Produced from August 1997 to 2005, the JZS161 is the Aristo generation the model is remembered for — and, with the A80 Supra discontinued in 2002, it became the very last production car in the world to carry the 2JZ-GTE. Like several other younger performance cars on this list, its later production years mean eligibility varies significantly by market.
Overview
The V300 grade is the reason the JZS161 is collected today: it runs the same 2JZ-GTE fitted to the A80 Supra RZ, now with VVT-i on the intake camshaft and sequentially staged twin turbochargers, capped at the JDM-standard 280PS. The base S300 grade runs the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE at around 230PS instead. Outside Japan, this exact car was sold as the Lexus GS300 (naturally aspirated only — export markets never got the twin-turbo V300), which is exactly why enthusiasts specifically seek out the JDM Aristo rather than settling for the Lexus-badged version.
S300 / V300
S300 is the naturally aspirated grade; V300 is the twin-turbo halo grade that shares its engine tune with the Supra RZ and is what most import buyers are after.
2JZ-GTE VVT-i, 280PS
Sequentially staged twin turbochargers and VVT-i on the intake cam — the same 2JZ-GTE tune found in the Supra RZ, in a comfortable four-door body.
Auction Pricing
Japanese market data puts clean JZS161 V300 values broadly between ¥1,500,000 and ¥4,000,000, with exceptional low-mileage, well-optioned examples going higher still. As the last car built with the 2JZ-GTE, demand has climbed steadily in recent years — S300 and other non-turbo grades trade noticeably lower. Condition and originality matter enormously at this price spread, which is why we inspect every car ourselves before you commit to a bid.
What to Check
On V300 twin-turbo cars, confirm turbo and boost-control condition, along with any signs of overboost or aftermarket tuning history. As with the JZS147, this is a heavily equipped luxury sedan, so test every electrical system — power seats, climate control and factory air suspension where fitted are all common sources of age-related faults. Rust around the rear arches, sills and boot floor is worth checking, and full service history matters more than mileage alone given the car's complexity.
Import Eligibility
Because JZS161 production runs to 2005, later-build cars haven't reached the age-based 25-year threshold yet — but as with the Evo VII–IX and WRX STI GDB, that doesn't mean every market makes you wait.
SEVS-Eligible Now
The Aristo was never sold new in Australia (only the Lexus GS300 was), and it's listed on the SEVS Performance Criterion register — meaning eligible builds can be imported now regardless of age. We'll confirm your exact build against the current register.
Rolling Eligible
No SEVS-style pathway in the US — early 1997–98 build cars have already cleared the federal 25-year exemption, with the rest of the range clearing progressively through 2030. See our Import page.
MOT Only
No age-based import ban and every JZS161 is now past the 10-year IVA threshold — a standard MOT is all that's needed, available now regardless of build date.
FAQ
Can I import a JZS161 to Australia now?
In most cases yes, via the SEVS register rather than waiting on the 25-year rule — but it's build-specific, so we always check your target car against the current register before you commit.
Why isn't the Lexus GS300 SEVS-eligible if the Aristo is?
SEVS only covers models that were never offered new in Australia. The Lexus GS300 was sold here domestically, which blocks it from the register — but the JDM Aristo, including the twin-turbo V300 grade Lexus never sold locally, was not, so it qualifies.