Truck-based SUVs offer more capability than these soft-roading tall sedans filling new car showrooms today. This 1995 Surf is the real deal, with its torquey turbodiesel powerplant, ladder chassis, and rare five-speed manual gearbox. Fun to drive, efficient, and perfect for year-round use, this Dark Blue Pearl (8E3) Toyota does just about everything well. Fresh off a recent service, this one-owner vehicle touts a mere 134k verified and documented miles on the ticker. Aside from a few light dings, chips and scuffs the paint is in good shape and a factory brushguard, refinished bronze BERG alloys, an OEM rear spoiler, front rainguards, and OEM rear tire swingarm set off this SSR-X. Great for use as a daily driver, cool campsite crawler, or even as a unique family hauler, this Japanese Classic is a certified winner!

The cabin is in above-average shape and was clearly cared for in a prior life. The dashboard, which is typically prone to cracking is in good nick, as are the blue and black upholstered seats. The driver benefits from a tilt adjustable steering column, and functional power windows, door locks, and mirrors. All these work in typical Toyota fashion and even the rear glass powers down for some additional ventilation. For year round use, cold A/C and piping hot heat can be mixed through the cabin. The headliner, door cards, and carpets have resisted major wear and tear over the years and are in good nick. The upholstery is in good shape, lacking any major rips, stains, or tears. For additional cargo needs, the second row tumbles forward and folds flat to create a flat loading floor. The OEM audio is functional, nicely supplementing the sublime diesel soundtrack from under the hood. Even the owner’s manuals are included with the vehicle purchase, and we think the next American owner will be impressed with the interior’s condition.

This robust platform holds up to tons of use and abuse. The same can be said for the engine, the legendary 1KZ-TE. This one is fresh off an oil and filter service and churns to life with the twist of a key. Two new 12v batteries ensure this rig will start in the dead of winter, and as with all of our diesels, we replaced the fuel filter. A new engine air filter helps the 3.0L to breathe freely and the 1K pulls hard to redline. The manual gearbox makes great use of the 1K’s prodigious low-end grunt and this Surf accelerates well onto the highway. The gearbox shifts properly and lacks any grinding or hitches when rowing up and down the tree. The selective transfercase allows the driver to choose between two and four-wheel drive. If traction is low or a beach trip is in order, low-range 4WD can get momentum moving forward. The suspension can handle the rigors of daily driving and handles potholes with confidence. The power steering is on point and direct and one of our trained techs has replaced all the tie rods and idler arm bushings so it works like a charm. The brakes do a wonderful job of allowing this Surf down thanks to newly installed front brake pads and rotors. Grip is handled by four new 31″ all terrain tires mounted on some stunning flat bronze 15s. The new rubber not only looks mean, but quiets down the road noise, and will last for tens of thousands of miles to come. To polish off the mechanicals, we aligned this little gem, and she’s now right as rain!

For more information and photos, please visit https://www.japaneseclassics.com.

*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.