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 – 2013 Toyota Crown Athlete (GRS214)
Our Toyota Crown Athlete G was built in June 2013 and was purchased from USS Nagoya (Japan) as a 4.0B grade vehicle.
It’s a top-spec ‘G’ model, which means it has all the fruit. Your bum will be air conditioned, high-beams switched on automatically and cruise control adaptive and managed by the car. It also features a heap of advanced driver assist systems like accidental throttle mitigation and and auto emergency braking.
The bodywork is original and the vehicle is above average condition for its age and kilometres. The original steering wheel is showing wear – a known fault with the 210-series Crown – and will be replaced with a new and genuine Toyota steering wheel upon arriving in Australia.
Its factory touchscreen infotainment system can be upgraded to support Apple CarPlay / Android Auto by our workshop. The ‘2GR’ Toyota engine was 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
- 2013 Toyota Crown Athlete G (GRS214)
- Top-spec model
- 91,600km
- 3.5-litre V6 with 232kW / 377Nm
- Eight-speed auto
- Rear-wheel drive
- Heated and air conditioned leather seats
- Electric seat adjustment with memory
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking / accidental throttle mitigation
- Adaptive high beam assist
- Rear and side view parking camera
- Keyless entry and start
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Japanese de-registration paperwork and auction paperwork available.
- 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.
