Stock #6137

Here in the USA, Toyota's S160 platform was sold under the Lexus moniker and set a benchmark for midsize luxury. In Japan, the focus was all on performance, as evidenced by models like this twin-turbocharged Aristo V300. This 1997 is finished in Black Pearl (202) and is set off by LED tail lamps, aftermarket side mirror markers, and OEM rainguards. Privacy tint, OEM chrome accent trim, and factory polished 17's complete the sleek aesthetic, and this Aristo is the perfect blend of luxury styling with a sports car demeanor! Save for some paint chips and dings here and there, the exterior is no worse for the wear and the 100k miles on the clock are verified, documented, and worth their weight in gold on any old Toyota. Although the exterior looks great, it's worth noting the front left door was replaced in Japan at some point too. For road trips, daily duty, or late night back road missions, this Aristo does it all, and we're proud to call this one a Japanese Classic!

The second generation Aristo looks nice from the outside but boy does Toyota know how to make a great interior! The two tone sport cloth steals the show in this cockpit and has fortunately stood up to over two decades of use without a rip, stain, or tear to note. The vinyl dash is also in fine shape, and dual SRS airbags are present in the front and sides for some additional safety behind the wheel. Aiding comfort up front, both driver and passenger gain power adjustable seating, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel works like a charm. Dual zone climate control is ideal for picky passengers and cold A/C and hot heat can spew out on command. Adjacent Carrozzeria audio works as advertised and sounds great through JBL premium speakers. All four power windows are automatic, and the power locks and electric folding side mirrors work great too. The back seat is plenty spacious, and the trunk is big enough for groceries or luggage. The cabin is nearly perfect, although we wanted to note some light distortion around the driver's door card and defrost vents. Aftermarket blackwood trim ties together the aesthetic, and for the discerning enthusiast, we even retained the owner's manual and factory maintenance literature!

Looks, value, and performance. Most say you can't have all three but this Aristo begs to differ! The latter of which is provided by a 2JZ-GTE under the bonnet, and ours is fresh off a recent service here in the shop! We chucked in a new 12v battery, changed the alternator to keep it properly charged, and flushed out the old lubricant with a fresh oil and filter service. We also went ahead and dropped in a new fuel pump and filter too to clear the tank of any old Japanese fuel. After a basic tune up she was ready for road testing and this 3.0 is an auditory delight thanks to a full titanium Ganador catback. Acceleration is potent and the automatic gearbox handles performance driving surprisingly well. A full rehab of the drivetrain was in order and new lower control arms, caster arms, and ball joints were installed up front. All new struts were installed to keep the ride comfortable for all, and this Aristo now handles, steers, and stops as it should. The ABS brakes are bolstered by new front pads and rotors, and we changed the pads on the rear for good measure. The factory alloys look great, but the fresh all-season rubber is valuable in its own right. To maximize tire life, we even got it up on the rack for a fresh alignment, giving this lovely second gen Aristo the Japanese Classics stamp of approval!

*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.