Produced from October 1992 to 1996, the fifth-generation JZX90 is where the Chaser split into two distinct personalities — sporty Tourer and luxury Avante — and where the Tourer V badge first appeared. Three decades on, it's still one of the most requested four-door JDM imports we get, prized for going sideways just as readily as it goes to the shops.
Overview
The JZX90 is one of Toyota's "triplet" sedans, sharing its platform and running gear with the Mark II and Cresta but wearing bolder, more aggressive sheet metal and a sportier brand image. From this generation, Toyota narrowed the engine line to two: the 2.5L 1JZ-GTE parallel-twin-turbo in Tourer models, and a 3.0L 2JZ-GE naturally aspirated six in Avante models. The Tourer V — the grade everyone actually means when they say "JZX90 Chaser" — pairs the twin-turbo six with a firmer sport-tuned suspension and, on later cars, Toyota's Super HICAS four-wheel steering.
Tourer / Avante
Tourer is the sport-focused line built around the turbo six; Avante is the comfort-focused luxury line — different suspension tuning, trim and badging on essentially the same body.
1JZ-GTE Twin-Turbo / 2JZ-GE NA
Tourer V runs the 2.5L 1JZ-GTE with parallel twin turbos; Avante runs the naturally aspirated 3.0L 2JZ-GE. The twin-turbo Tourer V is what most buyers are chasing.
Auction Pricing
Recent Japanese auction results put clean JZX90 Tourer V examples broadly between ¥1,300,000 and ¥3,000,000, with well-kept, low-mileage manual cars trending toward the top of that range. Avante and other non-turbo grades sit noticeably lower, reflecting weaker enthusiast demand. Condition matters more than the number on the sheet at this age, which is why we physically inspect every car ourselves before you commit to a bid.
What to Check
Toyota never rustproofed these for a market that doesn't salt its roads, so rust can still hide where you don't expect it — check the rear quarters, the sills, and around the wiper cowl where water can pool and rot the panel behind the brake booster. On the drivetrain side, listen for grinding into third gear, a common sign of worn synchros in the R154 manual, and check tension rod bushings and clutch condition. The JZX90's parallel-twin-turbo setup is more complex than the single-turbo JZX100 that followed it, so turbo and actuator condition is worth confirming carefully.
Import Eligibility
Fully Eligible
Every JZX90, from the first 1992 cars to the last 1996 models, cleared the 25-year import threshold years ago. No waiting on eligibility here.
Fully Eligible
The entire JZX90 production run cleared the federal 25-year exemption years ago. State registration requirements still vary — see our Import page for details.
MOT Only
Well past the 10-year IVA threshold, so a standard MOT is all that's needed to register — no IVA test required.
FAQ
Tourer V or Avante?
Tourer V for almost every buyer — it's the twin-turbo 1JZ-GTE with sport suspension and the grade that holds value and enthusiast interest. Avante is worth considering only if you specifically want the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE and a softer, more comfort-oriented ride.
JZX90 or JZX100 Chaser?
The JZX90 has a rawer, lighter feel with its twin-turbo engine and is often preferred for drift use; the JZX100 swapped to a single VVT-i turbo with fatter midrange torque, a more modern interior, and generally holds value better as a daily. Both are excellent — see our JZX100 Chaser guide for the comparison.
JZX100 Chaser
See how the single-turbo, VVT-i generation changed the formula.
View JZX100 guide →