I've recently been looking into getting a Hilux Surf. Japanese Classics has a good selection of them. I've followed them on IG for years but didn't realize how bad of a reputation they had until further research. From what I've seen most of the posts calling them out for being shady were from 3-4 years ago. Has anyone purchased from them recently or does anyone know if they've redeemed themselves as a dealer?
by Ok_Height_1152
8 Comments
My friend was going to buy the silver s2000 they have right now, then when they sent pictures the car seemed a little more beat up then they let on. The auction sheet says under carriage rust but they claim there is none. Idk after Chris left to start drivermotorsports.com they kinda went down hill.
Avoid like the plague
Pleasant experience here. The cars are 25+ years old. Walking into any place looking for a mint or even excellent car is idiotic on the buyers part IMO.
If you’re interested and local, ask them when you can come by and look at it. They can also put it on a lift and let you look underneath. If you’re further out, reach out and ask them for photos that you specifically want like frame rails, fuel/brake lines and their connecting points, ball joints, etc…
They have treated me well and their sales guys are transparent and easy to talk to. I don’t think they are scummy. They are a dealership, so it’s gonna cost more than buying privately but they have always seemed honest and straightforward with me. I had an issue once and they paid to ship the truck back, fix it, and send it back to me at no cost.
if the maaco paintjob on that surf isnt telling you to run idk what will.
Join “screwed by jdm importers” on FB if you want to know anything about shady importers
Hah. A Surf. I grew up around these. I remember really liking that the back window rolled down into the tail gate. My brother in law has one as his off roader (his daily is a 2020 Hilux) so when I’m down visiting I use the Surf. Oddly good visibility from them.
Every dealer has sold a crap car. As a buyer, you have to do your diligence and go over the vehicle with a microscope. I’ve seen people get screwed by them. I bought a car from them and it’s perfect. But then I inspected the hell out of it.