorn spending ...

Thanks Bush and Blake.
By the way, I still didn't have chance to see Prado as the buyer didn't turn up Will keep you posted.

There's another dealer who is asking for $13K for a 96 Surf that has clocked 180Ks. Reckon this is a fair price, and how much can I negotiate for if all is well.

Its been an impressive responses, thanks to all. Jafa, am 5"8 tall, so either of the trucks make no difference for me. All I wanted was which one of these is more reliable both on road and off road considering economy, comfort and maintenance. Based on Blake's suggestion, an intercooled turbo is ...

Thank you very much Jerry, appreciate that.

Thanks a lot Blake. That was an awesome insight and has cleared my mind of confusion as to what to select.
What I cant understand is why is Surf too expensive these days, and you reckon I go for inter cooled surf or Prado whichever suits best to my budget and the history of the vehicle.

Thanks guys. Am after 96/97 Prado and I think its beam axle square one.

Hi all,

Its an honor to join this club. Soon after I joined, I posted a new topic in Toyota which I badly need a suggestion to, thanks.

Hi, Am planning to buy a good and decent 4WD , and looking to buy one since 2 months from now. Am not able to make up my mind between Hilux surf and Prado. Both in the year range 1996 to 1998 and Diesel with automatic transmission. I want to have one of these that gives me the following... 1. Good ...

Sorry guys, wrong selection of the forum to my question

Hi, Am planning to buy a good and decent 4WD , and looking to buy one since 2 months from now. Am not able to make up my mind between Hilux surf and Prado. Both in the year range 1996 to 1998 and Diesel with automatic transmission. I want to have one of these that gives me the following... 1. Good ...