Japanese Car Auction Find – 2006 Toyota Hilux Surf
Yesterday we got our first unofficial peak at the eighth-generation Toyota Hilux pickup truck which is set to go on sale sometime in the next few months. Although the Hilux pickup hasn’t been available in Japan for quite some time, the Hilux Surf SUV was sold there from 2002 to 2009. Today we’re looking at a 2006 Toyota Hilux Surf SSR-X Limited model.
Just to set the record straight, the Toyota Hilux Surf is basically the Japanese version of the Toyota 4Runner. The only difference is that the Hilux Surf has a side-opening tailgate whereas the 4Runner’s tailgate lifts up from the bottom (at least it did in this generation of production). Otherwise, both cars run on the same double wishbone front suspension and solid rear axle for extra durability. This is in stark contrast to the Toyota Highlander – a similar size crossover that isn’t really intended for off-road use. The Hilux Surf is certainly off-road friendly.
It’s also worth noting that as a Limited model, this Hilux Surf would have come with Toyota’s new suspension technology that debuted in this generation – the X-Relative Absorber System (X-REAS) – which dramatically reduces body roll during intense cornering.
Under the hood, the auction sheet shown at the bottom of this post tells us that this Hilux Surf is powered by a 2.7L engine. After digging around for some JDM manufacturer specs, we found that this particular engine offers 160 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. Not too shabby, although it should be noted that other Hilux Surf models have engines up to 4.0L in displacement if you want more ‘oomph’.
Inside, the Hilux Surf has decent cabin amenities like automatic climate control, remote keyless entry and a color DVD-based infotainment/navigation system paired up with a 10-speaker JBL sound system. However, what really sets it apart is the sheer space offered in the cabin. Looking at the pictures from the auction find, you can see the driver here has enough room to almost fully recline in the front seat! And you’ll sit extremely comfortably thanks to power driver’s lumbar support and a tilting telescopic steering wheel.
On the whole, this is a great Japanese car auction find with an overall rating of 4. The gleaming chrome alloys that you can easily make out in the pictures above are definitely our favorite part. Just like the 4Runner, the Hilux Surf is widely regarded as an easy-to-drive SUV that does exactly what it says on the box. It’s the perfect mix of reliability, comfort and utility. To learn more, you can get a full translation of the specs below the auction sheet:
“Interior B, first registered March 2006, SSR-X LTD model, CBA emissions code, FAT, AAC, gasoline engine, AM HDD navigation system, digital TV, Dolce 20 inch alloy wheels, roof rail, 2 x keyless entry keys, power steering, power windows, ABS< airbag, fog lights, floor mats, visors, keyless entry, spare key, front windscreen scratches, interior grime, wheel arch flares scratches, side steps scratches and dents, rust underneath, minor scratches and minor dents, marks as per map"
