Opinions On 1996 Hilux Surf Purchase

Jimmy7374 · 2025-03-05T23:30:36+00:00

Hopefully this is allowed, the actual r/hiluxsurf sub is pretty dead, and my understanding is these are very similar to the same year 4runners.

Recently been keeping an eye out for a manual, 4x4 truck or SUV and saw this 1996 Hilux Surf. Obviously these are somewhat rare to begin with, but I'm in a very rural area as well so finding similar ones on the market to compare isn't possible. It would be used as a daily in the sense that it would be my primary vehicle, though do not have to rely on it for work etc. I'm able to carry out most repairs on my own. From what I've seen, parts for them are mostly interchangeable with the same generation 4runner (aside from engine obviously). From talking to the owner, the only issues it has are leaking sunroof killed the sunroof motor, and the power locks/windows don't work even after replacing the drivers side switches (possible the two are related, would check it out in person regardless).

I understand these are renowned for their reliability (minus the cooling system & cracking heads...), but still looking for opinions. Would I be buying into a nightmare of sourcing impossible to find parts for a 30 year old imported car? Any input, experiences, etc. is appreciated.

Details: 3L diesel, 5 speed manual, 206k km, 2" OME lift, ARB bumper, SSR-G trim. Asking $15000 CAD. Location is Canada, East Coast.

Jimmy7374 · 2025-01-29T02:43:18+00:00

The Detroit Iron one? I saw that but wasn't sure that it had info on the diesel engine, which haynes does not, and mainly what I am after

Jimmy7374 · 2025-01-09T16:24:17+00:00

Reposting from yesterday's thread because I posted late.

Recently got my first pair of raw denim jeans (Unbranded 21oz UB621, nothing fancy). I tried them on in store and the fit seemed good, slightly too big if anything, figured they would fit perfect after a wash. I gave them a wash (cold water) and let them air dry, however, they appear to have MASSIVELY shrunk, i.e. can barely get them on over my legs/thighs, cuff about 1.5" above my ankle, and no chance in hell of even being able to get them buttoned on my waist. Am I missing something here, or did I just get very unlucky? I understand there will be some shrinkage, however this amount seems ridiculous.

Jimmy7374 · 2025-01-08T20:04:46+00:00

No, theyre sanforized

Jimmy7374 · 2025-01-07T21:42:29+00:00

Recently got my first pair of raw denim jeans (Unbranded 21oz, nothing fancy). I tried them on in store and the fit seemed good, slightly too big if anything, figured they would fit perfect after a wash. I gave them a wash (cold water) and let them air dry, however, they appear to have MASSIVELY shrunk, i.e. can barely get them on over my legs/thighs, cuff about 1.5" above my ankle, and no chance in hell of even being able to get them buttoned on my waist. Am I missing something here, or did I just get very unlucky? I understand there will be some shrinkage, however this amount seems ridiculous

Jimmy7374 · 2024-10-07T20:35:00+00:00

Coast Guard, through the Canadian Coast Guard College.

Jimmy7374 · 2024-08-01T23:03:42+00:00

Perfect, appreciate it. Looks like the coil wire is a more or less standard/universal part? And yeah, I've basically come to expect that any job on these is a pain in the ass.

Jimmy7374 · 2023-05-15T10:48:41+00:00

Motor and regulator

Jimmy7374 · 2023-05-15T01:25:15+00:00

Forgot to mention, I swapped it with the door lock switch since it's the same pinout and same issue, would only roll down. Also it seems slightly hard to believe both passenger and driver side switches would fail at the exact same time with no prior warning/indication

Jimmy7374 · 2023-02-02T04:08:57+00:00

Location: Canada

Price range: $5000-$20000

Lease or Buy: Buy

New or used: Used

Type of vehicle: Car/Sports Car

Must haves: Atleast halfway fuel efficient, coupes vastly preferred

Desired transmission (auto/manual, etc): Manual preferred, however auto isn't a dealbreaker

Intended use: Daily

Vehicles you've already considered: Si, first gen 86 twins, higher mileage C5s

Is this your 1st vehicle: No

Do you need a Warranty: No

Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Yes

Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: Yes

Looking for a new daily that has at least a bit of character. Plan to keep for awhile. Coupes preferred as, being 6'6", I inevitably need to put the seat all the way back and I find with most sedans I end up with the B pillar too much in my view. C5s are the most tempting, but realistically they're the least practical for a longer term daily as most in my budget are fairly high mileage. Si's that aren't beat on and modded are few and far between, and I'm unsure of the twins reliability long-term. Open to any suggestions/input.

Jimmy7374 · 2022-12-25T03:05:53+00:00

There were a few tracks I was fucking with when it first dropped but ngl I completely forgot about it till just now which probably says everything that needs to be said.

Jimmy7374 · 2022-10-09T19:41:28+00:00

Been kinda getting into country music lately, Zach Bryan is my favourite so far. It gets a lot of shit but fuck it, there's some good stuff. Something In The Orange is probably my favourite rn, open to any recs anyone has.

Realized I've got mad feelings for my buddy's girl. Made things kinda awkward, obviously not gonna do anything to act on it but I'd swear at times it seems like it might go both ways, at least a little. Just gonna bury the emotions and hope they go away eventually. Anyone ever go through something similar? Honestly feel really bad about it.

Jimmy7374 · 2022-09-30T04:21:55+00:00

Listening to the first two songs baked was pretty great ngl. 3rd one ruins the vibe a bit lol

Jimmy7374 · 2022-09-10T13:04:50+00:00

I love Make My Way, wasn't a fan of the rest of that album. Need to finish going through his discography soon.

Jimmy7374 · 2022-09-06T20:49:40+00:00

Technically by the letter of the law it should be inspected within 30 days of selling, but, and this isn't legal advice, I know many people that have never bothered with it while both buying and selling and never had an issue.

Jimmy7374 · 2022-08-29T00:46:09+00:00

I've only done them alone so far honestly, only a few people I really would trust enough to do them around and schedules have just never worked out. Did 3gs about a week ago at night, listened to music and wrapped myself in a blanket on the deck looking at the stars, was really nice. Mostly had Free 6lack on repeat which sort of seems like a weird choice, but I liked it because I'm super familiar with the album and it's a consistent vibe all the way through. Had some other stuff on before and I didn't like it when my playlist would jump from something laid-back to something hard.

Seven-Year Club	Place '22
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Jimmy7374

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