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.
🤔 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?)?
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.
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? 😄
@@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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Century is purebred class and sophistication with reliability. No other can compete. Maybach nor RR, this is absolute passion invented on wheels. Love it!
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.
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!
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. 😏
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
Common exterior issues; Guard mirror bases become brittle and break causing the mirrors to sag. Aluminium window frames discolour/ oxidise Interior; centre console hinging lid latch breaks, Mechanical issues; Rocker covers leak flat out Coil connector plugs break Transmissions can fail. Air shocks blow out Things to look out for; Rear pollen filter has no aftermarket option and genuine toyota is approx $400 aud Other info; It is platform shared with the Lexus LS400 / Toyota Celsior UCF2X series so brakes, suspension ( coil spring conversion or air shock replacements) rear diff, all suspension arms etc can be sourced locally.
Thank you. My first one (a 1999) arrives in a week, and I am anticipating it needing new suspension. Is the same year Lexus/Celsior suspension the one I should try to crossover for my 1999 Century? @@BennysCustomWorks
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!🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
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👍.
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.
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 👍
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!
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.
is'nt the "walkman" a dictaphone, I've allways thought so - the CEO (or whatever) recording his notes for his secretary(or himself). followed Century a bit and work in automotive. - just want to know
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.
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.
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
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.
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 :(
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!
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!
This car can kick the shit out of any North American or european vehicle ❤. When driving my 2011 Maybach 57s V12 6.0 liter, if I were to ever come across The Century on the road, I would park my car to the side to show my deference and respect to the owner and the car.
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!
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.
Don't know if anyone mentioned it, but that thing in the boot for umbrellas is a boot lip protector. It's there so the bodies in the boot don't scratch the lip. And it makes it leaves less blood for police to spot.... Or so I've heard.
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!
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.
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.)
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 😊
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.
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.
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.
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.
You know you’re a car guy when you consider taking up smoking so you can use the lighter and ashtray out of a Toyota because of the smooth action of it’s compartment door.😊
lol the prices will remain the same, after all that's what they are going to fetch for at Japan auction then delivered over here. If you want to save money, buy directly from an importer.
@@murry001 Lovely examples from around 2000 hover around $25K. For the past couple of months there's been about a dozen advertised nation-wide, but since the video came out it's dropped suddenly to 7.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
If I were rich this would be my only luxury, a Century. I don't want fancy houses, or clothes, or 5star hotels or anything. I would live simple. But I would drive my Century to the seaside, have a cup of tea...
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
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.
I just Love The Century concept. V12 flyin' chicken,velour, chromium... The hockey stick is designed so when you get out the back you can check yourself in the shiny surface before facing the paparazzi.
In an age of apparently we will all be owning EV's and saving the planet! its very refreshing to see your passion for this great car with it's thirst for old fossil's whilst offering exceptional comfort and performance.
In Japan, the President is a car that is often used as a company car (for the president) of the royal family, members of the Diet, governors, and large companies.The driver drives carefully, so the possibility of an accident car is extremely low. am. Since Toyota is doing a lot of maintenance, there are many used cars in good condition even if they come out on the used car market. Since it is a Japanese specification, if you replace the audio and navigation, there will be no problems. It's a great deal if you can buy it cheaply. And no matter where you go, you'll be embarrassed with this car, and your status will improve. It's Toyota's top-of-the-line car, so even if you buy it second hand, you can drive it for the next 15 years without any problems. It seems to be popular in NY, so if you can buy it secondhand, I highly recommend it.
From the outside it looks like my Grandpa designed it and he passed away in 1982, but as a luxury and totally reliable car its a no brainer. The savings in the purchase price will be spent on fuel, but worth it.
