Hilux Surf buying guide

[samurai]

Hello Team

Hope everyone is enjoying the summer, This time need some wise ideas from you guys,

I am looking to buy a Toyota Hilux Surf with 1KZ motor, and most of them done High Km's (Rare to find a low Km), I am keen about a 185 but consider the 130 also. My main idea is to get a good understanding What need to check before buy in Mechanical side, as most of the 1KZ having the head gasket issue and its not cheap to fix

So better check before jump

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Truck 1 is 1996 Surf done 290,xxx on the clock belongs to the 2nd owner, got a VTNZ WOF, owner not sure the head been replaced or not at any stage

- Please provide me some information what MUST check before buy a 1KZ motor and a SURF

regards
JC

[Steve_t647]

Hi,

If you can find a manual they have less problems seem to occur most in the Auto's and Towing. Part of this could be the trans cooler is in the radiator and blocking some of the flow.

If the KZ is not getting up to temp then it is likely the thermostat has been pulled, this is a sign it has been overheated.
With regular offroading and larger tyres these do the pitman arm's? There are upgraded versions of these around.
If towing a lot the reverse clutches are small and can wear (more with backing horse floats etc).
All diesels do not like water make sure everything is sealed up.
All offroaders will have been in water at some stage check the diff fluids are not milky even if breathers are fitted.
Check the diesel filter (and throw in the treatment in case the dreaded diesel bug is in the tank.

All said they are a good offroader with some comfort and if looked after (regular maintenance) they will go for a long time.

4WD's or $WD's are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you have until you open them up and by then it is too late.

[samurai]

Thank you for the reply mate and for the advise, what is your idea or test that you can give me to find the Head, if its been replaced or not?

regards
JC

[imsohi]

At that kms i would be expecting a head to be replaced or almost about to is it intercooled?? i have seen these get up to 450kms on a standard head. if it hasent been done then allow 3k if you arent up to the task personally i would be looking for one that has had the following done to it

Replacement Head, gasket, head bolts (genuine is better)
Water pump
Cambelt, idlers ect

Try and get an intercooled one as they are better, what sort of price range are you looking at??

[samurai]

Thank you for the reply,

Its not a Intercooler model engine and below is the truck

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =834605922

check it mate

[mudsurfv6]

for that $ and less hassles you could get a v6 185. a lot cheaper on fuel than a v6 130.

[samurai]

Thank you for the reply

- I have heard V6 3400cc is a heavy drinker, and hard to work with any engine issue, anyway i am after a Diesel truck

regards
JC

[samurai]

also any possibility to find tampered speedo meter on diesel Surf's?

[imsohi]

auto ones are harder to do as a switch on the speedo affects the shift pattern of the auto but they can be altered in other ways manual ones can have switches added without to much hassels.