Freshly imported from Japan This 1997 Toyota Hilux Surf SSR-G, better known in the USA as the 3rd generation 4Runner, is a bulletproof SUV, factory equipped with Toyota’s stout 1KZ-TE turbo diesel engine and a smooth shifting 4 speed automatic transmission. While we typically champion Japanese market vehicles for being free of the rust and corrosion that cars in the US fall victim too, this Hilux Surf saw use in northern regions in Japan, subjecting the underbody to corrosion typically seen on a 25-year-old vehicle. Otherwise, the bones of this SUV are good and this Surf would make for an excellent off road warrior. The exterior is finished in the original Toyota Desert Dune Metallic (1A5) and has certainly held up nicely for being a 31-year-old vehicle. Of course, some paint fade and clear coat peel is to be expected but the exterior is in overall fair shape, the original graphics are even intact. Records from Japan indicate no prior collision record on the vehicle. While to the untrained eye this may look like your typical US market 4Runner, OEM exterior options such as a hood scoop, fender mirror, and rear spoiler with power retracting mirror set this Hilux apart from the pack. It’s a timeless look that has aged quite gracefully and will definitely turn the head of any Toyota enthusiast on the road or trail. The interior is quite clean and has held up surprisingly well over the past 26 years. The striped cloth upholstery is free of any rips or tears and the dash, complete with tortoise trim, is in overall good shape, save for some peeling around the passenger airbag area. All 5 power windows are in order and the sunroof slides open and tilts without a hitch. The steering wheel shows light signs of peeling, which is to be expected on a car of this vintage. All buttons and switches are fully functional, down to the automatic climate control. The AC is currently out of order but the compressor is functional. The instrument cluster displays 312,610 verified kilometres. Equating to about 194,246 actual miles this SUV has seen its fair share of use but still has plenty of life left, especially on the bulletproof Toyota powerplant that luckily has plenty of service history, including a timing belt replacement just under 2,000 kilometres ago. Turn the key and the intercooled, turbocharged diesel 4 banger fires right up. Luckily this engine was widely used in many other Toyota models so parts availability is abundant, and this Hilux Surf can be serviced with ease. The engine has plenty of torque to get up and go around town, and the auto trans never feels sluggish, shifting smoothly through all gears. The transfer case switches between drive wheels with no issue, and the selectable 4WD is fully operational. Not to mention this Surf comes equipped with the Highly sought after and desirable Center Locking Differential Modes! With a little love this Hilux Surf could be the perfect addition to any Toyota enthusiast’s garage, and we’ve priced it to move! Contact us to get behind the wheel today.