1997 Toyota Estima X Limited, CXR20

badge represented the top-of-the-line trim — the one Toyota kept the best features for. The 3C-TE intercooled turbo diesel paired with viscous-coupled full-time 4WD and a mid-ship layout made this one of the most capable and interesting family vans ever built. Toyota stopped making this generation in 2000. They haven't made anything like it since. The Specs - Category Detail - Year 1997 - Model Toyota Estima Emina X-Limited - Chassis Code CXR10G - Engine 2,184cc 3C-TE Inline-4 OHC Intercooled Turbo Diesel - Power 100 PS (74 kW) @ 4,200 rpm - Torque 225.6 N·m (166 lb·ft) @ 2,600 rpm - Transmission 4-speed Automatic - Drive System Full-Time AWD (Viscous Coupler) - Steering Right-Hand Drive — Power Rack & Pinion - Mileage Under 85,000 miles - Seating 8 passengers (3-row) - Brakes Ventilated disc all four corners - Tires 215/65R15 - Fuel Tank 60 liters (~15.8 gal) - A/C Dual-zone air conditioning (front + rear) - Safety Dual airbags, ABS standard Exterior Dimensions 4,690mm L × 1,690mm W × 1,820mm H Why This Van Is Special The mid-engine layout — yes, the engine sits almost flat under the front seats, canted at 75°. This is what gives the Estima its impossibly flat floor, massive interior volume, and superb weight balance. It's an engineering marvel that Toyota never replicated. Turbo diesel + AWD is the holy grail combination for this platform. Most Eminas that made it to the US are gasoline 2WD. Finding one with the 3C-TE oil-burner and full-time 4WD in the same van, at under 85K miles, is borderline exceptional. Real-world usability: The turbo diesel is extraordinarily economical — owners routinely report 28–34 MPG in mixed driving. The 60L tank and that efficiency mean a real-world range of well over 400 miles per tank. It runs on pump diesel, no drama. The X-Limited trim adds dual-zone climate control, upgraded interior appointments, and the full suite of comfort features Toyota reserved for the flagship grade. Condition: Everything works. Mechanically sound. This van has been maintained and loved, not neglected. Photos available — ask and I'll send a full album. Legality & Registration At 29 years old, this van is fully exempt from EPA and FMVSS import restrictions under the 25-year rule — no gray-area, no workarounds needed. It is legally titled and registered in the United States. The right-hand drive is perfectly legal to own and drive in all 50 states. The Honest Part This is a unicorn — and unicorns come with unicorn caveats. The 3C-TE diesel has a specific service network and parts sourcing takes more effort than a domestic vehicle. This is not a van for someone who wants to drop it at a Jiffy Lube. It's a van for someone who either wrenches themselves, has a good import diesel shop, or is buying it as a collector piece. The upside: diesel Toyotas from this era are virtually bulletproof when properly maintained. Parts are available through import suppliers and the Emina/Lucida community online. As you can see there is some damage to the fiberglass body kit in the front. This is from Japan, that said there is some rust underneath. I'm not in a hurry to sell to the wrong person. I'd rather connect with someone who genuinely appreciates what this is. Asking Price & Contact Asking: $19,500 — serious inquiries only, please. I'm happy to answer technical questions, provide additional photos from any angle, and discuss the registration/title situation openly. Located in Southern California.