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

2 ай бұрын

That's amazing 😍

This is the best car mankind has ever made.

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

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

@vandur2322

Жыл бұрын

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

@s0516122

Жыл бұрын

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

@josephlloyd5905

Жыл бұрын

ISF also

@s0516122

Жыл бұрын

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

@josephlloyd5905

Жыл бұрын

@@s0516122 nah mate you got a heart on it

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

Жыл бұрын

Has the appearance- as in it isn’t.

@abogoni

Жыл бұрын

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

@gradesixrapidsonly8453

Жыл бұрын

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

@magicspace_professor9247

Жыл бұрын

very well said

@AsinineComment

Жыл бұрын

🤔 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?)?

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.

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

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.

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

Жыл бұрын

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

@ReDriven

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the input

@gospelofrye6881

Жыл бұрын

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

11 ай бұрын

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

@gureno19

11 ай бұрын

@@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.

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

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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

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

Жыл бұрын

Not engineers, but craftsmen.

@kristoffermangila

8 ай бұрын

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

@matthewlok3020

Ай бұрын

Those craftsmen are known as Takumis

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.

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

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’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

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

Жыл бұрын

A fluffer?

@AsinineComment

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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.

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.

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

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

Жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more!

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!

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!

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👍.

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.

The new one is even better omg 🔥🔥🔥

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

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.

Best review ever!! Love it !!

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

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

Жыл бұрын

They would not sell it new outside Japan.

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

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Andrew!

amazing video, just love watching all your content!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

@ReDriven

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the input!

@BennysCustomWorks

Жыл бұрын

@@ReDriven no problem. I’ve had a few 50’s now. They also develop rust around the rear window

@oneanddone7992

25 күн бұрын

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

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

I cannot explain how much I want one of these.

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

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

Жыл бұрын

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

@MattCaseyFun

Жыл бұрын

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

@borisjohnson6809

Жыл бұрын

Speed limit 110 bro 😉

@MattCaseyFun

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

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

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.

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

Жыл бұрын

Clean the blood out 😂😂😂

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.

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

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

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.

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!

An excellent review on the Toyota Century. Loved it.

@ReDriven

Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it!

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

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.

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.

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

Жыл бұрын

Thanks heaps!

@Pcontracts83

4 күн бұрын

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

@TrinomCZ

4 күн бұрын

@@Pcontracts83 Trust me, it is not. I own a Century and played a lot with it :) kzread.info/dash/bejne/p5yXl9yIfMzAaJs.html

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.

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

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 😊

I just purchased one. 1991 super clean

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.

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 👍👍

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

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

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

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.

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

@AsinineComment

Жыл бұрын

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.)

I love it!

Best reviews on KZread. Period.

@ReDriven

Жыл бұрын

Wow… thank you!

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.

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

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.

Man, this is my favourite Redriven video!😂

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!

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

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.

such a beautiful car

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。

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.

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.

You had me at V12 ❤️

Nice one team.

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

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

I love the forward mounted exterior mirrors. Need them back on all cars.

This is the best segment you have ever done.

Yes would own one!

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

Absolute dream car 🤩

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.

I had that same Walkman in the 90s 😁

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

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.😊

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

I'd love one

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

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