Used Toyota Century for sale

The Toyota Century, a luxury four-door limousine, is well-known for being used by the Imperial House of Japan, the Prime Minister of Japan, high-level executive businessmen and senior leaders of the Japanese government.

Let’s head to find out deeper about this 60-years old car to learn more about its heritage and highlighted features to offer on the road.

Toyota Celica Throughout The History

Toyota began manufacturing the Century in 1967, and this model did not receive any big change until a redesign in the year 1997. The name of this car is derived from the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries.

First Generation (1967 - 1997)

In November 1967, the first generation of the Century was launched to replace the Crown Eight which was Toyota’s flagship saloon in the Japanese market. Every aspect of the vehicle was designed to provide a showcase of Toyota’s engineering skills.

Raising the bar with elaborate craftsmanship and world-class standards, Toyota developed every component of the Century from scratch. Its design was mainly focused on emphasizing traditional Japanese styling rather than American taste, which had become a hot trend in the Japanese market at that moment.

As the Century was the first Japanese car manufactured for chauffeuring, Toyota gave it as many automated devices as possible. The Century was also the first Japanese car having air suspension which ensured a comfortable, smooth ride for its passengers.

Its engine was an upgraded version of the Crown Eight’s V8, providing a larger capacity. Its transmission was a 3-speed automatic transmission.

Although few revisions interrupted the comforting constancy of the Century, the car still stayed at the cutting-edge of luxury transport over the years as it had many rare features such as massaging seat, self-leveling suspension, automatic climate control, and  the world’s first optical fiber multiplex communications system.

The biggest change occurred in October 1989 when Toyota added to the range a limousine version with a longer cabin and an extended wheelbase.

Second Generation (1997 - 2016)

In April 1997, Toyota fully redesigned the Century for the first time after 30 years. The new design inherited the understated, majestic styling which was a key factorial of its identity.

However, the mechanical components of the Century were totally updated in order to catch up with the development of technology in 30 years and re-establish its market position.

In the second generation, Toyota aimed to bring ride comfort and unmatched relaxation to passengers, through a new interior design which paired bespoke functionality with refined styling.

Compared to the previous generation, the new Century has a significantly extended length, wheelbase and height. It was also designed with a new shock-absorbing Global Outstanding Assessment body and 6 cabin airbags that made sure the new model passed prevailing crash protection legislation.

The second generation received a V12 engine, which was a bespoke 5.0L 48-valve unit tuned to create a flat torque curve - which is perfect to deliver the unruffled, smooth progress found in a luxury vehicle.

Third Generation (2018 - present)

The third generation of the Toyota Century was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2017. The car was available for sale on 22th June 2018, with prices starting from $180,000. The third generation offers 4 exterior colors which are: Radiant Silver Metallic, Red Mica, Shrine Blue Mica and Eternal Black.

The new generation maintains the traditional styling of the Century, while adding new upgrades and advances like Toyota T-Connect and Toyota Safety Sense P-series.

Different from other Toyota vehicles, that have the Toyota badge, and Hybrid cars which have a specific “Hybrid badge” on a blue background with an additional Lexus or Toyota badge, the Century doesn’t carry the Toyota designation or badge, instead it has the traditional Fushichō badge and the word “Century” in block letters on the trunklid.

This badge is one of the traditional Century design features which appeared first in the year 1967. Toyota gives to the new Century a lot of exclusive features.

The model now has a 20-inch LCD screen installed for rear seat passengers, letting passengers control many features and aspects as a comfort as well as playing video content.

A standard sound system comes with 20 speakers. The rear seats have massage feature with integrated heaters, a recline function as well as an adjustable power leg rest for the rear seat opposite the driver.

The third generation uses a hybrid powertrain which combines a 375-hp 5.0-liter V8 and a 221 hp electric motor for a total of 596 HP. It has the ability to deliver 13.6 kn per liter of fuel, approximately 32 miles per gallon.

What Should You Love About The Toyota Celica

Before getting to know the Celica details on highlighted features, let’s graph some basic specifications of the 1990-2000 Toyota Celica with our wrap-up table below.

Basic 1990-2000 Toyota Century specifications

Note that these 1990-2000 models are compatible for the US market as they meet the 25-year regulation on import vehicles. If you are interested in a more modern and up-to-date Century, feel free to contact Car From Japan for more information and suggestions.

Exterior & Interior

Just looking at the exterior of the Toyota Century, you can see the segmentation of this model compared to the regular cars on the market. Looking more closely at the exterior of the Toyota Century, you will see the outstanding classic shape and class that makes this model stand out.

With long, slender, graceful lines, the Century looks like a gentleman or an elegant lady that is difficult to match from cars in the same segment. The design language is simple but no less strong and sharp. It can be said that this is one of Toyota's most pleasing and detailed designs.

The Toyota Century will be a great companion on every road you go with added features such as a streamlined shape, a long and round hood, a spacious cabin, and a convenient design with a classic short floor.

Not only impressive with its luxurious, stylish shape decorated with sophisticated chrome plating, premium paint, and vertical taillights, the Century also has an additional Phoenix emblem on the front hood, a symbol of durability and regeneration.

Step inside the Toyota Century, and you will experience interior features that demonstrate the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the designers. A set of seats made from soft leather and wood trim combined with meticulously assembled leather trim. 

The front and rear seats have adjustment devices such as electric reclining, massage, and heating/cooling.

Not only that, this high-end car also owns a complete and modern dashboard information system, sound with quality bass speakers, and advanced driver support adjustment systems. 

Sitting in the Toyota Century, you will be surprised by the soundproof, noise-reducing space, which is an exceptional convenience and high-class quality.

Engine & Performance

When talking about the Century's V12 engine, it would be a big mistake if we did not mention its power and flexibility. It is a 5.0-liter engine that produces torque with a capacity of up to 276 hp, a powerful horsepower that helps you accelerate confidently. 

Another bright spot is that despite its large capacity, this engine is fuel-efficient thanks to the fuel-injected variable valve timing system.

Moreover, you will be impressed with the noise reduction technology and smooth operation that promises to bring pleasant and wonderful driving experiences. Sitting in a quiet cabin without the rumble of the engine, all show the sophistication and class of this flexible high-end car model.

Safety Features

A full-size car like the Century will prioritize advanced safety for the most secure and refined driving experience. Its design and structure have partly brought a feeling of solidity and sturdiness. Even in the event of an accident, it will also minimize the possibility of deep scratches.

In addition to the thick chrome-plated shell and sturdy chassis, Toyota Century also owns many front, side, and curtain airbags. It is one of the notable features which is fully equipped with all the corners that are easy to collide to protect passengers. 

Not only that, the ADAS driver assistance system, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning button, blind spot monitoring, and automatic braking in case of emergency, is also something you can consider for safe journeys in the future.

Toyota Century price

Toyota Century models often have quite a wide range of prices due to the many generations and driving conditions. 

Here, we will give some reasonable price ranges for Century trims that suit some major consumer markets. There will be 3 price ranges corresponding to 3 common vehicle conditions and mileages such as old, average, and newer.

The average price for a used Century in good condition is at least $10,000, and this can go up to more than $100,000 if the car you want is from the most recent years. 

For pre-2000 models, expect to pay between $10,000 - $25,000. And for a higher-end model, that is a pretty good and reasonable price. Consider carefully before spending money!

In the end, whether you are looking for a used Toyota Century for sale or a new one, it is necessary to know about its engine, performance and design in order to make a better decision. So above is some useful information we've summarized for you.

Follow Car From Japan for more information on other hot models that are suitable for the USA and compatible with your needs!