What are your thoughts on this?

[aotror]

Hi guys, Ive got loads of questions ..

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =206442059

Just wondering what would be a good price for this Surf. 209kms, 3litre diesel .. 2005 model

Im a bit confused, it seems like so many people reccomend Surf's for being tough and generally reliable etc but in the same breath slag off just about any 4 cyclinder engine that they come with, except the 3litre. How bad are they really? If this dual mass flywheel is a potential problem in the 3liter, how do i check that it's not knackered when I go for a test drive etc? What else is there to look for?
Is there some models that are better buying than others?

I got offered a tidy looking 1994 surf with a 2.4 engine for $2500, Apart from the engine it seems there's not much difference to this 3liter one. Is the 3 liter really worth 4+ grand more?


Thanks..

[kaney]

Depends where you are when the 2.4l surf dies (cracks its head) if you have to stay in a motel/get towed by a company it will cost a fair bit and then will also have the bill of 2K + to fix it.

The 2.4 WILL die eventually, in saying that most of them are running with multiple cracks already they just havnt grown enough to be a hassle. There is things that can be done to hep prolong there life like a bigger exhaust, better radiator ect.

The 3 litre has noticeably more power aswell.


(if you get the 2.4 make sure that you keep the funds aside to fix it)

[rangimotors]

Hi guys, Ive got loads of questions ..

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =206442059

Just wondering what would be a good price for this Surf. 209kms, 3litre diesel .. 2005 model

Im a bit confused, it seems like so many people reccomend Surf's for being tough and generally reliable etc but in the same breath slag off just about any 4 cyclinder engine that they come with, except the 3litre. How bad are they really? If this dual mass flywheel is a potential problem in the 3liter, how do i check that it's not knackered when I go for a test drive etc? What else is there to look for?
Is there some models that are better buying than others?

I got offered a tidy looking 1994 surf with a 2.4 engine for $2500, Apart from the engine it seems there's not much difference to this 3liter one. Is the 3 liter really worth 4+ grand more?


Thanks..

drive one of each and you will realise why the 3.0's are worth much more.

[J_Dub]

not so much considered a tough truck, more a comfortable, reliable all rounder with plenty a cheap parts always easily available, 3ltr diesels are a huge step up from the 2.4

[aotror]

Depends where you are when the 2.4l surf dies (cracks its head) if you have to stay in a motel/get towed by a company it will cost a fair bit and then will also have the bill of 2K + to fix it.

The 2.4 WILL die eventually, in saying that most of them are running with multiple cracks already they just havnt grown enough to be a hassle. There is things that can be done to hep prolong there life like a bigger exhaust, better radiator ect.

The 3 litre has noticeably more power aswell.


(if you get the 2.4 make sure that you keep the funds aside to fix it)

It seems even if you take precautions and get one that looks good it can still crap out on you.. 2.4 or 3.0 litre. I think i read a post from hosesmuggler or someone on here saying he spent 10 grand putting in a secondhand low milage 3.0 engine. If I get a 2.5 grand 2.4litre surf it at least leaves me a bit more dough to fix it when the inevitable happens than if i spend 6+ grand on a 3.0 Litre, although I know I'd hate the gutlessness of a 2.4. I can't drive myself at the moment (broken leg)but I went with someone for a test of a 3.0l that I was looking at.. The power seemed pretty good really but hard to tell if im not driving it myself. How would the 2.4 and 3.0 compare to my recently deceased terrano 2.7t for economy and power?
I think i'd prefer an 80 series landcruiser but it might take a while to get one at the right price.

[surf_tomo]

The 2.4 WILL die eventually,
(if you get the 2.4 make sure that you keep the funds aside to fix it)

Yes and yes.
If you buy the 2.4 i would recomend a full cooling system check/ service asap. The condition of the head will probably be unknowen so dont be suprized when it cracks.

If you can afford the 3.0L then I personally would go for it.

Tomo.

[hosehustler]

It seems even if you take precautions and get one that looks good it can still crap out on you.. 2.4 or 3.0 litre. I think i read a post from hosesmuggler or someone on here saying he spent 10 grand putting in a secondhand low milage 3.0 engine. If I get a 2.5 grand 2.4litre surf it at least leaves me a bit more dough to fix it when the inevitable happens than if i spend 6+ grand on a 3.0 Litre, although I know I'd hate the gutlessness of a 2.4.

I guess you're referring to me, if so I haven't spent a cent on the engine in mine, although the previous owner replaced the head with a genuine new one, cost him $2K, only mods to the engine area i've done is put in a 4core radiator, large air cooled transmission cooler, 2.5 inch straight thru exhaust, and a uni filter.
Economy wise I have lowered the diff gearing from 4.1's to 4.8's to allow for the larger tyres, on and offroad the gearing is perfect, i'm getting 450km to 50litres of diesel.
Spend the extra on a 3litre i'm really impressed with the power of mine, way better offroad (especially if you SAS and fit lockers), if you look hard you'll get a bargain eventually, that way you have more money to do mods

[rangimotors]

hosesmuggler BA HA HA HA

no offence anyone, small things for small minds..

[aotror]

It seems even if you take precautions and get one that looks good it can still crap out on you.. 2.4 or 3.0 litre. I think i read a post from hosesmuggler or someone on here saying he spent 10 grand putting in a secondhand low milage 3.0 engine. If I get a 2.5 grand 2.4litre surf it at least leaves me a bit more dough to fix it when the inevitable happens than if i spend 6+ grand on a 3.0 Litre, although I know I'd hate the gutlessness of a 2.4.

I guess you're referring to me, if so I haven't spent a cent on the engine in mine, although the previous owner replaced the head with a genuine new one, cost him $2K, only mods to the engine area i've done is put in a 4core radiator, large air cooled transmission cooler, 2.5 inch straight thru exhaust, and a uni filter.
Economy wise I have lowered the diff gearing from 4.1's to 4.8's to allow for the larger tyres, on and offroad the gearing is perfect, i'm getting 450km to 50litres of diesel.
Spend the extra on a 3litre i'm really impressed with the power of mine, way better offroad (especially if you SAS and fit lockers), if you look hard you'll get a bargain eventually, that way you have more money to do mods

Sorry HOSEHUSTLER(got it right this time), I thought i read it in one of your posts. Im sure of what I read, just not who wrote it now. One of the more frequent posters who has a hilux, but I won't attempt any more guesses. If i get a hilux it'll just about definately be the 3.0l and just hope like hell it doesnt crap out. For what I need I must say I'm tempted to go back to the nissans.. My old terrano, whiile not a real grunter was at least a good combo of reliability and usability for the price, and not abysmally gutless like a 2.4 hilux. It seems if you want an equivalent hilux it cost's a bit more.

The fuel economy for your machine sounds pretty good though, could I expect the same from a bog standard 3.0?.

Cheers for the advice

[J_Dub]

did you particuly want a modern surf, what about somethin like this, bulletproof 2.4 petrol, beam axle, all the good bits, nothing more required, and solid owner history, for the same price as what that surf will pro go for

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 023931.htm

[Taz]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=205905921

He should relist. HAPPY ST PATS!

[Steve_t647]

The 2.4 Diesel and the 3 litre are different generation engines, both if treated poorley will die crack heads etc.

According to the internet (and it sounds good) In the first Hilux and commercial trucks Mr Toyota put in a normal temp guage but it moved arround and they were getting service calls for too high temps when going up hills with loads etc.
Mr Toyota in his infinate wisdom then knobbled the factory temp guage so the top and bottom are accurate and the middle a 150-200 deg temp range it will stay in the middle.

I have been caught (rad let go and temp normal was pinking next look temp was climbing, by the time I stopped temp at max) Never killed the petrol engine tho.

This is why people fit Pyrometers to the exhaust and drive based on those, far more accurate and they react with the engine.

[rangimotors]

The 2.4 Diesel and the 3 litre are different generation engines, both if treated poorley will die crack heads etc.

According to the internet (and it sounds good) In the first Hilux and commercial trucks Mr Toyota put in a normal temp guage but it moved arround and they were getting service calls for too high temps when going up hills with loads etc.
Mr Toyota in his infinate wisdom then knobbled the factory temp guage so the top and bottom are accurate and the middle a 150-200 deg temp range it will stay in the middle.

I have been caught (rad let go and temp normal was pinking next look temp was climbing, by the time I stopped temp at max) Never killed the petrol engine tho.

This is why people fit Pyrometers to the exhaust and drive based on those, far more accurate and they react with the engine.

yea im pretty sure your right on that one, there are only 3 realy settings on the gauge "cold" " warm/normal" and "oh shit"

[gimmemud]

Hi guys, Ive got loads of questions ..

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =206442059

Just wondering what would be a good price for this Surf. 209kms, 3litre diesel .. 2005 model

Im a bit confused, it seems like so many people reccomend Surf's for being tough and generally reliable etc but in the same breath slag off just about any 4 cyclinder engine that they come with, except the 3litre. How bad are they really? If this dual mass flywheel is a potential problem in the 3liter, how do i check that it's not knackered when I go for a test drive etc? What else is there to look for?
Is there some models that are better buying than others?

I got offered a tidy looking 1994 surf with a 2.4 engine for $2500, Apart from the engine it seems there's not much difference to this 3liter one. Is the 3 liter really worth 4+ grand more?


Thanks..

Why not get one with a blown 2.4 for about 1k and spend the rest on doing it up for offroading? Surely you could get a 1kz and some suspension bits for less than 5grand? Or even a 3.8 or lexus even cheaper.
My 2c, that's what i'm doing next time

[aotror]

gimmemud,

Thats not a bad idea. I like the idea of the finished product, and knowing that its all nice and new (well maybe secondhand but checked at least) my only prob is getting it done, and done to a standard and price that is acceptable. Things like compliance for alterations etc.. I dont know anything about this. If I just pay some 4wd place to do it do you think It would still be within budget?
Sounds like there might be a few potential traps along the way.

[hosehustler]

There's plenty of traps along the way with repowering, it's all the little things that seem to cost so much and cause grief on the trail, best advice i can give is, if you can't repower it yourself......decide on what you want without having to repower it and wait till something comes up in your price range. They're out there, I paid a measely $3500 for mine complete with safari snorkel, ARB bar and a 2inch lift kit, reg was on hold, no WOF, tyres were bald, had a bit of underside surface rust, needed some diesel k's, but it had the 1KZ in it , and owner was heading overseas and needed some cash

[DieselBoy]

If your worried about engine's, go have a look at what Nissan has in the same range as the surf.

Terrano with a TD27t will beat the pants of a Toyota 2Lt (2.4L) in both power and reliability, as they are basically the big commercial Diesel TD42 6 cyl, with two cyclinders knocked off them.
They are indestructable (almost )

A Terrano has basically all the same design as the surf, with a 4 link coiled rear, and IFS up front. The body shape just don't look as good. You can fit 32's onto the Terrano with a 50mm suspension lift, and 33's with a 50mm body lift and 50mm suspension lift.

The catch with them is you need to be confident that the gear box is good, both auto or manual. The manuals do bearings, and the auto's wear out like any auto does, as people just don't look after them, especially if it has been used for towing.

Just another option for ya, i have had both and preferred my terrano over my 2.4 surf!!!!

[Jerry]

If you are looking at Terrano's, they have a big rust problem under the rear seats, check out www.lvvta.org.nz (there is a dedicated page for it), front steering components are weak in them as well when used offroad. avoid the petrol ones....they are gas hogs.

could look at a early prado as well... the 1kzte ones are good, plenty of cheap LWB ones for sale and the early ones up to 95 are beam axle with coils. having had a hand grenade 2.4 (2lte) in my old pos this was good but underpowered, yep gave it crap but never overheated it and changed the coolant frequently, my new shiny prado has a 1kzte and this is a huge step up in power etc.

What about a 70 series cruiser???, or even a cheap safari or pajero as well,

[ToYoda]

Yea the 1993 to 1995 Prados a great with the 3L turbo diesel. Solid axles etc but the suspension is stiff as (insert word here)!!
I have had one for the last 6 years and have had not a single problem.
Just brought a 1995 VX cruiser. I hope it is as reliable

[DieselBoy]

[quote="Jerry"]If you are looking at Terrano's, they have a big rust problem under the rear seats, check out http://www.lvvta.org.nz (there is a dedicated page for it), front steering components are weak in them as well when used offroad. avoid the petrol ones....they are gas hogs.

[quote]

No, "some" of them have rust under the rear seat's, and it is a good idea to check under there when looking at the vehicle. It is very dependant on the vehicles origin prior to import.

The steering in no worse than a surf, the idler arms still bend and flog out on both, and the center link thingy still bends on both, its just a inherant design floor of most IFS vehicles.

If he's looking at a 1kz or 2lt surf, then he's obviously not looking for a petrol 4x4 is he?? Other wise he would have been looking at a v6 surf or something ya??? The VG30 v6 in the Terrano is also a good solid engine, known only for manifold stud issues.

[kaney]

gimmemud,

Thats not a bad idea. I like the idea of the finished product, and knowing that its all nice and new (well maybe secondhand but checked at least) my only prob is getting it done, and done to a standard and price that is acceptable. Things like compliance for alterations etc.. I dont know anything about this. If I just pay some 4wd place to do it do you think It would still be within budget?
Sounds like there might be a few potential traps along the way.

paying someone to do a motor conversion will be excess of 10g to be road legal and finished

[T-Boon]

gimmemud,

Thats not a bad idea. I like the idea of the finished product, and knowing that its all nice and new (well maybe secondhand but checked at least) my only prob is getting it done, and done to a standard and price that is acceptable. Things like compliance for alterations etc.. I dont know anything about this. If I just pay some 4wd place to do it do you think It would still be within budget?
Sounds like there might be a few potential traps along the way.

paying someone to do a motor conversion will be excess of 10g to be road legal and finished

Yeah, conversions tend to get a bit expensive, when your paying $60+ an hour.

When i priced up a 1UZ conversion it came back around $5k when i was doing all the work (except engine mounts and wiring) = Expensive

and being that the 3l Dsl is twice the price of a 1UZ , but you dont need all the custom stuff, it should work out similar.

[swampa]

i have a 94 surf with a blown 1kz, 225k's, i have a 1kz with 114k's on it going in soon, i will be putting mine on trademe for 4500, no reserve with wof and rego, from what i have seen hardly any mid 90's surfs are selling with the 1kz as everyone wants between 6 to 9k