For Sale: 1998 Toyota Century

Sold with a clean US title.

The Toyota Century was Toyota’s flagship luxury model, surpassing even the highest end Lexus of the time. The second generation Century began production in 1997, making them just now legal for US import. It featured the 1GZ-FE V12 engine – Toyota’s first and only ever production V12 and to this day the only front engine rear wheel drive V12 car ever made in Japan. Production was extremely limited, with fewer than 9,000 units produced over its 21 year production run (that’s about 430 units per year). This particular specimen is jam-packed with goodies (fully detailed below), an absolute dream to drive, and a super desirable color to top it all off. The Century is a beauty from about 10 feet away, but does exhibit some paint defects upon closer scrutiny (detailed below and in the photos). It was imported in May 2023 and is offered for your consideration.

Specs:
-Right hand drive
-86,463 miles (136,149 kms)
-1GZ-FE 5.0 liter V12 gasoline engine
-Automatic transmission
-Rear wheel drive
-Seating for 5
-Black Onyx paint (Color code 202)

Engine:
-V12
-5.0 liter
-Four cam
-10.5:1 compressions
-280hp @ 5,200 rpm
-Timing chains, NOT belt
-6 bolt mains
-Forged steel crank
-Alloy block and heads
-Continuously variable inlet valve timing (VVTI)
-Variable length intake runners (ACIS)
-Direct fire injection with waste spark
-Sequential injection
-Electronic throttle control (‘fly by wire’)

Features:
-Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
-Toyota Electronic Transmission Control (ECT) with Power mode for better shift points during hill-driving and towing and Snow mode for better performance in snowy conditions
-Power steering
-Air suspension with power height control
-Automatic headlights
-Soft close rear doors
-Soft close trunk
-SRS driver airbag
-SRS passenger airbag
-Traction control “off” switch
-Automatic headlights
-Dual zone automatic AC with rear controls
-Center and ceiling vents for rear AC/heat
-Power tilt steering
-Power telescoping steering
-Power mirrors with retract function
-Leather interior (rare option)
-Wood grain inserts on dash and door panels
-“Century” branded metal door sills
-Front bucket seats
-Power driver adjustments with power lumbar
-Power driver seat belt height adjustments
-Power passenger seat adjustments
-Power passenger seat belt height adjustments
-Driver seat controls for passenger seat position
-Passenger seat back folds flat for rear passengers to stretch out their legs
-Driver and passenger visor mirrors with light
-Power windows with one-touch operation
-Heated front seats
-Digital clock
-Outside temperature display
-Kenwood Double DIN stereo
-Backup camera
-Locking glove box with light
-Front cup holders
-Center console with sliding access lid
-Ash trays with cigarette lighters and sliding access panels in all 4 doors
-“Century” branded front and rear floor mats
-Rear passenger fold down mirrors with light
-Rear ceiling mounted digital clock
-Rear TV with remote control
-Power adjustable rear seats with memory and power lumbar
-Power adjustable rear headrests
-Heated rear seats
-Rear seat massagers, variable speed
-Fold down center arm rest in rear
-Original “Century” branded walkman and earbuds (stored in rear arm rest)
-Rear cup holders
-Rear power outlet
-Rear audio and climate controls
-Power rear curtains
-Rain guards/wind deflectors on all 4 doors
-Tinted rear windows
-Pneumatic hood struts
-95 liter (25 gallon) fuel tank
-Factory alloy wheels with golden phoenix emblems set against a body color matched backdrop
-Lockable switches for fuel door and trunk
-Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system
-Original tool kit with storage compartment
-Folding wheel chock
-Dunlop Veuro tires in 225/60R16

Upgrades:
-Roav FM Bluetooth transceiver (for easy streaming of audio from your phone) with dual built-in USB charging

Maintenance and Service:
-Oil change with Castrol GTX 5w-30 oil
-New Toyota oil filter
-Amsoil PI Performance Improver fuel treatment (as preventative maintenance)
-New Toyota radiator cap
-New Toyota air filter

Known Defects:
-Minor scratches, dents, and dings, consistent with the age of the vehicle
-Medium to heavy paint swirls
-Paint oxidation in several areas
-Wear on driver’s seat
-Exterior temperature portion of dash display has dead pixels
-Display for rear climate control operation is faulty, however, the controls still function as they should
-Missing spare tire

Sold with the following original import documents – CBP 7501 (stamped by US Customs official), EPA 3520-1, DOT HS-7, Export Certificate (title), English translation of export certificate, Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading, Notice of Arrival, and a Bill of Sale. Does not include a US title. This vehicle 100% federally legal as it is over 25 years old. State and local laws regarding the registration of imported vehicles vary. It is the buyer’s responsibility to determine if they can legally register this vehicle in their home jurisdiction.

This vehicle is not eligible for registration in CA and cannot be sold to a CA resident unless they intend to keep and register the vehicle out of state or use it strictly on private property.

Please note, this vehicle is subject to CA sales tax (however, this typically can be applied as an offset against sales tax in your state). Sales tax is NOT due if delivery of the vehicle is taken outside of California.

Vans From Japan has done their best to thoroughly and accurately describe this vehicle, however, it is the buyer’s responsibility to substantiate all claims. Prospective buyers are encouraged to inspect the vehicle in person or to hire a vehicle inspector to perform an inspection prior to committing to buy. All used vehicle sales are 100% ‘as-is’ unless the buyer purchases a Contract Cancellation Option.