Perfectly Serviced 2001 Toyota 4runner Sr5 Loaded, Low Miles New Timming Belt on 2040-cars

Year:2001 Mileage:68673 Color: Millennium Silver metallic

Location:

Boulder City, Nevada, United States

PERFECTLY SERVICED 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 LOADED, LOW MILES NEW TIMMING BELT, image 1

PERFECTLY SERVICED 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 LOADED, LOW MILES NEW TIMMING BELT, image 2

PERFECTLY SERVICED 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 LOADED, LOW MILES NEW TIMMING BELT, image 3

PERFECTLY SERVICED 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 LOADED, LOW MILES NEW TIMMING BELT, image 4

PERFECTLY SERVICED 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5 LOADED, LOW MILES NEW TIMMING BELT, image 5

2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5

Rediclously Low 68,671 Miles • Sun Roof

Running Boards • Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)

Brand New Timing Belt, Water Pump, Roller Bearing & Tensioners

New Front Struts & Antenna too.

Ultra Low Mileage • Perfect Color • Aesthetic and Functional Diamond

If you want to talk deal, pick up the phone

and make your serious offer.

702-353-7500

I don't respond nicely to stupid messages such as:

"What's your reserve?"

"What is your bottom line?"

"What's the least you'll take?"

"What is your bottom dollar?"

"Do you have a Buy-it-Now?"

"What'll it take to buy it?"

"What is your asking price?"

I will not email you a figure but we can talk about it.

It's a flippin' Auction! That means . . . it's your number that counts . . . not mine.

Also, if yours is among the hundreds of emails I get with any of the above lame questions, I will immediately assume that you(r):

• have not taken time to read the listing

• have zero intent to purchase

• are clueless about relevant market values

• forthcoming "offer" will be completely detached from reality

26 years in the business has proven beyond all doubt that serious buyers read every line, look at every picture, research well enough on their own and feel confident making a real offer.

Our presentations are unequalled, on eBay or anywhere else.

We are therefore, usually able to choose from among quality buyers that actually want to purchase a vehicle.

THE ONLY WAY TO WORK YOUR DEAL IS TO CALL ME!

My vehicles are so unique and so rare,

knowing how much they will or should sell for is nearly impossible.

That is the magic of an eBay auction . . . serious buyers making a serious offer.

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5

VIN: JT3GN86R910190682

Odometer: 68,673

Engine: 3.4 Liter DOHV V6

Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic

Exterior: Millennium Silver metallic (K73)

Interior: Gray cloth (FA17)

Built: October, 2000 - Japan

Over 123 high resolution pictures below.

Standard Equipment

3.4 Liter DOHC V6 Engine

183 horsepower @ 4,800/217 ft-lb. torque @ 3,600 RPM

Electronic 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Engine Speed Sensing Power Rack and Pinion Steering

Power Front Disc Brakes with ABS and Brake Assist

Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)

Traction Control (TRAC)

Driver and Front Passenger Frontal Airbags

Power Heated Body Color Outside Mirrors

Power Locks

Tilt Steering Wheel

Cruise Control

Overhead Console with Garage Door Opener, Map Lights and Sunglass Storage

4-Way Adjustable Cloth Front Bucket Seats

50/50 Split Fold-Down Rear Seat

Center Console with Armrest Covered Storage and Front/Rear Cup Holders

Analog Temperature, 7,000 RPM Tachometer, 110 MPH Speedometer and Fuel Gauges

Twin Trip Meters

Aerodynamic Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlamps

Power Rear Window

Rear Privacy Glass with UV Protection

Rear Wiper

Rear Defrost

Cloth Door Trim with Armrests

Daytime Running Lights

3 Front and 1 Cargo Area Power Outlets

Digital Quartz Clock

Intermittent Wipers

Passenger Visor Vanity Mirror

Locking Glove Box

Roof Rack

Chrome Bumpers and Grille

Rear Spoiler

Rear Mud Guards

Full Size Spare Tire on Steel Wheel

Jack/Tools

18.5 Gallon Fuel Tank

Optional Equipment

Power Tilt/Slide Moon Roof with Shade

Rear Heater

Running Boards

SR5 Upgrade Value Package #1:

Air Conditioning

Power Windows

Premium AM/FM Stereo/Cassette/CD with 6 Speakers, FM Diversity Antenna and Power Antenna

Remote Keyless Entry

Carpeted Floor Mats

Upgrade Value Package #3:

Sport Seats

Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel

Body Color Fender Flares

5-Spoke 16-Inch Alloy Wheels

4.10 Rear Differential

Other Items

Receiver Tow Hitch

Dark Tint

BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A Steel Belted Radials P265/70R16

Backstory from the owner...

You are looking for the nicest, best kept, best maintained 4Runner you can find. You are here because the quality found in your neck of the woods, by even the lowest standards, is a joke. I know exactly how you feel. I attend specialty and dealer-only auctions every week searching for the best of the best in what me and my assistant (Foy) call "niche autos." I scan lists of over 3,000 vehicles locally each week and select cars I've come to know are hard to find and that fit my business model of marketing exclusively on eBay. 3rd generation 4Runners make it onto my own list every time they show up and a small number, maybe 2-3 a week, appear at one of the three major auctions here in the Las Vegas area or perhaps in local classifieds. During the past seven years I see dozens or more 4Runners every single year and what that means for you is; I have looked at, touched and smelled a lot of Toyota SUVs. I am extremely picky about what to buy and this 4Runner is one of just a handful nice enough for this business model. Past ownership, service history and condition, condition, condition are what matters. Used vehicles are not always treated well, but a precious few are taken care of. This particular 4Runner is one of those rare finds and you will not want to pass it up. Beautiful paint, spectacular interior and an absolute knock-out to see in person. As good as my pictures are, they can't possibly show how truly beautiful this truck really is. What else could you want? A great deal? I have that covered too but you will not be purchasing this fine automobile for wholesale or even low book value. You already know you get what you pay for and if you want unmatched quality, service, care and condition, this 4Runner is a super rare find. Read what Foy has to say after spending a few days behind the wheel. Examine every picture in detail, see the amazing condition, up close and personal and then make your call and give me an offer. I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Doug - Viva Las Vegas Autos, Inc.

After taking this SUV home, I now see why everybody likes these so much. This is a 2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 in unbelievably good condition with just 68,673 original low miles. It has color-matched running boards, power sun roof and Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) and it drives like an absolute dream. 4Runners are probably the most sought after and most reliable SUV ever made and a quick search on eBay or anywhere else will confirm just how few 4Runners there are with mileage this low, let alone condition this spectacular . . .

available dates/mileage
10-00	compliance label build date
11-12-00	NICB - vehicle manufactured and shipped to original dealer
12-2-00	Nevada DMV - Henderson
12-27-00	Nevada DMV - Boise, Idaho	16 miles
11-30-01	Nevada DMV - Henderson
8-27-02	dealer inventory - Las Vegas, Nevada	19,661
12-6-02	Nevada DMV - Las Vegas
1-21-03	Nevada DMV - Las Vegas	19,761
10-11-03	Fletcher Jones Toyota - Las Vegas	27,809
10-14-03	dealer inventory - Las Vegas, Nevada
12-11-03	Nevada DMV - Las Vegas
12-4-04	Nevada DMV - Las Vegas
12-3-05	Nevada DMV - Las Vegas
11-28-06	Nevada DMV - Las Vegas
12-1-07	Nevada DMV - Las Vegas
2-25-08	Checker Auto Parts - Las Vegas - new battery
8-9-08	Fletcher Jones Toyota - Las Vegas, Nevada - vehicle serviced, program remote	55,144
12-2-08	Nevada DMV - Las Vegas
12-8-09	Nevada emissions - Las Vegas	61,174
11-29-10	Nevada emissions - Las Vegas	63,129
11-23-11	Nevada emissions - Las Vegas	65,123
11-28-11	Nevada DMV - Las Vegas
11-14-12	Nevada emissions - Las Vegas	66,588
11-19-12	Nevada DMV - Las Vegas
11-29-13	Nevada DMV - Las Vegas
11-30-13	Nevada emissions - Las Vegas	67,945
12-3-13	Nevada emissions - Las Vegas	67,989
12-23-13	Nevada DMV - Las Vegas
3-6-14	associate vehicle purchase form
3-10-14	Nevada emissions
4-2-14	Carmax - Henderson, Nevada	68,458
4-4-14	synthetic LOF
4-22-14	current	68,673

The Millennium Silver paint is gorgeous to see on this no hit/no accident gem; very few minimal scratches and paint chips. The body is straight, tires are awesome and the 16-inch alloy wheels are perfect as far as I can see . . .

Seams are straight and consistent and panel alignment is new-car tight. The dark tint is much appreciated here in sunny southern Nevada . . .

Receiver toe hitch wired and ready for a trailer and roof rack has adjustable bars . . .

Rear wiper, rear wing and integrated mud flaps . . .

Exterior trim is beautiful and as you can see, this 4Runner's quality stands out from any angle

I don't know how he does it but once again, Doug (owner, Viva Las Vegas Autos, Inc.) has found that one-in-a-million perfect choice diamond everybody hopes to find, dealers and customers alike. It's an easy sell too, with quality far above even the highest expectations. This remarkable SUV goes down the road smooth as silk, shifts perfectly, stops straight as an arrow. The air conditioner blows ice cold and the CD/audio sounds great. And again, look at the competition and see how rare a 4Runner with mileage this low is, with quality condition to match . . .

Carpeted floor mats, leather wrapped tilt steering wheel and lumbar support . . .

Also has a rear heater with separate controls . . .

68,673 works out to just over 5,200 miles a year - roughly a third the normal mileage for a 13-year old vehicle . . .

3.4 Liter DOHC V6 Engine (5VZ-FE)

183 horsepower @ 4,800/217 ft-lb torque @ 3,600 RPM

We always take all of our vehicles to a third party service center that knows our commitment to details and determination to provide our buyers with exceptional quality. No different with this vehicle even though the miles were super low. Their recommendation was to replace the front struts on the truck, replace the timing belt and water pump (not cheap), replace a broken antenna mast and service the fluids with a new synthetic oil change. We did all they recommended. Call any reputable service facility and get the cost on that recommendation, it won't be much less than about $2500. That's money you will not be spending that you would from most other dealers and absolutely if you bought from a private owner...that's why they might sell them cheaper than I do. As I've said before, I may not be the seller with the cheap winning prices, but you won't be spending a fortune on hidden issues with me either.

Clean, dry and perfect . . .no leaks...no damage

Same shot as above but with the front skid plates removed for your inspection. How many sellers take the trouble to do that?

Full size spare and clean as a whistle back here too.

VIN Decode: JT3GN86R910190682
country	J	Japan
manufacturer	T	Toyota
?	3
body/drive type	G	4Runner, 4x2, 1996-02
engine	N	3.4 liter V6 (5VZ-FE) 1996-04
series	8	4Runner, 1996-02
grade	6	SR5, 2001-02
line	R	4Runner, 1996-05
check digit	9	matches per NHTSA
model year	1	2001
assembly plant	0	Japan
sequential production number	190682

Compliance label with October, 2000 build date.

Original owner books.

A note from the owner.

I am a “used car dealer” but before that, I’m an automobile enthusiast. I love original rare and high quality modified vintage cars and over the past decade I’ve been in business, have come to appreciate an expanding selection of high-demand, high value vehicles. I specialize in and am always on the lookout for cars and trucks that were cherished by their previous owners. I have an experienced eye for quality but I’ve discovered that my preferred buyer can instantly discern such a vehicle and I have therefore, built my business and reputation around finding these kinds of cars for this type of customer. Super low miles and/or gentle ownership are strict requirements but a car must do something for me on a personal level if there is any hope of convincing you, the bidder, that this is an above average, exceptional vehicle. If nothing about the car excites me, it probably won’t do much for you either and I would soon be out of business.

With just four employees and no sales people, I realize how unusual a “dealership” like mine may at first glance appear. It has taken great care and effort to create such an organization and often, an unusually high investment in a particular car we are about to list. To sell the best it is critical to have a trusted expert in my corner and Chris, owner of A-Best Auto Repair in Henderson, Nevada has my back. He and his crew can fix anything; from a low budget beater to the absolute most expensive exotic you can name, no job is too big and no small detail unimportant. They do an exhaustive 130 point inspection on each and every vehicle and nothing escapes their methodical investigation. Experience has shown that everything I spend making a car truly “right” will come back to me not only with a higher selling price, but a happy customer that says good things about me. Moreover; it allows my writer to describe the car with ease and confidence, something that simply is not possible unless he thinks it is true. If major issues are found or the cost of fixing the car the way it should be makes it too expensive to sell, my choice is an easy one. I simply absorb a few hundred dollars loss for my trouble and sell it at auction.

After the vehicle is fully sorted it arrives at our facility where it encounters the suspicious eye of Tom, my writer that creates the presentations you see on eBay. He believes absolutely nothing I or anyone else tells him about the car as he combs over every inch, researches its history and documents originality and authenticity. Historical significance, rarity, special features, possible modifications and much more are used to accurately describe the vehicle with integrity and honesty. Most important for the potential buyer are the 100 to 150 high resolution pictures that I take myself. The pricey equipment I use would be right at home in the hands of the very best professional photographers and I’ve developed a logical format that walks you around the entire vehicle with close-up shots of every square inch. I provide detailed views of the interior, under the hood and then put it on a lift to show the undercarriage and confirm that the beauty of the car you are considering is not merely skin deep. Even our detailers are enthusiastic about the cars they so meticulously clean. This reconditioning can sometimes take several days and I’ve converted a paint booth, especially prepared for the professional clay bar and polishing each car lovingly receives.

Usually, I’ll also include a high definition video that shows the car doing its thing. If it’s a fast car, we film it going fast. If it’s a 4x4 you’ll see it crawling up a hill. In every case you will hear things like a rumbling exhaust, working sound system and watch the temperature fall on a digital, laser thermometer pointed at an air conditioning vent. How many “dealers” will video a Lotus Esprit doing a buck-eighty? We do.

No “dealer,” on-line or in the real world, takes it to this level. No other seller or organization provides you, the buyer, with so much information. I do this because it is the only way I can convince a person; often a world away, unable to touch or feel their purchase, that my vehicle is for real and what I say is the truth. All the above is necessary for me to stay in business while keeping integrity intact. I want every buyer to be happy and I need glowing feedback on eBay. To accomplish that I need satisfied customers that are as thrilled with their purchase as I was when I bought it.

If you have any questions at all, please call me on my cell at: 702-353-7500. If your inquiry is sincere and your offer serious, you’ll find me the most accommodating business partner you’ve ever dealt with. If you call or e-mail asking for my reserve or “what is my bottom line” I will be looking for ways to politely end the conversation. Until you are ready to actually pull the trigger, I will happily quote you the absolute highest nationally advertised suggested retail price I can find – a number we both know will not buy the car so, don’t waste your time, or mine. I am after all, a “used car dealer.”

Serious buyers know the maximum they can offer. I then must simply decide if I can sell for that number.

If you hit the reserve, the decision is no longer mine. I must sell at that number.

OFFERS GET MY ATTENTION: 702-353-7500 or Doug@vivalasvegasautos.com

If you want to make a deal,

pick up the phone and talk a serious offer.

702-353-7500

I don't respond to emails asking for "bottom line, sale price, reserve, or Buy-it-Now" figures on top line cars.

THE ONLY WAY YOU GET THOSE FIGURES IS TO CALL ME!

The book values posted below are relevant to "real" selling figures.

NADA & KBB wouldn't be in business if their values were not real but their figures are averaged for the entire nation. If this car is less than or better than this average, bid or offer accordingly.

Please ask about our service programs and pricing.

Cars sold without warranties are sold As-Is.

Waiver's of Warranty will be signed if declined.

All automobiles have breakdowns; some minor, some serious. I know, because I fix them without the advantage of a warranty. You don't have to. Seriously consider a safety net for the unknown.

Most vehicles are already pre-qualified for the warranties with AULcorp.com

Terms of Sale

This vehicle is safely stored in our beautiful climate controlled showroom in Boulder City, Nevada. We are just 25 minutes from Las Vegas International Airport (McCarran) and welcome the opportunity to meet the winning bidder there and drive them to our facility for vehicle delivery. We have years of experience with vehicle shipping, nationwide and across the globe. We stand ready to facilitate whatever arrangements are necessary, at the buyers request and expense. This vehicle will not be delivered or released for shipment until complete payment is received and all funds have cleared.

Third party, pre-purchase vehicle inspections are welcome BEFORE the auction ends. We are happy to answer questions about this vehicle and resolve any concerns you may have BEFORE YOU BID and BEFORE THE AUCTION ENDS . . . THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. If you are in the Las Vegas area, we invite you to stop by for a demonstration.

A $1000 non-refundable partial payment must be received 24 hours from the end of this auction . We prefer VISA but will accept PayPal if necessary.

Full payment must be received within four (4) business days of the end of auction. Cashiers-check, direct deposit or cash in person are acceptable but BANK to BANK WIRE TRANSFER IS PREFERRED for US winners and required for all winning bidders outside the United States. Loan checks can be accepted only after prior approval from the owner, Doug Williams. M/Os will NEVER be accepted. CHECKS in ANY FORM MUST BE CLEARED as CASHABLE FUNDS before delivery of any item.

Free and clear title is in seller's possession and will be transferred upon payment in full.

Important: Winning bidders on-line enter a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle presented here. Bidders that win the auction and then do not pay, will be aggressively pursued. Non-paying bidders will be prosecuted. If you do not intend to purchase this vehicle, DO NOT BID.

We will happily do whatever is required to assist a legitimate bidder that intends to purchase the vehicle with their transaction.

This vehicle sold AS-IS, with no warranty. This is not a new vehicle, it is used. A used vehicle will have normal wear and tear congruent to its age and/or mileage. This vehicle may have dings, scratches or other indications of use because it has been used. Terms such as "perfection," "flawless" or "mint" may not be subjective but all other descriptions are.

When you bid, you understand and agree to these terms.

Please call Doug @ 702-353-7500 with ANY questions. Email: Doug@VivaLasVegasAutos.com

Sales tax, smog and title fees may be applicable to Nevada residents.

A document fee of $200.00 will be added to the closing auction price.

An optional 15 day drive-away permit is available for $8.25.

New eBay bidders with (0) feedback or international bidders

please make contact by email or phone at least 2 hours before bidding.

We reserve the right to cancel bids if necessary to protect our clients.

Research for this ad was done with all due diligence toward an accurate presentation of the facts. All information herein represents our sincere effort to be correct. If we have made any errors or provided information later found to be inaccurate, we will correct these mistakes and resolve any issues that occur as a result, as far as it is within our ability to do. Descriptive words like "perfect" or "flawless" are subjective opinions because nothing is perfect; flaws are inevitable. If you question what you see, feel free to inspect our vehicles in person or by a professional inspection service strictly prior to the close of the auction. Post auction inspections are unacceptable and we reserve the right to sell to the follow up bidder immediately.

Viva! Las Vegas Autos, Inc.

707 Yucca St.

Boulder City, Nevada 89005

Office Line - 702-889-Viva (8482)

Fax Line - 702-889-8486

Dlr # 26850

Doug Williams

Owner

Direct Line - 702-353-7500

Win Victoriously, Your Way!

Find Out How to Make Your Deal Immediately!

We Can and Will Find a Way to Make it Happen for You on eBay.

Beat all the last minute bidders to the punch!

Save Time & Last Minute Disappointment

Keeping the Deal on eBay & Keeping it Safe!

Don't worry eBay!

We'll make sure the auction completes & does not happen off of eBay!

We wouldn't want eBay to think we're trying to circumvent their fees!

Keeping our clients safe and getting positive feedback is critical to us!

Almost as critical as EBay's enforcement of their circumventing fees policy.

A Note for Potential Victims

Please let us know if you see our vehicles under listings of obvious question or if you receive a "Second Chance Offer" with any e-mail other than ours. You can easily recognize the crooks with the stupid low "Buy it Now" price and the direct e-mails off the eBay system. They'll never disclose a telephone number or address either. If they won't talk to you, return a call or can't send you a copy of a title to the vehicle . . . DON'T SEND THEM MONEY or fall for their sneaky e-mails and redirects attempting to get your seller ID and password.

* Be Careful! *

Be sure to ask about our Available Warranties

Review our Programs and Pricing on the Links below.

Some Vehicles May Qualify for the Premier Warranties of AUL.

Toyota 4Runner for Sale

Auto Services in Nevada

Zip Zap Auto ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Brake Repair

Address: 3230 N Durango Dr, Calico-Basin

Phone: (702) 644-1400

Vaughn Motor Sports ★★★★★

Used Car Dealers

Address: 1855 Mill St, Verdi

Phone: (775) 787-1013

Unique Sounds ★★★★★

Automobile Parts & Supplies, Automobile Radios & Stereo Systems, Stereo, Audio & Video Equipment-Dealers

Address: 3080 US Highway 50 E, Virginia-City

Phone: (775) 841-2766

Trimline of Reno ★★★★★

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Address: Paradise-Valley

Phone: (775) 322-3181

Trimline of Reno ★★★★★

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Address: 1660 Greg St, Wadsworth

Phone: (775) 322-3181

Sudden Impact Auto Body & Collision Repair Specialists ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Body Repairing & Painting, Towing

Address: 3595 Boulder Hwy, N-Las-Vegas

Phone: (702) 625-8569

Auto blog

Lexus NX, BMW i3 to get Super Bowl commercials

Mon, Jan 19 2015

At this point last year, we'd been getting news on automotive-focused Super Bowl commercials for more than two months. The teasers hadn't come out yet, but manufacturers lined up for the super-expensive spots were making their intentions known. This year? Almost nada, until this week. BMW has said it will air a 60-second spot promoting the i3 during the first quarter of the game, the Munich firm returning to The Big Game after a four-year absence. BMW says, "Big ideas like the BMW i3 take a little getting used to, and the creative idea surrounding our spot will play on this analogy." We say that pitching a tiny range-extended hatchback during the beer-iest American sports orgy of the year should make for some neat commentary afterward. Lexus is putting its new NX crossover in the second Super Bowl commercial it's ever aired, eschewing the glitter of celebrities and glamor for a straight-shooting spot and the tagline, "Be seen, be heard, make some noise." Joining those two are Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota. The six confirmed carmakers are down from eleven last year, when car spots made up a quarter of the total ad time. The price to do business for 30 seconds this year: reportedly around $4.5 million, up a stacks from last year's $4 million. You can watch the Lexus commercial in the video above, and beneath that, the BMW press release below has a bit more information on its effort. BMW to Advertise All-Electric BMW i3 during Super Bowl XLIX. The all-electric BMW i3 is featured in a 60-second spot during Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, February 1, 2015. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 15, 2015... Today, BMW announced plans to feature the all-electric BMW i3 in a 60-second spot during Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, February 1, 2015. After a 4-year hiatus, BMW will be returning to the big game with a commercial during the first quarter. "As one in three Americans will tune in to watch the Super Bowl, we are thrilled to use this platform to educate viewers on the importance of electric mobility," said Trudy Hardy, Vice President of Marketing, BMW of North America. "Big ideas like the BMW i3 take a little getting used to, and the creative idea surrounding our spot will play on this analogy." BMW i is BMW's forward-looking and sustainable brand dedicated to solving many of the mobility challenges faced by the world's most densely populated cities. The BMW i3 is the first of the BMW i vehicles constructed from the ground up primarily of carbon fiber.

Incrementally better than ever | 2017 Toyota 86 First Drive

Tue, Oct 4 2016

We'd love to tell you that the incremental upgrades bestowed upon Toyota's rear-wheel-drive coupe as it made its transition from Scion FR-S to Toyota 86 have transformed it into a perfect sportscar. If only a few more horsepower, shorter rear-end gearing, and tiny aero updates were enough to quell all the complaints that enthusiasts have leveled at the machine since the platform first hit the road in 2012, this review would have been so much more satisfying to write. Sadly, that's not the case. Don't get us wrong. The 86 is still extremely fun to toss around a twisty road. The chassis is impressively balanced, the steering is direct, and the shifter is sweet. Sorry to impart upon you this well-worn trope, but the old adage that it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast car slow is, in this case, completely accurate. The 2017 Toyota 86 is nothing if not entertaining. But it's not completely new. It hasn't been transformed. It is, in the end, the same as it ever was. It will take about three minutes of your time to watch the videos below, in which we cover pretty much everything that's new for the 2017 Toyota 86. Toyota 86s equipped with manual transmissions get a five-pony boost to 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Automatic models soldier forth with a carryover 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 200 hp and 151 lb-ft. Apparently, more than half of Scion FR-S buyers chose the automatic. That's unfortunate, as it drains a good deal of the fun out of the 86 experience. Choose the manual and you'll be rewarded with an easy clutch and a rewarding short-throw shifter. And, as we said, five more ponies, courtesy of intake and exhaust tweaks and the polishing of some internal engine components. The only upside to the automatic is improved fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway. Manual 86s are EPA-rated at 21/28. Along with the small bump in power, the 2017 86 gets a 4.3:1 rear-end gear ratio in lieu of the old 4.1:1 unit. That ought to translate into a small improvement in acceleration that really only matters on paper. In the real world, on actual roads, the difference is negligible. To eke the most out of the 86, you have to constantly work the shifter and keep the engine north of 5,000 rpm. It's still not particularly quick, but it's definitely fun. There's plenty of noise inside the 86, from the wind, the road, and the engine.

Toyota prices fuel cell sedan $70K in Japan, coming to US and Europe next summer [w/video]

Wed, 25 Jun 2014

Toyota has finally unveiled its FCV hydrogen fuel cell sedan and its Japanese price. We won't have to wait too long to see the first of these revolutionary vehicles on the roads. It will go on sale in Japan in April 2015 and will come to the US and Europe later that summer.
In Japan, the FCV will be priced at roughly 7 million yen before taxes ($68,810 at current exchange rates). However, Toyota makes it clear in the press release that we shouldn't try to extrapolate US MSRP from that figure, saying that official pricing for the US and Europe has not yet been determined. As will be the case in the US, sales in Japan will be limited to parts of the country that already have a hydrogen refueling infrastructure (that means you, California).
The production version of the FCV looks almost identical to the concept from last year's Tokyo Motor Show. There is a new vertical strip of LEDs at each corner of the front air intake and real sideview windows, instead of the nubs on the prototype. The weird squiggles from the rear trim are also gone in favor of a more production-ready look, but the taillights survive the changes mostly intact.