1997 Toyota Mark ll Grande
S/N GX1000032831. 82k km (51k miles). “2.0-liter inline-6, 133 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. Four-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, 15-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat, wood interior trim, power windows, side mirrors and locks, automatic climate control, AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo.” Condition: 2. SOLD AT $6,374. Cars & Bids, 5/10/23.
This Mark II Grande comes from the long-lived “X” chassis series, which dates to the 1970s. The U.S.-market Cressida was based on earlier Mark II models. This rear-drive platform is well known for its drifting potential and spawned an abundance of aftermarket parts and body kits over the years. By the late 1990s, however, Toyota was no longer selling rear-drive cars in the U.S., with the front-drive Avalon debuting in 1995. For those looking to import a later JDM Mark II, it’s crucial to understand the difference between its many variations and engine options. This car’s 2.0-L 1G-FE inline-6 is the least-powerful engine offered. Higher trim levels received a 1JZ like the third-generation Supra or a 2JZ like the fourth generation. Mark IIs with the more-powerful motor and a 5-speed sell for about $25k–$30k for a car already landed in the U.S. This one, with the small motor and an automatic transmission, fell far short of that. Even considering its good condition and low mileage, this was a market-correct sale.
1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S
S/N JT2AE88CXF0117878. 223k miles. “1.6-Liter DOHC inline-4, 5-speed manual transmission, repainted in silver, gray cloth upholstery, 14-inch Watanabe wheels, JDM-style grille and bumper covers, Techno Toy Tuning suspension components, Nardi steering wheel, HKS exhaust system, Kenwood CD stereo, service records.” Condition: 2+. SOLD AT $28,650. Bring a Trailer, 5/11/23.
The Corolla GT-S was the entry-level drift car. There was a point in time where you could pick one up for $3k, cut the springs and go practice some slides. Its relative lack of power was perfect, since you could rev the engine and throw the car sideways, learning about initiation and approach. But that time is long gone. Now, with more than a few outliers selling in this price range, we need to accept that $25k–$30k is the new normal. Unlike other Corollas I have seen sell at this price, this one does have the complete interior in fairly good condition. These interiors weren’t the nicest even brand new, and many owners removed them or threw parts of it away in their aspirations of building a track car. This example also contains a few JDM bits, like the front grille, taillights and bumper covers. With period-correct Watanabe wheels, straight body lines, decent paint and a full interior, it’s no wonder that this car sold as well as it did. I am just disappointed that I missed out.
2002 Lexus IS300
S/N JTHBD192220045420. 70k miles. “3.0-Liter 2JZ-GE inline-6, 5-speed automatic transmission, Absolutely Red paint, black leather and Escaine upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, HID headlights, power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, cruise control, factory cassette stereo and CD changer, manufacturer’s literature.” Condition: 1-. SOLD AT $16,012. Bring a Trailer, 4/28/23.
In the 1990s, Toyota succeeded in establishing Lexus as a credible luxury brand with its full-size LS. Lacking a strong competitor in the compact sports sedan segment — then dominated by the BMW 3 Series — Toyota developed the Lexus IS, based on the JDM Altezza. Initially released in 1998 and equipped with a 2.0-L inline-4 and an optional 2.0-L inline-6, the rear-drive Altezza was a bit underpowered by German sport-sedan standards. So for its 2001 model year release in the U.S. market, the Lexus IS300 received the same engine as the fourth-generation Toyota Supra, but without the turbos. Initially available only with a 5-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual was introduced for 2002. With one of Toyota’s most popular motors, it quickly became a favorite for tuners to customize and modify. This means clean, stock examples like this one are now getting hard to find. As such, our subject car sold on the high end of the market. Most IS300 sedans sell somewhere in an affordable $5k–$15k range. The Altezza will be eligible for import this year, although unless you really want a right-hand-drive car, an IS would still be preferable because of its larger engine. ♦