1993 Toyota Aristo 3.0 V

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!