1998 Toyota Aristo, V300 Vertex edition JZS161

e up any unwanted wheel gap and this Aristo defines the luxury sport aesthetic. Save for some imperfections in the respray and small dings throughout, this 93k verified mile transporter is no worse for the wear and is an incredible performance bargain no matter which way you swing it. Ideal for road trips, daily duty, and sure to be the talk of any local Toyota meet, this Aristo is nothing less than a genuine Japanese Classic! Modern, accessible, and chock full of premium materials and options, this 2nd generation Aristo’s interior was ahead of its time when it debuted. The factory upholstery has been recovered with black leather cow skins, and the materials are in good condition, save for some wear to the driver’s seat bottom. Both driver and passenger benefit from power adjustable seating, and the steering column is a power tilt and telescoping unit, too. For the safety-conscious, dual SRS airbags are present in the front and sides, and responsive ABS comes standard from the factory. The center stack frames an easy to operate dual zone climate control unit, and an adjacent USDM Pioneer system grants access to Apple CarPlay and other handsfree controls. The HVAC is easy to control, with cold A/C and hot heat available to be supplied to both front and rear passengers. The power windows work like a charm, and the power locks and electric folding side mirrors add some extra accessibility for daily driving. Overall, it’s really hard to pick this cabin apart. There’s some light UV distortion on the door cards, and the HVAC screen is starting to dim, but it’s clear this one was cared for well as a whole. We’ve even retained the OEM floor mats and some factory literature, so your classic JDM investment stays well protected! The chassis deserves high marks all the way around but true enthusiasts know this Aristo’s drivetrain is made of pure gold! This 2JZ-GTE has the added benefit of a comprehensive recent service, which includes an engine-out reseal performed at a 2JZ specialty shop. The freeze plugs, front and rear main seals, camshaft seals, and valve cover gaskets were replaced, and a timing belt and water pump service was performed before it went back in the vehicle. After an oil and filter service, she’s road-ready, and we even replaced the engine air filter to keep the 2J free and clear of unwanted contaminants. A Koyorad radiator keeps temperatures at bay, the twin turbochargers hit hard down low and VVT-i technology propels this saloon to blisteringly quick speeds in the top end. An automatic gearbox throws power rearward and we bolstered the drivetrain with a transmission fluid flush and a new output seal on the rear differential. Unique to the Aristo platform, these saloons also feature standard rear steering, and with aftermarket lowering springs, this Aristo can be a real treat to toss through a hairpin. To shore up handling, new rear upper control arms were installed, and we buttoned everything up with a fresh alignment on our lift. The wheels are wrapped in good Continental rubber, and you’ll have on-demand grip for tens of thousands of miles to come!