Hi Alan
we have a Surf which we got in January this year imported by a local dealer we know and trust. Its the 3 litre turbo diesel - I was warned to avoid the 2.4 engine. Ours is 1994 and it had a genuine 70,000 miles on the clock and came from a Toyota dealer in Japan with ful service history, albeit in Janapese! Its in fantastic condition, unmarked and is a relaxing comfortable drive - the 3 litres just pulls and pulls and the auto box manages very well.
On a run, solo we managed 30 mpg and towing our Pageant Burgundy we get 22 mpg. They are usually very reliable and I was told that if it is serviced regularly it will go on and on (touch wood).
Have a look at the comments on the Honest John website - http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/index.php?url=/carbycar/index.htm. There's also a useful info and forum at http://www.yotasurf.co.uk/
Hope this helps
Ken