1998 Toyota Aristo S160

Stock #7090

The Aristo is stylish, and as this design verges on 30, it's surprising how it looks and feels like a more modern vehicle.

Exterior Overview

The second-generation Aristo is a car that gets it all right. It’s smooth, comfortable, feature-packed, and surprisingly athletic. It’s also stylish, and as the design verges on 30 years old, it’s surprising how it looks and feels like a more modern vehicle. Our 1998 Aristo S300 is a fine example, finished in Atlantic Blue Mica (8L4) and set off by a factory optional parking pole, OEM rainguards, a factory rear spoiler, and a sleek color-matched interior. Save for a few minor scuffs and dings, it’s hard to find fault with this Aristo’s cosmetics, and the 109k miles on the clock are leagues better than any equivalent USDM GS. If practicality is a concern, you need not fret. Parts can be had on the cheap, servicing is easy, and the chassis is fun to modify too. With all that said, it makes sense why we’d consider this a timeless Japanese Classic!

Interior Overview

The interior of this Vertex Edition is finished in a two-tone blue on black sport cloth. The materials are in great shape, the seats show no excess wear or tear, and the black trimmings on the dash and door cards have also resisted any cracks, fading or distortion. The Aristo is also a safe hauler, as dual front and side SRS airbags are standard. Both forward passengers can adjust the dual-zone climate control at will, and funnel cold A/C and hot heat into the cabin. Adjacent to the HVAC, OEM audio is simple to operate and plays clearly throughout the cabin. Power seats are standard up front, and the driver gains access to an electric tilt and telescoping steering column to dial in an ideal driving position. Power windows, locks, and mirrors are standard equipment, and factory keyless entry makes entering the cabin seamless. The rear bench is spacious, and the remaining interior materials are clean, from the headliner to the carpets beneath, which have been protected by factory carpet mats. All in all, it’s hard to find fault with this cockpit. Sure the dimmer knob is missing for the cluster, but that’s honestly nitpicking a vehicle of this vintage. Even a rare optional trunk mat has been retained to protect your cargo area!

Mechanical Overview

Under the hood, the 2JZ-GE needs little to no introduction. The drivetrain nearly matches our stateside GS300’s to a T, making parts and service a snap. It cranks over with haste, and an oil and filter service was performed to get you on track for future maintenance schedules. It jets up to highway speeds with ease, and we chucked in six new spark plugs, plug wires, and coil pack connectors for good measure. This GE now feels healthy as can be, and the Aristo can handle city and highway cruising without breaking a sweat. An automatic gearbox shifts smoothly through the tree, and power is sent straight to the rear wheels. The factory suspension cruises comfortably, and we installed new front lower ball joints and front caster arms to help this super saloon pass Virginia’s state safety inspection. The power steering benefits from a new front right outer tie rod, and we installed new front rotors and pads to bolster your brakes. The factory chrome alloys are wrapped in brand new tires, and after a fresh four wheel alignment, you’ll be set to pound pavement in this Aristo 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.