GOODBYE DEUX SMURF

I’ve been having dark thoughts recently. Don’t worry, not the OCD type, but rather that maybe it’s time sell Deux Smurf, our 1996 Toyota Surf, and buy something a bit newer.

The problem is of course, why on earth would anyone sell something that’s not only enjoyable to drive, been ultra reliable and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with?

Crazy, huh. Maybe it's that I’m just bored and fancy a change.

I mentioned my dilemma a while back on social media and someone almost immediately offered £4k for her, then I was offered a 'one owner from new' 100 series Land Cruiser in fantastic shape, but at £12k it was bit out of my price range, which was a shame.

So what would I buy as a replacement?

Not wanting to spend more than £5k on a replacement, a 3-door Y61 Nissan Patrol would be nice, and at some point I’d like to own a Disco 2 and an L322 Range Rover - they’re both itches that I need to scratch, but will they be as reliable as Deux Smurf? The jury’s out on that one, at least parts and accessories would cheaper and more readily available.

There’s a plethora of double cab pickups I could choose from, and then I’ve always enjoyed driving Shoguns. I’d also consider a Subaru, but for some of the more serious lanes I’d want to drive, as good as Scooby-Doos are, I’d end up damaging it too much. I’ve never driven older Jeeps - Cherokees and the like, but I know they’re capable and comfy, and with jeepey.com just over the Pennines, parts wouldn’t be a problem.

The subject of accessories is my biggest bugbear with Deux Smurf. Because she’s an older import, there aren’t that many places in the UK where I can buy vehicle specific accessories, like snorkels or full length roof racks. That said, I do know a few companies where I can get parts custom made from scratch. A few issues ago we featured Daryll and his 3rd Generation Surf in our Reader’s Rides, and he’d bought a sturdy full length roof rack from Prinsu, an American company, for less than a grand, which is food for thought.

What I like about Deux Smurf is that even though I have a full Pedders 1”+ suspension fitted, BFG Km3s and a very subtle LTPRTZ light bar from ORE 4x4, she not only looks unmodified, but so far she hasn’t let me down whilst out green laning - that’s been down to driver error!

For a 25 year old 4x4, she’s quiet and comfortable, though she does have a bit of a drinking problem, I’d say she averages 27mpg. The great thing is, if fuel prices do go through the roof, she’ll also run on veg oil.

On reflection I think I’d be daft to sell her as she owes me nothing, and starts and stops when asked. Maybe a little investment will be called upon soon, like a Prinsu roof rack from the States, a nice shiny stainless steel snorkel and a rear drawer set-up for when camping.

Overall, Deux Smurf is a cracking vehicle, and for the time being at least, I reckon she’s staying.