USED Toyota Crown (S150) - STILL better than some modern cars!

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Despite being nearly 30 years old, the Toyota Crown S150 is still amazingly reliable. Easily beating out its Euro competitors of the same age, and surprisingly, still better quality than some cars that are only a few years old.
So if you're after a family sedan with a bit of uniqueness this could be the car for you. Although, there are still a few things to consider because all of them are imported. In this video we do a deep dive on what they're like to own and what goes wrong with them.
Massive thanks to Cult & Classic! Browse their stock here - cultandclassic.com.au/
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Skip ahead:
00:00​​​​​​​ - Intro
00:12 - Exterior
04:43 - Interior
12:20 - Safety
12:41 - What's it like to drive?
15:48 - Mechanical issues
17:23 - Should you buy it?
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Used car buyer's guide here 👉 • ULTIMATE used car buye...
Cheat Sheet here 👉 redriven.com/cheat-sheets/use...
#toyota #crown #toyotacrown #jdm #import #carreview #carreviews #carexpert #automotive #auto
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[@helinoob]

I burst out laughing when i heard jim say "still more reliable than a f**king kia" 😂 keep up the good work guys!

[@RichieRouge206]

So did I 🤣

[@NicolleWanessa97]

Guys common as a Kia owner iam here to say in defense of human rights is a SIN u can't undone will be stained on u, chasing u down whatever and forever and ever u go.

[@djpirtu2]

I have a KIA 😢

[@markw3658]

Watching all the way from Africa Uganda. Bought a Subaru Forester 2006 after watching a review from this channel. I love that they cover such old cars.

[@jamesmcgowen1769]

I hope all is well with you and yours in Uganda! Nice to see a Ugandan onboard this channel. Take care mate

[@markw3658]

All is well. Thanks. Take care.

[@trogdortheburninator8149]

Hello Uganda! ❤

[@simonmanners4108]

Toyota Crown owners groups… “you guys are awesome”, Tesla owners groups… “you guys are assholes”.

[@michaelhastings7441]

That super plush fabric is actually wool because in japan its frownd upon to sweat and wool doesnt make you sweat 😊

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

It's also warmer than leather in the winter months.

[@dhanihartanto3332]

and doesnt make noises like leather

[@jimbaloni1877]

My granddad used to drive one of these around 30 yrs ago and I only got to ride in it a few times as a kid but I remember it being one of the nicest rides ever. Then a few yrs later he sold it for a W201 merc during that infamous biodegradable wirings era and you can guess what happened lol. Our neighbor still drives his beige S150 Crown as his daily... God i wish we still kept ours

[@mmorwood92]

Did you use the glass to shut the door?!?! Oh man that’s messed up.

[@jaynekk1]

xD

[@oldsparky14]

Toyota Crown , The Legend of japan

[@TwiztedJugallo]

When my man said "still more reliable than a fkn BMW" I couldn't agree more as an X5 owner. My dad has a '97 3.4L V6 Prado and all he ever did was replace a master clutch pump in fkn 30 years almost. Me, well... fck BMW.

[@MalHanson]

Two things - 1) There is no way that I would have thought that that car was smaller than a Mazda 6, and... 2) This particular example is absolutely immaculate!

[@tomy8339]

I'm laughing at the doilies on the upper seat backs. If my late mother was comparing this Crown next to my current Kia Stinger, she would urge me to get the 30 yr Crown just for the doilies. 😂 👑

[@Hannah_Grey]

I might upgrade my Commodore with an aftermarket doily and net curtain pack.

[@steveallen1340]

Many moons ago I owned a 1989 Camry V6 (that model was made in Japan), this interior reminds me of that that car. I miss my 80’s Toyota.

[@Bazoozoos]

Jim going off lol

[@TwistedDonners]

Any Crown, Majesta or Century I'd have in a heart beat. I think Hullsy might have a bit of a distain for 90s euro luxury but I could be mistaken 🤔😂 Brilliant job on this video guys and I look forward to Sunday's video as per usual 👍

[@ravipeiris4388]

Here in the States, we had the Crown from 1958-1972 and it resurfaced again in 2023 ❤.

[@Andronicus2007]

They're good cars, but c'mon imagine the headaches of an old, imported car not sold here. Good luck with getting good insurance rates, parts/support etc.

[@carfarmsocial]

£1500 paid at a UK auction last month for an absolutely immaculate example which I personally viewed. Couldn't believe it, unfortunately I wasn't the buyer

[@darroncrick9993]

Skip the Crown and just buy a s/h locally delivered Lexus. Just as nice and no parts issues.

[@daweigo6851]

Good point😮

[@Baker_7498]

most locally delivered lexus have 300,000+ kms on them, much easier to find low km cars from japan

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

​@@Baker_7498Depends on your market. Here in the UK Lexus's tended to be bought by older retired people, so there are plenty of low mileage examples on the used market.

[@BigPoppa94]

@@AWMJoeyjoejoe Getting around in Australia requires lots of kms, its normal for people to do 50-100km a day

[@malsmith2012]

Absolutely beautiful!! That wool interior looks so soft and comfy.. What a beautiful car.. And just have to say how much of a legend Jim is!

[@abcbcd1834]

You guys are still the best channel for older/2nd-hand car reviews on youtube. Fantastic video. Would love to see you guys review a mk4 LS400 as well. Interested to see how that compares to the Crown considering they're quite visually similar and top of the range models from the same company

[@mighty_bunny]

Someone probably commented it already but a standard composite AV signal can go through a 3.5mm jack, often with the other poles used for audio. This was most commonly seen on the TV output on digital cameras and camcorders. (Clarification if needed: Composite video is the one you might remember going through a yellow RCA connector.)

[@anakinskywalker4113]

Yes yes & yes these things are legendary & for good reason. A well sorted example will have plenty of life left. Absolutely brilliant.

[@carlmoll3345]

Love it. My family bought Early Australian built Crowns. Even they were exceptional back then!

[@yashrathod7259]

Used to have an s170 crown majesta and would love to hear your take on it. Need to see a review from you guys on it asap. As always love ur vids

[@azcarter4389]

God you guys love your bloody Toyota's. So do I though, so keep em coming. I'd like to see a really in depth look at VY vs VZ commodore's. Particularly Jim's take on reliability.

[@liberty0758]

Had a basic VY Executive for almost 10 years. The most reliable car I've ever owned.

[@azcarter4389]

@@liberty0758 I had a VY Berlina and I really would love to have it again. The Seats were so darn Comfortable.

[@onemoreplane]

I really love your reviews guys so unbiased. If you ever get your hands on a Toyota Vanguard, please review it. 🥳. Huge fan from Zambia 🇿🇲

[@wilydimayuga519]

There should be an uncensored or japanese-dubbed version of those bleeps 😂 love the video! Good job, mates!

[@Twraus]

Loved it, thanks Grant

[@RichieRouge206]

I know people se their arses and say you love Toyota as you are always praising them. So is the Car Wizard over in the States. But they don’t realise or mire likely their egos don’t like the fact that these Toyotas are actually bloody car cars. Period. My friend had a JDM import Crown and it was utterly beautiful and just a lovely place to be. The 2J under the bonnet was sublime and that wool on the seats is so vastly nicer and harder wearing than leather. I wish I had it over my leather seats. Jim cracked me up 🤣 but he’s absolutely right - new cars are utter sh*t and don’t hold a candle to the actual engineering quality of these. Period. I mean look at the upset caused when the LS400 appeared on the scene - and this is basically an LS400 underneath so zero surprises at the engineering ability. Awesome video guys

[@mrkhan2983]

please review Toyota Mark X as well old and new Gen

[@saabiq1441]

"More reliable than a fken bmw" "More reliable than a Mercedes Benz" gotta love Jim

[@ddsgardening7437]

I'm so happy you said lounge not Chouch ,what a superb vehicle would love one

[@yo2trader539]

Toyota Crown is special in Japan because it is a model specifically designed for corporate executives and senior government officials with a chauffeur. It's also why used Crowns imported from Japan are in mint condition. They are not abused or neglected. They are taken care extremely well.

[@AnthonyMcPhee]

Hey guys great review. Since you've been checking out a car from Cult and Classic, can you test drive the Alto Lapin they have there? I'm curious about whether the power it has is enough for Aussie conditions (it doesn't have a turbo so it's less powerful and much less torquey than the Alto RS you tested)

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

Love it I wonder if they arrive in the UK

[@user-ud2qy8pj2o]

Possibly the same seat material as i had in my toyota celsiior, which i believe was wool.

[@classicbikeenthusiast3595]

My family has bought several cars from Justin at Cult and Classic (including an S150 Crown)! Highly recommend both.

[@uarifin]

Jim is hilarious, I love it

[@madmansprinkles]

Would love to see a review of the Nissan Cima Parts? Impossible to get, car was discontinued But they're sooo nice, got a ride in one like 20 years ago and still remember it to this day

[@murrieteacher]

They really are a great car. There is a place for one of these or maybe the Majestic in my dream garage. Thanks for the video.

[@1111EKA]

Those doily seat covers. Nice!

[@warrencramer4516]

When you have a really good look at it it reminds me of a Toyota Avalon... am i going nuts?

[@graeme9679]

My first 3 cars were Crowns, 1966 Deluxe ,full import (MS41), 1971 SE (MS55), 1974 SE (MS65), this one in Fireball red.

[@excalibur8213]

Very similar to the Lexus LS400 with the same 1UZFE V8 engine, brilliant engineering, power, luxury and amazing reliability. I own two LS400’s (one 92’ and one 98’) and they are actually better built than my Porsche 911!

[@jaynekk1]

90s Toyotas is peak engineering and build quality

[@RivO.Z]

i am planning on buying a JZS145. Any heads up i should look into or any advice if i should buy it or not?

[@barbarusbloodshed6347]

"Don't buy a rusty crayon." - got it.

[@ReDriven]

No one likes a rusty crayon

[@barbarusbloodshed6347]

@@ReDriven Especially Aussies :D I drove a Lexus LS400 for many years here in Europe, btw. So basically the same car. It was great, except for the few times when it had problems because the parts were expensive.

[@PatrickTCAPIreland]

This, the newer Crown and the Alphard are the taxi kings

[@hypnosismeditation7518]

Love the idea of a reliable, luxurious and unique JDM car however the age and potentially long wait for parts puts it outside my risk tolerance. A mid 2010s Lexus ES for an extra $10K makes more sense to a woos like me.

[@nigel.w]

What a friggin' cool car! Man, have these aged well.

[@karlborbelj7206]

I would love to hear the uncensored version 😅

[@recklessdrivinginsingapore]

Do the Toyota Mark X please!

[@karlborbelj7206]

Great car would love to hear what you guys think about the last of the Fairlane BF?

[@pablojones5613]

I own an 81 model. I love it.

[@MrZust1990]

Please make review for new raw4 (2019+). Can't decide between nx300h and rav4 hybrid. Both awd.

[@kapparill]

great stuff but i still think the what goes wrong segment should go back to where it was

[@PieterBreda]

Aussie humour is marvelous

[@chrisweeks6973]

I had the very similar 1992 Toyota Cressida, bought new, with the 3-litre DOHC 24-valve 7M-GE engine. It was a good, comfortable car and quite a sleeper performance-wise. Unfortunately, it had the known issue with those engines - discovered long after I'd bought mine - which was head gaskets. After it blew the second one in 2005, I chopped the car in. I know that subsequently the new owner had two more head gaskets blow on the car.

[@jim_jam_dseries]

I'd love those lace seat covers for my Civic ❤

[@sumosprojects]

Yeah I remember in an earlier model probably 80s Crown they were bloody awesome fun to drive 🇦🇺🍻

[@numaerislam9409]

Possibly the best gens of Crown alongside the S170 and the S210 gens in my opinion. And I hope to own one of any of these in future! 🙏

[@TheGrifCannon00]

These might be harder to find than the more popular S160 and the even newer S180, which is what I'm looking at getting.

[@Cyborgcustoms]

Time for an s180 series Crown review please!

[@pullingguard1527]

Can you please do an fzj105 and tb 48 patrol as diesel 4x4’s are too expensive for young people now and these are becoming more popular options for first time 4wd’ers

[@georgepappas4628]

Ha ha, Jim, you're a legend. Love how he sticks the boot into Kia, BMW and Mercedes 😂.

[@lukemothug3744]

Next review in the future please review a toyota crown wagon from early 2000s with 1jz-gte.

[@fb3824]

Yes, S180 crown owner here - unbelievably competent car. But I ditched the dollies - yuck!

[@laureus31]

The newest true 16gen AZSH32 are poping up in Japanese market now. Unfortunately only 2.5 hybrid and hydrogen power are offered.

[@tonysmith26]

We got into a taxi one of these in Nagoya last week. It had half a million on on it. Way tighter, smoother and quieter than any Aussie shit box taxi I’ve ever experienced.

[@evgeny7039]

I used to have one of those 20 years ago. Was a decent car

[@ultimablackmage]

I wish you could get some 80s & older cars to review.

[@afzGTR]

Love the 90s JDM Toyota interior

[@kallekas8551]

What a treat! Thanks!🫵😘

[@acendinganthony6737]

This comment not related to this car. But I reckon you guys should do a review on the RB Hyundai Accent. I know its a nothing special kind of car. But be interested on your review you guys have done the i20 and the i30 but not the accent and theres so many on the road.

[@DAh-xo8zm]

Today I learned about the following Japanese things. The "Poverty Spec" car category and the "Fat Animal" clothing brand for obese people in Japan. Truly a glorious and wonderful culture. Love it!

[@calebwhyte6957]

My realistic dream car

[@KeithVilla58]

No one is speaking about that Mini-Leak Under The Jazz that is Next to Jim🤣🤣🤣.

[@zacapps5029]

That USB ISF in the background i cant keep my eyes off of lol 😅

[@GamerGabbar]

I've had a S150 Crown Athlete with a 2JZ then followed by a Hybrid S206 (The kind which you reviewed not to long ago). Both in the absolute highest spec you could get and gosh I loved them so much. However, as someone who really likes enthuastic driving and interesting powetrains, The generations that followed didn't do it for me because they seem a little to "Boring". I currently have a 2014 C7 S6 and a 2018 540i Touring and they've been just as amazing to own in terms of reliability (My Crown hybrid had more issues that weren't hybrid related including overheating from a failed cooling system at 120,000kms) and far better to own in terms of performance and luxury. I guess at the end of the day it's down to what you're willing to deal with and if you're willing to familiarize yourself with new things if you're just going into German cars but if your hearts there you shouldn't compromise and just get a Crown

[@randomguyfromsrilanka]

I’ve been waiting for this one

[@blacktoothstavros2606]

I bought my car from Cult and Custom. Justin is a straight up nice guy that is quick to answer questions and has a lot of information about what is available.

[@IBOO57]

You mean Cult & Classic? Its Justin..

[@blacktoothstavros2606]

@@IBOO57 ooooops. It is. Fixed.

[@IBOO57]

@@blacktoothstavros2606 not on mine it still says Cult & Custom

[@CrimeVid]

Many years ago my father in law had a Toyota Crown estate, all I remember about the thing was that it was bloody gynormous compared to most cars on UK roads, frightened my wife to bits to drive it !

[@damilolaakanni]

If you can spend the extra time and money to spend on parts, go for it. If not, just get a Lexus LS400 and save yourself the headache of looking for parts anytime something breaks.

[@Vourn-75]

Looks like Australia and Malaysia are very much similar in most thing especially car....

[@martintownley5803]

I would love to buy a Crown or a Lexus GS for my next car. Unfortunately the mortgage has other ideas for my money. Have to make do with 2007 Aurion until the house is paid for

[@jamesg7883]

Love you Jim

[@pikachude5490]

The main issue i'd have with this crown, is why wwould I choose this over saving up just a little more and getting a v12 century

[@alanray124]

I own an S180, a lovely car❤

[@paulwang5213]

I needed more room, bigger boot, Toyota reliability. Answer? Toyota Crown Estate Athlete V. God I love this car!!

[@VilleTo78]

Is that a Willard remake?

[@thomasdight1267]

Are you from Victoria?

[@tomnewham1269]

I'd definitely choose a low mileage VT Commodore than this car. It still would feel just as good and getting parts will be a hell of a lot easier. Just finding a low mileage example is the hard part as most Commodores at this age will have around 250,000 km's. But the same would apply to the Crown, finding them that are in original condition with low km's will be hard.

[@catacavaco]

Posting my car review whislist here because who knows eh c43/63 amg any ford with the 2.3 ecoboost (mustang, focus, explorer, whatever) Tesla Model S

[@tgluak]

Oof don’t pay 20k for one of these. 3-4K AUD buys a mint one in Japan

[@BigPoppa94]

Which importer would you reccomend ?

[@paulhutchison]

Please review a Soarer!

[@Cruelaid]

*Jim* ✌🏼

[@confuzsays7196]

Maybe you're off to badminton today.

[@Hannah_Grey]

The only thing better than these cars is the wagon version.

[@realityflyer3155]

That dash looks like a 1996 Audi A6 - I had one... and apart from the steering wheel and the entertainment system/console - not much differnt.

[@dwindeyer]

Disappointed that you guys didn't mention this was a 30 year old car

[@ReDriven]

Should have mentioned it! Missed opportunity there

[@Techo1329]

What goes wrong? Make sure that prongs with metal watches, rings and bracelets haven't scratched the shit out of everything! Just kidding, keep up the good work.