1997 Toyota Aristo V300

Some folks want to experience Japan’s best domestic market vehicles, without garnering the attention a right hand drive car attracts. This 1997 Toyota Aristo looks like a Lexus, drives like a Supra, and is the perfect daily driver for anyone looking for a true turn-key sleeper. It’s also been technician-owned here at the dealership. Finished in Atlantic Blue Mica (8L4), this five seater is set off by a tinted carbon fiber front lip spoiler, one-off roof spoiler, OEM rainguards, LED tail lamps, and 18″ Gram Lights alloys. Fortune Auto coilovers tie it all together, and it’s clear this subtle sedan has a penchant for performance. We did want to note the front fenders and hood were replaced at some time in Japan, but this saloon is no worse for the wear! Best of all, the 41k miles on the clock are verified and documented, which is hardly ever seen on Toyota models almost three decades old. Reliable, refined, safe and racy, this trusty Toyota is barely broken in, and shows well aside from a few paint chips and minor imperfections. One trip behind the wheel is all it takes, you’ll fall in love with this exclusive Japanese Classic, and want to drive it every day!

The interior is tidy, and well crafted with premium materials. Previously protected by seat covers, the grey suede upholstery has remained in good nick, and the same can be said for the condition of the carpets, as a plastic floor liner was installed over them in Japan. The grey vinyl dash sweeps the width of the cabin and is ergonomic in design. It makes accessing the center stack simple, where the driver can easily toggle on cold A/C and hot heat through a digital automatic climate control panel. Adjacent to the HVAC, OEM audio works like a charm. The cabin is a safe place to be, thanks to standard front and side SRS airbags, and it also prioritizes driver comfort, as a power tilt and telescoping steering column is on hand. Both driver and passenger benefit from power-adjustable seating, and some additional lumbar support can be provided to aid longer hauls. All power windows are automatic, and the power locks and electronic folding side mirrors assist daily driving. The headliner is tight and tidy, and aside from some stains on the door panels and kick plates, we find it hard to critique this low mileage cabin’s condition at all.

A powerhouse motor with a strong pedigree in both racing and tuning circles, the famed 2JZ-GTE under the bonnet of this Aristo is no joke. Equipped with a few tasty upgrades and some beneficial preventative maintenance, this 3.0 is fresh off an oil and filter service and cranks over with haste, care of a new 12v battery. A new fuel filter keeps contaminants from entering the combustion chamber, and a new alternator and accessory belt were installed while it was in the shop. We also buttoned up the top end with new valve cover gaskets. This 2J rockets up to highway speeds, and an aftermarket high-flow cat mates to a free flowing 3″ catback exhaust to free up some ponies from the stable. Up front, an HKS intake, HKS blow off valve, and Greddy front mount intercooler kit handle induction. Power is sent straight to a smooth shifting automatic gearbox, which sends it straight to the rear wheels. The Fortune suspension rides like a dream and also keeps this Aristo tight in the twisties, if that’s what you’re into! The power steering is light and on point, and the brakes benefit from new front pads to keep the ABS system happy. The Falken Azenis tires are full of tread too, and keep any unwanted road noise from reaching the cabin!