Vehicle Description
With Japanese cars suddenly becoming legitimate collectors' items
in the United States and Europe, perhaps this 1993 Toyota Aristo
3.0V will be a smart investment. Marketed as the uber-popular Lexus
GS300 over here in the States (albeit with slightly different
engine/transmission options), this super-clean Aristo import
features the more powerful of the two engines offered: the 3.0L
Straight 6 24-valve 2JZ-GTE that produces 275 horsepower. Low
miles, unmodified, and obviously well-maintained, it's exactly the
kind of car you want to put away for posterity and when they're
this fun to drive, you can enjoy yourself while they
appreciate.
Aristo translates to "the best" in Greek, and that's exactly what
Toyota wanted when it employed the renowned design/engineering
company Italdesign Giugiaro to develop a new performance sedan for
the mid-luxury class. The 1st generation Aristo was launched in
Japan in 1991 (the Lexus GS was later launched in 1993 in
non-Japanese markets), and it featured a European-style appearance
without the numerous exterior components and ornate detailing of
existing Japanese deluxe saloons. The result was a simpler, sleeker
car that looked very refined, with a rounded, aerodynamic
wedge-like shape, longer and wider proportions than many of its
contemporaries, and a high rear decklid that became its trademark.
Two-tone paint jobs were used on practically all Toyotas in the
'90s, and the Code 046 Opal White Pearl over Warm Gray Pearl on
this Aristo looks fantastic, especially since it's been so well
cared-for through the years. Seriously, before it was imported to
the US it must have been impeccably maintained with the same level
of care many Japanese people show when cultivating a precious
Bonsai tree, because we haven't been able to find a flaw to
complain about. Thankfully, that great care has continued since
2018 when it was imported (secondary market vehicles cannot be
exported legally from Japan into the US unit they're at least 25
years old), as it's aged far better than anyone could expect for a
car of this vintage, and because the design is so timeless and
sleek, it still looks like a million bucks today.
The tan cloth interior continues to impress, showing off a cabin
that barely looks used. Even the lace covers on the headrests and
top portion of the seatbacks are still in place and in fantastic
shape (a tradition in many Japanese family saloons), further proof
that this Aristo has always been treated like a valued member of
the family. It's all beautifully preserved and the simple stitching
and uniform patterns make it look extremely upscale, and because
the original buyers picked durable cloth upholstery instead of
leather, it's held up much better throughout the years. Yes, the
steering wheel is on the 'wrong' side, but that's what you get with
JDM imports, and because this is an automatic transmission car it's
actually not that difficult to get used, and therefore can be used
on our roads right away. Heck, checking the mailbox has never been
easier! Toyota use walnut wood trim in the center console and door
panel inserts, and the options list is extensive: dual airbags,
cold A/C, power windows, locks, mirrors, and front seats, a tilt
wheel, and stock AM/FM/Cassette/CD player that still sounds great.
There's plenty of room out back for three passengers, and the trunk
is very spacious and looks like it's never carried anything dirtier
than lint.
The 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline-six 2JZ-GTE motor under the
hood is the car's original, and like you might have guessed it too
is in very clean shape. Thanks to a factory-rated 275 horsepower
and the responsiveness of modern turbocharging, it has a ton of
performance and torque that pulls like a much bigger engine. The
2JZ straight-six powerplant has proven itself to be quite durable
in the real world, and although they seem to take to modifications
rather eagerly these days with import car clubs, this one remains
bone stock right down to the hose clamps. It's extremely clean
under the hood, more proof that the former owners really cared
about maintaining this car. Turn the key and it fires, as you'd
expect, and there's a bit of a six-cylinder rasp to the exhaust,
although it's largely muted by the twin-turbocharger. The 4-speed
automatic transmission shifts smoothly and the all-independent
suspension seems to have been tuned to offer a balance between
handling and comfort. And, of course, you get power steering and
power 4-wheel disc brakes. Stock 16-inch 7-spoke alloys look clean
and unmarked and carry a grippy set of 225/55/16 Bridgestone
performance radials.
We're not going to try to convince you that this is an overnight
money-maker, but it's a fun car with a ton of potential that's been
treated right all its life. That alone is worth something and makes
this Aristo a standout. Call now!
