A recipe for success starts with one of Toyota's best rear-wheel drive platforms and a 232kW six-cylinder
This example is a late-model facelift with all the updates
The 2011 Toyota Crown Athlete, also known as the ‘GRS204’, is the automotive equivalent of a Swiss army knife.
It’s an extremely versatile vehicle, delivering plenty of power to the right (rear) wheels and boasting more features than your friend’s BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Toyota has applied subtle model updates and product improvements to this facelift model.
Power comes from a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 232 kW/377 Nm. Known as ‘2GR’, this naturally aspirated engine finds its way into everything from high-end Lexus products to your grandmother’s Toyota Kluger.
It can be referred to as a workhorse, demonstrating unwavering reliability and even propelling a Toyota Tarago to a hilarious victory against a Porsche at Sydney Motorsport Park (watch here).
It’s plenty quick, and the six-speed auto shifts crisply, too. The front end utilises a double-wishbone setup for optimal control, while the rear benefits from a precise, multi-link rear suspension that outperforms both American and European metal.
If you’re looking for a smart and reliable daily driver, this could be it.
The car pictured – 2011 Toyota Crown Athlete G (GRS204)
Our Toyota Crown Athlete was built in February 2011 and was purchased from USS Shizouka (Japan) as a 4.5B grade vehicle. Being a 2011 model means it is an update or ‘facelift’ model with numerous exterior and interior improvements.
Those include a sportier exterior design with twin-spoke 18-inch wheels and an improved interior finish with red stitching, padded vinyl and gloss plastics. Standard features include keyless entry and start, a rearview camera, cruise control, electric front seats, a six-speed auto, climate control and automatic headlights.
Its factory touchscreen infotainment system can be upgraded to support Apple CarPlay / Android Auto by our workshop. The car presents in above-average condition inside and out and has not been smoked in. There are some minor scratches on the front bumper near the fog light on the passenger side.
Maintenance stickers on the vehicle confirm it was cared for in Japan, and it was also serviced upon arriving in Australia. New high quality Hankook tyres have also been fitted. The ‘2GR’ Toyota engine used in this vehicle was used in other local Australian Toyota models, so parts are readily available. We also keep a stockholding of genuine Toyota and aftermarket parts, like oil/air filters, spark plugs, and more.
Quick facts
- 2011 Toyota Crown Athlete (GRS204)
- Facelift model
- Japanese auction grade 4.5B
- 66,247km
- 3.5-litre V6 with 232kW / 377Nm
- Six-speed auto / rear-wheel drive
- Electric front seats
- Cruise Control
- Keyless entry and start
- Rear view camera
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Japanese de-registration paperwork and auction paperwork available.
- Odometer guarantee
- Serviced upon arriving in Australia
- New high-quality tyres fitted
- Price includes three months NSW registration
- Price includes Australian compliance
- Price includes a NSW roadworthy
The 13th-generation Crown retains the sense of poise and reliability that characterises the Crown series, which has earned a reputation as the leader among luxury vehicles in Japan for over more than half a century.Toyota Japan, launch of all-new Toyota Crown (2008)
