Stock #6405
Exterior Overview
It’s rare to find a car that’s sporty, luxurious, and inexpensive. It’s even more rare to find one as reliable as this 1997 Toyota Aristo! Backed by the same firebreathing twin-turbo six found in the MKIV Supra, this do-it-all sedan is an unassuming weapon on the road and stylish to boot, with VIP accents adorning the exterior. Finished in a sleek factory Black (202) the aesthetics are set off by halo headlamps, LED side mirrors, and LED tail lamps. An aftermarket grille and FRP front lip spruce up the front fascia a bit, and OEM rainguards line the side windows. 19″ BIM Kaiser alloys look great wrapped in fresh rubber, and RSR TI2000 coilovers eliminate any unsightly wheel gap. Save for a few hairline paint imperfections the exterior of this V300 is in impressive shape overall and should turn plenty of heads just cruising around! Toyota nuts will know the 98k miles on the clock are verified and documented, which bodes well for resale value. A show car standout, comfortable daily, and an overall easy car to own and maintain, it goes without saying the second generation Aristo is a certified Japanese Classic.
Interior Overview
Keeping up with the luxury VIP theme, the interior is adorned with fitted leather seat covers and SilkBlaze blackwood accents to complement the factory couture. It’s also chock full of power equipment and leaves little to be desired, even when driving in the 21st century. Both driver and passenger benefit from power adjustable seating, and an electric tilt and telescoping steering column is on hand to dial in the perfect position behind the wheel. Complementing the interior styling, a SilkBlaze steering wheel has woodgrain accents and feels great in the palm too. Towards the new millenium, safety was a top priority for Toyota, and this Aristo is bolstered with dual SRS airbags in the front and sides in case of any serious on-road emergencies. Cabin comfort was also prioritized, and a dual zone climate control unit can help dissolve any arguments between you and your passengers. All four power windows are automatic, and functional, and the locks and power folding mirrors work well too. If you prefer your own soundtrack over the 2JZ’s, a Pioneer headunit has Bluetooth functionality and is easy to operate too. The rear bench can easily cram in a few extra passengers and the trunk is delightfully spacious. Save for some yellowing on the plastics and headliner, this cabin is a fine place to be for all occupants.
Mechanical Overview
The 2JZ-GTE under the bonnet is a true best of both worlds scenario. Parts availability is trivially easy, as most mechanical components interchange with either a Supra Twin-Turbo or a Lexus GS300. We’ve done the legwork of performing an initial check in and service, and this Aristo cranks right over thanks to a new 12v battery. If you were concerned about preventative maintenance, we’ve taken care of a new timing belt and water pump already, we also installed new cam seals and valve cover gaskets while we were in there, to ensure your lubricant from our oil service stays internal. New spark plugs assist combustion, and with the work performed this luxury saloon jets right up to highway speeds. Power is sent to a smooth shifting automatic gearbox which feeds the rear wheels. We’ve flushed the transmission and rear differential to ensure smooth operation, and aside from a mild oil seep at the pan this Aristo is mechanically solid. The RS*R suspension feels responsive, albeit a bit stiff, and new front caster arms keep the drivetrain safety compliant. The rear steering arms were also replaced, aiding stability, and we’d describe this lowered sedan as easy to drive overall. The ABS brakes bite with ferocity, and the wheels are wrapped in fresh rubber for unencumbered traction. A turn key VIP experience that can outrun most everything on the road, this Aristo is it!
*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.
