Toyota Aristo 3.0V JZS147
Import a Toyota Aristo 3.0V (JZS147) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 1991–1997
- Engine
- 2JZ-GTE 3.0 L twin-turbo inline-six (3.0V), rear-wheel drive
About the JZS147
The first Aristo launched in October 1991, and production ended in July 1997. The 3.0V uses the 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-six, rated at 280 PS at 5,600 rpm; the export Lexus GS300 had no turbo. A minor change came in August 1994 and VVT-i in July 1996.
It is a cheap route to the 2JZ-GTE, in a four-door sedan styled by Giugiaro.
The Aristo was built at Toyota’s Tahara plant with more automation than earlier cars there: robots made 4,200 welds on each body, and only eight spot welds were done by hand. It was the top luxury sedan at Toyota Auto Store dealers, above the Chaser. Its name comes from the Greek for “the best”, and from February 1993 the same body went abroad as the Lexus GS, with the non-turbo 2JZ-GE only.
- Power
- 280 PS at 5,600 rpm
- Torque
- 44.0 kgm (431 Nm) at 3,600 rpm
- Weight
- 1,680 kg
- Gearbox
- 4-speed automatic (ECT-i)
- Drive
- Rear-wheel drive
- Price new
- ¥4,740,000 (1991)
Can a JZS147 come in?
Both countries count from the month on the build plate, so a car can become eligible part-way through a year. We check the plate on every car.
Quebec registers right-hand-drive cars only at 25 years. Every other province follows the federal 15-year rule.
US sourcing is planned for 2027, once a customs broker confirms the duty rate on Japanese classics. Enquiries are welcome now.
Which cars roll in next? See the 2027 US calendar and the 2027 Canada calendar.
What to look at on a JZS147
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
Automatic
Worth checking the automatic gearbox for smooth shifts and clean fluid.
Turbos
Worth checking the ceramic turbos for smoke and shaft play.
Electrics
Worth testing all interior electrics.
Modifications
Many 2JZ cars are modified. Ask for invoices for any engine work.
What we check on every JZS147
The auction sheet, in full
Every line of the original Japanese sheet translated: repair marks, rust notes, interior score.
The build plate
The month of manufacture decides eligibility, so we read it off the car, not the registration.
Mileage against the records
Dash and ECU against the auction sheet and Japan's inspection history.
Flood and accident history
Checked before export, while a claim is still possible.
A full diagnostic scan
Every module read inside the auction's 5-day claim window, so a hidden fault goes back to the seller.
Underneath
Chassis rails, floors and suspension, where snow-country salt does its damage.
What landing one costs: see the worked examples; an enquiry gets you the figure for this car. New to auction sheets? Read how to read one.
What a JZS147 costs
Published figures with their source and date. Prices move with condition, mileage and grade; an enquiry gets auction results for the car you want.
| What | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First-generation Aristo, all grades (20 listed), average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥2.14 million (range ¥0.9–5.4 million) | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
Figures as published by each source; not offers from us. Landed cost in Canada adds shipping, duty, GST/HST and provincial fees.
JZS147 buyer questions
Is every JZS147 Aristo eligible?
Yes. Production ran from October 1991 to July 1997, so every car is more than 25 years old and clears the US rule, and all of them clear Canada’s 15-year rule.
Is the 3.0V available with a manual?
Toyota’s catalogue lists the 3.0V with a four-speed automatic. Any manual car is a conversion, so ask which gearbox was fitted, who did the work, and whether invoices exist.
Are parts available in North America?
Many are. The first Lexus GS 300 shares the body and much of the interior, though it had the non-turbo 2JZ-GE. Turbo engine parts are shared with the A80 Supra Turbo.
Want a JZS147?
Tell us the grade, colour and budget. We reply with eligibility for your province or state and what these are fetching in Japan now, and contact you when sourcing opens.