Toyota Century - Perhaps the MOST EXQUISITE car we've ever seen! | ReDriven used car review

Check out the Toyota Century Cheat Sheet here: redriven.com/cheat_sheet/toyo...
Looking for a used Toyota Century? - carsforsale.com.au/toyota/cen...
This week we review what very well could be the most exquisite car we've ever seen - the Toyota Century.
Every square centimetre of this car has been built with the highest level of detail and precision possible. And, 20 years on it doesn't look like it's aged a day!
What did you think? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below and don't forget to subscribe to stay up to date with all of out latest content!
00:00​​​​​​​ - Intro
00:23 - What is it?
03:11 - What's it like to drive?
05:32 - How's the interior?
13:46 - Tech & safety?
14:53 - What goes wrong?
17:31 - How much is it?
18:20 - Fuel use, warranty & servicing
18:41 - Should you buy it?
USED CAR BUYERS GUIDE: • ULTIMATE used car buye...
#toyota
#toyotacentury
#japanese
---
At ReDriven, we’ll be taking you through the pros and cons of a huge range of used cars to see how well they’re going now that they’re a few years old, have thousands of kilometres on the clock, and are coming toward the end of their warranty, or maybe don’t have one at all.
Plus, thanks to our resident mechanic, Jim, you’ll find out what commonly goes wrong with them and what might need to be fixed.
Most importantly, we want to make ReDriven a voice for the most in-the-know used car experts there are...you guys.. See, you’re the ones that actually buy, live with, love and sometimes unfortunately hate the cars we’ll be reviewing.
So we want to hear your thoughts. Hit us up in the comments, or on Instagram and Facebook.
We’d love nothing more than for you to give us as much feedback as possible, so we can make this channel the best it can be.
Find us on:
INSTAGRAM: / redriven_official
FACEBOOK: / redrivenofficial

[@user-lu5sd1mn1u]

I am Japanese. In Japan, Century is a symbol of wealth. Toyota chooses who buys a Century. Century is basically a rich person and official car. So they're taking care of the Century's engine.

[@fl9pper]

That's amazing 😍

[@s0516122]

Wow. You're beginning your JDM coverage with the Century. Way to go!

[@vandur2322]

Wouldn't the Elgrand count as JDM? He has already done that

[@s0516122]

@@vandur2322 You're right. I haven't watched the Elgrand video.

[@josephlloyd5905]

ISF also

[@s0516122]

@@josephlloyd5905 Man, I should delete the comment, shouldn't I?

[@josephlloyd5905]

@@s0516122 nah mate you got a heart on it

[@richardsmith579]

Wool seats, now that really is luxurious. Peasants love their slippery, hot, sticky leather and I wish quality cloth was available for everyone.

[@dbanbury01]

The Century has the appearance of a mafia boss car and looks like it commands respect, whereas the other brands are driven by footballers and bankers.

[@gillo3139]

Has the appearance- as in it isn’t.

[@abogoni]

hahha so true 😎 i would actually think that if it was perfectly polished 😯 looks to much like a hollywood mafia car 😁

[@gradesixrapidsonly8453]

Replace the B for Bankers with a W and that is more accurate

[@magicspace_professor9247]

very well said

[@AsinineComment]

🤔 Hmmm... It sounds like *you* are a banker, and you resent the implication that your type is associated with those "other makes", @@gradesixrapidsonly8453. Oh dear.... 😟 So, do you bankers _not_ drive Maybach and S-Class Merc-Benzes, Rolls Royces, Bentleys, or Lexuses (Lexii?)?

[@danmccarthy4700]

Oh hell yeah. I'd go with a Century all day every day over a German or British rival. And I'm super psyched to finally see this review after pretty much watching it come together in the comments section of a previous video. I had a feeling you were going to dig the hell out of this car and I loved watching you enjoy it.

[@AsinineComment]

Really? Do you have a job so intensely stressful (but remuneration includes a personal driver), that the splendid isolation of the Century wins it for you? Or, do you just really *love* that foot-hatch thing, on the passenger side? 😄

[@danmccarthy4700]

@@AsinineComment Actually, yes. My job is insanely stressful... so the idea of a car that pretty much forces you to relax while driving is very appealing to me.

[@ultimateiphonedng8756]

The Century is incredible, love em and have almost pulled the pin a couple of times in the last few months. Fun fact, in Japan you can park a Century almost anywhere and be left alone by the Authorities. Whilst in Tokyo a few years ago I saw several Centuries parked in no park zones, even in Ginza, no issues at all. The Century is truly revered in Japan, probably the ultimate automotive statement.

[@_cohen]

The new one is even better omg 🔥🔥🔥

[@TheNoisyNinja72]

My wife (Japanese) best friends parents have a 2005 Century, and it's always a treat when going for a ride in it.

[@jackmehoff1840]

i was told being selected to work on the assembly line for these cars was seen as a great honor and prestige among Toyota engineers of the day, great video as always btw

[@TrinomCZ]

Not engineers, but craftsmen.

[@kristoffermangila]

In addition, the tools used by the craftsmen are bespoke, which means no two tools are alike.

[@gureno19]

In terms of issues - Exterior wise, alot of them suffer from rust at the base of the rear window due to an issue in the rear gutter/seal design. You'll see this with minor bubbling occurring around the rear window. This is a big job to fix properly. Interior wise, alot of issues with seat motors, such as headrests etc. This is also alot of fun to fix. Engine/driveline wise, they are old, and present various issues from airbag suspension failures to simple component failures that can some times be an issue to diagnose as no OBD2 plug in computers work with them and can't read fault codes. Additionally there are essentially two major variants in this body style. 2004+ onwards all have 6 Speed Automatics and cooled seats, and LED lights amongst other modern touches. The 6 speed also greatly improves hwy cruising as it drops the revs considerably over the 4 speed.

[@TrinomCZ]

Oh yeah, the ultrasonic headrest motors. Those are a lot of fun to fix (and they will eventually die again).

[@ReDriven]

Thanks so much for the input

[@gospelofrye6881]

I mean I'd be coming at it from a 1985 Alfa GTV6 so I'm imagining those issues are going to feel pretty manageable... MINOR rust bubbling you say? In the entire lower half of the car or just that window? 😂😂

[@marquaviouschester6947]

yeah, but how common are these problems? this is toyota we're talking about

[@gureno19]

@@marquaviouschester6947 Toyota or not, this isn't a Camry and was one of Toyota's most complex vehicles...that being said it's light years ahead of a Rolls Royce or Bentley etc in terms of reliability and cost to service.

[@harrisonbrazel440]

I’m all for sporty and nimble little cars, but there’s just something about a century that is so absolutely beautiful. Definitely a dream car of mine

[@darrengiggins1842]

I own one in the UK 🇬🇧. The best car I've even driven and likely I ever will. Attracts a lot of attention at every car show. Phenomenal.

[@KrAUSerMike]

Fact is the finish is not polish, it's Lacquer. The reason being so if you're getting out of the rear seats you can check yourself one last time with the reflection in the C pillar. Also it's applied by a Toyota certified 'Master Craftsman'. The whole car is made by 'master craftsmen' for each piece.

[@emmo2850]

Century is purebred class and sophistication with reliability. No other can compete. Maybach nor RR, this is absolute passion invented on wheels. Love it!

[@alexleishman1080]

I couldn’t help but think that rear legroom looked dismal for a limousine. And then you moved to the other back seat. Mind. Blown.

[@Santos.Sarmento]

Dear Adam, thank you for this special and spectacular video. I've known Century since the 90s and I believe that, at least for attentive enthusiasts, it began to be noticed after films like “Lost in Translation” (2003) and “Outrage” (2010). I watch and read everything I can on the subject and I almost always learn something new. But what makes this car especially rare is the gear shift on the steering column. A must! Greetings from Brazil.

[@marknelson5929]

One other interesting fact about these cars, is the quality of the timber work in the car, yes Adam it is real and I believe it was supplied by the YAMAHA CORPORATION that makes their top of the range Pianos - hence the very high quality.

[@RichieRouge206]

I adore these. And the quality would walk over anything premium from Europe. Period. A Merc S-Class would fall apart and have electrical failures after 10 years. Awesome video of an awesome car. I’d buy one in a heartbeat over anything else.

[@l.g.8028]

Thank you Adam for presenting us with such a great and magnificent car. I realized you enjoyed so much the making of this amazing video, lucky you! Thanks again and happy and successful New Year!

[@Rik_B_]

I believe the tubular pouch in the boot was for a feather duster to keep the Century clean And not just any old feather duster. It was ostrich feathers. Oh yes, Ostrich!

[@nicko6710]

A fluffer?

[@AsinineComment]

How he imagined it might be for golf clubs, is beyond me. 🤦🏼‍♂️ That "bag thing" he flipped out, is lined and waterproof. It could be for swapping wet/grassy golf shoes, for dress shoes, when one has several 'diplomatic' engagements in one's day. 😏

[@Gerryjournal]

In Japan, when chauffeur driven cars are parked, perhaps waiting for their passengers, you can often see the drivers running the feather dusters over the paintwork

[@colexoible6382]

just an extra note for Toyota's attention to detail. on the steering column there is a magnet to hold your keys together so they don't rattle.

[@arvimamesah1847]

Love to see classic Japanese Car reviews, one of my favorites. Great work ReDriven!

[@TrinomCZ]

Great review, but I'd like to correct couple of your mistakes: - Production was 1997 - 2017. Yes, 2017, with the major update somewhere around 2005. - The walkman is just a walman. It has no record capabilities. - The microphone input is pretty much just for karaoke. It does even slightly decrease the volume of the music, once you plug your mic in. - The door of that compartment between front seats is electrically operated. You shouldn't push and pull the cover at all, unless it's broken. There is a button to the top right from the cover. - 4-speed transmission until the update in 2005, then 6-speed. - Common problems: alternator, heater valve, tail light ECUs. - Normal consumption is below 12 l / 100 km on highway and a bit more in city. You shouldn't go beyond 20/100 even in rush hour.

[@ReDriven]

Thanks heaps!

[@V4YGR3]

finally bought one (from 2000), still waiting for it to be shipped to my country! Super excited to finally drive it.

[@peterhess6039]

Best review ever!! Love it !!

[@rorynesta7766]

dont forget the Century's engine was put into Smokey Nagata's Top Secret supra and twin-turboed to make 1000hp.

[@ethandixon8740]

Wow this thing is absolutely beautiful and a memorable history behind it as I am a HUGE Toyota fan, and this car is so luxury. Glad you guys made a review on it. Luv the vids and Kp up the good work!🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ReDriven]

Couldn't agree more!

[@TwistedDonners]

The predictable marques that you mentioned are basically fashion accessories with wheels where as the Century is basically a drivable work of art so I'd hands down take the Century of its rivals. I was so hoping you were going to do a mob boss style voice over for the Century as you kept mentioning the yakuza in the video but alas you didn't lol 😆. A hell of a way too finish the year off with a car like this. Definitely a give me car lol 😆. Bloody brilliant video to finish the year off guys and hope you guys and the team have a great and safe New Year and look forward to seeing what new heights you guy hit and what you've got in store for next year👍.

[@Nebs1]

The timing of this video is amazing. I’ve been thinking about buying one of these for the past few weeks

[@mikaelwiberg2938]

This is the best car mankind has ever made.

[@timmcknight1418]

I live in Japan and see these around every so often, more so a few years ago so many of them have probably been sent overseas now by enthusiasts. Most are black, but I've seen a couple of slate-grey ones in the neighborhood. Never knew they're V-12s!

[@ozinkent]

Thank you!!! Bloody love this channel... Shared a bunch with mates. Aussie living in UK ATM, so gr8 to hear your voices and great coverage on cars. Perfect amount of information and laughs through out. Top stuff guys. I've actually been looking at a Toyota Crown... V12 be too juice for me!

[@ReDriven]

Cheers Andrew!

[@taydencornish]

amazing video, just love watching all your content!

[@squishy6153]

Such an awesome looking car 😍 Drove past a youngish guy driving one this afternoon.

[@paulanderson7796]

Your reviews and content are perfectly judged. The balance of sheer objectivity and subjective opinion is superb. There are many journalists, not just in the motoring world, who could learn a lot from you. Nice stuff.

[@siobob1]

Just spotted one for sale on FB. Had never heard of this vehicle, really impressive.

[@adamhayden5152]

Yes I would 100% own one. I’m not a fan of Japanese cars or Toyota for that matter. But it’s a beautiful car that has literally the best build quality. And that v12! I love the idea of wool interior. Such a cool car

[@johnnylima9632]

Wow, what an incredibly eye-opening video. Always been a Toyota fan, specifically due to it’s reliability, hence why my daily for the last 12 years has been a Hilux. But I’ve never ever heard about this absolutely magnificent machine called the Century. Great stuff. Wish to come across one some day. Ps:As I’m typing this from sunny South Africa, I’m bewildered how this vehicle is not a staple for more African dictators due to it’s obvious advantages lol Keep up the fantastic work as always guys 👍

[@suomenpresidentti]

They would not sell it new outside Japan.

[@CertifiedSlamboy]

I cannot explain how much I want one of these.

[@wilydimayuga519]

Nice review! Always wanted to have this since I learned about it!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@tomelliott8096]

Nice work my guys! Great video and I’m depth review. Keep the JDM VIP scene going with a review of a Crown next please! Subscribed xx

[@Hybrid_Adventurers]

What an amazing review, guys and What an exceptional piece of machinery, its amazing how many of these features moved forwards, its exactly why I have a ls460 and jzs147 aristo. Toyota/lexus just seem to smash the others with quality/value.

[@acerudy5815]

Iv owned mine for just over a year now and absolutely love it in every way. They are however getting more expensive I brought mine for 18k nzd and could sell it today for 25-30k so if your on the fence about getting one don't wait to long because by the looks of it they will be demanding Rolls-Royce money soon.

[@Dedsec499]

I took a pic of one of these at a car show it was amazing

[@glensubtorq]

Definitely, with a great sound system and cruise with the flow 😎

[@Dick.n.B-RockShow]

This was always a poster car of mine as a teenager in the 90s ❤️ Would drive one all day long

[@mrkhan2983]

such a beautiful car

[@daveseghemb]

An excellent review on the Toyota Century. Loved it.

[@ReDriven]

Glad to hear it!

[@peterambrose2148]

You guys should also do a review on the URS206 Majesta F package ( 4 seater model) Thats more like the S class and i bet you will have fun reviewing it!

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Wow amazing car. Would buy one of these over any MB, BMW, Rolls Royce/Bentley. The nearest I got to travelling in one of these was that my late dad had a Toyota Crown MS55 in the late 1960's. Okay it didn't have the level of luxury that the Century has but it had many luxury features such as a self seeking radio, you could adjust the radio from the back seat and several other features that didn't exist on other cars in the 1960's.

[@onecookieboy]

There is a Century in my home town (in New Zealand), it's got big alloys, dark tinted windows and has had all the chrome covered in matte black. It is a very cool car.

[@EzzaLeo]

You had me at V12 ❤️

[@reaperxi-0382]

Best reviews on KZbin. Period.

[@ReDriven]

Wow… thank you!

[@buzzliteyear11]

Never heard of a Toyota Century before, now I know, and wow for old school this car is amazing.

[@josephlownang6992]

Good video mate, which year and how many km on clock

[@brainsmatterpodcast]

Love these, just wish the controls were in English 😊 lovely V12! One of my bucket list cars. The only thing that worries me about JDM cars is if you need parts.. Saw one with L plates in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago… what a car to learn in!

[@brainsmatterpodcast]

Clean the blood out 😂😂😂

[@digitaltheatre7000]

Man, this is my favourite Redriven video!😂

[@maxwood192]

I have had Toyota's all my life, I just drive them and service them, basically no repairs required. My every day driver is 2010 Rav 4 with 2020,000 km on the speedo, all I have done is the front brakes and a couple of head ights and two batteries , just amazing. Yes no car is perfect but they are good. I would love a Century, for my Sunday driver.

[@HRDNTS]

The higher spec Dual EMV model is cooler cos you get a TV in the back with either a VHS player or DVD player (depending on the year). The curtains in the rear are also cool - electric on the back window and it auto opens when you select reverse. The column shift is added cool factor over the trans tunnel mounted ones. Your supposed to have the car on and press the top button in the row next to the center storage bin though mate - hope the little motor is ok after you manually opened it haha. Wood is real - all from the same tree apparently so it all matches up in colour etc. Seats have pocket springs in the base. Normally its just layers of different foams in car seats. You can also flip the front passenger seat headrest forward so the laid back rear passenger can get a better view forward.

[@karlfarrugia1204]

This is the best segment you have ever done.

[@mdebarchez]

Absolute dream car 🤩

[@TomVasquez-qb7xo]

I just purchased one. 1991 super clean

[@rey073]

Another Century trivia fact that will bore guests at your next dinner party: If you go to 15:30 mark you will obviously notice that the front and rear window angles copy the exact angles of Mt Fuji as seen from the bedroom window where designer, Nasi Goreng would design cars as a boy.

[@Penguinracer]

Simply exquisite. The car connoisseur's choice....and i say that as a German car fan. The understatement is sublime and in total contrast to the attention-seeking aesthetics of modern Rolls-Royce.

[@andyh5666]

Nice one team.

[@vipphil]

Nice to see some coverage on this car, its a shame a lot of bits are missing off that one you reviewed along with the optional extras. Also it was manufactured till 2017 not 2007 😊

[@MattCaseyFun]

I'm an Aussie and I imported one from Japan. A couple weeks ago I ddove it from Adelaide to Deniliquin in NSW (8 hour drive) to swap for an 86 and driving the Century was the most comfortable road trip I've ever been on. Mind you the cruise control stoped working at 108 km/h so I had no choice but to sit on 130 most of the drive. Mine had the leather (arguably worse than the wool) and had a little screen above where the remote is in the back, where the LED screen is. Also had a screen in the front where the clock is with maps, but they didn't work and I was apparently driving through the middle of fields and houses in Kobe lol Is cool thinking the Yakuza drove these, but most people reckon they drove LHD Mercs :(

[@lukemothug3744]

I heard the Yakuza Car of choice was a Nissan Fuga.

[@MattCaseyFun]

Oh yeah could be, let's be honest none of us would know without joining the Yakuza haha

[@borisjohnson6809]

Speed limit 110 bro 😉

[@MattCaseyFun]

Looks like the speed limit in Japan is 100 km/h so that would explain it. NT does have 130 speed limits, a Century would be nice on those roads lol

[@vandur2322]

@@MattCaseyFun There are no limits over 110kmh in Australia anymore. If you know of an exception please let me know.

[@scubatrucker6806]

I love theses 😎👍👍. It has a tool case in the trunk next to the Petro door pull.

[@David-sb7vg]

Wow! Never seen one, thought the Crown was the flagship. The paint, the wool, the wood, the secret bed!! Take a bow Toyota craftsmen and women 👍👍

[@benparsons6148]

Awesome car! I love it’s ‘Toyota-ness’; in that it has the same switchgear as my current model Prado 😂. Would love to know what insurance on it costs though!

[@abogoni]

i love centuries ❤️ i am totally going to get one when i retire 😁 the the paint will be like glass 😎 omg 🤔 how did they know we would have large smart phones in the future 😯 and design for that

[@davisnguyen3929]

Yes would own one!

[@Cammo-vp1gl]

What are the power and torque figures for the V12? Beautiful car, enjoyed the review.

[@allanlees299]

Regarding the front center section storage bin with the self-raising interior platform: just press the button and wait. It opens itself slowly and smoothly. Manually pulling the cover open can damage the mechanism. Also, regarding the exterior paint: it is designed to be a "black mirror" so that when the occupant emerges from the rear they can glance quickly at themselves using the C-pillar and check everything is in order before turning to face the crowds. To be permitted by Toyota to hand-paint this vehicle one must serve a four-year apprenticeship under the tutelage of an existing paint master.

[@7Fields16llc]

I will take this car. I love the build quality and design.

[@abdulhasanishadiliparveez3021]

Beautiful car. Great to drive. I'd love to own one in the future. The current generation century would also give the s-class a run for it's Monday.

[@markchesterfield6118]

L.O.V.E. ! ❤ I totally get it and couldn't agree more. Don't stress, you'll have that KZbinr's multi-car garage before you know it...

[@andysaunders3708]

There's one 3 streets away from me. Beautiful car, I swear it, having seen it in the flesh.

[@olivervaldes4223]

I picked up a century with leather seats and chrome exhaust pipes and rims looks like a yakuza special. Dealer said they are all unique.

[@htimmermans1938]

I love it!

[@jwmurphyccsis]

Excellent car and would love to buy one as it is so unique and cool

[@danielhanna160]

Loved this review. I was tossing up between one of these and an LS460 but the Lexus won based on tech and safety

[@AsinineComment]

Are you in Straya, and was considering buying a Century here? The Century was never sold here (explaining why it's not a problem that the controls' labelling is in Japanese). I wouldn't expect there'd be more than half a dozen or so, across the entire continent. [EDIT - Whaddya know - there's quite a few here! I've just found 16 Century (plural or collective?) on just one popular sales site. Some have a V8: 4L in a late 1st generation example; 5L + mild hybrid system, in a 3rd gen.)

[@ALBERT-oj1vn]

The ultimate luxury taxi 👌 every airport needs few of these old but cool V12 babies

[@jeffrollason1190]

Should do a review on the Nissan Cedric !!! The Toyota Century was hand painted, a classic car !!!

[@itsnotagsr]

I had that same Walkman in the 90s 😁

[@m.b8257]

I am a Toyota fan boy, I own a 2022 Lexus ES, and I’d buy a Century in a heartbeat.

[@jasperpike242]

I'd love one

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

I would love to have one of these. Yes, I know it doesn't make sense, but I envisage one of these parked beside my MX5 (that I don't own), with my 911 (that I don't own, either), in my four car garage (that I don't own). Oh well, until then, the ute and the Civic will have to do.

[@rob327c]

Saw one in Brisbane the other day.

[@davidmulligan42]

I have a Lexus LS 460, and I'd love to replace it with a Century. We can get the '97s and (in a few days) the '98s here in the US. There's an importer 405 miles from my house. Good thing it's not closer or I might have succumbed to the temptation already, but one of these days I'll have to go test drive one.

[@TheGrifCannon00]

Always wanted one of these, actually I kinda want to own a fleet of them, perfect for weddings and VIP ride sharing. Everyone shows up in an S Class, nobody would show up in one of these.

[@neilieb3740]

These cars are really Boss and executive. Even here in the Caribbean, it's a status symbol of sorts, just it's attainable for most working class. In my lifetime I could never own a Rolls, but definitely when I get one of these, I would be cool. From what we can see, ageing Rolls or even those more expensive Luxury, cars, are nightmarish to have repaired and don't have such good reliability, once they reach a certain age.

[@varioroof2268]

40 年前、後席に乗せて貰った事がある、フワフワの乗り心地、何より静かな事に驚いた。

[@harryjackson9730]

I’ve adored these ever since I saw Regular Car Review’s video on them … truly another level of luxury!

[@riccccccardo]

I dont know why more KZbinrs don’t have this car!

[@prit04]

I bought a Japanese import. Just point your Google translate camera at the Japanese buttons and you can navigate reasonably well. I’ve connected my phone via Bluetooth to my Japanese stereo using this method and it’s fairly straightforward

[@edstraker8451]

A real Bond villain car. I want one!

[@thomasbroich5439]

My God - I want one. Thanks!

[@TANITOSGAMING]

I never thought about driving a car like pouring cream into a bowl 🤣🤣 The description is bloody genius

[@bernardquasaar1254]

There's a mitsubishi CEO's car that's insane in a National Lampoon Family Vacation sense. If you can find one it's super interesting too. I saw a few when I lived in Japan in the early 2000's