Toyota Mark 2 JZX100 — Buyer's Guide & Specs

The Toyota Mark II is a JDM midsize sedan icon prized for 1JZ/2JZ power, RWD dynamics, and huge parts support. Values are strongest for Tourer V manuals and clean, unmodified cars; autos and non-turbo trims remain the value buys.

Key Takeaways

  • Tourer V (1JZ-GTE) is the value leader
  • Factory manual commands the biggest premium
  • Stock, low-rust cars outperform modified
  • Autos/non-turbo are best budget entries
  • Chaser/Cresta share parts and pricing cues
  • US legality improves demand as years roll in

Technical Specifications

Engine Options

Engine Displacement Power Boost Notes
1G-EU 2.0L estimated N/A SOHC I6; exact JDM rating varies
1G-GEU 2.0L estimated N/A DOHC I6; exact JDM rating varies
1G-GTEU 2.0L estimated estimated Twin-turbo I6; exact rating varies
5M-GEU 2.8L estimated N/A DOHC I6; exact JDM rating varies
2L 2.4L estimated N/A Diesel I4; output varies by year/market
2L-T 2.4L estimated estimated Turbo diesel I4; output varies
2L-TE 2.4L estimated estimated Turbo diesel I4 (EFI); output varies
1G-FE 2.0L estimated N/A DOHC I6; BEAMS on some later apps
7M-GE 3.0L estimated N/A DOHC I6; exact JDM rating varies
7M-GTE 3.0L estimated estimated Turbo I6; exact JDM rating varies
1JZ-GE 2.5L estimated N/A NA I6; VVT-i on later years
1JZ-GTE 2.5L 276hp @ 6200rpm (JIS) estimated ~10-11 psi Twin-turbo I6; 280PS era rating
2JZ-GE 3.0L estimated N/A NA I6; VVT-i on later years
1JZ-FSE 2.5L estimated N/A D-4 direct injection I6; NA
1JZ-GTE 2.5L 276hp @ 6200rpm (JIS) estimated ~11-12 psi Single turbo VVT-i I6; 280PS era

Transmission Options

Type Ratios Availability Notes
5-speed Manual (R154) 3.251/1.955/1.310/1.000/0.753 X90/X100 Tourer V (some) Heavy-duty 5MT; turbo models
5-speed Manual (W55/W57 family) estimated NA trims (some markets/years) Ratios vary by W-series variant
4-speed Automatic (A340E family) 2.804/1.531/1.000/0.705 Many X80/X90/X100 trims Electronically controlled; RWD
4-speed Automatic (A341E family) 2.804/1.531/1.000/0.705 Turbo/high-output trims (some) Stronger A340 variant; RWD
5-speed Automatic (A650E family) 3.357/2.180/1.424/1.000/0.753 X110 iR/iR-S (some) ECT; used with later NA engines

Livability

Headroom
37.5"
OK for ~6'2"; sunroof cars feel tighter
Rear Seats
Usable for adults
Good legroom; middle seat is narrow/hard
Cargo
15.0 cu ft
Large trunk; rear seat pass-through varies by trim

Variants & Trims

Generation Trim Engine Key Features
Mark II (T60/T70, 3rd gen) Standard/Deluxe 4-cyl/6-cyl (market-dependent) Base grade, bench seat (some), steel wheels
Mark II (T60/T70, 3rd gen) GL 4-cyl/6-cyl (market-dependent) Upgraded interior, more chrome, higher equipment
Mark II (T60/T70, 3rd gen) LG 6-cyl (market-dependent) Luxury grade, improved trim, comfort equipment
Mark II (T60/T70, 3rd gen) GSS (hardtop) 6-cyl (market-dependent) Sport grade, hardtop, sport interior/exterior
Mark II (X30/X40, 4th gen) Standard/Deluxe 4-cyl/6-cyl (market-dependent) Base grade, steel wheels, minimal options
Mark II (X30/X40, 4th gen) GL 4-cyl/6-cyl (market-dependent) Mid grade, upgraded interior, more equipment
Mark II (X30/X40, 4th gen) LG 6-cyl (market-dependent) Luxury grade, velour, higher audio/trim
Mark II (X30/X40, 4th gen) GT (hardtop) 6-cyl (market-dependent) Sport grade, hardtop, sport suspension (some)
Mark II (X50/X60, 5th gen) L/GL 4-cyl/6-cyl (market-dependent) Base-mid grades, comfort focus, steel/alloy mix
Mark II (X50/X60, 5th gen) LG Grande 6-cyl (market-dependent) Luxury grade, upgraded interior, more options
Mark II (X50/X60, 5th gen) GT (hardtop) 6-cyl (market-dependent) Sport grade, hardtop, sport seats/trim
Mark II (X70, 6th gen) XL 1G-EU/1G-GEU/2L/2L-T (market-dependent) Base grade, cloth, simple audio, steel wheels
Mark II (X70, 6th gen) GL 1G-EU/1G-GEU/2L/2L-T (market-dependent) Mid grade, more trim, power accessories (some)
Mark II (X70, 6th gen) Grande 1G-GEU/1G-GTEU/5M-GEU/2L-T Luxury grade, velour, higher audio, alloys
Mark II (X70, 6th gen) Grande G 1G-GTEU/5M-GEU (market-dependent) Top luxury, digital cluster (some), more options
Mark II (X70, 6th gen) GT Twin Turbo 1G-GTEU Turbo, sport trim, alloys, sport suspension (some)
Mark II (X80, 7th gen) XL 1G-FE/2L/2L-T/2L-TE (market-dependent) Base grade, cloth, simple audio, steel wheels
Mark II (X80, 7th gen) GL 1G-FE/2L/2L-T/2L-TE (market-dependent) Mid grade, more equipment, power accessories
Mark II (X80, 7th gen) Grande 1G-FE/1G-GTE/7M-GE/7M-GTE/1JZ-GE Luxury grade, velour, alloys, higher audio
Mark II (X80, 7th gen) Grande G 1JZ-GE/7M-GE (market-dependent) Top luxury, more options, premium interior
Mark II (X80, 7th gen) GT Twin Turbo 1G-GTE/7M-GTE (market-dependent) Turbo, sport trim, sport suspension, alloys
Mark II (X90, 8th gen) XL 2L/2L-TE/1G-FE (market-dependent) Base grade, cloth, steel wheels, basic audio
Mark II (X90, 8th gen) GL 2L-TE/1G-FE (market-dependent) Mid grade, more equipment, power accessories
Mark II (X90, 8th gen) Grande 1G-FE/1JZ-GE/1JZ-GTE/2JZ-GE Luxury, velour, alloys, optional sunroof
Mark II (X90, 8th gen) Grande G 1JZ-GE/2JZ-GE Top luxury, premium interior, higher equipment
Mark II (X90, 8th gen) Tourer S 1JZ-GE Sport grade, firmer suspension, aero (some)
Mark II (X90, 8th gen) Tourer V 1JZ-GTE Twin turbo, sport suspension, LSD (some), aero
Mark II (X100, 9th gen) XL 2L-TE/1G-FE (market-dependent) Base grade, cloth, steel wheels, basic audio
Mark II (X100, 9th gen) GL 2L-TE/1G-FE (market-dependent) Mid grade, more equipment, power accessories
Mark II (X100, 9th gen) Grande 1G-FE/1JZ-GE/1JZ-GTE/2JZ-GE Luxury, velour, alloys, optional sunroof
Mark II (X100, 9th gen) Grande G 1JZ-GE/2JZ-GE Top luxury, premium interior, higher equipment
Mark II (X100, 9th gen) Tourer S 1JZ-GE Sport grade, aero (some), firmer suspension
Mark II (X100, 9th gen) Tourer V 1JZ-GTE Twin turbo, R154/AT, sport suspension, LSD (some)
Mark II (X110, 10th gen) Grande 1G-FE/1JZ-FSE/1JZ-GE (market-dependent) Luxury grade, alloys, optional nav, comfort focus
Mark II (X110, 10th gen) Grande G 1JZ-FSE/1JZ-GE/2JZ-GE (market-dependent) Top luxury, premium interior, higher equipment
Mark II (X110, 10th gen) iR 1JZ-GE Sport grade, body kit (some), firmer suspension
Mark II (X110, 10th gen) iR-S 1JZ-GE Sport, 5AT, aero, sport seats/trim
Mark II (X110, 10th gen) iR-V 1JZ-GTE Turbo, 5MT/4AT, sport suspension, LSD (some)

Should You Buy a Toyota Mark 2 JZX100?

Why You'll Love It

  • 1JZ/2JZ drivetrain upside Turbo trims take power reliably; NA trims swap-friendly with deep aftermarket.
  • RWD dynamics and balance Long wheelbase stability with predictable breakaway; great for street or drift.
  • Tourer V halo desirability Factory 1JZ-GTE + sport trim drives top demand and strongest resale.
  • Huge parts interchangeability Shares components with Chaser/Cresta/Crown; easy sourcing for mechanical parts.
  • Comfortable real-world sedan Four doors, usable rear seats, and quiet cruising; easier to live with than coupes.
  • Strong community knowledge Well-documented swaps, wiring, and maintenance; many proven build recipes.
  • Value in non-turbo trims Grande/NA cars offer same chassis look/feel for less; ideal clean daily base.
  • Manual conversion viable R154/W55/W58 swaps common; many off-the-shelf mounts and pedal solutions.

Why You Might Not

  • Rust and prior crash repairs Sills, rear arches, floors, and trunk wells rust; many cars have drift damage.
  • Manual scarcity premium Factory 5MT Tourer V is rare; buyers overpay or settle for swapped examples.
  • Modified car risk Boost creep, poor wiring, cheap coilovers, and cut harnesses hurt reliability/value.
  • Aging electronics/interior Climate control, LCDs, and brittle plastics fail; OEM trim can be hard to find.
  • Automatic limitations A340 autos are durable but dull; high-power builds need cooling and upgrades.
  • Insurance/registration friction Import paperwork, inspections, and parts lead times vary by state and insurer.
  • Fuel and cooling sensitivity Turbo cars need good fuel and cooling; neglected radiators cause overheating.
  • Weight vs sport coupes Heavier than Silvia/AE86; needs suspension/brakes to feel sharp on track.

Who Should NOT Buy This

  • Anyone needing modern crash safety and airbags
  • Buyers who can't wrench or pay a JDM specialist
  • People needing guaranteed parts next-day locally
  • California residents without a clear compliance plan
  • Those expecting 30+ mpg or cheap fuel costs
  • Drivers wanting quiet, modern NVH and refinement
  • Anyone who hates chasing oil leaks and seepage
  • People who won't do timing belt on schedule
  • Buyers who need OBD2 plug-in diagnostics everywhere
  • Those needing perfect A/C without ongoing upkeep
  • Owners without covered parking (rust and leaks worsen)
  • People who want zero electrical gremlins from age
  • Anyone buying a heavily modified/tuned example
  • Those who can't tolerate RHD quirks in LHD traffic
  • People who need strong dealer support and recalls
  • Drivers in salted-road regions without rustproofing
  • Anyone needing modern infotainment and phone integration
  • Buyers expecting cheap insurance or easy financing
  • People who won't run proper oil and cooling maintenance
  • Those who need a one-car solution with no downtime

Common Issues & Solutions

Issue Cause Solution Est. Cost
Timing belt overdue Unknown history; long intervals; age cracking Full TB kit: belt, idlers, tensioner, WP $700-1400
Cam/crank seal oil leak Aged seals; crank pulley wear; high mileage Replace seals; inspect pulley; reseal front cover $400-1200
Valve cover gasket leak Hardened gasket; overtorque; PCV restriction Replace gasket/grommets; service PCV; clean wells $150-450
Rear main seal leak Age; crankcase pressure; worn seal lip Replace RMS during clutch or trans service $700-1600
Cooling system failures Old radiator tanks; brittle hoses; weak cap Radiator/hoses/thermostat/cap; proper bleed $400-1100
Heater core seep/leak Corrosion; old coolant; electrolysis Replace heater core; flush; new coolant $900-1800
Turbo oil smoke (1JZ) Worn seals/bearings; poor oiling; high heat Rebuild/replace turbos; check PCV and drain $900-2500
Boost creep/overboost Exhaust mods; weak wastegate control; leaks Fix leaks; proper boost control; tune if needed $200-1200
Detonation under load Bad tune; low octane; heat soak; lean fuel Compression test; fuel system check; proper tune $300-2500
Ignition coil misfire Aged coils/boots; oil in plug wells; heat Replace coils/boots; plugs; fix valve cover leak $250-900
Injector seal fuel leak Hardened O-rings/insulators; ethanol exposure Replace injector seals/insulators; inspect rail $200-600
Fuel pump weak/noisy Age; clogged sock; low tank running Replace pump and filter; verify pressure $250-700
A/T shift flare/slip Worn clutches; overheated ATF; neglect Service fluid early; rebuild/replace if slipping $250-3500
A/T delayed engagement Valve body wear; low fluid; internal seals Check level; service; valve body or rebuild $250-3200
M/T 2nd gear crunch Synchro wear; wrong fluid; hard driving Correct fluid; rebuild gearbox if persistent $120-2500
Clutch slip/chatter Worn disc; oil contamination; weak pressure plate Clutch kit; resurface flywheel; fix oil leaks $700-1600
Driveshaft vibration Worn center bearing; U-joints; bent shaft Replace bearing/U-joints; balance or replace shaft $300-1200
Diff whine/leaks Worn bearings; low oil; pinion seal aging Reseal; refill; rebuild diff if noisy $200-1800
Front ball joint wear Age; torn boots; lowered suspension stress Replace ball joints; align; inspect control arms $250-700
Control arm bushing tear Rubber aging; oil exposure; aggressive driving Replace bushings/arms; consider quality poly $400-1200
Rear subframe bushings Collapsed rubber; age; torque loads Replace bushings; check subframe rust/cracks $600-1600
Steering rack leak Seal wear; contaminated fluid; torn boots Rebuild/replace rack; flush PS system $600-1600
PS pump whine Low fluid from leaks; worn pump; aeration Fix leaks; flush; replace pump if noisy $250-900
Brake caliper sticking Seized slide pins; torn boots; corrosion Rebuild/replace calipers; new pads/rotors $300-1200
Warped brake rotors Cheap rotors; overheated; stuck caliper Quality rotors/pads; fix caliper; bed properly $250-800
ABS sensor faults Broken wiring; dirty tone rings; sensor aging Repair wiring; clean rings; replace sensor $150-700
Rust in rockers/sills Poor drainage; salted roads; hidden seam rust Cut/weld repair; treat cavities; avoid undercoat $800-5000
Trunk water intrusion Tail light seals; trunk gasket; seam sealer cracks Reseal lights/seams; replace gasket; dry interior $150-800
Sunroof drain leaks Clogged drains; cracked tubes; poor prior repair Clear/replace drains; dry and treat mold $150-900
Cluster backlight failure Aged bulbs; solder cracks; dimmer issues Replace bulbs/LED; reflow solder; check grounds $80-400
Speedo not working Vehicle speed sensor; cluster fault; wiring Test VSS; repair wiring; cluster service $150-700
Climate control faults Blend door servo; control head aging; vacuum leaks Diagnose actuators; repair controls; reseal ducts $200-900
A/C weak or warm Low refrigerant; condenser leak; tired compressor Leak test; replace O-rings; compressor if needed $200-1500
Window regulator slow Dry tracks; weak motor; worn regulator cables Lubricate tracks; replace regulator/motor $150-600
Door lock actuator weak Aged actuator motor; sticky linkages Replace actuators; clean/lube mechanisms $150-700
Power antenna failure Stripped mast; dead motor; water intrusion Replace mast/motor; delete if desired $80-400
Aftermarket wiring hacks Alarm/stereo/boost controller poor installs Trace/repair harness; restore grounds/fuses $200-2000

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Critical Priority

  • Chassis VIN plates Match VIN plates, auction sheet, export docs
  • Frame rails Inspect rails for kinks, ripples, welds
  • Sills/rockers Probe pinch welds; look for filler, bubbles
  • Strut towers Inspect tops for cracks, rust, mushrooming
  • Engine cold start Start cold; listen for knock, VVT rattle
  • Exhaust smoke Blue on decel/idle; white sweet coolant smoke
  • Oil pressure light Ensure light goes out fast; no flicker hot
  • Timing belt history Confirm belt/water pump date; sticker/receipt
  • Turbo (1JZ-GTE) Check shaft play, oil smoke, boost response
  • Transmission (A/T) Check shift flare, harsh 2-3, delayed engage
  • Test drive load Full-throttle pull; watch temp; no detonation

High Priority

  • Accident repair Check apron seams, overspray, uneven gaps
  • Front crossmember Check for bends, crushed jacking points
  • Rear subframe Look for rust, cracks, bushing collapse
  • Floor pans Check under mats for damp, rust patches
  • Trunk floor Lift carpet; check spare well rust/water
  • Underbody coating Look for fresh undercoat hiding rust
  • Blow-by test Oil cap off at idle; excessive smoke/puffing
  • Cooling system Check radiator tanks, cap, crusty leaks
  • Coolant condition Look for oil sheen, rust sludge, low level
  • Thermostat behavior Watch temp stability; no creeping in traffic
  • Timing belt noise Listen for idler squeal; check belt cover oil
  • Cam/crank seals Inspect for oil at covers, crank pulley area
  • Front main leak Look behind crank pulley; oil sling on belt
  • Rear main leak Inspect bellhousing weep; oil on trans pan
  • Power steering Check pump whine, rack boots wet with ATF
  • Steering rack Check inner tie play; rack clunk over bumps
  • Boost leaks Listen for hiss; inspect intercooler couplers
  • Fuel smell Check tank area, lines, injector seals
  • Injector health Misfire under load; check plugs for lean/soot
  • Ignition coils Scan/feel misfire; check coil boots for cracks
  • ATF condition Fluid not burnt; no glitter; level correct
  • Transmission (M/T) Check 2nd gear crunch; synchro wear cold/hot
  • Clutch operation Check slip in 4th/5th; high bite point
  • Driveshaft Check center bearing, U-joint play, vibration
  • Differential Listen for whine; check leaks at pinion seals
  • Front suspension Check ball joints, LCA bushings, strut leaks
  • Rear suspension Check toe arms, traction rods, subframe bushings
  • Wheel bearings Listen for hum; check play at 12/6 o'clock
  • Brakes Check pulsation, caliper slide seizure, leaks
  • ECU location Check for water intrusion/corrosion at ECU
  • Heater core leak Sweet smell, fogging windows, wet carpet
  • Mod quality Check wiring, boost controller, piggyback install
  • Emissions readiness Check cat present; no CEL; OBD where applicable
  • Braking test Hard stop; no pull; ABS engages smoothly

Medium Priority

  • Windshield cowl Check cowl drains; rust at corners
  • Door bottoms Check drain holes; rust seam swelling
  • Sunroof drains Test drains; look for wet headliner/A-pillars
  • Idle quality Check hunting idle; A/C on/off response
  • Heater operation Verify hot heat; weak heat suggests air/plug
  • Valve cover leaks Check plug wells for oil; burning smell
  • Engine mounts Brake-torque test; excessive engine lift
  • Intercooler Check for bent fins, oil pooling in pipes
  • Fuel pump noise Listen for loud whine; check pressure under load
  • O2 sensor/AFR Check fuel trims; rich smell; poor mileage
  • Vacuum hoses Inspect brittle hoses, tees, boost control lines
  • PCV system Check PCV valve; excessive oil in intake
  • LSD function Test tight turns; check chatter; verify type
  • Shocks/coilovers Check leaks, seized collars, uneven ride height
  • ABS system ABS light self-test; check wheel speed sensors
  • Tires/wheels Check uneven wear; bent wheels; mismatched sizes
  • Alignment signs Steering off-center; pull; inner tire wear
  • Battery/charging Check alternator output; dim lights at idle
  • Ground points Inspect corroded grounds causing weird faults
  • Cluster function Check speedo/tacho; backlight; warning lamps
  • Climate control Test all modes; blend door; A/C compressor noise
  • A/C performance Vent temp cold; check leaks at condenser lines
  • Odor/mold Musty smell indicates water leaks/drain issues
  • Keys/immobilizer Confirm all keys; alarm/immobilizer behavior
  • NVH/vibration Check 60-80 mph vibration; driveline angles

Generation History

Mark II 1st (T60/T70) (1968-1972)

  • Corona Mark II origins; early upscale sedan
  • Carb I4/I6 options; comfort-focused
  • Collector niche; limited export awareness

Mark II 2nd (X10/X20) (1972-1976)

  • Larger body; more luxury positioning
  • I6 availability expands; smoother cruising
  • Early classic appeal, thin parts supply

Mark II 3rd (X30/X40) (1976-1980)

  • Boxier styling; stronger Japan taxi presence
  • I6 lineup matures; improved durability
  • Low US demand; Japan classic market niche

Mark II 4th (X60) (1980-1984)

  • Iconic wedge/box styling; rising classic JDM
  • Twin-cam trims appear; better performance
  • Rust and trim scarcity are key issues

Mark II 5th (X70) (1984-1988)

  • Popular RWD platform; drift/stance interest
  • 1G/7M-era engines; strong interchangeability
  • Values tied to condition; mods common

Mark II 6th (X80) (1988-1992)

  • More modern chassis; still RWD
  • 1JZ/2JZ family begins era (market-dependent)
  • Good value; watch rust and wiring age

Mark II 7th (X90) (1992-1996)

  • Sweet spot: RWD, light, huge support
  • Tourer V: 1JZ-GTE; strong tuning ceiling
  • Manuals rare; clean cars climbing fast

Mark II 8th (X100) (1996-2000)

  • Refined interior; better NVH and safety
  • Tourer V remains 1JZ-GTE; strong driveline
  • Most liquid market; best parts availability

Mark II 9th (X110) (2000-2004)

  • More luxury, heavier; still RWD-based
  • 1JZ-GTE continues early; later NA focus
  • Great daily; less 'raw' than X90/X100

Market Data

Production Numbers & Rarity

Generation Years Total Built Notes
Mark II (T60/T70, 3rd gen) 1972-1976 estimated Exact global totals not consolidated; estimated
Mark II (X30/X40, 4th gen) 1976-1980 estimated Exact totals vary by body/market; estimated
Mark II (X50/X60, 5th gen) 1980-1984 estimated Exact totals vary by body/market; estimated
Mark II (X70, 6th gen) 1984-1988 estimated Exact totals vary by body/market; estimated
Mark II (X80, 7th gen) 1988-1992 estimated Exact totals vary by market; estimated
Mark II (X90, 8th gen) 1992-1996 estimated Exact totals not published as single figure; est.
Mark II (X100, 9th gen) 1996-2000 estimated Exact totals not published as single figure; est.
Mark II (X110, 10th gen) 2000-2004 estimated Exact totals not published as single figure; est.

How It Compares

Feature JZX100 Nissan Laurel C35 Toyota Chaser X100
Layout/mission RWD sport sedan RWD sport sedan RWD sport sedan
Halo trim Tourer V RB25DET Type R
Turbo engine 1JZ-GTE 2.5T I6 RB25DET 2.5T I6 1JZ-GTE 2.5T I6
Stock power (JP) 280 PS (gentlemen) 280 PS (typical) 280 PS (typical)
Transmission options 5MT rare; 4AT common 5MT rare; 4AT common 5MT rarer; 4AT common
Diff/traction LSD on sport trims LSD on some trims LSD on Type R/V
Chassis feel Stable, comfort-leaning Softer, luxury-leaning Sportier steering feel
Aftermarket depth Massive (JZ platform) Strong (RB platform) Massive (shared parts)
Parts interchange Chaser/Cresta/Crown Skyline/Stagea bits Mark II/Cresta shared
Drift popularity High (X90/X100) Medium-high Very high
Cabin space Excellent rear legroom Good rear legroom Similar; slightly tighter
Ride comfort Comfort-biased Most comfort-biased Sport-biased trims
Typical price (US) $12k-$45k+ $10k-$35k $15k-$55k+
Collector ceiling High for 5MT Tourer V Moderate; fewer icons Very high; cult status
Reliability baseline Strong if unmodified Strong; watch RB cooling Strong; same JZ caveats

Comparable Alternatives

Toyota Chaser X100

Sportier image; same JZ ecosystem; strong resale

Toyota Cresta X100

More luxury look; same platform; often cheaper than Chaser

Nissan Laurel C35

RB25DET option; similar RWD sedan vibe; often lower buy-in

Nissan Skyline R33

RB platform, stronger cachet; more coupe-like driving feel

Toyota Crown JZS171

1JZ turbo luxury sedan; great daily; less drift tax

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mark II is most desirable?
The X90/X100 Tourer V is the halo. Factory 5MT and clean, stock condition bring top money.
What should I pay for a Tourer V in the US?
Expect roughly $25k-$45k+ depending on 5MT vs auto, rust, mileage, and originality; show cars go higher.
Are automatic Mark IIs worth buying?
Yes. A340 autos are durable and cheaper; budget for trans cooler and consider a manual swap later.
Common rust areas to inspect?
Check sills/rockers, rear arches, floor pans, jack points, and trunk well; inspect under side skirts.
Is the 1JZ-GTE reliable at higher boost?
Generally yes with supporting mods. Prioritize fueling, intercooling, timing, and a healthy cooling system.
What mods hurt value the most?
Poor wiring, cut harnesses, cheap coilovers, loud exhaust, and unknown turbo setups. Stock ECU/airbox helps resale.
What are the best trims besides Tourer V?
Tourer S and clean Grande trims are great value. NA cars are comfy and can be upgraded without Tourer V tax.
What makes a Mark II different from Chaser/Cresta?
They share the platform; differences are styling and trim mix. Mark II is often the most understated and best value.

Sources & References