A recipe for success starts with one of Toyota's best rear-wheel drive platforms and a 232kW six-cylinder
This example is a 210-series with an eight-speed auto and plenty of luxury touches
The 2013 Toyota Crown Athlete – known as the ‘GRS214’ – is the automotive equivalent of a Swiss army knife.
It’s an extremely versatile vehicle with plenty of power, driving the right (rear) wheels and with more features than your mate’s BMW or Mercedes-Benz. This example is an updated ‘GRS214’ version that’s been the benefit of factory upgrades and tweaks.
Power comes from the usual 3.5-litre V6 engine with 232kW/ 377Nm. Codenamed ‘2GR’, it’s a naturally-aspirated mill that’s done time in everything from high-end Lexus product through to your Nan’s Toyota Kluger.
Call it a workhorse; it’s dependable, reliable as sin, and even powered a Toyota Tarago to a hilarious victory against a Porsche at Sydney Motorsport Park (watch here).
The transmission is new with the GRS214 model however, as an eight-speed auto comes as standard. The two extra gears not only help reduce fuel economy, but also help provide better acceleration.
It’s plenty fast and shifts crisply, too. The front-end utilises a double-wishbone setup for maximum control, whilst the rear benefits from a precise multi-link rear suspension that puts both American and Euro metal to shame.
You can’t argue against it; other than the fact it looks a bit flash.
The car pictured – 2012 Toyota Crown Athlete (GRS214)
Our Toyota Crown Athlete G was built in December 2012 and was purchased from USS Tokyo (Japan) as a 4.5B-grade vehicle. It is a one-owner vehicle that features a full Toyota service history based upon time, not mileage, and comes with two key fobs and a third credit card key.
It presents in a well-above-average condition and has evidently been cared for well its whole life. The original owner was a mad dog and ordered this example in Merlot Red and as a top-spec “Athlete G” model.
That means it has all the fruit. Your bum will sit on leather seats that are both heated and air-conditioned; high beams will be switched on automatically, and rear passengers will be protected by an electric rear sun blind. It also features cruise control, keyless entry & start, a premium audio system & more.
The vehicle was serviced upon arriving in Australia and fitted with four new high-quality tyres. Its factory touchscreen infotainment system can Our workshop can upgrade the factory touchscreen infotainment system to support Apple CarPlay / Android Auto upon your request. to support Apple CarPlay / Android Auto by our workshop at your request.
The ‘2GR’ Toyota engine is sold in Australia, so parts are readily available. We also keep a stock holding of genuine Toyota and aftermarket parts like oil/air filters, spark plugs + more.
Either way, our workshop can assist with maintenance and parts.
Quick facts
- 2012 Toyota Crown Athlete G (GRS214)
- Top-spec ‘G’ model
- 53,035km – genuine with odometer guarantee
- One owner from new
- Full Toyota service history
- Three keys – two fobs, one credit card key
- 3.5-litre V6 with 232kW / 377Nm
- Eight-speed auto
- Rear-wheel drive
- Leather & electric front seats with driver’s side memory
- Heated and air conditioned seats
- Cruise control
- Automatic high beam assist
- Rear parking camera
- Keyless entry and start
- Premium sound system
- Genuine TRD start button
- USB & Bluetooth connectivity
- Japanese de-registration paperwork and auction paperwork available.
- Apple CarPlay / Android Auto upgrade available for extra
- The vehicle was serviced upon arriving in Australia
- New high-quality tyres fitted in Australia
- Price includes three months NSW registration
- Price includes Australian compliance
- Price includes a NSW roadworthy
The 14th-generation of the Crown revisits its roots while also living up to today's demands and expectations by providing an exquisite ride and superbly quiet performanceToyota Launches New 'Crown' Series Sedans in Japan, Dec. 25, 2012.
