Stock #6443
Exterior Overview
The old school has been cool again for a while, especially in the automotive realm, and the same can be said for the VIP scene as a whole. Championing the spirit of 90’s affluence, models like this 1996 Cima not only look stunning, they drive and perform well as daily drivers, even 25 years after they rolled off the production line. Ours is spruced up a bit, with Q45 badging, Pearl White paint, and some choice aftermarket aero. FRP front and rear bumpers and Wise Sports side skirts enhance the silhouette, and Artisan Spirits front fenders do an excellent job of tucking 20″ Work SC2 alloys, thanks to some pricey Algernon coilover suspension. Save for a few light paint imperfections, the cosmetics are in good shape overall, and the 59k verified and documented miles on the clock are verified and documented, which should give any enthusiast the warm and fuzzies. A true turn key transporter, this VIP saloon is ready to turn heads, win awards, and serve you throughout your day to day. All in all, it’s a great example of Japanese Classic style!
Interior Overview
The interior earns high marks all around. It’s packed with power equipment, loaded with premium materials, and is quite safe, too. Cabin comfort is prioritized, and the seats are upholstered in a spiffy cognac cloth. Both front occupants benefit from power-adjustable seating, and the driver gains a power tilt and telescoping steering column. Even rear occupants are pampered, with power reclining seating. Dual front and side SRS airbags are also on hand, to ease any safety conscious passengers. Both front and rear passengers can command a dual zone climate control system, which rapidly pumps out cold A/C and hot heat on command. Adjacent to the HVAC, an OEM touchscreen features premium audio controls as well, and the sound quality is far above average for the vehicle’s age. If you prefer an open air driving experience, the side windows unfurl with haste, and power locks and electric folding side mirrors assist daily use. Aftermarket curtains keep any prying eyes away from your precious cargo, and we retained the owner’s manual, maintenance booklets, and factory carpet mats to protect your investment. All in all, the interior condition should wow most occupants. There’s some cracking on the woodgrain steering wheel, and some miscellaneous wear to the touch points, but it still impresses overall.
Mechanical Overview
The VH41DE under the bonnet was standard fare in our USDM Q45’s, making serviceability about as easy as it gets. For preventative maintenance and peace of mind, ours is fresh off a recent service by our trained technicians, and we installed a new alternator to keep the fresh 12v battery properly charged. An oil and filter service was also performed, where we installed new valve cover gaskets to prevent unwanted leaks of lubricant. While we were in there, we also installed new spark plugs and a power steering belt. This V8 runs and drives butter smooth, and an automatic gearbox commands effortless gear changes. An aftermarket axleback exhaust tucks nicely in the FRP rear bumper and sounds great under throttle too. New front caster arms were installed to shore up the handling, and the Algernon coilovers deliver a ride that is responsive and slightly stiff over larger road imperfections. Still, it’s what you’d expect from a VIP car designed for effortless highway cruising. This means the power steering is feather light, and the brakes are large and in charge when abrupt stops are required. We wrapped the 20″ Works in brand-new tires. They look great, are knee-deep in tread, and should last a good while, thanks to a fresh alignment!
*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.