1996 Toyota Hi-lux SSRX Surf 3.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

Buy one

Faults:

Battery cable corroded and required replacement at 115,000 - must have been due to driving in the sea.

Bushes on the steering rack required replacement at 80,000.

New shocks fitted at 190,000. Original ones were not broken, just thought it would be a good idea.

General Comments:

Great truck, the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, cost next to nothing in repairs. Can't seem to find a reason to sell it other than to buy another one. This vehicle has put up with a lot as it has been used for many off road tours, carrying huge amounts inside and towing heavy weights over long distances.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th April, 2006

15th Aug 2015, 17:25

Hi, I've just brought a 1996 3 litre turbo Toyota Hilux Surf. It's a brilliant vehicle, but I'm only averaging 350km out of a tank. I've taken it to a mechanic and he said that's normal?? What average km should these vehicles do around town and on the open road???

14th Jan 2017, 04:50

I have had mine for 6 months and get around 600k on a tank. Average NZ driving conditions.

1996 Toyota Hi-lux RN85R 2.4 petrol

Summary:

A good strong reliable vehicle

Faults:

Anti-rattle washer at base of gaerstick broke at 148,000 km (<$100)

Fuel pump failed at 142,000km ($105)

Radiator leaked from top tank 154,000km (cost 1/2 carton of beer to fix)

General Comments:

The vehicle has been very reliable in the last 5 years. Except for normal running items such as tyres, oil & batteries, the vehicle has not cost me anything.

I find the vehicle to be a bit rough riding, but this is due to the 15" light truck tyres & the helper springs at the rear to assist with the weight of the fibreglass canopy on the car when I bought it.

I have never had any other problems except as outlined above. The air-con & heater work well. I changed the sealed beam headlights to Hella H4 inserts for better night driving. The car gets a fair bit of off-road use & gets used as a trade-mans vehicle loaded with tools. Fuel economy is a bit poor at 24mpg on the highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 2004