Stock #6236
Toyota’s AE111 Sprinter is a determined underdog amongst similar imports. Offering performance akin to Honda’s legendary Type R at less than half the cost, the Trueno definitely deserves a look, and boasts steadfast Toyota reliability to boot! Our 1997 BZ-G model is a fantastic example of this compact coupe and has accumulated a scant 91k verified and documented miles over the years. Finished in Toyota’s Super White (040), the sleek styling was a massive design departure from the angular model that preceded it. An OEM rear wing, rear privacy tint, and 15″ Enkei PF01 alloys do a lot to increase the aesthetic. Aside from a few stone chips, dings, and a scuff on the rear bumper, the exterior shows nicely for a 25-year-old vehicle. Propelled by a powerhouse 20v 4A-GE under the hood mated to a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox, this Sprinter is just at home on the touge as it is on American tarmac. Reliable, responsive, and road-ready, this terrific Trueno has the heart of a true Japanese Classic.
The interior is clean, comfortable, and features the same cockpit-oriented styling that defined Toyota in its golden era. With features like Dual SRS airbags as standard, your passengers will surely appreciate, not only the quality, but the safety items within the cabin as well. Trimmed in an eye-catching patterned red cloth interior, the materials show well, with the seat and door card fabric lacking any notable wear outside of a hole and burn mark on the driver’s seat bolster. The sweeping low profile dash centers around the driver and has resisted any cracking, peeling, or any notable UV damage over the years. The lower portion complements the soft touch materials in gloss black, and houses a fully functional automatic climate control unit, amongst other amenities. The climate control layout is simple and easy to use, blowing ice-cold A/C and toasty heat on demand. Below lies a period-correct Eclipse audio upgrade, which functions well, despite being a tad dated. The driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column, and power windows, locks, and power mirrors are all readily available for some added accessibility when behind the wheel. The back seats are in equally as good condition, although not optimal for hauling around the whole family. Regardless, this Toyota was really designed to serve the driver, and aside from some wear on the headliner and driver’s seat, we don’t think you’ll have any complaints. We even kept the factory spare and tool kit handy to please any die-hard Toyota enthusiast.
Under the bonnet, the aforementioned 4A-GE “blacktop” engine steals the show. Producing a stout 160hp from factory, these 5-valve-per-cylinder monsters take quite well to modifications and are simple to service as well! This punchy 1.6L four-banger fires up with the twist of a key and happily whirrs at idle. The factory ITBs make for a lovely soundtrack that sings at higher RPMs, and is intoxicating. We’ve performed a fresh oil and filter change, dropped in a new set of spark plugs, and this motor is freshly lubricated and ready to rock! Additionally a fresh coolant flush regulates thermal management. This coupe is a riot to drive, and the acceleration is potent. While this would make a fantastic compact commuter, this AE111’s home is on the backroad twisties and a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission allows you to grab gears at ease and rev happily to redline, letting the individual throttle bodies wail! New shocks all the way around deliver an agile driving experience, and the brakes have no issue stopping this zippy coupe on a dime. We’ve even installed new rear hubs, and new front lower control arms keep the handling from going awry. Lastly, the Kumho rubber is nearly new on all four corners. It looks good, keeps road noise away from the cabin, and is knee deep in tread for the road ahead!