Comments: 1-15, 16-26
Purchased vehicle from auction with no cylinder head, had badly cracked head between valves, replaced with reconditioned head,
1 year latter engine run hot towing trailer has now cracked second head.
Cost of new bare head exceeds $1000.00.
Common fault for Toyota diesel engines wish Toyota had designed better cooling systems for there diesel engines, mechanics love these engines keeping them in bussines.
I just buy these to repair they suck as a real 4x4 a Suzuki jeep will beat one every time, low power about 86 odd HP.
Surely buying a vehicle with engine damage should ring alarm bells and most people would steer clear. My SSR LTD is brilliant with only minor repairs needed over the past 3-4 years.
I would have no hesitation in recommending a Hi-Lux Surf to any-one.
I totally disagree with the writer of this article, he was unlucky and just happened to get a rough one.
If we listened to everybody when buying a vehicle, we wouldn't buy anything.
I can't agree with this owners comments. I had a 1993 Hilux Surf SSR-X Limited and I can safely say it was the best vehicle I've owner (there's been a few!) In my time with it, it never let me down, and the only repair was to get the alternator re-wound. I used it to it's fullest extent, and brought it places where I thought it might get into difficulty, but, it always pulled through.
I am currently looking for another as I foolishly sold mine to buy a Supra, but it's back to the 4x4xME!!
I completely agree with the preceding two comments - had mine (89 2.5TD SSR) for about 4 years, only real issue was oil leak from engine rear main seal allowing oil onto clutch plate (i purchased vehicle cheaply because of this). No big problem to repair leak and replace clutch (these vehicles are a pleasure to work on - well engineered and designed). Spares are readily obtainable here in the UK.
An excellent vehicle which I have used for all sorts of activity from towing a 1500kg caravan all around Europe to some serious off road work without any problems whatsoever.
I have a 1991 toy hilux sr-5 diesel. no problems. it don't run hot and it has plenty of power. the things I don't like is the really short bed (its 4 door) and it is so light that unless its in 4x4 it don't wanna go in the show. awesome truck.
I own a SSR-V, 1994, 3.0 diesel Surf and the only problem I have had so far is sagging back shock absorbers (changed all 4 shocks for $250). The car is a gem. I live in Australia and I have subjected it to all forms of harsh terrain and it has pulled through with ease. 2.4lt have head cracking problems, but they have been rectified in the 3.0lt. Surfs Rock!!
Hilux Surf head cracking problems. I have a 94 model 3.0 turbo diesel import. Within a month it cracked its first head despite only 80,000kms on the clock. Was welded under warranty, but blew yet again a week ago. Faced with a bill exceeding $4000 (aus) to rectify design problem. ie. water pump, bypass valve, machining and the fitting of steam rails etc. decided to opt for a second hand 1KZ-TE motor for $4300. Very dissapointed with an otherwise fantastic car. My advice to those considering an import is to think through your options. Most of these vehicles have been sitting in traffic in Japan for 80,000kms.
I have a 1994 Hilux surf. I have had two problems with it.
The first one was, the sway bar mounts kept breaking. And the
starter motor has now locked up. If anyone knows why these mounts break please add your comments.
When I go off road with it, it feels like it is in neutral
coming down hills. The transmission is automatic and I wondered if anyone else has this problem.
I've got a 2.4 toyota hilux surf 1990 ltd.
I have had heaps of problems with it starting with clutch which has a three peace fly wheel that falls to bits.
Brakes, wheel bearings, steering box, electric windows switch, shocks front and rear, and on top of theses problems you have every day maintenance oil changes, tyres,wof, etc.
I do all my own repairs and if it was done through a
mechanic shop I would have been broke three times over.
Anyone wishing to purchase one of these vehicles, I advise to buy the latest model possible 2000 onwards. Or have a very good income to support all the maintenance bills and stress involved with owning these vehicles.
Positive note: when they are going they are a good size family car.
I own a 1990 SSR LTD 2.4lt Diesel Turbo.
I have heard of the many cracked heads, but have had no problems with mine. I have taken it off road many times (beach and rough terrain) and have had no problems at all. It excels as a 4WD. My mate just spent twice what I paid for a new Landcruiser and my Surf will go places his gets stuck. Sounds like the previous comments owner got a lemon. I would recommend a Surf to anyone. Great car.
I have recently bought a 1996 Toyota 4 Runner 3 Litre diesel
and have noticed that the turbo warning light comes on occasionally. The local Toyota dealer said it did not come on during their inspection and suggested that I leave it with them for extensive (and no doubt expensive analysis!)
Is there anyone in the London area who can assist?
Ian Blackwood.
I have a 1991 Surf and I love it. Yes the head did blow, but lucky for me it was under warranty so the poor dealer had to replace it and some other bits with brand new parts. Seems that the head problem is so widespread that second hand heads are not available.
The 2lt motor was designed to go into a refrigeration container, if you don't believe me look up toyotas history. I live in westport nz, a small town of about 4000 people and I have personally seen 8 cracked 2l heads. One did it while it was idling in front of me and dropped a precomp chamber and valve seat, lemon motors with semi trailer acceleration, over here in nz they are constantly being rolled due to there suspension, aka (rollux) the running gear is all to small for our off road terrain, and as for working on them don't bother, they are a SUV only, for going to the beech and taking the kids to footy.
I am from Tanzania Dar-Es-Salaam. I have been interested to know the cause of overheating of the 2.4, 2lT engine of my Surf SSR-X 1992 experienced in December 2003 exactly a year since imported from Japan at 154,000 km. The garage found a cracked overhead cylinder, was repaired and put back. Since then I felt a lose in power and funny noise from what I initially thought to come from the Turbo, but the idea was rejected on test. I am still driving with my heart close to the chest and I am not sure if I can risk driving the car upcountry close to Mt Kilimanjaro during Xmas time. I also had frequent sway bar mounts breaking. Last time I replaced them with those of Discovery and had no problem since then. The car is good and drive well on bad roads of Tanzania. I am planning to replace the overhead cylinder with a used 3l. In Tanzania only used replaceable parts for Surf are available . Lamosai.
I bought my 1990 Hilux Surf SSR Ltd three years ago and have had constant problems. I have taken it off-road only a couple of times, and it performed fine, but I was just driving across grasslands. My problems have all come about from day to day family car use. First the alternator packed up, then the engine seized, the 4wd hubs started 'freewheeling' and had to be replaced. We put a reconditioned engine in 6 months ago, but now its blowing smoke, burning heaps of oil and has lost power - I can't even pass people who are going 80km because it has no power. I urge people to stay away from these vehicles - they are bottomless pits that your money pours into, and are a constant source of stress.
I am a driver in the Australian Army and I have driven some very uncomfortable, gutless, noisy, and ugly 4x4's. I am also the owner of a 91 hilux surf. it has taken me all over Australia, including Frazer Is., Moreton and Stradbroke Is., and driven 3000km for a play in the snow. sure there has been minor problems, (pwr steeing pump, transmission filter, and a new alternator), and if that's the price I have to pay for my surf to take me to more beautiful places in OZ, then so be it. oh, and I didn't need snow chains!