A Younger Surf

May 12, 2010

I've just driven my newly imported Hilux Surf SSR-X 3 litre (1999) from Avonmouth to France, on its maiden European journey. It had only 55,000 miles on the clock, so I'm hoping to keep this one until I die (before it dies on me...). Having owned a 2.4L Surf (1992) before, the relaxed driving experience was nothing new to me, but this 3L model was even more relaxing! A smooth and reassuring transition from the older model. It ran off the road in the icy conditions of last winter, when my local council ran out of salt; the engine seized, apparently, which was a pity, since otherwise it just suffered a scratch or two along the driver's side, having turned on its side. I had fallen in love with that one, even though I'd had to fit a modified cylinder head, when the original one cracked (probably long before I bought it). The only surprise is the position of the handbrake - my instinctive reaction is to reach under the dashboard for it! It will take a week or two to get used to the new position.

The only confusing aspect of this new acquisition is the on-board satnav system, about which I'll ask a question in the appropriate place.

Otherwise it's a dream, which I've undersealed for life