Essex Ed Posted February 9, 2014 Report Share Posted February 9, 2014 After wrestling with the Freelander 1 idea for a while I've decided it might well be 5 grand's worth of grief! but who know's? I may get a good one. Talking to a mate yesterday, he's basically offered me his Hilux Surf for what he paid for it, ie £1500 quid! It's obviously been round the clock, but it's in good condition and it's a Generation 3 on a P plate with the 3.0 diesel, which is good so I'm told. I must admit I hadn't thought of getting one but it's not a bad truck and he say's they're bullet proof and has had no issues with it. I like the electric rear window for the dog and there's loads of room for 4 people and a huge boot for gun stuff and dog. He wants rid 'cos a new bloke who works for him( he's a tree surgeon) cant tow the chipper with it 'cos it's too heavy a train weight or something, this lad's only young and hasn't got a trailer ticket. Anyway I'm rambling, does anyone run one of these? and would you recommend it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8 90 Posted February 9, 2014 Report Share Posted February 9, 2014 I run a Mitsubishi Shogun Sport which is similar, does every thing I ask of it, loads of room, full leather interior etc doesn't have an electric rear (back door) window though. I think the Surfs are Grey Imports & may be slightly more to insure - I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainBeaky Posted February 9, 2014 Report Share Posted February 9, 2014 I run a 96 P plate Surf - for £1500, bite his arm off! Mine has done 98k miles, needed a new exhaust at 15 years old and 60,000 miles, and a new front diff a couple of years ago (although they were my own fault). Hint - if you are going to dunk it in salt water, fit diff breathers first, and rinse afterwards! Otherwise no problems - if you can afford to feed it, buy it. They are a bit thirsty - figure on 24-26mpg. Insurance isn't too bad if you go to one of the specialist insurers , have a look on the the Hilux Surf forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted February 9, 2014 Report Share Posted February 9, 2014 Like any car that is knocking on 20 years old, it might be good for 2 years, or it might be 2 weeks away from something terminal. Or it might have minor bits go wrong. That's the chance you take Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted February 9, 2014 Report Share Posted February 9, 2014 Seen nearly new cars with low mileage suffer major failures. The full amount to pay is actually less than 12mnths depreciation on something younger so if its good now I should have a punt at least you wont be bothered about scratching it on a hedge or fence, you can also pay big money for some factory services. Four good tyres, breaks, exhaust and clutch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainBeaky Posted February 9, 2014 Report Share Posted February 9, 2014 They are dead easy to do routine servicing on, as all the bits you need to get to are easily accessible. You don't even need to take the bash plate off to do an oil change, as the dump plug has it's own hole on the plate. The oil filter also sits over a funnel, so any oil that runs out gets collected and drains through a pipe that comes out right next to the drain plug. As Kent says, as long as it has good tyres, exhaust and a long MOT, I think you're laughing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caeser Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 (edited) I used to have P reg intercooler version of the 3 litre.It was a fabulous car. I don't understand why they are not more popular with shooters. I think it's just because people don't know about them. I had mine for 7 years and I never had any problems worth talking about. 170K MILES when I sold it. Whoever bought it got a great vehicle. Oh, I would get over 30mpg easily on a run.I think the intercooler version had a bit more power to weight ratio which helped with fuel consumption. Edited February 11, 2014 by caeser Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepasty Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 (edited) They're great trucks! I have a 95 Gen 2 3L (essentially the hilux pickup of the time with a different body on the chassis), the only downside is its a bit thirsty but thats not what you buy a big 4x4 for. Mine has been bullet proof, in almost 20years the only thing thats needed to be changed are the usual service parts, tail pipe (£30) and the shocks (£120 for 4), the shocks were my fault as I thought I'd play 4x4 rally in the fields and hit some VERY hard bumps and ruts with her and the poor 20 year old oil seals couldnt take it. Its unbelievably clean underneath, you'd think it had been in a barn all its life! I compared it to my old mans 6 year old 4x4 which looked like it was made of cheese! I do any work on her myself, its so easy to work on. Insurance £170 In short I love the thing Edited February 11, 2014 by thepasty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delburt0 Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 I'll lend you my teeth to bite,,, I love mine, swapped it for a cynergy gen 3 3.0ltr you won't regret it make sure timing belt is upto date, nothing else to worry about, I have had a alternator rebuild £120.00 but it was the original 17yrs is good going theres not one hung in top gear studio for nothing.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88b Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 Toyotas of that era were exceptionally reliable and well built quality vehicles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davyo Posted February 11, 2014 Report Share Posted February 11, 2014 (edited) Mate runs a freelander and its giving him loads of chew. Edited February 11, 2014 by Davyo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Essex Ed Posted March 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 Thanks everyone for your honest replies. I've got to come clean though; I've bought a Discovery!! I chewed it over and over for ages and then saw this 2001 TD5 for sale round the corner. It's pretty immaculate, 2 owners 120'000 miles, GS spec, not been farmed in or shooting. No kids in it or dogs and not much towing. It's got full history from Lookers Land Rover, seats perfect not even a stain! Engine sweet, My mate who's a farmer has had 4 of them and he went over it for ages and asked a lot of questions of the seller. Basically he said to me "It's worth what the guy's asking (£4,250) I got it for £3.5K. I know the surf would have been reliable but for another couple of grand I've got something with more cred or kerb appeal. Yeah, sounds snobby but its a lovely car that'll do every thing I want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepasty Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 good luck with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gav912 Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 Sounds like the Discovery was a good buy. Take a look in any service history to see if its had or when it had the injector wiring harness changed as the seal can perish letting oil find its way into the ECU plugs or in the worst case the ECU itself. If it hasn't had one I would consider getting that and a rocker gasket and changing it, for under £40 it could save you more problems later on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosd Posted March 2, 2014 Report Share Posted March 2, 2014 (edited) Thanks everyone for your honest replies. I've got to come clean though; I've bought a Discovery!! I chewed it over and over for ages and then saw this 2001 TD5 for sale round the corner. It's pretty immaculate, 2 owners 120'000 miles, GS spec, not been farmed in or shooting. No kids in it or dogs and not much towing. It's got full history from Lookers Land Rover, seats perfect not even a stain! Engine sweet, My mate who's a farmer has had 4 of them and he went over it for ages and asked a lot of questions of the seller. Basically he said to me "It's worth what the guy's asking (£4,250) I got it for £3.5K. I know the surf would have been reliable but for another couple of grand I've got something with more cred or kerb appeal. Yeah, sounds snobby but its a lovely car that'll do every thing I want. Had mine around two years and still love every time I get I'm it. Solid cars and great on and off road. You want to get yourself on TheD2boysclub for everything Disco. Excellent forum and very helpful Edited March 2, 2014 by Cosd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.