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Light Overland Vehicle Tech Tech issues, tips and hints, prepping for travel
Under 3500kg vehicles, e.g. Land Cruiser, Land Rover, Subaru etc.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 7 Mar 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisC View Post
Hi Dan


Would re-iterate that the Surf is more than capable, as is a Hilux etc.
This bit is confusing to me: second hand surfs, in the UK at least, always seem to be "hilux surfs" in the adverts but later "hilux" are double cabs with pickup bodywork and they are subject to VAT - correct, or am I missing something?

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Originally Posted by rclafton View Post
Interesting if you read the surf forums, they seem to suffer from head issues on the 3L, also lots of electrics on the import ones. Advice seems to be do the head, replace the rad and don't overheat them

I was advised that a 4runner would suit me better as less electronics. In the end I bought an Isuzu pickup
As per the list of surf characteristics in post 2 - "avoid the 2.4 engine" - it is the 2.4L that has the head problems in the reviews that I have read:-
4x4 - Best Reviews of 2010 & 2011 at Review Centre
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Old 4 May 2012
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The imported models are a bit more to insure. I have a 4runner sold new in the uk insurance is just over 200 pounds per year. A surf the same year model but imported would have cost over 400 pounds per year to insure. The 2.4lts crack heads the rear springs sag and the rear bumpers rust oh and the radiator falls apart. 30mpg is normal
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  #3  
Old 16 Mar 2012
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Great Feedback!

Thanks again everyone for the information on the comparisons.

Although it seems like a LC would be largely the better vehicle for general road driving, probably more comfortable and better maintenance I am very tempted to go for a 1994/5 Hilux Surf (especially with some on this forum noting the benifits of a surf)

I am aware of the advice against these early models due to them being quite old and having problems with the head cracks.

However due to the cheaper price of surfs i am very tempted to look in getting an old model and potential replacing/fixing the head to hopefully avoid cracking problems in africa.

I appreciate any feedback surrounding this idea, or any possible feedback against buying an older model (eg excessive mileage etc)

Many Thanks
Dan
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