Produced from 1999 to December 2003, the eleventh-generation JZS171 is the Crown enthusiasts actually chase, thanks to the Athlete V grade's turbocharged 1JZ-GTE. Like several other younger performance cars on this list, its production years mean eligibility varies significantly by market.
Overview
The JZS171 range spans the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE Royal grades through to the sport-focused Athlete lineup, but the Athlete V is the one this guide is really about: a 2.5L 1JZ-GTE single-turbo six with VVT-i, making 280PS at 6,200rpm and 379Nm of torque at just 2,400rpm — the same engine tune used in the JZX100 Chaser and Mark II, in a larger, more luxuriously equipped four-door body with a firmer factory suspension tune than the rest of the Crown range.
Royal / Athlete / Athlete V
Royal grades stay naturally aspirated and comfort-focused; Athlete sharpens the styling and suspension; Athlete V adds the turbocharged 1JZ-GTE and is the grade most import buyers are after.
1JZ-GTE VVT-i, 280PS
The same single-turbo VVT-i tune found in the JZX100 Chaser and Mark II, delivering strong low-rpm torque well suited to a heavier luxury sedan.
Auction Pricing
Japanese market data puts clean JZS171 Athlete V values broadly between ¥1,200,000 and ¥2,500,000, with well-kept, low-mileage examples with full service history commanding the top of that range. Naturally aspirated Royal grades trade noticeably lower. It remains one of the more affordable ways into 1JZ-GTE ownership in a genuinely comfortable, well-equipped body — condition and history matter enormously, which is why we inspect every car ourselves before you commit to a bid.
What to Check
On Athlete V turbo cars, confirm turbo and boost-control condition, along with any signs of overboost or aftermarket tuning history. As a heavily equipped luxury sedan, test every electrical system — power seats, climate control and factory suspension components 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 JZS171 production runs to December 2003, later-build cars haven't reached the age-based 25-year threshold yet — but as with the Evo VII–IX, WRX STI GDB and Aristo JZS161, that doesn't mean every market makes you wait.
SEVS-Eligible Now
The Crown JZS171, including the Athlete V, is 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 1999 build cars have already cleared the federal 25-year exemption, with the rest of the range clearing progressively through late 2028. See our Import page.
MOT Only
No age-based import ban and every JZS171 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 JZS171 Athlete V 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.
JZS155 or JZS171?
The JZS171 is the one to chase if you want the turbo Athlete V and its 1JZ-GTE — the JZS155 never offered a factory turbo grade. The JZS155 is the more affordable, more overlooked choice if outright performance matters less than the significance of being the first pillarless-hardtop, VVT-i Crown. See our JZS155 Crown guide for the comparison.