Toyota Century for Sale: Features, Pricing, and Ownership Costs

In the pantheon of automotive luxury, certain names evoke immediate imagery of wealth, power, and exclusivity: Rolls-Royce, Maybach, and Bentley. However, for those in the know, there is another name that commands just as much respect on the streets of Tokyo as a Phantom does in London: the Toyota Century.

If you have used the keyword phrase “Toyota Century for sale,” you are likely not looking for a standard commuter car. You are searching for a statement piece—a chauffeur-driven sanctuary on wheels that prioritizes passenger comfort above all else. Often referred to as the “Japanese Rolls-Royce,” the Century is the pinnacle of Toyota’s engineering.

However, buying a Century, particularly if you live outside of Japan, is fraught with complexities regarding importation, maintenance, and cost. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Toyota Century for sale market, including pricing, generational features, and the brutal reality of ownership costs.

The History of an Icon

Before diving into the “for sale” listings, it is crucial to understand what makes the Century unique. The Toyota Century was launched in 1967 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries . Unlike mass-market Toyotas, the Century was built by a select group of master craftsmen, not assembly-line robots.

The design philosophy has always been “understated majesty.” While Western luxury cars shout for attention, the Century whispers. For decades, it has been the official car of the Japanese Imperial Family, the Prime Minister, and high-ranking corporate executives .

There have been three distinct generations of the Toyota Century:

1. First Generation (G20/G30/G40) – 1967 to 1997: A 30-year production run with classic, vintage styling and a V8 engine .

2. Second Generation (G50) – 1997 to 2017: The most famous “boxy” design, featuring the only V12 engine Toyota ever mass-produced .

3. Third Generation (G60) – 2018 to Present: A radical modernization returning to a V8 hybrid and later adding an SUV variant .

Toyota Century for Sale: Pricing Tiers

When searching for a “Toyota Century for sale,” you will quickly notice a massive variance in price. You can find a running/driving example for under $10,000 or spend over $500,000 on a new model. The price is dictated almost entirely by generation, mileage, and condition.

1. The “Classic” Entry Point: First Generation (Pre-1997)

Price Range: $10,000 – $35,000
For vintage JDM enthusiasts, the first generation offers the most “bang for your buck.” These cars look like they belong in a Yakuza film from the 1980s.

• What you get: Classic boxy lines, woolen interior, and usually a 3.4L or 4.0L V8 engine .

• The Catch: These cars are slow by modern standards (162 bhp), and the technology is decades old.

• Availability: These are often the most common “Century for sale” listings on import sites because they have aged into the 25-year rule for the US market, making them easy to import . A 1986 model with a 3-speed automatic was recently listed, showcasing the retro charm that buyers seek .

2. The Sweet Spot: Second Generation (1997–2017) – The V12

Price Range: $25,000 – $100,000
This is the generation most people picture when they hear “Toyota Century.” It is the most iconic, produced from 1997 to 2017. It is also the most desirable for collectors due to the 1GZ-FE 5.0-litre V12 engine .

• The Experience: This engine was designed specifically for silent, vibration-free operation. The interior features woolen seats (they claim wool is quieter and breathes better than leather), massaging rear seats, and privacy curtains .

• Why the range is wide: A high-mileage 1998 model might cost $15,000–$25,000, but a low-mileage, late-model 2016 G50 with the optional factory upgrades can easily hit $80,000-$90,000.

• Recent Listings: Dealers currently list 2022 models (technically end of this generation’s design run before the 2018 overhaul) for around $84,000 .

3. The Modern Era: Third Generation & SUV (2018–Present)

Price Range: $150,000 – $600,000+
In 2018, Toyota finally redesigned the Century. It moved to a 5.0L V8 Hybrid powertrain, and in 2024, Toyota introduced an entirely separate Century SUV.

• The Sedan (G60): This car is massive, modern, and incredibly exclusive. Toyota famously limits production to keep it rare. Prices here start around $170,000 and climb quickly.

• The SUV (New for 2024): The market has shifted. The new Century SUV is a 4-seater behemoth with sliding rear doors and a 3.5L V6 Plug-in Hybrid producing 406 horsepower . A 2025 Century SUV was recently listed for an astonishing $609,351 .

• The Lease Market: Many of these newer cars for sale are actually used vehicles that were previously leased to VIPs or embassies in Japan .

Features and Specifications

Why would someone choose a Toyota Century over a Mercedes S-Class or a BMW 7 Series? The features focus on a specific type of Japanese hospitality known as Omotenashi.

The Interior: Wool Over Leather

While Western luxury brands obsess over smooth Nappa leather, the Century traditionally uses 100% wool moquette . The reason is practical: leather gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter; wool breathes naturally and remains silent, preventing the “squeaking” sound leather makes when shifting in your seat.

In the rear, the passenger seats often feature:

• Power Leg Rests: The “Boss Seat” can recline significantly, sometimes to near-flat positions.

• Massage Functions: Integrated into the rear seating.

• Individual Climate Control: Not just zones, but specific humidity controls.

The Audio System

The Century is famous for its quiet cabin. To complement this, the sound system is exceptional. The G60 models come with a 20-speaker premium sound system engineered specifically for the car’s acoustics.

The 1GZ-FE V12 Engine (G50)

The second generation is the only Toyota ever sold with a V12 engine. It is a masterpiece of engineering. It uses a 60-degree bank angle and a single camshaft per cylinder bank (SOHC) to keep the engine compact and maintenance (relatively) simpler. Unlike a Lamborghini V12 designed for howling performance, the Toyota V12 is designed for silence. You can barely tell the engine is running when idling.

The Reality of Ownership Costs

This is the most critical section for anyone searching for a “Toyota Century for sale.” Buying the car is the cheapest part.

Maintenance and Parts Availability

The Toyota Century is not a Camry. You cannot walk into an AutoZone or an O’Reilly’s and ask for parts.

• Sourcing Parts: Because the Century was never officially sold in the USA or Europe (except for embassy use), every single part must be shipped from Japan. Even a simple oil filter might be a specialty item that takes weeks to arrive .

• Mechanic Fear: Even experienced Toyota mechanics are often terrified of the Century, particularly the V12. The Car Care Nut, a renowned Toyota mechanic, described working on a Century as the “pinnacle of his career” but also “terrifying” because the car is so rare and the service manuals are difficult to obtain .

• Specific Pain Points: Suspension components (the air suspension is complex) and window regulators are known failure points that are incredibly expensive to fix on the Century .

Fuel Economy

This is a land yacht from a time when gas was cheap in Japan (or paid for by corporate expense accounts). Fuel economy is brutal.

• V12 (G50): Expect around 8–12 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city.

• V8 Hybrid (G60): Slightly better, but still heavy. The older hybrid systems were optimized for smoothness, not stopping at the pump .

Insurance and Registration

If you are importing a Century into the US, you generally must wait for the car to be 25 years old to avoid federalization headaches . Once registered, insurance can be tricky. Standard insurers may not understand the value of the vehicle. You will likely need a specialty collector car insurer (like Hagerty) who will require a garage and a mileage limit.

A Note on the SUV

With the new 2024 Century SUV, costs enter a different stratosphere. This vehicle targets buyers comparing it to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan or Bentley Bentayga. The $600,000 price tag is just the start; maintenance will be astronomical.

FAQ

Is the Toyota Century sold in the USA?

No. Toyota has never officially sold the Century in North America. Every Toyota Century in the US was imported privately, often under the 25-year classic car law.

Is the Toyota Century a Rolls-Royce?

No, but it is the cultural equivalent in Japan. While Rolls-Royce represents British royalty and opulence, the Century represents Japanese dignity, craftsmanship, and reserve. It is often called the “Rolls-Royce of Japan” due to its status and price.

What engine does the Toyota Century have?

It depends on the year. The classic Second Generation (1997-2017) has a 5.0L V12. The modern sedan (2018+) has a 5.0L V8 hybrid. The new SUV has a 3.5L V6 plug-in hybrid.

How much is a used Toyota Century?

A used Century costs between $10,000 and $100,000. You can get an older (1980s-1990s) model for under $15,000, while a clean 2010s V12 will run $40,000-$70,000, and a 2020s model often exceeds $150,000.

Are parts for the Toyota Century hard to find?

Yes. Because it was a Japan-only model, there is no parts supply chain in Western countries. You will have to order parts from Japan, which involves long wait times (weeks or months) and high shipping costs.

Is the Toyota Century reliable?

Generally, yes. It is a Toyota, after all. The V12 engine, while complex, is known for being robust and reliable if maintained. However, the issue is not the reliability but the accessibility of parts when something eventually breaks. Neglect can turn a cheap car into a very expensive paperweight.

What is the Toyota Century SUV?

Unveiled in 2023, the Toyota Century SUV is a separate model from the sedan. It is an ultra-luxury, 4-seat SUV with sliding doors (similar to a minivan), a 3.5L V6 PHEV powertrain, and a stratospheric price tag aimed at competing with European luxury SUVs.

If you are searching for a “Toyota Century for sale,” you are likely a collector looking for a unique piece of automotive art rather than a daily driver. The low entry price of older models can be tempting, but remember the golden rule of exotic car ownership: Never buy one if you can’t afford two. The V12 Century is a masterpiece of engineering that rewards patience, deep pockets, and a love for Japanese craftsmanship. It is not the fastest or the most technologically advanced car, but as a quiet symbol of ultimate success, nothing else comes close.