GRS184 Toyota Crown Athlete (Full Review)

A future hero in the JDM sports luxury segment? Or just a cool Camry (it's not)?
Here's a comprehensive review of a 2006 Toyota Crown Athlete. 2GR engine, rear wheel drive, 230kw of gentlemen agreeing.
Timestamps of the content covered in the video:
Model information 1:01
Exterior 9:38
Interior 14:05
Engine State 30:28
Performance 31:45
General Review 38:24
Action Shots 42:45
I've also made a video about how you can import one of these to Australia (just a general import video). More JDM content coming soon.

[@anthonymercer1234]

Mate in looking at buying a GRS204 Crown Athlete here in Australia at the moment and this was one of the best videos going around. Really helpful and straightforward. I really appreciate your time with this. 🙏👍

[@MattCaseyFun]

Thanks man appreciate it. The 204 is pretty similar in terms of drive train and chassis I think. Obviously a bit more refined but still not too expensive 👍

[@anthonymercer1234]

@@MattCaseyFun Absolutely. I couldn't find much online as far as proper reviews. Yours is a proper review. So thank you. I also like the cloth trim and sunroof options, not leather. I'm buying a car from Melbourne on 1 December hopefully. So I can't wait. I have a Toyota Rukus now which has been an amazing car. But too small. Thank you very much for your time 🙏

[@MattCaseyFun]

I'm glad you appreciate the video, it's not professionally made but gives enough info haha I agree, I'm not a fan of leather, cloth feels heaps nice anyway. I don't think there would be many at all that has a sunroof and cloth trim, but it's a solid car regardless of features Good luck with the purchase! Always wanted to see what a Rukus is like inside haha

[@ParisStiller]

Dude this is the most helpful video I’ve ever found on any car. As someone who’s struggling to find research sources on crowns, this was so helpful. Thank you!!❤

[@MattCaseyFun]

Thanks man that means a lot. I personally think it's pretty poorly edited and put together but at least it's full of info haha. Thanks again 😁

[@mzlive1285]

Genuinely one of the best in-depth car review ever made for a car. Recently bought a GRS-182 royal saloon, but I’m confused what grade it is😅. But honestly mate the video helped me know a lot about the car’s spec’s and performance.Thank you soo much for your time and effort for making this video😊.Cheer’s!

[@MattCaseyFun]

Thanks that's very nice of you! Tell me what type of features your car has and maybe we can figure out what grade yours is. Does yours have: - a sunroof - leather seats - dual zone air conditioning - power rear sunshade? I'm not very familiar with the GRS182 sorry, other than knowing they're great cars 😂

[@yaboiiz2766]

@@MattCaseyFun I’ve got dual zone air conditioning and the rear shade also parking sensors since not all them came with that but I don’t have the sunroof

[@JeromeMahutoto]

Speaking from experience as someone that owns a GRS182 myself, you'll likely have the 3GR FSE 3.0L V6. Still a seriously awesome piece of kit but everyone hangs out for the Athlete or the Majesta versions

[@RayAlek1]

The black things in the boot that you fold out are to put under the wheels when you jack up one side so it doesnt roll away. Great video man, i enjoyed it.

[@BigDthelankyman]

My sincerest thanks, Matt. I'm in the process of buying a 2007 Crown Athlete GRS184, and this video took a majority of the hard work out of my research. I really appreciate the thoroughness and attention to detail. Thanks again!

[@MattCaseyFun]

No worries, glad I could help someone out :D are you importing or buying locally?

[@BigDthelankyman]

@@MattCaseyFun Buying locally from Tokyo Prestige in Mount Barker.

[@MattCaseyFun]

@@BigDthelankyman Wow cool! I live in Mount Barker haha

[@parwaryassin3834]

Hi bro where i can know the code of the car model which i buy or how i should know it’s a G package or premium?

[@basedondennis]

honestly i use this video as less of a watch and more of something to sleep to, ur voice makes me sleepy and thats a good thing. the cozy music in the background really brings it together lol

[@GordonbProductions]

Superb video Matt. I just ordered my UZS171, I'm in NSW South Coast. More of these videos on any car you may own like this would be great. This is top notch with the level of detail etc!

[@MattCaseyFun]

Cheers Gordon, you could do one of your 171! Everyone knows the JZS171 but not many people know about the UZS or its features. Plus they just look sick. Good luck with it 😁

[@samiropo9109]

Very informative video for someone who is thinking about buying a grs184 crown. Thank you.

[@JDMNZ]

Highly recommend video does not do justice no offence to the owner. Much better in person and a very quick car

[@seventeen9718]

Man.... This review is absolutely incredible dude, seriously. Thank you!

[@MattCaseyFun]

Thanks man, really appreciate it 😁

[@Scorpiusza]

Haha amazing review interspersed with great humour, excellent job.. hope you keep it up.

[@8bvg300]

Thanks for making this video, nice to see it covered in such detail. You know, I thought to myself "that's pretty cool" ™

[@yapu1182]

this is indeed FULL review!

[@mohammedallawi2184]

Amazing in-depth review

[@douglasgreen2548]

Good video and thanks for putting it together

[@W210POV]

You're maniac :) The most detailed and extended review :D Dreaming to have one of 184th one day, even with this angry fuel consumption

[@MattCaseyFun]

Thanks, they are very good cars. They are very cheap too, you can buy one for $10,000 USD with all costs included Which country do you come from?

[@GhostArtMusic]

@@MattCaseyFun I'm from Bulgaria, a bit far from Australia & Japan and there have some difficults with import this car but anyway is realizable.

[@MattCaseyFun]

I think you can still import one, you just need to find a company to help you. I made a video on importing cars, it isn't too complicated if you find a company to help you

[@W210POV]

@@MattCaseyFun which completation do you have? It it base version or 60th, Premium edition?

[@MattCaseyFun]

I have just the base grade. When the car was new you could buy the base grade but ask for leather seats and a sunroof, but this one didn't have either of those

[@longdongsilver492]

Such a great vid, great job mate thanks heaps

[@ThaDozaYeaboi]

Just got one a couple weeks ago, very happy with it. Sounds very good with an exhaust setup 😉

[@ThaDozaYeaboi]

Planning to mod it like you had said in the end of the video. Maybe not manual swap it 😂, but I want to get a LSD for it at some point and definitely some coilovers. Great video mate! Watched until the end

[@MattCaseyFun]

Ooh very nice, glad to hear you love it. Yeah it'd be a super cool car modded, even with an auto haha. Best of luck with it all 😁

[@deathrager2404]

needs a manual though....

[@lukemothug]

​​@@ThaDozaYeaboi What brands sell LSD's for the crown or do similar cars made by Toyota with LSD's fit on this car?

[@Freebaggin]

Good research on the motors mate. I'm in Adelaide and looking to purchase a Crown Athlete for myself and my daughter

[@djswodi]

Great and informative review. Kindly do a review of the 14th generations crown 👑 More so the AWD hybrid.

[@MattCaseyFun]

Thanks man, I don't know we can get 14th generation AWD Crowns imported into Australia. If we can, I don't have any money to buy one and film it haha

[@Divine.Sinner]

Just bought a crown athlete waiting for it to arrive. This video made me giddy

[@MattCaseyFun]

Yeah nice man, watching the Pacific coast autos video on the crown made me giddy about mine arriving too haha

[@Divine.Sinner]

@@MattCaseyFun how’s the ride comfort? I assume very smooth being a sports luxury?

[@MattCaseyFun]

@@Divine.Sinner yeah pretty smooth and quiet, I'd imagine the Majesta would be even quieter but this one's very nice too

[@XXB4XX]

This thing reminds me of my IS350 from engine to bits and pieces of the interior.

[@seanlovi8798]

I have the same car bro.... Royalsaloon its a GRS182... 260PS. Best car i have ever owned.

[@tylerwoolford231]

liked the video my friend :)

[@yamahaU3]

Royal Saloon & Athlete are both executive sedans so shouldn't be compared to 7 series and S-class which are full size sedans. Their counterpart should be the 5 series and E-class.

[@doncorleon9]

I think the Majesta is the one aimed for the 7 and S class.

[@syedabdulmoiz9104]

You should review cars more often, Amazing

[@MattCaseyFun]

Thanks, if I had access to more cars I would haha

[@syedabdulmoiz9104]

@@MattCaseyFun Mate you are extremely talented, and you dont need lots of cars. All you have to do is talk to a local car dealership, and review cars they have while doing small promotion for them. You think Doug etc purchase all the cars to review xD? seriously, you will ACE at this.

[@v8ncenzosaviano813]

Hi nice video! I choose the 350s mark X with the flappy shift on the stearing, super reliable car just be aware about the water pump

[@MattCaseyFun]

Oh nice choice, is the water pump a problem on the 2GR-FSE?

[@thedislikebutton4665]

Yes If I remember correctly its inconveniently placed so you have to take the engine out to change out a new one in as well Achilles heel of sorts

[@MattCaseyFun]

That sounds rotten, wonder how often the water pump goes Sorry had to thumbs down your comment because of your name haha

[@murry001]

You just add a signal booster to your headunit, and you can use normal radio stations.

[@lonesamurai3545]

Hi there! Great review! could you say how to turn off the trc system? I've tried several ways but none work. Thanks!

[@MattCaseyFun]

Hi, thanks! I couldn't figure it out sorry, other than holding down the TRC button you might have to look under the bonnet and fiddle with the ABS. Maybe talk to a mechanic first

[@kallenwoodcock6103]

Hey Matt, where do you get your crown serviced? I live around adelaide as well and want to know if you ever have trouble with the maintenance side of things

[@MattCaseyFun]

I just got it done at my local mechanic. Same engine as the IS350 and similar engine to Aurion/Kluger etc so it's pretty cheap and the other parts (suspension, trans etc) can be found on Lexuses

[@alexandersimms9473]

On my 04 crown athlete. There's a black button right next to the AFS and gas cap release. Not the rear seat thing that he showed in this video. Does anyone have any idea what this is for or what it does?

[@mohdabd459]

How is the spare parts availability in Australia? And how to find the right mechanic who can maintain it?

[@user-qr8eg3hm1d]

Hi Matt Casey this is a really great piece on the Crown Do you still have yours? Did you import it yourself or buy here? Thanx Mike

[@MattCaseyFun]

Hey Mike, I sold it but I did import it from Japan to Australia. I made a video about importing cars from Australia to Japan if you want to watch it lol

[@user-qr8eg3hm1d]

Thanx for reply I'll check out your vid for how to import one thanx a bunch 😄

[@StanDaManReviews]

Very detailed and informative video. Great job mate. If you don't mind , how much did you pay for this car ?

[@MattCaseyFun]

Thanks man 😁 I paid 332,000 yen at auction (about $4,300 AUD), then after shipping and everything it cost me about $15,000 AUD

[@StanDaManReviews]

@@MattCaseyFun So cool. How much fuel mileage per 100 km does it give you ?

[@MattCaseyFun]

Not sure the mileage to be honest, guessing around 10 litres per 100 on the highway? Maybe less, really not sure sorry

[@StanDaManReviews]

@@MattCaseyFun It's ok. Thanks for the prompt response.

[@littlea464]

Hi Matt great video. How are you finding the car? Hows reliability been Cheers

[@MattCaseyFun]

Thanks bud. I sold it nearly 2 years ago :( but I've never heard anything bad about them

[@sonnyday6830]

I have a 2008 2.5 v6 Athlete, but have a red button beside the sunroof with a plastic cover over it, have no idea what it is and too scared to press it to see what it does in case it blows the sunroof off or something lol

[@MattCaseyFun]

Haha if you do press it let me know what happens 😂

[@Designandrew]

30:09 they're wheel chocks my guy, to stop the car rolling when you're changing a tyre

[@razeb]

Hey mate. Would you happen to know what auction grade yours was?

[@MattCaseyFun]

Mine was 3.5B but could easily have been a 4. Only about 3 tiny scratches on the paint and the cracked dashboard

[@razeb]

@@MattCaseyFun yeah the grading can be a bit weird

[@masonlew2495]

Could you dm me regarding maintenance questions of the grs184. Mines did not come with a manual.

[@MattCaseyFun]

I'm not very familiar with maintenance of them sorry. If you're on Facebook, try and find a group about the Crown, they can help. Or go on forums online

[@parwaryassin3834]

can someone tell me what is the most powerful and best option of this car model , and how i can now it’s a g packed or premium ? please answer

[@MattCaseyFun]

Fastest would probably be the base grade because it doesn't have all the features, meaning it would be lighter. G Package is top of the line in terms of luxury

[@flinthamilton1]

Those black things are to chuck the wheels if you are jack the car up or u parking on a hill etc

[@MattCaseyFun]

Thanks, I thought they were chocks of some sort but didn't want to say it in case it was incorrect

[@cs_gt6198]

The Grs184 top speed is actually 270+ km/h. It was tested in Russia.

[@MattCaseyFun]

Wow that's crazy! Were these sold by Toyota in Russia? If so I wonder if they removed the speed limiter

[@maximevtushenko1298]

@@MattCaseyFun No. Russia is LHD, so Toyota sell there only European cars. However, because of the closeness to the japan, 90% people in Eastern Russia imported tons of jdm cars back in the day. They have a lot of mods for JDM cars, such as russification of the head units, etc. So, I guess they just somehow deleted speed limiter

[@albin_ljungqvist]

Sadly the stability control cannot be turned off with the pedal dance. You have to rip out the abs denso to do skids.

[@MattCaseyFun]

Thought that might be the case, I think the pedal dance even works on the GS350 (literally the rebadged version of this car!!!!) 😡

[@albin_ljungqvist]

@@MattCaseyFun Ye it's scuffed

[@JDMNZ]

Theres a wire under the steering wheel you can cut and put a switch on which disables the vsc entirely without disabling abs.

[@saebaliu]

Help! Brother, my 184 computer screen stuck there saying map data incorrect and hard disk high temperature. What can I do? 😢😢

[@MattCaseyFun]

The maps won't work if you import the car, or if the car leaves Japan. I don't know about the hard disk high temperature though sorry 😢

[@kennygadau1774]

Helow have u travelled with the car yet, liks a long trip, and how much km did a full tank give u, And can i know the speed u were travelling at,

[@MattCaseyFun]

I haven't gone on a long journey, but I think it would get 500+ kilometres out of a tank. I normally go at 110 km/h

[@JDMNZ]

I own one they are extremely good on gas i can easily get 7-8L per 100kms on a long trip consistantly. I think the tank is 71L so can get 700kms per tank for sure. Average mixed is around 5-600kms and theres usually around 10L still in the tank when i fill up even though it says its empty. Even around town if you drive well they are very good on gas.

[@PinkPyroGame]

ah man, i bought a silver grs184 60 or 50th anniversary model (can't remember) from a dealership for 16k back in 2021 i loved that thing! never used the sunroof though l o l, it was a wonderful car and the price that they go for is just astounding, (plus the stock power great) you literally can't get any other car like that for that sort of price. i felt that my crown was starting to act a bit weird with the transmission (and since no one knows how to fix these fucking things because they're imports) (plus no mechanic i took it to wanted to work on it) before i traded it in, (i lost 5k lmao) but i got a 1 owner black 6.0L V8 Holden caprice with 99,000kms that has so many professionally done modifications to it that i don't care lol

[@MattCaseyFun]

That's sick as, did yours have the leather? I'd like a sunroof without leather but barely ever see them come up for sale Yeah nice, the Caprice would be a rad car too, what mods has it got?

[@PinkPyroGame]

@@MattCaseyFun yeah it had leather it was a very comfy car, and the caprice it was a one owner car when i bought it has a full xforce exhaust system with headers, vcm intake, electronic throttle controller, aftermarket alarm system, upgraded suspension, upgraded rotors, genuine hsv r8 black wheels, i think that's everything, much like the crown the caprice wouldn't do bluetooth so i bought this carpuride thing its a apple car play unit i have it mounted on my air-vent it works great and it enables me to also have a reversing camera! i do miss central locking and the headlights that aim around corners from the crown though :(

[@cookies7531]

What fuel consumption did you get?

[@PinkPyroGame]

@@cookies7531 11.6L/100 I Got 550KMS a tank no driving on the weekends driving 40kms every weekday.

[@davidt7965]

Any idea how many airbags this car has? Can’t seem to find info on this anywhere..

[@MattCaseyFun]

I'm not sure sorry, it would probably be the same amount as the Lexus GS350, maybe IS350 too

[@daddygaming6824]

i think it has 6 airbags

[@louytoghouj7947]

At the minute 47:38 what are these point for... To bend the back seats???

[@MattCaseyFun]

47:38 is the end of the video 😞 are you talking about those little hooks behind the back seats? I'd imagine you'd put things like coathangers (maybe baby seat harnesses?) on it, who knows lol

[@louytoghouj7947]

@@MattCaseyFun Yes.. The hooks behind the back seats... Because i have the same car... I couldn't understand they are use for... I believe you are righ... Thax

[@user-gx4sc9ef5y]

Two things I don't like on 184. First the boot was really heavy compare to others.Second, the cruise control didnt provied any info on dashboard only one word "cruise" when u set the speed unlike my subaru will show "cruise" and "set " separately on the dashboard. Other than that I quite like it, I think S180 crown looks way better than S190 GS

[@LifeOfTuners]

30:04 are they wheel chocks?

[@MattCaseyFun]

A few other people have suggested that they are, so I reckon you're right 👍

[@louytoghouj7947]

Actually i have the same car and the same color... The car is amazing and conformable.... And for a daily basis drive its very convenient and conformable and reliable with cool options i dont think you need more...... By the way if anyone interested to import this car pls contact us here we can arrange for this

[@deathrager2404]

needs a manual...

[@louytoghouj7947]

@@deathrager2404 there is no manual of this model ... All are automatic with tiptronic gear

[@deathrager2404]

@@louytoghouj7947 so u cant put a manual in by swapping transmission? you actually think i dont know that they were factory made with automatics only? lol

[@louytoghouj7947]

@@deathrager2404 i did not say you don't know... You might be an expert as many of the guys..... Just it was a reply to you comment...... Get one and do what ever shit you want in it

[@louytoghouj7947]

@@deathrager2404 for sure you can.... What ever you want you can do if you have the knowledge of how to do it.... Tesla npw they modified it tp be with V8 engine.... Get what ever car you want and do what ever ypu want genius

[@Andychengg]

I got a module that made the factory head unit compatible with Apple car play

[@MattCaseyFun]

There's a few routes you can go with it, was it expensive?

[@Andychengg]

@@MattCaseyFun I got mine for around 500cad so not too outrageous

[@user-gx4sc9ef5y]

@@Andychengg I live in BC and wants to add carplay to my 184 too, I find a company can do that but they were in AU . Can u tell where I can get that module?

[@seanlovi8798]

Music at 42:50 Please

[@cookies7531]

What is the real world fuel consumption in L/100km?

[@MattCaseyFun]

Don't really remember sorry, probably 10L/100 around town, a bit better than that on the highway

[@bobaphat3676]

why are these cars so fast ? Gearing ? Power to weight?

[@MattCaseyFun]

Who knows, perhaps Toyota has refined their drivetrain and transmission stuff because they had to deal with max 206kw for 20 years, had to find ways to make their cars faster without upping engine power. 1600kg isn't stupidly heavy, low down power of the V6 probably helps too

[@bobaphat3676]

@@MattCaseyFun cheers, nice video.

[@MattCaseyFun]

@@bobaphat3676 Thanks, put together poorly but hope it has some substance haha

[@jacksimmons1910]

Does it do skids ?

[@MattCaseyFun]

Ooh you betcha baby

[@MattCaseyFun]

Well, it does burnies. TRC/ABS poos itself when you're trying to go round corners

[@99Lezard99]

pretty sure the crown is a slot lower then s class or 7 series. Celsior is on that Level

[@bulleto8192]

40:48 whelp guess you called it

[@MattCaseyFun]

Hahaha didn't even think prices would go over $2 a litre

[@worldhello1234]

@0:11 Even bedda, Aussie bloke, it has 312 horsepower. 😘 If you live in Australia, you have to chance next to nothing to make it road legal.

[@MattCaseyFun]

311hp 😘 the metric system is superior (except when I express pressure in psi because bar is stupid lol) What do you mean?

[@harryantoniou3531]

The black things are chokes to put on you tyres so car will not roll

[@weishen5938]

34:04 0-100 in 5S? wtf Should I get one then in WA? 39:30 Crap car come on JDM is the best!

[@MattCaseyFun]

They'd be slightly slower with other factory options such as a sunroof etc. 39:30 oi the Focus was just plain fun. Not too heavy, easy to sling around corners

[@bts-xn5tg]

Hey Matt I am in Melbourne, about to put 18000 grant on 2006 athlete with 96000ks... Do you thinks its a good car for long term. I really like 1jz athlete but this one seems more powerful... Appreciate your help...

[@MattCaseyFun]

I think for the money, the GRS184 is way better value. JZ tax hit the 1J hard so you're paying for the engine. The GRS184's V6 is powerful enough, plus it's newer and comfier etc

[@bts-xn5tg]

@@MattCaseyFun powerwise do you thing grs184 can be modded to be faster? 1jz in Melbourne are over 23 grant and I am worried the turbo might fail.Do you still own the car? Any issues

[@MattCaseyFun]

Probably not a lot more without adding a supercharger (they do make superchargers for the 2GR but they're hard to find). Intake and exhaust and maybe a tune would help a little bit, but dunno if it'd be worth the money. Stock was more than good enough for me. I had no issues with mine, sold it a year ago

[@bts-xn5tg]

@@MattCaseyFun Yea... I am a biker so not looking for crazy power 0 to 100 at 5.5 will make me happy. Did you test drive the 1jz w? Was ot fast 0 to 100.Also curious why you sold it.. 🙄

[@MattCaseyFun]

Ah cool, definitely fast enough for me. Didn't test drive a 171, I did own a 2000 Toyota Century and that was a lot more old school luxury compared to my Crown. Sold it because it was an investment