Recent content by Carnutbmw

Thanks, that's good to know.

Thanks! Do you know of any differences between the 3rd gen Surf and 4Runner regarding suspension parts, such as the "thicker axles" the Australian guy was writing about? Just trying to find out whether the 4Runner's reputation for longevity applies just as much to the Hilux Surf.

That looks very tidy! Exactly the sort of truck I’m looking for.

I would really appreciate that. I’m after a 3.4 myself, so I’m very interested! Do you have the rear spoiler which moves downwards, and can be used as a parking aid? If so, is it any use? One would think the dealer can supply a new fob using the VIN.

On an Australian forum I found an old thread in which a bloke had posted that the 4Runner has “thicker axles” than the Hilux Surf. Although his post seems to refer to 2nd gen 4Runners/Surfs, it gave me food for thought. In this forum I did find some information on differences between 4R’s and...

Thanks Andy. No doubt I’ll have to spend some money on maintenance, I don’t mind as long as it’s nothing major. Rust proofing will on the program too.

Thanks, great information! I will avoid 01 and 02 trucks with the traction control. The Prado is a good alternative, but as far as I’m concerned the Surf has better looks. I also like the fact that it can be used in 2WD on paved roads, and it’s slightly cheaper than the Prado too. I may have...

I don’t really mind the fat lip, it looks sort of cool. A bit of a Japanese quirk I guess, several Jap SUV’s from that era have weird humps on their front bumpers.

Any additional thoughts on early versus late 4Runners/Surfs are very welcome. And a merry Xmas to all !

Thanks 96Redrunner, that’s good news.

The Multimode transfer case is an absolute must for me, which is another reason to go for a Surf rather than a 4Runner. Browsing Japanese used cars sites I did notice that most cars - including pre-1999 ones - do indeed have both the “One touch” button AND the 4WD symbol in the instrument panel...

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Good to read that early versions are just as solid, or perhaps even better than later ones. Your comment on the rust issue is interesting; apparently there is no reason to opt for a later vehicle for this reason either. I have read something about blown head...

Somewhere in between, would be the answer. I intend to use it for driving off road in the mountains during holidays. Nothing too drastic though, no rock crawling. Most of the mileage will be on paved roads, as there are no mountains near where I live, so I have to cover some distance to get...

Hello all I am looking to buy a 3rd gen Hilux Surf 3.4 litre in Japan. As I live in continental Europe (The Netherlands), I would prefer to have a (left hand drive) 4Runner, but unfortunately importing a car from the USA or Canada is much more expensive than importing from Japan. I'm trying to...

I like the color of your 4Runner, is that Radiant Red or Sunfire Red?