2001 Toyota Soarer Convertible
European design meets Japanese ingenuity, the Soarer 430 SCV Convertible!!
| Year: | 2001 |
| Make: | Toyota |
| Model: | Soarer |
| Mileage: | 58,988km |
| Transmission: | 5-Speed Automatic |
| Fuel Type: | Gasoline |
| Drivetrain: | FWD |
| Engine: | 4.3L V-8 |
| Exterior Color: | Pearl |
| VIN Number: | UZZ40-0009*** |
After Lexus burst onto the world market in 1989 the brand soon became known for its unsurpassed build quality, providing Japan’s first globally competitive luxury vehicle line. We all know that Lexus is the luxury line division of Toyota motors, but you may not know that for many years after the inception of Lexus, the same models were still produced under the standard Toyota brand name here in Japan. And the Japanese dealer auctions have a great selection of these models to choose from.
The Toyota Soarer began production in 1981 as a luxury GT coupe. The first generation Z10 series was modelled closely on the A60 Supra with rear wheel drive and independent (Pegasus) rear suspension. The Z10 series also featured classic Japanese 80s tech, an innovative computer control system so popular it was further developed for each generation. The Electro Multi Vision Display is a touch screen system that controls the heat/AC, radio, and performs self-diagnosis. The second generation Z20 continued the high-tech trend by adding LED powered digital speed and tachometer displays. Perhaps the highlight of this generation was the limited edition Aerocabin which had an electronically retractable roof that just screams JDM. Only 500 were made but this feature stuck with Soarer designs to the end. Just like the Z10, the Z20 came with several engine options in automatic or manual, however, the introduction of the GTE I6 Twin Turbo 2.0L engine is really what set the second generation apart from its predecessor. The stock twin turbo GT engine produces 210HP at 6200RPM. The Z20 got a restyled grill, larger rear tail lights and interior changes like climate control. This JDM gem is now available for import to several countries, including the USA.
Toyota continued to improve the power and size of its engines for its third generation of the Soarer, the Z30 Series. The UZZ30 was the base model of the three Japanese V8 Soarers, and the basis of the American Lexus SC400. The Japanese and American models shared the same 1UZ-FE V8 engine and 4 speed automatic transmission. Standard features of the UZZ30 were coil over suspension, cruise control, electric velour seats, Radio/CD with 12 disk CD stacker with sub woofer for awesome sound and eardrum breaking volume, 15″ rims, manual steering column adjustment, and plain sun visors. Driver’s airbag and ABS brakes were never an option on the UZZ30. Optional factory extras were woodgrain dash & door trims, and front and rear spoilers. Japanese production of the UZZ30 ended at the end of 1993 but the USA equivalent would continue to be made until 2000. For this reason the UZZ30 is rarer than the more upmarket V8 model. Many models still remain in Japan and can be sourced in better condition than their US counterparts. Japan Car Direct is always on the look out for best condition cars for our customers at the Japanese dealer auctions.
The JZZ30 was exclusive to the Japan market. It was powered by a 1JZ-GTE 2.5L 6 cylinder engine with a twin turbo from 1991-1996 and single turbo from late 1996 until production ended in 2000. It shared the same chassis as the Mk IV Toyota Supra. Both cars suspension, brakes, drive trains and engine parts are interchangeable. The JZZ30 was the only Soarer to have the option of a 5-speed manual transmission (until 1996.) It was available in two different equipment grades, the standard GT-T with radio/CD, electric mirrors, non-electric cloth seats, etc and the GT-TL or “L package” which added electric velour seats, cruise control, driver airbag, and from 1996 “Piezo” TEMS (Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension) and both driver and passengers airbags. The single turbo which replaced the twin turbo from August 1996 received Toyota’s VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) technology. It had the same 280 PS (206 kW) as before, but maximum torque increased from 269 lb-ft (363 N-m) to 280 lb-ft (378 N-m) and the torque peak fell to 2,400 rpm. The fatter torque curve made the single-turbo JZZ30 substantially more flexible and much quicker than its twin turbo predecessor and gave better fuel economy. Woodgrain trim became standard from 1999. Additional factory options included Torsen LSD, front and rear spoiler, sunroof, ABS brakes, and leather steering wheel. This model was never offered to the North American market, but now models, RHD vehicles included, are legal to import to Canada under the 15 year rule. The 25 year old, RHD Aerocabin is now even legal to import to Quebec and America.
The 4th and final generation of Soarers was the Z40. The new generation’s styling was completely redesigned. In contrast with the previous generation models, the redesigned Z40 was intended as a convertible from its inception. The development team was led by chief engineer Yasushi Nakagawa from 1996 to 2000. Lexus designers from Europe and Japan worked together to create a streamlined design, a design that reflects the architecture, lifestyle, and harbors of Côte d’Azur. The resulting convertible received character lines similar to the region’s yachts, in contrast with traditional waveform lines. The vehicle’s side profile, the product of extensive wind tunnel testing, was intended to channel air around the passenger compartment at high speed during top-down driving. The Japanese domestic market has always combined the best designs of the West with the prowess of Japanese technology. Power was provided by a 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8 engine with variable valve timing (VVT-i) mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Z40’s V8 could produce 288 hp (214.76 kW) and 430 N·m (317 lb·ft) of torque, allowing the coupe to go from 0–60 mph in 6.2 seconds.]The chassis featured a double-wishbone setup for both the front and rear wheels. The vehicle platform shared elements with the Lexus GS 430 sport sedan, including variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering. New Safety systems ranged from traction control to Active Ride vehicle stability control and Satnav came standard.
In Japan, this is a Soarer…To the world, it is a Lexus in disguise, and that disguise gives us a JCD the opportunity to source these amazing machines from the Japanese Dealer Auctions for much less then resale abroad. The 2001 RHD Soarer above is headed to a very happy customer in Canada. Given their 15 year import rule, his new Soarer will be one of the first of its class in Canada. One of its stand out features is the 19’ alloys. Expensive modifications like these can cost a considerable amount abroad, but you can bring them home for relatively nothing by importing modified models directly from Japan Car Direct. We have the experience to find you the perfect vehicle. Contact us today for the best service and even better value.
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A few months ago I set out on my goal of importing a vehicle from Japan through an auction. After tons and TONs of research and countless emails, I decided to use Japan Car Direct as my exporter in Japan. From the beginning of my interactions with JCD, I was thoroughly impressed. My contact, Yoshi, was amazing...definitely a huge asset to the JCD team. He answered all of my questions promptly, translated dozens of auction sheets for me, and advised me of what to watch out for when looking for a vehicle. He was beyond helpful! I picked up my Kei truck at the port in Newport News a few weeks ago and couldn't be more pleased. Since then, the truck has made it to its final home in Charlottesville, VA on my farm. Yoshi and the other guys at JCD are now my go to team for more of these soon. Thanks again JCD and keep doing what you guys do! You all are the real deal. 
N W
10/15/2019 A few months ago I set out on my goal of importing a vehicle from Japan through an auction. After tons and TONs of research and countless emails, I decided to use Japan Car Direct as my exporter in Japan. From the beginning of my interactions with JCD, I was thoroughly impressed. My contact, Yoshi, was amazing...definitely a huge asset to the JCD team.
He answered all of my questions promptly, translated dozens of auction sheets for me, and advised me of what to watch out for when looking for a vehicle. He was beyond helpful! I picked up my Kei truck at the port in Newport News a few weeks and couldn't be more pleased. Since then, the truck has made it to its final home in Charlottesville, VA on my farm. Yoshi and the other guys at JCD are now my go to team for more of these soon. Thanks again JCD and keep doing what you guys do! You all are the real deal. N W
10/15/2019 Since a kid the FD RX7 has always been a dream car but i didn't pursue it till i graduated high school but the prices just for the shell over here in california was over 15k!! I kept looking around until I decided i would just import one. I found JCD while looking for the top 5 importers you could trust and they stood out more than all the other ones, and for a couple months of more research on their page until I ultimately decided I would go through them. Although this was my first time getting a car from Japan and having an endless amount questions spanning a couple hundred emails until it would freeze up and i had to make a new email thread .. Mathew always answered every question and helped me though every step. I didn't have all the funds in the beginning but they were very patient with it until i was fully ready, then after a month of having Matt give his thought on some of the FDs i was looking at we finally won the auction for a 94 Efini type R Fd3s. As we picked it up from Long Beach till the drive home I couldn't believe that it was here and soo much better just looking at the picture but i defiantly would recommend JCD to anyone looking to import their dream car too and and want to thank matt and the whole team with getting me my RX7. 
Erwin Contreras
10/10/2019 - I'd been looking to buy an RF series Honda Stepwagon to convert into a mini camper for a while but the UK prices always seemed too high. I had joined a few JDM import sites to get an idea of auction prices and costs (including Japan Car Direct) but just couldn't bring myself to take the next step, it seemed such a risk ! Finally after reading so many good reviews for JCD (and Mathew in particular) I took the plunge and contacted Mathew. After he answered my many questions regarding costs, fees etc I felt confident enough to pay the deposit and start hunting the Japanese auctions for my Steppy. My budget for the Steppy was pretty low (pathetic even !) but I felt Mat still put the same effort into replying to my questions and queries as he would have done if my budget had been into the tens of thousands. The result was I now have a very tidy Stepwagon with lower mileage than any vehicle I've ever owned, I've paid far less for it then I would have done buying in the UK and I've got a bigger budget now for the camper conversion. I wouldn't hesitate to buy through them again, and hope to do so soon.
Matt B
9/30/2019 5 star experience from start to finish. Transparent and easy process, and Mat was very patient to answer plenty of questions I had during the purchase! Can’t wait to do it again because the Japanese cars from this era are pure automotive art and these guys hold the keys to the museum! 
Ross C
9/13/2019 After an initial inquiry several years ago, I still wanted to get a Japanese Delica or Hiace. Matthew was immediately in contact and helped with all the details. His videos were perfect for my search. Matthew was able to answer all of my questions and my wife and I were able to make decisions based on the great information he provided. I would recommend Japan Car Direct to anyone interested in getting the right car at the best price. Zach Matheson
8/27/2019 - The staff at Japan Car Direct made what I thought would a a difficult process very easy. Matt explained every step thoroughly and his advice on details of cars was spot on.
nick creece
8/20/2019 I imported a van though JCD and they made the process super straightforward. They were amazing at communicating and quick to answer any of my questions. If you are looking to import a car I would highly recommended them. William Bender
8/02/2019 Awesome experience !!
Their service was extremely good and efficient. Yoshiro was soo patient with my many requests for information and translations. The vehicle purchased was better than expected. I would definitely consider using their services again. 
Rafael Cuadros
5/20/2019 - All I can say about the experience is AMAZING! I worked with Matthew and he was helpful through the whole process of bidding, purchasing, and shipping the car to me. He had an answer for every question, and was always quick to respond.
Enjoying my new Mercedes and I will be using them again!
chris casali
5/15/2019 All around exceptional experience! Matt was great to work with and guided me through the entire process with ease. As a first timer, importing was a bit nerve racking but JCD did a great job providing a cool little truck I can enjoy here in Delaware. I look forward to picking up the next toy/vehicle through them. 
Jesse Wencius
5/14/2019 The experienced, grizzled veterans of the import scene. They were very accommodating with all my questions and concerns. It was my first time importing, so everything was confusing and intimidating, but I'm happy to report everything went as planned! I'm definitely calling them back when I finally come up with an excuse to import another! 
Joey Rodriguez
4/12/2019 - Mathew was great to work with and made what could be a scary daunting experience very easy. I am super happy with my car and am sure I will be importing with them again!
Kayla D'Ambrosi
3/18/2019 Working with Mathew and his team was an absolute pleasure. I went from never knowing you could import your own vehicle to owning my own Suzuki Cara within 6 months. Mathew was so helpful and completely transparent with me during the entire process. We spoke on the phone and via email and he helped me pick the perfect car exactly within my requirements. He dealt with my excitement and inexperience with patience and understanding. I couldn't be happier with my experience and will absolutely use Japan Car Direct again when it's time for another project. I highly recommend Mathew and Japan Car Direct. 
Tristan Gilbert
3/05/2019 Just purchased my second car through Japan Car Direct. Could not be more pleased with their customer service. Matt went above and beyond to help me find the right car. Translating countless auction sheets, messaging sellers, requesting vehicle inspections, putting up with me and my requests well after his time in the office, etc. I can happily and honestly say that I would recommend this company to anyone looking to purchase a car from Japan and that you will not be dissappinted. Very kind, helpful and professional. Can’t wait for vehicle number 3. 
Tanner Himmel
2/23/2019
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