Stock #7156
Exterior Overview
Toyota had a knack for innovation in the late 1990’s, fortifying their powerhouse lineup with revisions leaps and bounds better than those prior. The Aristo received a massive refresh for its second generation, and for a near 30 year old design, it’s remarkable how modern it feels. Our 1997 V300 Vertex Edition is a fine unit, boasting just 87k verified/documented miles on the clock and a bulletproof 2JZ-GTE fronted drivetrain! The exterior is finished in Black Onyx (202), and sports some in-demand OEM and aftermarket upgrades. A factory front lip gives this one the street-sweeping stance you all know and love, and the styling is further accented by OEM rainguards. Save for some age-related dings on some of the body panels and a prior replacement of the trunk lid, there’s not much to complain about on the exterior, and with refinished 19″ Lxryhanes alloys in great shape, it’s clear this VIP cruiser was well cared for in a prior life. Fresh off a recent service, this twin turbo transporter is ready for a new lease on life stateside, and all this Japanese Classic needs is an eager new owner!
Interior Overview
The interior is spacious, comfortable, and on par with most European luxury offerings of the time. Two-tone sport cloth was standard equipment on the Vertex trim, and the upholstery is in above average shape, with no serious wear to note. The dash is clean, resisting any cracks, peeling, or fading over the past 25 years, and dual front and side SRS airbags are tucked away to give you and your passengers some peace of mind. Both driver and passenger benefit from power adjustable seating, and the driver gets a trick tilt and telescoping steering column as well. The center stack is neat, housing an intuitive dual-zone automatic climate control unit with cold A/C and hot heat on the ready. Nestled directly below is a modern Kenwood radio, amp, with Bluetooth functionality. For those looking to daily drive, the power windows, power folding mirrors, and keyless entry are in good working order, and a power moonroof even tilts and slides with ease should you prefer some natural ventilation in the cabin. The rear seats are spacious and plush, and the trunk offers plenty of additional cargo space if errands or a road trip are in the cards. Overall, the interior is above average, although we wanted to note the carbon-look center console is starting to peel. We’ve even retained Kansai carpeted floor mats to further protect this worthy JDM investment!
Mechanical Overview
While it resembles a GS300 at first glance, the mechanicals under the hood are far more desirable. The V300 was fashioned with a 2JZ-GTE from the factory, complete with VVT-i technology and raucous factory twin turbochargers. Fresh off a recent service from our trained technicians, this one drives as good as it looks, and runs smooth. We performed a coolant flush to assist thermal management, and installed a new 12v battery so this 3.0 fires up with haste. With the maintenance performed and a fresh oil and filter service topping this one off, this 2J is primed and ready for miles of uninterrupted fun. This long wheel base saloon rockets up to highway speeds, and prospective owners should certainly proceed with caution while watching the speedometer climb. To increase the auditory response, an aftermarket intake, front mount intercooler, and aftermarket exhaust work in tandem. The automatic transmission feels plenty refined for its age, and the shifts are smooth, direct, and leave little to be desired. Adjustable BC coilovers deliver a stiffer but more predictable ride, and we’ve performed a fresh alignment to ensure you track straight after correcting the suspension geometry. The power steering is light and easy to operate, and nitrogen-assisted ABS brakes help slow this saloon down to a screeching halt. The 19s are wrapped in good Michelin rubber. It looks good, rides smoothly, and should keep you covered for tens of thousands of miles to come!
*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.
