Surf or Terrano ?

MAT · Post by **MAT** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 8:58 pm

I am looking to get a bigger 4x4 with 4doors ( currently have a vitara ) and are looking at a Manual and diesel Toyota surf or Nissan Terrano.

I know of some issues like rust in the terrano rear floor pan, and surf engines overheating and cracking heads.

Any suggestions on which one would be better and what to look out for when buying?

It will get a workout offroad but also will get used everyday onroad.

Cheers, Mat

warlord225 · Post by **warlord225** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:05 pm

id say the later turbo diesel terrano, they go like a cut cat

albundy · Post by **albundy** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:17 pm

94-95 terranos solved the rust problem. Any terrano after 95 to now has no ladder chassis. V6 terranos alternators stuff out in too much mud, I know. Good waterproof motors once you fit a snorkel both petrol and diesel, but V6 computer under drivers seat. Terrano front steering and suspenson inherently weak for hard core fourwheeling but can handle a good thrashing. Not sure about the surfs, think they have weak front diffs. V6 terranos have weak exahaust manifold bolts that will need replacing at some stage. I really enjoyed driving the terrano, it was fun.
Al
Try and get one with an LSD, awesome diff.

MAT · Post by **MAT** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:23 pm

Cool as , Thanks for your input

matwelli · Post by **matwelli** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:41 pm

Surf or Terrano ?

No ladder chassis on Terrano - how do you mount tow hooks, bumpers, bash plates, nerf bars ?

Pajero - mid 90 petrol or diesel, great on road, great off road, no rust or engine issues, front end (cv's & diffs) is very strong (compared to the surf)

Not saying the Paj is as good as a Safari or cruiser, more that it holds the middle ground.

MAT · Post by **MAT** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:53 pm

mmmmm Interesting now we have a 3rd option eh.
Cheers

Leithfield · Post by **Leithfield** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 8:18 am

No hesitation in recommending the Surf over the Terrano ... if it were Surf vs Safari, I would posit that they are (in their own right) pretty much equally capable.

It is considerably easier to purchase off-the-shelf after market offroad options for Surfs than Terranos, and later fitment of lockers would give your diffs significantly enhanced strength. If looking to purchase a Surf with intent of offroad use, avoid the 2.4TD (Iraqi insurgents use this engine as a naturally occurring improvised explosive device :lol:

); the 2.8 is strong and relaible, but a little underpowered in the light of later options; the 3litre Petrol has good torque/power, is reliable but can be somewhat thirsty; the 3Litre Turbo Diesel has excellent torque/power (right where you want it for offroading), delivers very good fuel economy, but can have a propensity for cracking heads (if it's been overheated at some stage, the clock is ticking on head failure).

If considering this engine (1KZTE), have it thoroughly checked out pre-purchase by a competent diesel mechanic, and fit a pyrometer ASAP post purchase to monitor your exhaust gas temperature.

DaveM · Post by **DaveM** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 7:08 pm

Leithfield wrote:if it were Surf vs Safari, I would posit that they are (in their own right) pretty much equally capable.

Can you sell me some of that stuff you've been smoking :wink: