View Model information and specifications for the Toyota Vellfire Hybrid 20 Series
This one owner 2012 Toyota Vellfire HYBRID ZR Edition 2.4L 4WD model with 22,000 kms was inspected for a client at HAA Kobe auction on 6 August 2016. It was graded 4.5 B B.
It sold for 3,657,000 YEN FOB. Total price in Australia would have been approx. $60,900 complied plus tyres and ORC’s (calculated at a rate of 77.7 yen to the dollar).
Factory options included dual sunroof, heated leather seats, cruise control, dual power slide doors, power tailgate, front and rear parking sonar, premium sound system, flip down monitor for rear passengers, front, side and rear cameras, air purifier system, USB / a/c ports, interior roof lighting and front / rear curtain airbags.
Given the auction grade, age and low kms, the condition was not quite as good as we were hoping, and for this reason we recommended to our client to pass on this vehicle and keep searching for one in better condition. The reasons for this are as follows.
The RHR quarter panel had a horizontal scratch starting at the top centre of the wheel arch and extending about 30cm long back along the body and about 7cm into the door itself. This had been touched up, and was hard to see if standing back from the car but certainly visible up close.
There were a few small scratches around the rear hatch opening most of which would buff out.
Over the body there were some small swirl marks and finger nail scratches, most of which would also buff / polish out.
The left front fender had several small scratches which would also buff out, being not that deep.
Also some scratches were noted on the left side door scratches but they were not very noticeable.
Underneath we observed some surface rust and in the engine bay there was surface corrosion on aluminium parts which on a 4WD car of this age and from this region of Japan usually indicate use in the snow.
It was also fitted with aftermarket suspension / coilovers, the springs were original but the lower part of the springs had an adjustment fitted and the aftermarket struts (TANABE) were also adjustable. This would generally indicate that a set of larger wheels were fitted to the car previously, but had been removed prior to trade-in / auction and the factory wheels re-fitted.
Original suspension was included in the back of the vehicle inside the Tanabe boxes.
While this was still a decent car and none of the issues overall would exclude it for import generally, when sourcing vehicles for clients we aim for better condition for age than this vehicle presented in.
Also, vehicles with this grading can sometimes sell for similar prices whether they are in the below average condition we found with this one to be in or pristine near new condition, depending on whether others bidding inspect the vehicle for themselves or bid sight unseen.
This is an example of why it’s not a good idea to buy a vehicle from auction without inspection even if it has a high grading. Gradings are variable and there are many grade 4 and above cars which are not up to our standard for various reasons.
In contrast, this 2011 E52 Elgrand in very clean condition is the sort of vehicle we do recommend.
We only source the best vehicles with clean and tidy interiors, and only vehicles we would be pleased to own ourselves. This is why we are constantly told by clients that the vehicles we source are well above the condition of most others on the local market.
Whether you’re looking for a 2012 Toyota Vellfire HYBRID ZR Edition model 2.4L 4WD like this, or another year or model of vehicle we can find it for you in nice condition.
The pictures are typical of the information we provide prior to auction for each vehicle of interest, with any faults shown so you can clearly see the condition before we discuss whether to bid, and your budget.
It is vital when sourcing your vehicle to use an agent that takes the time to physically check each vehicle and looks beyond the auction pictures and report to confirm condition. Some vehicles may have an unpleasant smoke or other odour, rust underneath, or other faults which are impossible to know without inspection.
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I would just like to give my unreserved recommendation to Geoff and his team at Prestige. Late last year I started the quest to look for a E51 Elgrand for the family. After my great experience some years back finding a Stagea RS FOUR with Geoff’s help it was a no brainer to rely on his expertise again. From beginning to end my interaction with Geoff was nothing short of professional. He was prompt, proactive and nothing seemed to phase him.
I knew enough about the import process to be dangerous. Like a typical guy I did not RTFM in the beginning and was making some really bone-headed picks. It would have saved everybody a lot of time if only I read through the material Geoff provided. If it had bothered him Geoff never showed and he patiently repeated the info I needed to make better picks.
There were many occasions when less than ideal vehicles showed up and being somewhat in a hurry to find a car it was tempting to lower my standard just to have something to bid on for the day. Against his best interest Geoff always talked me into walking away from a less than ideal pick. He could have easily taken advantage of my desperation for a vehicle but that never crossed his mind. He said more than once it’s about finding a car I am happy with and he really meant what he said.
The car we found was everything I set out to find, and then some. The right year, low Ks, had the right equipment and very very clean. The final price tag was right on budget and that’s including everything, tyres, on roads, the lot. The gentleman from the compliance shop could not stop remarking on how clean the car was. When my wife saw the car she could not believe it was 10 years old, it’s a stretch to say it feels brand new, but we could not be happier on how clean the car was. Like most imports the car came with many hidden goodies, we are still finding every little thing that came with the 2005 Elgrand. It was an exceptionally good score.
Geoff took care of everything up until the point the compliance shop receive the vehicle, and I mean everything. There was not a point in time I was lost for what to do and all the detail in the background, Geoff and his team took care of it. I know some people think twice about paying a fee to an agent but I can honestly say it’s worth every cent. Twice he chased down some extra savings – one over air con degassing the other over a reduction on customs. He saved me hundreds of dollars that a lesser agent would have probably deemed not worth their time and I probably would not have cared if I didn’t know. Geoff is the best in the business and he took the time to make sure I did get the savings I am entitled to. It’s these little things that makes Geoff’s service exemplary in the industry.
As long as Geoff is offering his service, I will not be buying a car any other way. If you can afford the lead time and a bit of patience, I whole heartily recommended importing your own car through Prestige Motorsport.