Toyota Surf 3.0 import

[ian2144]

My landys playing up, gearbox trouble..!!!

Been looking a Toyota surf 3.0. How good are they and what sort of mileage should I expect?? Most seem to be automatic, but would prefer a manual.
Priced between 3K and 5K sounds good value considering the kit you get with them.

Your coments will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Ian....

[GravelBen]

petrol or diesel? and if diesel, turbo or not?

the 3.0 turbo-diesel has a quite surprising amount of grunt to it

3.0 na diesel not so much but still ok and less thirsty.

3.0 petrol V6 drinks like a very thirsty thing, but goes pretty well too.

[Andy Mac]

Isn't the surf the same as the toyota pickup that TG tried to destroy!

[GravelBen]

yeah pretty much, the Hilux is the ute version and the Surf is basically the same but with a more typical SUV body, ie all in one box instead of a separate tray out the back.

[Andy Mac]

get it.. It is 'Automotive greatness' after all!

[ian2144]

Yes it must be a diesel. I thought they were all turbo'd didn't know about the NA version.
My Defender 110 200 Tdi gives me 25 - 27 Mpg I would like to think that the Surf was the same or better?
I've just been told insurance is a problem with imports...Why?

Ian........

[GravelBen]

yeah I'd think you'd be right about fuel consumption compared to the Defender, ahould be a bit better.

I have no idea about your insurance as I'm in NZ and practically everything is imported here.

[tuttle]

Problems with insurance hikes for Jap imports tend to centre around the performance beasties.
1,000,001 Japanese imported (JDM) people carrier/soft-roader etc type things have been sold over here in the last few years. To the best of my knowledge, ins' comp's are not taking the pi$$ writing policies for these vehicles.
Probably worth getting a quick quote from somewhere like www.confused.com

[Homer21]

Hi Ian,

I've been the proud owner of a 3.0 LTD since the end of January. I'm very impressed with all aspects of the Surf. It is certainly recommended to go for the 3.0 LTD rather than the 2.4 LTD which has been known to have cylinder head problems, although these may be more blown out of perspective that you read.

The best place to read up on Surf's is here -

www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/forums/index.php

Good luck!
Stu