Ever since seeing this review of the Toyota Century, I've been obsessed with this car. You guys perfectly showcased the elegance of this car. The luxuriousness of it, while it is still being subtle in many ways. This video made me want a Century of my own. I didn't have a driving license however, but this car combined with this review was the reason to finally get one. And so the journey began... I started taking driving lessons in the summer of 2023. Passed the exam first-try in December. Next step, finding a seller. This car is not sold where I live, and thus had to look in Japan for one. And so, since passing for the license, I have been looking at and bidding on auctions in Japan daily. Last weekend I finally won a bid at one of the Japanese auctions, and a Century is now being shipped to the EU! The Century I bought is very similarly specced as the one in this review. Black exterior. Wool interior. Fender wing mirrors. Shifter on the steering column. Even the granny lace curtains are included. I'm very very excited to have it delivered soon and to use it as a daily. Thanks Throttle House for this review and exposing me to this beautiful car (and making me get a driving license) 🔥
@@abhinavk996 The Century was only €4.000, (¥645.000 JPY) but there are more costs on top of that. €3k for shipping. 21% of tax once it arrives in my country. And on top of the car price, shipping and tax, another 10% import tax for buying something from outside the EU. I hired a middleman who helped me bid on these auctions, organised the shipping and will help me with the paperwork for €1k. In total a little over €10k.
I legit couldn't care less about cars. I don't know why I clicked on it or decided to scroll to the middle of the video. But the guy who bought the car is so proud of it and so happy with it, it's almost infectious. It's nice seeing people have a childlike hapiness for something they got.
James! a stunning car, you can get a plug in replacement for a lexus and it will translate all of the navigation and let you add region appropriate maps (and radio). You'll keep all functionality but be able to read it. My mate did it on his, and it changed the game
Fun fact: The V12 in this car “1GZ-FE” is the same one which was used by Legendary tuner Kazuhiko Nagata aka Smokey Nagata in his V12 supra but in that it got the “Top Secret” (his tuning shop) treatment and it got fitted with twin HKS GT2540 turbos and two HKS ECUs (because technology wasn’t that advanced at that time and single ECU wasn’t enough to perform that many inputs and outputs) with in house custom made pistons and other engine parts built by “Top Secret” itself specifically for that car and all of this treatment turned that engine from making modest 280 hp to staggering 839HP and 1010NM of torque (it may not sound much now but these were numbers were unprecedented in that era) and he fitted this engine into his Supra and flew to Nardo, Italy at the famous Nardo ring test track to do a top speed run and he managed to 224mph. Thank you for reading all the way down :), like this so more and more people can know about this fact.
@@3IS2UR But since 2JZ is a 6 cylinder engine, it has good low end torque but lacked at the top end of the rev range, that’s where 12 cylinders play a crucial role providing that top end punch, Many question why he opted a V12 and tuned it to 930hp with the added NOS when he could have tuned a 2JZ to 1500hp, the above reply is the answer to that!
Toyota Century’s fail safe is amazing. Even if one bank of the V12 dies, it can still run with the other V bank. A chauffeur-driven car for VIP is not allowed to get stuck.
I doubt one bank on a century would ever fail under normal circumstances. Probably designed to work this way in case it was shot at from the side or something lol
There is something wonderful about knowing you own a car that was built by hand by men who are the best in the world at what they do. And that car is their proudest, most sincere work. It’s a work of art, and thus is timeless.
This V12 engine uses two sets of ECU to individually control the 6 in-line cylinders on each side, so that when there is a problem with one side, the other side can still drive the vehicle. The quality is very reliable.
It was quite common from the V12's of the era, Mercedes-Benz and BMW had the same setups in their V12, 1 ECU per bank as seen in the 750i, 850i, S500 W140
I watched a special on the Toyota Century once and one of the reasons for the wool interior is that it is silent when you move over it and move around versus leather which makes noise. Plus the softness and longevity of the wool was superior to leather wearing out. Cool car!
@@spearo5103 the reason behind the wool interior in japan because of the weather and seasons, that's why the most of the most japanse versions of the century are from wool, because leather can lose its quality in those seasons and weather in japan.
I have seen many German imports, such as the W140 Mercedes S Class and JDM Lexus models with a velour interior. The reason for this is due to the hot and humid summer months as well as the cold winter weather. It is far more comfortable to sit on velour or wool rather than leather.
Funny, I felt the same way about my LS430 the first time I drove it. It now has 170K miles on it and is still absolutely silent and the rear window shade still works. It is also an amazing car.
License Plate - “IM JAMES” Absolutely fantastic content as usual! Having just bought a new WRX, I now feel like I’ve made a mistake and should have went with a luxury Toyota from the early 2000s, haha.
19:37 Fun fact: those wing mirrors comes in handy when driving through the many narrow streets of Japan as they are situated far ahead and within the vehicle's width for the driver to be able to see the sides of the car, a normal side mirror would have been scraped as it protrudes out. Incidentally, such wing mirrors can also be found on all Japanese taxis.
I remember many of the older Japanese cars had blanking trim pieces, where the wing mirrors used to be fitted. Replaced by door-mounted mirrors for their Australian variants. Narrow streets don't feature alot here.
Yes, in some countries, they determined that the forward mounted mirrors presented a hazard to pedestrians. That is another reason for the alternate mounting location.
And why does 2. make it better? It just makes it worse, steering wheel on the wrong side and a hassle to register. If japanese manufacturers would’ve released their „better“ cars internationally, there would be no need to import those cars.. Drooling over the general abbreviation „jdm“ is just plain stupid and feeding japanese nationalism.
I really love how this just feels like somebody sharing their excitement and interest for his new car with a friend, because that's exaclty what it is :)
I've wanted a Century for a long time now, maybe one day. The V12 in this car (1GZGE) is actually two 1JZGE engines stuck together at the crank, it has an ecu for each bank and will run as a six cylinder if it detects a fault. To say this engine is strong is an understatement, it's also very buildable, just ask Top Secret as they used a twin turbo setup on a 1GZ in their insane Supra. Then there's the rest of the car, from the 7 layers of hand polished paint, the chrome and stainless trim, to the hand carved emblems, the Century is the absolute pinnacle of engineering and craftsmanship.... and I'm super jealous that you have one
That wool is just something else...actually not much of a fan of leather seats myself, fine for steering wheel, gear stick etc. though. You really need someone to be able to help you maintain this car on a regular basis though, trying to keep it clean and keep it in condition that is fitting for such a vehicle.
I actually kinda like the older luxury cars imstead of the super modern leather and wood adorned tech machines and yeah the non leather seats in the century are really appealing but leather is hard and slippery to me. The century has all the hidden creature comforts of a luxury vehicle without trying to go above and beyond like a rolls royce to stand out.
@@crowofjudgement8810 Yea being a man of relatively low means recently owned a 98 Daihatsu Charade but it had the velour trim, soft feeling vinyl on the inside of the doors, the 1.5L motor where the torque peak was reached at 3600rpm so it could get up a nearby hill in 3rd and even increase speed while even my present far more modern car cannot, weighed about 900kg or thereabouts as well. If it wasn't such a cash pit probably would have held on (spent about $1000 getting the engine fixed at one point as it is).
This is definitely one of my favorite Throttle House videos yet. You guys have given the Century the respect it deserves. And James, you definitely have the best car out there. Second to none.
@@4our6ixkwvmz No, he got rear ended after having it for 5 years. But I have a 1998 Camry, 1995 XJS-C and a 2008 BMW 535xi , the last of the manual transmissions for the larger Beemers. They've all been quite reliable, even the Jaguar.
This is a monumental moment for James and Throttle House. I'm so happy for you both and all your successes!! This is an iconic vehicle fit for such an iconic voice of car journalism.
Not gonna lie, I was expecting the paint to be good from the get go but I just drop my jaw when that reflection shot hit. The paint is beyond flawless, it’s almost disgusting that you pay only 28k CAD for that quality
And he only pays 28 grand for that kind of quality which is mesmerizing. I still can’t wrap my head around how little money he needs to pay for the century. James probably could make more money from that car by selling it’s parts. Man that car is mint
@@janson2911 bro, they are $10-15k in Japan 😅 and that's for a 6 speed. I'm importing on into Australia at the moment and it's $18k landed/complied and registered.
I fell in love with this car just from this video. All of a sudden,I want this and nothing else. We chase more and more options, leather, screens, features, but this. This is simple, pure luxury. It’s so clear with its intent and it’s insanely well-built. Truly a hidden gem in the automotive world.
True, many are falling with the tech stuff and touch screen everywhere. Which is not good in my sight it should be buttons because they aren’t good and make looks smudgy. Cars like Toyota century are made just something else. Really love those seats and quite amazed how quite it for it’s time
I already knew basically everything this video told me concerning this vehicle, yet I was entertained every step of the way, I enjoy your program greatly.
I remember seeing the Century for the first time during my visit to Tokyo, the car's got such presence even with such a simple design. It's a simple 3-box shape but every Century I saw had the cleanest silver trim, the deepest blacks, and all the proportions and subtle curves just worked really well. It really looked like either a Japanese official or a mob boss would've come out of one of these because it's so stately and imposing. I've always wanted one ever since! Sadly in my country they tax cars based on displacement and it would be far too expensive to import one over here. Would've loved to have a Century to call my own. Hope you enjoy your road trip in the car boys!
Come on! It's a typical Japanese design i.e. a copy of a contemporary Mercedes but with rather indecisive lines and too much chrome and wheels that look like cheap plastic hub caps. That's why I love it. Of course it will be beautifully built if a bit rot-prone.
@@T80990 I'm from Malaysia actually! Not too far off though, both our countries tax a lot on cars. Do you have to pay an annual road tax for your car too? Because we have to do that here
@@techpassion4126 I don’t have a car but I do know there’s a 100% import tax for all cars that are imported, so a car which is 30K in the US and was imported to India would cost 60K
@@UzumakiNagato It is a car used by wealthy people with a driver. In many cases, company presidents and some Yakuza. But, many high ranking Yakuza aren’t as flashy as you think and tend to blend in with regular people. In the case of Yakuza, you just have to know what to look for.
@@KojiStowe I've been in Tokyo since the bubble. These cars were a lot more common back in the late '80s. (Yep, I'm one of those old white guys you sometimes see stumbling around town.)
Great video! This video appeared in my TH-cam feed probably because I've been looking at Miata videos. I'm 74 and bought my first sports car, an MX5 RF 2024 here in the Netherlands, 32 percent of what I paid is tax.. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that is your daily driver.
Last December i was in Tokyo for four days because i was looking at several AE86s. A friend of mine is Japanese and the guy he bought his 86 from knew a guy who had 5 sitting in a lot. I was picked up and driven to the airport and the other way around i a Century. I always kinda knew that it existed, but fell completely in love over it while i was driven through Tokyo in it. At the end of the trip, i had the same driver with the same car, the guy was delighted i loved his car. When i was in the plane home, i started looking for a century right away. It had to be light blue tho, the car i was driven in was this colour, and i think it suits the car very well. And it is something different than the black, i saw a black one at the hotel as well, its a beautiful colour, but i prefer the light blue.We actually had a light blue for sale here in Germany around that time, but when i inquired for the car it was already sold. So i asked my friend in Japan to look for one and he found mine. 1997 model year, light blue with dark blue wool seats, little bit less than 120.000km on it, one owner. He wanted to stay anonymous, but i was told that he was an older gentleman, who was only selling because he has another one and he got a new third gen Century. The cars are currently on there way to the Netherlands, cant wait to pick them up. I was a little bit worried about servicing my future Century, even got laughed at for asking ath the Toyota dealership, where my parents bought they're Mirais. But i found a smaller dealer who knows hot to service the car, they have another customer with a Century as well.
I have sworn to myself "this year is the year I buy a Century" for years. Immense secondhand excitement for James, what a fantastic pick. Huge congrats.
Having worked for Lexus since 2004 to present, I knew of the elite Toyota models. The two of you brought this presentation to life. The Century is absolutely beautiful and I wish you many many years of smooth driving. Quick note, the wood is all from the same tree so the grain / pattern matches in Lexus. I assume the Century is of this mindset as well.
@@jhondalton130 Working with other dealerships in our group including MB, BMW, Audi and Acura, the LC craftsmanship and looks are absolutely stunning. It's also by far the most comfortable coupe I have had the pleasure of driving. The LC had one primary focus, a luxury coupe that would become a timeless favorite. Mission accomplished. (Reliable, safe, V8 sounds amazing, safety stuff, all a bonus)
@@sk-pp8uj body lines are similar but drastically more power and much needed tech updates and safety system updates. I still feel the size of it puts it at a disadvantage to those who need more space or seating capacity with a usable trunk. In the states we have the all new Sequoia which is this platform and if it had some Lexus treatment I think it would sell. But LX600 is a force all by itself. Our dealerships have enough preorders to last us about two plus years.
I mean, its in mint condition and I can hear creeks and rattles through the arm rest and center console... The design is bulky, like in 80s bulky and the steering wheel column is hard plastic... Compare it to something like a Phaeton from that same year and this century is nothing more than an outdated relic...
“THE GENT” meaning for both the car and James Absolutely an amazing buy and what a timepiece! We love the car James and we are so excited to hear about your ownership overtime 🙌🙌
Really love to see such a fascinating voyage into Toyota most premium epic car. Didn't know even such a gem existed and hovering around for dignitories. The craftmanship and attention to details is on next level. Thanks TH
Extended mirrors allow the security services (driver and possible passenger) to see any threats coming close to the rear doors. The special "Phoenix" rising small storage compartment is for a pistol for the security person. The V-12 is even so that the armour on the door panels lets it respond like a V-6; makes it corner a little heavy, though. Super very cool car, and I now need one
@@perditohominis1889 the center console compartment with the Phoenix logo on it. I've no idea if there are more compartments on active use models, or anything beyond just that.
This car is the very reason why I like Japanese cars. Especially JDM market cars. There's always that extra bit of care, that extra special feature, that 'surprise factor' when other people sit in it, rhat gives you that feeling of being more satisfied with your car each time you drive it ❤️
You know what?? I think this is the most relaxing review I've ever seen. The background music, the ambience, the curiosity to the button & switches in the car. I can watch this all day long...
So surprised to see Toyota Century in your channel. I’m proud of it as a Japanese person. And believe it or not, Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota owns GRMN Century, a sport edition!
What must be really great about this car is that it is far more reliable than a Rolls! It may be costly to fix when it breaks, but if it’s anything like my old 4Runner, it won’t break much. If I lived in SoCal (where rust wouldn’t get it in 5 years), I’d definitely consider owning one!
This is what the BMW Rolls-Royce tries to be, but it fails miserably. The wing mirrors are a great idea. When I was a kid my Grandfather had a 61 Pontiac Laurentian with a Canadian Tire rear view mirror on the left fender. He put it there for the same reason you noted. The mirror was always in his peripheral vision for increased safety. That may well be the first, and likely only, Japanese car I truly would like to own. Spectacular!
This is epic. Toyota stands as my favorite Japanese company. From the V10 LFA , Toyota hilux to this v12 sedan to the 2jz Supra. The Land cruiser, Lexus ISF, Lexus IS300, LC500 v8 the new Corolla GR and Yaris GR… I can go on and go. Best Japanese company.
@@stefanfreestylez Toyota chaser turbo ? The M5 of Japan The Toyota aristo Twin turbo ? The rally legend celica GT4 ? The new Yaris GR and Corolla GR ? Don’t be a Toyota hater… it’s not a good look.
I love things like this which are made with the highest level mentality. Not just overly expensive for the sake of being flashy, but the idea of having the best possible quality for your money.
There is a guy down here in Portland Oregon that owns one of these. He has a great little used car lot and he just imported one of these. There is only a few of these in the United States. It’s absolutely an epic show of engineering by the Japanese I just love everything they do when it comes to cars ! Great video Guys !
I own an LX570, and the quality of everything is fantastic. It's a bargain for the money you pay because of all the Quality-Durability-Reliability tests they put on these vehicles.
I'd love a Toyota Century, the hood mounted side mirrors give it so much Old-School character. That said at least I've got the closest thing you can get to that Century, the facelifted 2004 Lexus LS430 with every option. The thing most LS owners come to say is that you find yourself appreciating the vehicle and the design choices more and more over time. These Ultra Luxury Japanese vehicles employ a very Japanese interpretation of the term Luxury; with an emphasis on thoughtful design, an anticipatory consideration of the users wants & needs, ensuring they're met before the user ever thought of needing or using them. And all done subtly with supreme craftsmanship using the most refined materials suited to that purpose. They're truly extraordinary vehicles with nothing quite like them. The Century all the more so. Oh and on the silence aspect, I came from owning convertible Saab's and Alfa's and years of driving hired Fords, Holdens, Nissans, Mercedes, etc so when I began driving the LS430 it took me nearly 2 weeks before I felt confident that the engine was indeed on and idling. I would actually run the starter motor longer than needed and then check by putting the car into neutral and revving it as I seriously didn't believe the engine was on as it was so quite and so still in the cabin. Oh and regarding the Toyota Century's Wood, I've got the same in my LS430, yeah it's special, it's Birds Eye Maple, only 1% of Maple Tree's possess the Birds Eye Pattern.
I feel emotionally moved by the Century. My friend recently got an imported Toyota Crown (to replace his MG3… how is that for contrast?!) which is essentially a baby Century. The interior, the ambience, the smell, the Japanese writing - so I totally get how you feel a out the Century. I have always had a huge love for unusual and quirky cars, I can’t gel with mainstream and predictable at all. I drive an old V70 which I have gradually upgraded to luxury, wood, comfort as I’m so over sporty. This was a fantastic video - new subscriber and Instagram follower from the UK!
James has actually done a great job buying that. I think their price would rise in the future, the only downside for me is that it's RHD but since james is from the UK it's not gonna be an issue for him.
Theres zero design here. Zero creativity... Its literally just a sum of the best parts toyota could screw together... Seriously... design? Yeah, by the guys at Stuttgart... Toyota should make a commemorative plate for the half the century of ripping their designs of.
You know to be completely honest in my thoughts If Toyota were to ever bring the Century to market in Canada and the US this car would obilterate a lot of other luxury cars out there.
@@freepadz6241 you dont get tvs, sat nav, heated and massaging seats in 80s cars not to mention the model in the video is from 2004 it's almost 2 decades old, the century is still produced today with similar styling but the tech is updated to today's standards and its a Toyota so it'll outlive pretty much any rolls Royce, bentley or maybach.
@@dibaz1 yeah they still make them with almost the exact same styling however still managing to make them look new and the interior and technology has been very much updated although a new one costs a ton of money as they are basically japans rolls royce.
This video, about a year ago now when I watched it, launched me into the biggest love relationship I’ve ever had with a TH-cam channel. Great first watch, best channel there is.
That car represents everything I love about Japanese mentality, and why I enjoy buying Japan-made equipment. Every element is always about expression and purpose, not excess. I got a '22 Hayabusa last month with 0 miles. I instantly felt that Japanese philosophy when I sat on it. Everything about the bike is just right, even the sound of the stock exhaust! I'm so delighted with my Japanese toys. I'd get a Toyota Century if I could, ha-ha. I'd sleep in just for fun.
I changed from a 99 Dakota (sport, extended cab, 4x4, auto, 5.2L V-8) to a 14 Frontier (SV, king cab, 4x4, auto, 4.0L V-6) and while it isn't bad as a vehicle, everything feels off. ABS isn't as nice, tires aren't as wide and though the vehicle is somewhere between 200-1000 lbs heavier the rear _really_ likes coming loose even with traction control on, turning radius is larger, ride is much stiffer overall (I think in large part due to the tires being smaller and slightly larger rim diameter, meaning far less flexing of the smaller sidewall, lower bed capacity and the throttle feels disconnected due to the larger impact of computers in the Nissan, as well as the lower torque (even if it has slightly more hp), the back seats are even more of a joke than the bench in the back of the Dakota. Quality of the interior fixtures and controls is bad, as in worse than the el cheapo fixtures in a 1990 Neon. It isn't bad _per se_ but it really feels lacking in comparison to a Dodge that was a decade and a half older. And generally speaking I have a tendency to think well of Japanese products, so no hate from that direction. Can't really speak on reliability as it only has 80k miles on it and I don't drive a lot On the positive side, I have cruise control and electronic 4x4 (Dakota had autolocking hubs and old school manual transfer case) and traction control. So, I don't need to reverse for a couple tire rotations when I go back to 2x4, I could use cruise control if I ever went on highways, but I don't, and screw that traction control. I do like having a hand operated parking brake though. Really, the only reason I even got rid of the Dakota was due to the frame being compromised by rot, thanks to the chemicals they treat roads with in winter. I don't actually dislike the Frontier, but it is certainly inferior to the Dakota, notwithstanding the difference 15 years makes in terms of tech. Overall point: It is all hit or miss. Get something really good and everything from a certain place or of a certain design is gold. Get something that sucks and the opposite becomes true. Or at least that is how it often seems. One particular company might do good here, but fail there or there might be a company that does really good with one thing, but that is all they make (so you don't see the garbage, since someone else is making it and you aren't paying attention to them). caveat: all usage of "you" is meant to be generic. edit: I haven't yet put 10k miles on the odometer myself in 2.5 years.... like I said, I don't drive a lot. (also corrected some typos)
Its one of the things I love about my hobby of photography. most of my film camera's, which I have a good collection of, are Japanese. Nikon. Mamiya. Yashica. Olympus. their build quality is superb, and their form and function is just how it should be. I love it, and will keep using and buying them as long as I can.
@@catey62 That said, look at what "made in Japan" meant back in the 70s or 80s. It is not like Japan then was a competitor with German optics. The Japanese really did a great job once they really put some effort and pride back into their manufacturing. addendum: the lens I like to use the most is a Canon 100mm f/2 that I stick on a 350D, mounted to the top of a 150mm f/5 newtonian telescope on a GEM. Have gotten some nice images that way.
Japanese cars that have been in constant fraud for 35 years are not reliable. ecu, tires, safety bars in door, airbags, crash tests, tests and other parts... it's really serious.
Congratulations man! There is no better feeling when you finally acquire your dream car. Very unique and very cool. The excitement in your voice says it all. God bless you man
I just saw this in Mississauga Ontario and had no idea what it was but I couldn't stop looking at it. Thanks TH-cam for somehow knowing to recommend this video to me.
I'm one of the owners from the UK - absolute dream car, but you can drive it every day if you really want. I wonder now they're gaining popularity they'll become the next thing. When I got mine there were less than 20 in the UK.
What's the reliability and maintenance like? I really want one now, and on the one hand it's a Toyota but on the other hand it's an import and parts probably also have to be imported
Despite being known for smaller compacts and some incredible sport vehicles, Japan also surprisingly has come out with a few very impressive big luxury sedans. Over here we got the Lexus GS300, but the in Japan it was sold under Toyota badging as the Aristo. The Aristo V was available with the twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE engine that later made the Supra such a legend. I say later because the Aristo was the first implementation of the 2JZ-GTE, 2 years before the Supra RZ was released.
@@Matt_Curlew Ahh, that's the only part I wasn't sure of, didn't know if they had it separated the same as it is over here like with Toyota as the "low-end" and Lexus as the "luxury" stuff. Still though, the Aristo is awesome. A 4-door luxury sedan with a 2JZ twin-turbo in it is just all kinds of badass. I had a 92 Cadillac Fleetwood (200hp, 275 ft-lbs of torque, front wheel drive) and developed a big soft spot for big luxury cars with more power than they look like they should have.
This is the holy grail of the love and dedication to build something with the highest quality possible to last (possibly) a CENTURY. I'd love to see you guys go coast to coast on it. Please make that trip reality. I mean just look at that +15 year old car looking and driving like brand new.
Seeing James reflect on how this car reminds him of his Miata, and how it represents a similar aim, was so wholesome and deep ❤ it’s true too. The Japanese really brought such an amazing and lasting impact to automobiles.
I've had mine 3 weeks. _Just_ the feel of how the doors, hood, and trunk close (and this after 25 years and 90K miles), leaves me speechless. The car was carved out of a piece of granite.
Know it and love it! Lived in Japan for over 4 1/2 years back in the 1980's and fell in love with JDM's. They weren't called JDM's back then. I am presently, and for the past 5+ years, a proud owner of a 1993(thats 90-free to you) Nissan Gloria. I've won 2 Car Shows pre-Covid with her and drive her daily, love her!! Cheers mates, bring us more!!!
I've been looking at these for years but never pulled the trigger due to reliability/parts concerns (with it being Toyota's only V12), but now James has gotten me back onto the import sites again...hahaha
This is one of the best reviews guys have ever done! This car is amazing and I've like them since I learned about them and the process it takes to make one. Thanks again for the review
the wood in my 2006 LS430 was bird's eye maple, and they make a point of telling you that all the wood in the car came from the same tree. I assume the century has a similar tale of over the top luxury.
Just amazing work gentlemen, and congratulations James. I watch every channel I can find where vehicles are built, modified, reviewed, or tested. I’ve never wanted to share in the owner’s experience of a car more than this.
Imagine if the century launched in the US as a new model! That would’ve been awesome to have a 3rd entry in the ultra luxury category dominated by Rolls & Bentley!
It would be more competing with big Mercedes in price I think, I've been in one of these in Japan, some sort of luxury taxi/limo thing, they are a far better ride than anything else I have been in. They are very much their own thing since it's not meant for export, powered fancy curtains etc. Japanese stuff made just for domestic market is a lot cooler than their export stuff is, my ex wife is Japanese so I've spent a lot of time there doing stuff the locals do. Never stayed at a tourist hotel or such.
This model of the Century is so beautifully designed and so elegantly and visually well proportioned. I've always loved Rolls-Royce and their sense of ultimate craftsmanship, and it was rather mind boggling when I first learned that these cars existed. Who knew?! Thank you for this video, it is delightful. And I'm so jealous.
I love to say that Century is so subtle about everything, you can see this on the road and it will blend with another W124, but when you get inside, you will find a palace. I love how everything even don't attract attention like rolls royce. Perfect rich introvert car's. Plus, it's Toyota.
If I remember correctly I first heard of the Century watching Top Gear back when I discovered the show on youtube. This car is amazing. I never wanted one but it kind of make sense to own one. It's the ultimate expression of elegance in a car we can all realistically afford. I bet my drives to work and trips anywhere would feel like a vacation all on it's own.
Exactly and the thing is that I kind of prefer that stalk to steering wheel mounted buttons. It's very intuitive to use. It's a shame they moved to steering wheel buttons for the cruise control in most current models.
The best part of this is you can tell how happy Thomas is for James. True friends show enthusiasm when their friend is happy.
Spot on! Well said Sir, well said 👏
they re brothers
@@leoguidalevich2828 Thomas Holland and James Engelsman. Brothers from another mother maybe but not brother brothers lol.
True friends? What are those?
Fully agree
License tag suggestion: "IMPORTED" as a double meaning for James.
I think 7 LETTERS IS MAX atleast here in the states
Love it mate.
Might I suggest NOTMIATA
@@richgenix 8 in ontario but that’s probably taken by some dude with a beat jdm shitbox.
@@ericlucci2829 wow man I really register my car in Canada then😳 here we are limited to just 7
Ever since seeing this review of the Toyota Century, I've been obsessed with this car. You guys perfectly showcased the elegance of this car. The luxuriousness of it, while it is still being subtle in many ways. This video made me want a Century of my own. I didn't have a driving license however, but this car combined with this review was the reason to finally get one. And so the journey began...
I started taking driving lessons in the summer of 2023. Passed the exam first-try in December.
Next step, finding a seller. This car is not sold where I live, and thus had to look in Japan for one. And so, since passing for the license, I have been looking at and bidding on auctions in Japan daily. Last weekend I finally won a bid at one of the Japanese auctions, and a Century is now being shipped to the EU!
The Century I bought is very similarly specced as the one in this review. Black exterior. Wool interior. Fender wing mirrors. Shifter on the steering column. Even the granny lace curtains are included.
I'm very very excited to have it delivered soon and to use it as a daily.
Thanks Throttle House for this review and exposing me to this beautiful car (and making me get a driving license) 🔥
how much did u get it for?
@@abhinavk996 The Century was only €4.000, (¥645.000 JPY) but there are more costs on top of that. €3k for shipping. 21% of tax once it arrives in my country. And on top of the car price, shipping and tax, another 10% import tax for buying something from outside the EU. I hired a middleman who helped me bid on these auctions, organised the shipping and will help me with the paperwork for €1k.
In total a little over €10k.
Congrats bro! 🎉👏🏻
Is it hard to find a good one? And for how much?
Yes How Much did you pay?
I legit couldn't care less about cars. I don't know why I clicked on it or decided to scroll to the middle of the video. But the guy who bought the car is so proud of it and so happy with it, it's almost infectious. It's nice seeing people have a childlike hapiness for something they got.
James! a stunning car, you can get a plug in replacement for a lexus and it will translate all of the navigation and let you add region appropriate maps (and radio). You'll keep all functionality but be able to read it. My mate did it on his, and it changed the game
This needs more likes so he sees it
What’s the average mpg?
@@Gaudine what's your mom's average mpg?
@@Gaudine 12 or something idk. That's what my LS400 gets, i can imagine this would be similar
@@TheCinderDude this is the biggest problem with it unfortunately apart from it being very long.
Fun fact: The V12 in this car “1GZ-FE” is the same one which was used by Legendary tuner Kazuhiko Nagata aka Smokey Nagata in his V12 supra but in that it got the “Top Secret” (his tuning shop) treatment and it got fitted with twin HKS GT2540 turbos and two HKS ECUs (because technology wasn’t that advanced at that time and single ECU wasn’t enough to perform that many inputs and outputs) with in house custom made pistons and other engine parts built by “Top Secret” itself specifically for that car and all of this treatment turned that engine from making modest 280 hp to staggering 839HP and 1010NM of torque (it may not sound much now but these were numbers were unprecedented in that era) and he fitted this engine into his Supra and flew to Nardo, Italy at the famous Nardo ring test track to do a top speed run and he managed to 224mph.
Thank you for reading all the way down :), like this so more and more people can know about this fact.
he basically took the century's engine and tuning it up
Dope
the 1GZ-FE is basically just two 2J engine glued together to become a V12
We can all google it too !!
@@3IS2UR But since 2JZ is a 6 cylinder engine, it has good low end torque but lacked at the top end of the rev range, that’s where 12 cylinders play a crucial role providing that top end punch, Many question why he opted a V12 and tuned it to 930hp with the added NOS when he could have tuned a 2JZ to 1500hp, the above reply is the answer to that!
Toyota Century’s fail safe is amazing. Even if one bank of the V12 dies, it can still run with the other V bank. A chauffeur-driven car for VIP is not allowed to get stuck.
Sounds like the most reliable luxury limousine. I guess being rich doesn't necessarily mean they aren't practical.
My 1988 bmw 750 v12 was like that too 2 fuel pump 2 ecm engine coioukd run as a straight six if one side was at fault
I doubt one bank on a century would ever fail under normal circumstances. Probably designed to work this way in case it was shot at from the side or something lol
@@maxvista endless money pit
@@maxvista they don’t make cars like that anymore
There is something wonderful about knowing you own a car that was built by hand by men who are the best in the world at what they do. And that car is their proudest, most sincere work. It’s a work of art, and thus is timeless.
This V12 engine uses two sets of ECU to individually control the 6 in-line cylinders on each side, so that when there is a problem with one side, the other side can still drive the vehicle. The quality is very reliable.
Clearly made for emperors and people of importance. What you just said makes it harder to cripple the car in case of an attempted assassination etc.
It was quite common from the V12's of the era, Mercedes-Benz and BMW had the same setups in their V12, 1 ECU per bank as seen in the 750i, 850i, S500 W140
So it is a twin inline 6 engine car
@@arnavraj8948 that's what any V12 fundamentally is
@@bzilla-d4i Ferrari too.
I watched a special on the Toyota Century once and one of the reasons for the wool interior is that it is silent when you move over it and move around versus leather which makes noise. Plus the softness and longevity of the wool was superior to leather wearing out.
Cool car!
I've seen toyota centurys with leather but I'm assuming that isn't as common
@@spearo5103 the reason behind the wool interior in japan because of the weather and seasons, that's why the most of the most japanse versions of the century are from wool, because leather can lose its quality in those seasons and weather in japan.
The wool seats are cool. Actually, I've had a Japanese made Toyota with velour seats, and they were way more comfortable than the leather seats.
I have seen many German imports, such as the W140 Mercedes S Class and JDM Lexus models with a velour interior. The reason for this is due to the hot and humid summer months as well as the cold winter weather. It is far more comfortable to sit on velour or wool rather than leather.
I also heard the smell of leather is sometimes considered as unpleasant in Japan. Makes sense with the humidity.
The Toyota Century is a dream car of mine. I'm so jealous.
(Also if you could somehow squeeze Supra XXL onto the numberplate that would be hilarious)
My parents had an old Toyota Crown when I was a kid. Loved that car. It got t-boned though.
@@paulklp8262 lol
Funny, I felt the same way about my LS430 the first time I drove it. It now has 170K miles on it and is still absolutely silent and the rear window shade still works. It is also an amazing car.
License Plate - “IM JAMES”
Absolutely fantastic content as usual! Having just bought a new WRX, I now feel like I’ve made a mistake and should have went with a luxury Toyota from the early 2000s, haha.
Hahahaha that's a good one very fitting with that car lol
damn i just posted &IMJAMES 😂 you beat me to it
The 2022 drive alright. Not sold on the rear valence yet.
This is the way. IMJAMES is the only logical answer.
This is the way.
19:37
Fun fact: those wing mirrors comes in handy when driving through the many narrow streets of Japan as they are situated far ahead and within the vehicle's width for the driver to be able to see the sides of the car, a normal side mirror would have been scraped as it protrudes out. Incidentally, such wing mirrors can also be found on all Japanese taxis.
Nice add Dave.
I remember many of the older Japanese cars had blanking trim pieces, where the wing mirrors used to be fitted. Replaced by door-mounted mirrors for their Australian variants. Narrow streets don't feature alot here.
Awesome, thanks.
Yes, in some countries, they determined that the forward mounted mirrors presented a hazard to pedestrians. That is another reason for the alternate mounting location.
And the Japanese taxis have self-closing doors controlled by the driver. Best quirk ever
This car is a dream
1. v12
2. JDM
3. Sedan
4. A taste of luxury
more than a taste of luxury. It’s an entire feast
A taste? I’d say more like a buffet!
A full course meal of Luxury*
And why does 2. make it better?
It just makes it worse, steering wheel on the wrong side and a hassle to register.
If japanese manufacturers would’ve released their „better“ cars internationally, there would be no need to import those cars..
Drooling over the general abbreviation „jdm“ is just plain stupid and feeding japanese nationalism.
@@rolux4853 unless your left handed, I don’t know why you would prefer driving on the left side of your car lol
This is so cool. Feels so fitting for James to have such a beautiful and unique car. Truly for a collector/car-enthusiast!
It shouldn't surprise anyone that James has absolutely impeccable taste, but goddamn, this is the grail! I'm finding the next ticket out to Canada!!!
Why come to Canada? Trust me I live by these guys and you don't want to move to Canada. It's commie-fornia 2.0 with worse weather and rusted out cars.
Next video: why you can't afford a toyota century
V12MAGIC OR CROWNRYL
I wouldnt if I were you. James is great, but Trudeau is absolutely not.
I SO hope this car gets a dedicated video. I want to know how this thing happened.
I’m a Honda guy, and I also love Lexus
But I gotta admit the Toyota Century has always been a car I really wanted, as well as the VW Phaeton
I love the Phaeton too.
I really wish it had been a hit
Honda legend is an amazing car.
VW doesn’t belong in that conversation.
@@dayron6637 I’d do unspeakable things for a w12 phaeton
@@kilovwdude6457 you'd have to do unspeakable things to maintain it.
You can just see how happy James is with his car throughout the video - he's literally grinning most of the time :) Very happy for you, James!
I actually want one. I like its simplicity and it is definitely very reliable too.
Me too, but they are pretty rare here in the Netherlands.
The ones i have seen recently are massively overbid. 17k was the highest bid.
ya i enjoy the old cars with that good seat smell.
Ofcourse it's reliable. It's a Toyota!
@@tolloromassi99Rust or collision will claim it well before that powertrain will go out.
@@aquifer9480rust? Not if you have a garage. As for collision? That's non- preventable. But still fixable.
I really love how this just feels like somebody sharing their excitement and interest for his new car with a friend, because that's exaclty what it is :)
100%
I've wanted a Century for a long time now, maybe one day. The V12 in this car (1GZGE) is actually two 1JZGE engines stuck together at the crank, it has an ecu for each bank and will run as a six cylinder if it detects a fault. To say this engine is strong is an understatement, it's also very buildable, just ask Top Secret as they used a twin turbo setup on a 1GZ in their insane Supra. Then there's the rest of the car, from the 7 layers of hand polished paint, the chrome and stainless trim, to the hand carved emblems, the Century is the absolute pinnacle of engineering and craftsmanship.... and I'm super jealous that you have one
Less bore 5.0
The happiness in this video is contagious. Thanks, James and Thomas!
I'll keep rewatching.
🎖
Same.
That wool is just something else...actually not much of a fan of leather seats myself, fine for steering wheel, gear stick etc. though. You really need someone to be able to help you maintain this car on a regular basis though, trying to keep it clean and keep it in condition that is fitting for such a vehicle.
I actually kinda like the older luxury cars imstead of the super modern leather and wood adorned tech machines and yeah the non leather seats in the century are really appealing but leather is hard and slippery to me. The century has all the hidden creature comforts of a luxury vehicle without trying to go above and beyond like a rolls royce to stand out.
@@crowofjudgement8810 Yea being a man of relatively low means recently owned a 98 Daihatsu Charade but it had the velour trim, soft feeling vinyl on the inside of the doors, the 1.5L motor where the torque peak was reached at 3600rpm so it could get up a nearby hill in 3rd and even increase speed while even my present far more modern car cannot, weighed about 900kg or thereabouts as well. If it wasn't such a cash pit probably would have held on (spent about $1000 getting the engine fixed at one point as it is).
This was an infinitely more interesting choice than really any other car available, EV or not. Well done!!
There is nothing interesting about an EV lol
@@ProdicalMan Exactly. A lawn mower would be better and has more personality n superior handling ; D
EV'S are just boring emotionless cars for people wanting to drive a tablet
Camparing THIS to evs....
@@ProdicalMan the only people I've seen say this are those ones that have never driven one at 160.
This is definitely one of my favorite Throttle House videos yet. You guys have given the Century the respect it deserves. And James, you definitely have the best car out there. Second to none.
I also love the huge smiles on y'alls faces when riding in the car!!
I would say second to only the LFA, which really says something
"Despite all the sports car temptations that come with our job, he's driven the same Miata for 5 years."
I felt that.
The right car is hard to find. I bought a new '85 RX7 right before my son was born and gave it to him when he turned 18.
@@TooLooze He's still driving it?
@@4our6ixkwvmz No, he got rear ended after having it for 5 years. But I have a 1998 Camry, 1995 XJS-C and a 2008 BMW 535xi , the last of the manual transmissions for the larger Beemers. They've all been quite reliable, even the Jaguar.
@@TooLooze Ahh man that must've been heartbreaking. What does he drive now?
That collection sounds very cool is the Xi an N54?
@@4our6ixkwvmz yeah, it's the N54; it's been trouble free. Son rides a kawasaki and has a mazda 3.
Saw one in Dallas over the summer for the first time ever and lost my mind. Such a cool car!
This is a monumental moment for James and Throttle House. I'm so happy for you both and all your successes!! This is an iconic vehicle fit for such an iconic voice of car journalism.
Not gonna lie, I was expecting the paint to be good from the get go but I just drop my jaw when that reflection shot hit. The paint is beyond flawless, it’s almost disgusting that you pay only 28k CAD for that quality
It's 7 layers and each layer is wet sanded by hand to remove orange peel etc. The paint on these is absolutely stunning when taken care of
And he only pays 28 grand for that kind of quality which is mesmerizing. I still can’t wrap my head around how little money he needs to pay for the century. James probably could make more money from that car by selling it’s parts. Man that car is mint
@@janson2911 bro, they are $10-15k in Japan 😅 and that's for a 6 speed. I'm importing on into Australia at the moment and it's $18k landed/complied and registered.
Plus its basically 20 years old paint!!
@@KevGoesRiding That paint is better kept that 1 year old cars parked on the street.
I fell in love with this car just from this video. All of a sudden,I want this and nothing else. We chase more and more options, leather, screens, features, but this. This is simple, pure luxury. It’s so clear with its intent and it’s insanely well-built. Truly a hidden gem in the automotive world.
True, many are falling with the tech stuff and touch screen everywhere. Which is not good in my sight it should be buttons because they aren’t good and make looks smudgy. Cars like Toyota century are made just something else. Really love those seats and quite amazed how quite it for it’s time
Leather is noisy both in terms of creaks and how it reflects sound. Leather is also cold in winter and hot in summer. It's not an upgrade.
Did you get it
I already knew basically everything this video told me concerning this vehicle, yet I was entertained every step of the way, I enjoy your program greatly.
I remember seeing the Century for the first time during my visit to Tokyo, the car's got such presence even with such a simple design. It's a simple 3-box shape but every Century I saw had the cleanest silver trim, the deepest blacks, and all the proportions and subtle curves just worked really well. It really looked like either a Japanese official or a mob boss would've come out of one of these because it's so stately and imposing. I've always wanted one ever since!
Sadly in my country they tax cars based on displacement and it would be far too expensive to import one over here. Would've loved to have a Century to call my own. Hope you enjoy your road trip in the car boys!
Which country is that ?
Come on! It's a typical Japanese design i.e. a copy of a contemporary Mercedes but with rather indecisive lines and too much chrome and wheels that look like cheap plastic hub caps. That's why I love it. Of course it will be beautifully built if a bit rot-prone.
@@103ii I think india, because we also do have taxes based on displacement.
@@T80990 I'm from Malaysia actually! Not too far off though, both our countries tax a lot on cars. Do you have to pay an annual road tax for your car too? Because we have to do that here
@@techpassion4126 I don’t have a car but I do know there’s a 100% import tax for all cars that are imported, so a car which is 30K in the US and was imported to India would cost 60K
20k for Japan's most luxurious car that happens to be a Toyota, and it only has about 27k miles on it.
There is no greater bargain.
Seriously my god
Just need to check for blood spill marks in the trunk.
JayLeno found one in 1 gen century they show off
Yap
Better get one now if you want em. I imagine this will be one of those cars that will shoot up in value overnight once people realise what it is.
Camry and Corolla money... for a Japanese RR.
Although I live in Tokyo, I don’t see them that often but when I do I just stop and appreciate the car. You can just tell it is a quality vehicle.
Is it true that its a yakuza car from Shinjuku? ^^
@@UzumakiNagato Yes.
@@godslayer1415 Nice :D
@@UzumakiNagato It is a car used by wealthy people with a driver. In many cases, company presidents and some Yakuza. But, many high ranking Yakuza aren’t as flashy as you think and tend to blend in with regular people. In the case of Yakuza, you just have to know what to look for.
@@KojiStowe I've been in Tokyo since the bubble. These cars were a lot more common back in the late '80s. (Yep, I'm one of those old white guys you sometimes see stumbling around town.)
Great video! This video appeared in my TH-cam feed probably because I've been looking at Miata videos. I'm 74 and bought my first sports car, an MX5 RF 2024 here in the Netherlands, 32 percent of what I paid is tax.. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that is your daily driver.
Always believed the older Toyota Century's were underrated, especially with the amazing V12, amazing to see you guys own one now!
JDMROLLS - for the plate, of course
MR DOILY
JDM100 (as in JDM Century)
Yup, you win
You beat me to it!
HAIL SAGN (Sagan) 🌎
Lived in Japan and used these quite often - lovely ride. Pity more manufacturers don’t use wool seats.
Toyota Crowns are fairly common and look similar, although they are a definite step down.
I lived in Japan also and was the driver for a hotel in Tokyo. I always liked this car and would see them around town. I had a Toyota Crown myself.
I HATE leather seats!!!! I prefer a jersey/Alcantara mix.
@@deplorabledave1048 Alcantara, get a lexus 😁
@notfiveo moths don't like the climate of a car's interior.
Last December i was in Tokyo for four days because i was looking at several AE86s. A friend of mine is Japanese and the guy he bought his 86 from knew a guy who had 5 sitting in a lot. I was picked up and driven to the airport and the other way around i a Century. I always kinda knew that it existed, but fell completely in love over it while i was driven through Tokyo in it. At the end of the trip, i had the same driver with the same car, the guy was delighted i loved his car. When i was in the plane home, i started looking for a century right away. It had to be light blue tho, the car i was driven in was this colour, and i think it suits the car very well. And it is something different than the black, i saw a black one at the hotel as well, its a beautiful colour, but i prefer the light blue.We actually had a light blue for sale here in Germany around that time, but when i inquired for the car it was already sold. So i asked my friend in Japan to look for one and he found mine. 1997 model year, light blue with dark blue wool seats, little bit less than 120.000km on it, one owner. He wanted to stay anonymous, but i was told that he was an older gentleman, who was only selling because he has another one and he got a new third gen Century. The cars are currently on there way to the Netherlands, cant wait to pick them up. I was a little bit worried about servicing my future Century, even got laughed at for asking ath the Toyota dealership, where my parents bought they're Mirais. But i found a smaller dealer who knows hot to service the car, they have another customer with a Century as well.
I have sworn to myself "this year is the year I buy a Century" for years. Immense secondhand excitement for James, what a fantastic pick. Huge congrats.
Having worked for Lexus since 2004 to present, I knew of the elite Toyota models. The two of you brought this presentation to life. The Century is absolutely beautiful and I wish you many many years of smooth driving. Quick note, the wood is all from the same tree so the grain / pattern matches in Lexus. I assume the Century is of this mindset as well.
Thank you!! A little question. What are your thoughts on the LC500
@@jhondalton130 Working with other dealerships in our group including MB, BMW, Audi and Acura, the LC craftsmanship and looks are absolutely stunning. It's also by far the most comfortable coupe I have had the pleasure of driving. The LC had one primary focus, a luxury coupe that would become a timeless favorite. Mission accomplished. (Reliable, safe, V8 sounds amazing, safety stuff, all a bonus)
@@gtslarka what about the LX600, it went in the opposite direction in looks to the 570
@@sk-pp8uj body lines are similar but drastically more power and much needed tech updates and safety system updates. I still feel the size of it puts it at a disadvantage to those who need more space or seating capacity with a usable trunk. In the states we have the all new Sequoia which is this platform and if it had some Lexus treatment I think it would sell. But LX600 is a force all by itself. Our dealerships have enough preorders to last us about two plus years.
@@gtslarka so you do recommend it
Mad respect for the build quality overkill for this car! Prices are definitely gonna rise after this video.
Shhhh 😅
Yeah, they may have wrecked the dream of cheap super luxury travel for everyone else!
I mean, its in mint condition and I can hear creeks and rattles through the arm rest and center console... The design is bulky, like in 80s bulky and the steering wheel column is hard plastic... Compare it to something like a Phaeton from that same year and this century is nothing more than an outdated relic...
@@AI-qd4vb it’s still a Toyota, its conservative but it’ll last a lot longer than it’s VW counterpart.
That's my dream car right there! I daily drive an '05 Lexus LS430 which is about the closest we got stateside, and I love that thing
love my 04 ls430
“THE GENT” meaning for both the car and James
Absolutely an amazing buy and what a timepiece! We love the car James and we are so excited to hear about your ownership overtime 🙌🙌
Plate suggestion: “N IM JAMES”
Pretty good one 💀💀
I love how much you both love and geek out about this obscure Japanese luxury car. Kinda makes me want to experience this car myself.
Really love to see such a fascinating voyage into Toyota most premium epic car. Didn't know even such a gem existed and hovering around for dignitories. The craftmanship and attention to details is on next level. Thanks TH
Extended mirrors allow the security services (driver and possible passenger) to see any threats coming close to the rear doors.
The special "Phoenix" rising small storage compartment is for a pistol for the security person.
The V-12 is even so that the armour on the door panels lets it respond like a V-6; makes it corner a little heavy, though.
Super very cool car, and I now need one
I can't imagine the licensing requirements for using a pistol professionally in Japan.
@@JohnSmith-wx9wj Probably government agents
Hey Mr. Murphy which compartment re you talking about here. could you please specify?
@@JohnSmith-wx9wj I imagine it's quite a lot.
But Japan's version of secret service (IRO/Naichō) certainly has people who can carry.
@@perditohominis1889 the center console compartment with the Phoenix logo on it.
I've no idea if there are more compartments on active use models, or anything beyond just that.
This car is the very reason why I like Japanese cars. Especially JDM market cars. There's always that extra bit of care, that extra special feature, that 'surprise factor' when other people sit in it, rhat gives you that feeling of being more satisfied with your car each time you drive it ❤️
The smile on James' face @16:40 tells the whole story.
I'm glad there are people like me in the world who just love cars.
You know what?? I think this is the most relaxing review I've ever seen. The background music, the ambience, the curiosity to the button & switches in the car. I can watch this all day long...
So surprised to see Toyota Century in your channel. I’m proud of it as a Japanese person. And believe it or not, Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota owns GRMN Century, a sport edition!
That V12 engine is so underated.
What must be really great about this car is that it is far more reliable than a Rolls! It may be costly to fix when it breaks, but if it’s anything like my old 4Runner, it won’t break much. If I lived in SoCal (where rust wouldn’t get it in 5 years), I’d definitely consider owning one!
NOTHING is more reliable than a Rolls Royce.
@@celticsoulman lmfao
@@celticsoulman Spat out my coffee reading your comment
@@celticsoulmanNOTHING is more reliable than a Lotus.
Eh it’s a boutique engine for a very small run of vehicles. I would not expect typical Camry maintenance cycles.
This is what the BMW Rolls-Royce tries to be, but it fails miserably.
The wing mirrors are a great idea. When I was a kid my Grandfather had a 61 Pontiac Laurentian with a Canadian Tire rear view mirror on the left fender. He put it there for the same reason you noted. The mirror was always in his peripheral vision for increased safety.
That may well be the first, and likely only, Japanese car I truly would like to own. Spectacular!
This is epic.
Toyota stands as my favorite Japanese company. From the V10 LFA , Toyota hilux to this v12 sedan to the 2jz Supra. The Land cruiser, Lexus ISF, Lexus IS300, LC500 v8 the new Corolla GR and Yaris GR… I can go on and go. Best Japanese company.
Pre much ends right there😂😂
@@stefanfreestylez mr2,soarer,4Runner,Celica,2000 GT,Camry,Yaris GR,Corolla GR and much more. And this is just Toyota not Lexus.
@@stefanfreestylez lol you wish.
We have similar tastes except for tilted wheels lol.
@@stefanfreestylez Toyota chaser turbo ? The M5 of Japan The Toyota aristo Twin turbo ? The rally legend celica GT4 ? The new Yaris GR and Corolla GR ? Don’t be a Toyota hater… it’s not a good look.
I love things like this which are made with the highest level mentality. Not just overly expensive for the sake of being flashy, but the idea of having the best possible quality for your money.
There is a guy down here in Portland Oregon that owns one of these. He has a great little used car lot and he just imported one of these. There is only a few of these in the United States. It’s absolutely an epic show of engineering by the Japanese I just love everything they do when it comes to cars ! Great video Guys !
As a 90 LS400 owner I approve this and appreciate how special that car really is.
James was so proud when he said “well done”.
I have to say that I’m very impressed! Imagine if everything was build with this much thought and purpose!
All of Toyota/Lexus flagships are like this. I have an LS460 and it is amazing. The LS400 was probably more legendary for the time though.
I own an LX570, and the quality of everything is fantastic. It's a bargain for the money you pay because of all the Quality-Durability-Reliability tests they put on these vehicles.
She is just like an elegant queen. Unmistakably beautiful, ruthless when you need the power.
I'd love a Toyota Century, the hood mounted side mirrors give it so much Old-School character.
That said at least I've got the closest thing you can get to that Century, the facelifted 2004 Lexus LS430 with every option.
The thing most LS owners come to say is that you find yourself appreciating the vehicle and the design choices more and more over time. These Ultra Luxury Japanese vehicles employ a very Japanese interpretation of the term Luxury; with an emphasis on thoughtful design, an anticipatory consideration of the users wants & needs, ensuring they're met before the user ever thought of needing or using them. And all done subtly with supreme craftsmanship using the most refined materials suited to that purpose. They're truly extraordinary vehicles with nothing quite like them. The Century all the more so.
Oh and on the silence aspect, I came from owning convertible Saab's and Alfa's and years of driving hired Fords, Holdens, Nissans, Mercedes, etc so when I began driving the LS430 it took me nearly 2 weeks before I felt confident that the engine was indeed on and idling. I would actually run the starter motor longer than needed and then check by putting the car into neutral and revving it as I seriously didn't believe the engine was on as it was so quite and so still in the cabin.
Oh and regarding the Toyota Century's Wood, I've got the same in my LS430, yeah it's special, it's Birds Eye Maple, only 1% of Maple Tree's possess the Birds Eye Pattern.
I feel you man i have the same car. Nothing more classy and timeless. Mine is the same year too.
I too have a facelift LS430. I have mine as a placeholder until I can get myself a GZG50 Century. The LS430 is such a fantastic car.
Yes, but there's nowhere to mount the embassy pennant on the hood.
I feel emotionally moved by the Century. My friend recently got an imported Toyota Crown (to replace his MG3… how is that for contrast?!) which is essentially a baby Century. The interior, the ambience, the smell, the Japanese writing - so I totally get how you feel a out the Century. I have always had a huge love for unusual and quirky cars, I can’t gel with mainstream and predictable at all. I drive an old V70 which I have gradually upgraded to luxury, wood, comfort as I’m so over sporty. This was a fantastic video - new subscriber and Instagram follower from the UK!
James has actually done a great job buying that. I think their price would rise in the future, the only downside for me is that it's RHD but since james is from the UK it's not gonna be an issue for him.
Yeah! He's THD coordinated like a garbage disposal truck driver.
当時の日本車の頂点とも言うべき車
その通り!
You can tell how much love and care was put into the design and making of this car
Theres zero design here. Zero creativity... Its literally just a sum of the best parts toyota could screw together... Seriously... design? Yeah, by the guys at Stuttgart... Toyota should make a commemorative plate for the half the century of ripping their designs of.
They copied Mercedes
James you've made the right decision.
You are a stately, smart, gentleman, and this car proves it.
The license plate should be KINGJMES.
You know to be completely honest in my thoughts If Toyota were to ever bring the Century to market in Canada and the US this car would obilterate a lot of other luxury cars out there.
Yeah with its 80s tech
@@freepadz6241 Currently produced Century is based on Lexus LS600HL, though.
@@freepadz6241 you dont get tvs, sat nav, heated and massaging seats in 80s cars not to mention the model in the video is from 2004 it's almost 2 decades old, the century is still produced today with similar styling but the tech is updated to today's standards and its a Toyota so it'll outlive pretty much any rolls Royce, bentley or maybach.
@@crowofjudgement8810 I did not know they still made them, I will do some research 🧐
@@dibaz1 yeah they still make them with almost the exact same styling however still managing to make them look new and the interior and technology has been very much updated although a new one costs a ton of money as they are basically japans rolls royce.
This video, about a year ago now when I watched it, launched me into the biggest love relationship I’ve ever had with a TH-cam channel. Great first watch, best channel there is.
James’s face at 16:40 when he gets to be a passenger in his own car, is priceless. Full joy.
That car represents everything I love about Japanese mentality, and why I enjoy buying Japan-made equipment.
Every element is always about expression and purpose, not excess.
I got a '22 Hayabusa last month with 0 miles. I instantly felt that Japanese philosophy when I sat on it.
Everything about the bike is just right, even the sound of the stock exhaust! I'm so delighted with my Japanese toys. I'd get a Toyota Century if I could, ha-ha. I'd sleep in just for fun.
I changed from a 99 Dakota (sport, extended cab, 4x4, auto, 5.2L V-8) to a 14 Frontier (SV, king cab, 4x4, auto, 4.0L V-6) and while it isn't bad as a vehicle, everything feels off. ABS isn't as nice, tires aren't as wide and though the vehicle is somewhere between 200-1000 lbs heavier the rear _really_ likes coming loose even with traction control on, turning radius is larger, ride is much stiffer overall (I think in large part due to the tires being smaller and slightly larger rim diameter, meaning far less flexing of the smaller sidewall, lower bed capacity and the throttle feels disconnected due to the larger impact of computers in the Nissan, as well as the lower torque (even if it has slightly more hp), the back seats are even more of a joke than the bench in the back of the Dakota. Quality of the interior fixtures and controls is bad, as in worse than the el cheapo fixtures in a 1990 Neon.
It isn't bad _per se_ but it really feels lacking in comparison to a Dodge that was a decade and a half older. And generally speaking I have a tendency to think well of Japanese products, so no hate from that direction. Can't really speak on reliability as it only has 80k miles on it and I don't drive a lot
On the positive side, I have cruise control and electronic 4x4 (Dakota had autolocking hubs and old school manual transfer case) and traction control. So, I don't need to reverse for a couple tire rotations when I go back to 2x4, I could use cruise control if I ever went on highways, but I don't, and screw that traction control. I do like having a hand operated parking brake though.
Really, the only reason I even got rid of the Dakota was due to the frame being compromised by rot, thanks to the chemicals they treat roads with in winter. I don't actually dislike the Frontier, but it is certainly inferior to the Dakota, notwithstanding the difference 15 years makes in terms of tech.
Overall point: It is all hit or miss. Get something really good and everything from a certain place or of a certain design is gold. Get something that sucks and the opposite becomes true. Or at least that is how it often seems. One particular company might do good here, but fail there or there might be a company that does really good with one thing, but that is all they make (so you don't see the garbage, since someone else is making it and you aren't paying attention to them).
caveat: all usage of "you" is meant to be generic.
edit: I haven't yet put 10k miles on the odometer myself in 2.5 years.... like I said, I don't drive a lot.
(also corrected some typos)
Its one of the things I love about my hobby of photography. most of my film camera's, which I have a good collection of, are Japanese. Nikon. Mamiya. Yashica. Olympus. their build quality is superb, and their form and function is just how it should be. I love it, and will keep using and buying them as long as I can.
So you bought an ugly bike… good job
@@catey62 That said, look at what "made in Japan" meant back in the 70s or 80s. It is not like Japan then was a competitor with German optics. The Japanese really did a great job once they really put some effort and pride back into their manufacturing.
addendum: the lens I like to use the most is a Canon 100mm f/2 that I stick on a 350D, mounted to the top of a 150mm f/5 newtonian telescope on a GEM. Have gotten some nice images that way.
@@whyjnot420 Nissan is my least favorite Japanese car company all-around. Better to go with Toyota Honda.
Love it. Definitely want to check one out now. Thanks for sharing.
hey zollotech. out of everyone i know, i never expected to see you here. a pleasant surprise to be fair!
Hey Zollo, nice to see you here. Great taste in channels.
what the phone guy doin here?
Japanese cars that have been in constant fraud for 35 years are not reliable. ecu, tires, safety bars in door, airbags, crash tests, tests and other parts... it's really serious.
I wanted one of these already, now I want one more! Beautiful, elegant, and above all reliable. Amazing car.
I really like how this video embodies falling in love with a car and buying it for reasons no one else can find logic in. Well done TH team
I remember going on a ride in the century more than 20 years ago. Incredible car, was so quiet that it put me to sleep
Congratulations man! There is no better feeling when you finally acquire your dream car. Very unique and very cool. The excitement in your voice says it all. God bless you man
I just saw this in Mississauga Ontario and had no idea what it was but I couldn't stop looking at it. Thanks TH-cam for somehow knowing to recommend this video to me.
Congratulations on the new car 💥 enjoy it's pretty sweet, guessing that this will be reliable as well 👍
hi vinay bhai
@@valinsondacosta6709 hello
I guess it'll be reliable. It's a Toyota afterall 😊
It will probably be reliable, like a V12
@@rp9674 repair costs 😼
I'm one of the owners from the UK - absolute dream car, but you can drive it every day if you really want. I wonder now they're gaining popularity they'll become the next thing. When I got mine there were less than 20 in the UK.
What's the reliability and maintenance like? I really want one now, and on the one hand it's a Toyota but on the other hand it's an import and parts probably also have to be imported
Despite being known for smaller compacts and some incredible sport vehicles, Japan also surprisingly has come out with a few very impressive big luxury sedans. Over here we got the Lexus GS300, but the in Japan it was sold under Toyota badging as the Aristo. The Aristo V was available with the twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE engine that later made the Supra such a legend. I say later because the Aristo was the first implementation of the 2JZ-GTE, 2 years before the Supra RZ was released.
All Lexus were Toyota's in Japan, only in 2005 Lexus was introduced in Japan.
@@Matt_Curlew Ahh, that's the only part I wasn't sure of, didn't know if they had it separated the same as it is over here like with Toyota as the "low-end" and Lexus as the "luxury" stuff.
Still though, the Aristo is awesome. A 4-door luxury sedan with a 2JZ twin-turbo in it is just all kinds of badass. I had a 92 Cadillac Fleetwood (200hp, 275 ft-lbs of torque, front wheel drive) and developed a big soft spot for big luxury cars with more power than they look like they should have.
Toyota has the Ls lineup for quite a while in the US. I always dreamed of owning a Ls600hl
Does anyone else come back every few weeks to rewatch this video? Just me?
Never stop doing what you do. Every video you guys put out is GOLD! Congrats on the beautiful find James!
This is the holy grail of the love and dedication to build something with the highest quality possible to last (possibly) a CENTURY.
I'd love to see you guys go coast to coast on it. Please make that trip reality.
I mean just look at that +15 year old car looking and driving like brand new.
Seeing James reflect on how this car reminds him of his Miata, and how it represents a similar aim, was so wholesome and deep ❤ it’s true too. The Japanese really brought such an amazing and lasting impact to automobiles.
I've had mine 3 weeks. _Just_ the feel of how the doors, hood, and trunk close (and this after 25 years and 90K miles), leaves me speechless. The car was carved out of a piece of granite.
Know it and love it! Lived in Japan for over 4 1/2 years back in the 1980's and fell in love with JDM's. They weren't called JDM's back then. I am presently, and for the past 5+ years, a proud owner of a 1993(thats 90-free to you) Nissan Gloria. I've won 2 Car Shows pre-Covid with her and drive her daily, love her!! Cheers mates, bring us more!!!
Wow! As a owner of a 1984 humble Toyota, I can attest that quality is THE thing in Japan. This is quality Next Level, though!
We have had 7 Toyotas in Australia - compared to Australian Fords they have all been junk.
I've been looking at these for years but never pulled the trigger due to reliability/parts concerns (with it being Toyota's only V12), but now James has gotten me back onto the import sites again...hahaha
The way James enjoyed making this video literally made me smile the entire video
This is one of the best reviews guys have ever done! This car is amazing and I've like them since I learned about them and the process it takes to make one. Thanks again for the review
the wood in my 2006 LS430 was bird's eye maple, and they make a point of telling you that all the wood in the car came from the same tree. I assume the century has a similar tale of over the top luxury.
Ls430 ❤️
Just amazing work gentlemen, and congratulations James. I watch every channel I can find where vehicles are built, modified, reviewed, or tested. I’ve never wanted to share in the owner’s experience of a car more than this.
It is wonderful to see the unbridled joy of these two discovering this absolute masterpiece of Japanese automobile artistry.
You guys literally make me laugh out loud, more than actual "comedy" shows. Congrats James!
Imagine if the century launched in the US as a new model! That would’ve been awesome to have a 3rd entry in the ultra luxury category dominated by Rolls & Bentley!
Oh god no it'd get ruined by new rich kids with ugly giant wheels and Gucci body wraps
@@chickenpommes19 lmao
@@chickenpommes19 so true!
It would be more competing with big Mercedes in price I think, I've been in one of these in Japan, some sort of luxury taxi/limo thing, they are a far better ride than anything else I have been in. They are very much their own thing since it's not meant for export, powered fancy curtains etc. Japanese stuff made just for domestic market is a lot cooler than their export stuff is, my ex wife is Japanese so I've spent a lot of time there doing stuff the locals do. Never stayed at a tourist hotel or such.
@@noth606 you a lucky guy. My guy
This model of the Century is so beautifully designed and so elegantly and visually well proportioned. I've always loved Rolls-Royce and their sense of ultimate craftsmanship, and it was rather mind boggling when I first learned that these cars existed. Who knew?! Thank you for this video, it is delightful. And I'm so jealous.
I love to say that Century is so subtle about everything, you can see this on the road and it will blend with another W124, but when you get inside, you will find a palace. I love how everything even don't attract attention like rolls royce. Perfect rich introvert car's. Plus, it's Toyota.
If I remember correctly I first heard of the Century watching Top Gear back when I discovered the show on youtube. This car is amazing. I never wanted one but it kind of make sense to own one. It's the ultimate expression of elegance in a car we can all realistically afford. I bet my drives to work and trips anywhere would feel like a vacation all on it's own.
The one thing that gives away all Toyotas is that cruise control stalk!
Great car and great videos as always guys 👍🏻
Exactly and the thing is that I kind of prefer that stalk to steering wheel mounted buttons. It's very intuitive to use. It's a shame they moved to steering wheel buttons for the cruise control in most current models.