If you’re not reading this from Japan, chances are the 2018 to 2022 S220 fifteenth-generation Toyota Crown is only available to you as a grey import. While Toyotas—especially those made in Japan—have an outstanding reputation for build quality and reliability, purchasing a grey import should be approached with caution.

Since the Crown’s inception in the mid-1950s, Toyota has regarded the Crown as the embodiment of “the best of Japan” in terms of quality and longevity.

Over the years, the Crown has become the preferred mode of transport for a wide range of people in Japan, from government officials to company executives and CEOs.

Even the Japanese police force uses the Crown. Outside of the ultra-exclusive Toyota Century, which rivals even Rolls-Royce, the Crown is considered the top-tier Toyota consumer model.

For the fifteenth generation, Toyota’s ambition went beyond just showcasing “the best of Japan.” The goal was to compete on a global scale. With the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6 as its primary targets, the Crown was designed to exceed expectations.

The vehicle’s levels of fit, finish, features, and equipment are comparable to, if not surpassing, its German rivals.

In most international markets, Lexus (with models like the ES, GS, and LS) has been Japan’s primary competitor in the large executive sedan segment. However, in Japan, the Crown holds that prestigious position. The car has become so aspirational that it’s almost considered a brand of its own.

As with many Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles, the Crown is available in a variety of trim levels. These include the B, S, SC-Package, RS-B, G-Executive, RS, RS Advance, and more.

The features and equipment for each trim level can vary depending on factors such as the production date and the specific dealership that sold the car.

There are three engine options available for the S220 Crown, each paired with different driveline configurations. The 2.5-litre hybrid engine, while efficient, isn’t particularly fast. In contrast, the 3.5-litre V6 offers impressive performance, with the ability to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under five seconds.

Fortunately, all the engine and mechanical components are shared with other Toyota and Lexus models that are locally delivered. This means that engine parts and maintenance shouldn’t be an issue.

However, certain aspects should be considered carefully when buying a grey import Crown. Accessing Crown-specific spare parts, such as body panels, can be challenging.

Additionally, some importers may falsify documents or hide a vehicle’s true history, which can pose serious risks. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research and know what to look for before making a purchase. Read on to learn more about potential pitfalls and how to avoid them.

What goes wrong with a used Toyota Crown (S220)?

Exterior:

If you have an accident, your insurance company should typically be responsible for sourcing the necessary parts. Good importers can also assist in finding body panels and other components. However, you should expect delays in getting parts, especially when they need to be sourced from overseas.

This issue of waiting for parts isn’t exclusive to JDM imports like the Crown. Even locally delivered models can experience delays depending on the make and model. However, when compared to more readily available local competitors, sourcing parts for the Crown may be more challenging.

Aside from potential delays in sourcing parts, we haven’t identified many issues regarding the exterior of the S220 Crown.

Black paint can sometimes have imperfections, but overall, there are few issues, such as electronic malfunctions or prematurely worn-out components, especially when compared to European competitors.

Interior:

One issue that’s typical for Toyota is the outdated infotainment system. While many manufacturers offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from as early as 2015 or 2016, Toyota was slower to adopt this technology. Although Toyota began rolling out CarPlay in 2019, the range-topping Crown was initially excluded.

The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto only came with the late 2020 update. You can identify pre-update cars by the presence of two separate screens, while post-update models feature one large screen, which includes all the phone connectivity you would expect.

Retrofitting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in pre-update models is hit or miss. Some owners have successfully added the feature using aftermarket solutions, while others have reported problems, with some systems not working at all.

It’s important to note that the built-in satellite navigation in these cars is often non-functional in most countries outside of Japan. However, you can change the language for the rest of the infotainment system, which is a relief.

Mechanically:

2.0 8AR-FTS Turbo Engine:

So far, this engine has proven to be extremely reliable.

As it’s part of a new generation of more complex Toyota engines, some random issues have been reported, although they aren’t widespread.

This engine likely requires more maintenance than previous generations due to its increased complexity, making regular servicing more important than ever.

2.5 A25A-FXS Hybrid Engine:

Occasionally, there have been issues with the EGR valve and cooler, though these are rare.

Some reports mention high-pressure fuel pump leaks, but this is not a common problem.

3.5 8GR-FXS V6 Engine:

Early models could suffer from oil leaks in the timing cover and sump. These leaks were the result of production issues, not wear and tear, and most were repaired under warranty.

Water pump failures have been reported, though they are rare.

The thermostat may also fail occasionally, getting stuck open and causing the engine to run cold, which triggers a fault code. Typically, the thermostat is replaced when the water pump is serviced.

The high-pressure fuel pump can sometimes cause issues, although this is not a widespread problem.

Occasionally, the purge valve can cause a lean code, but again, this issue is not common.

In the last five years, Toyota’s hybrids have proven to be more reliable than non-hybrid models. This is primarily because hybrids have fewer emissions-related components and no turbochargers, making them less mechanically complex with fewer moving parts.

The battery in the fourth-generation hybrid system is extremely reliable. One of the only maintenance concerns for owners is keeping the hybrid battery cooling fan filter clean.

The eCVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission) used in hybrid models is not like a traditional CVT and is highly reliable. It’s considered one of the most dependable domestic transmissions ever made.

The 8-speed and 10-speed automatic transmissions in non-hybrid models are also regarded as extremely reliable.

Some owners have reported that the lane-keep assist feature can struggle on Australian roads, failing to operate as effectively as expected.

The speed warning system tends to get confused by school zone signs, which can lead to incorrect alerts.

Owners have also mentioned that the radar cruise control can occasionally overreact when cars in front leave the lane. The system sometimes engages the brakes unnecessarily when this happens.

Another common complaint is that the steering feels very light, to the point where it can seem vague, which detracts from the precision some drivers expect.

Should you buy a used Toyota Crown (S220)?

If you’ve decided that the Crown is the car for you, that’s completely understandable—it truly is an exceptional vehicle. However, it’s crucial to ensure that you have a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection performed before committing. Make sure all the import documents are legitimate and in proper order.

By taking these steps, you’ll not only be purchasing one of the finest cars on the road, but you’ll also have the peace of mind that you’re getting one of the best-maintained examples available.

Aside from potential concerns with exterior panels and Crown-specific parts (which you likely won’t need anytime soon), it’s hard to see why you’d choose much of the competition over the Crown.