Toyota Mark X Review

If in doubt about which car to buy go for a Toyota, so the saying goes. The accuracy of this statement is debatable, however it does solve the problem of taking chances on an unknown brand and instead prompts one to settle for the tried and tested.

The advice might have been useful a few years ago when cars were rather basic with little technology in the form of advanced lighting, electronic stability control, and intelligent damping systems that judge the condition of the environment and compensate without the driver’s knowledge.
That question about which is the best car to buy has become a difficult one to answer as everyone has specific needs.

Toyota is very successful, thanks to clever positioning. It is an undisputed super-brand in many regions of the world, and justifiably so.
Is a budget Toyota  good for anyone looking for more than a car to move him from point A to B. Well, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
My sweet tooth pointed me in the direction of a gorgeous white Toyota Mark X that wanted so badly to be a Mercedes Benz. Its owner even imported LED lights used in the current Mercedes E class.
Luckily, they blended into the curvaceous muscular lines that make the Mark X so desirable to the red-blooded testosterone junky. If you are prone to dismissing all Toyotas you may never enjoy the pleasure that this bewitchingly exquisite car delivers.
It does not have the expected thud of a luxury German automobile, but it certainly justifies consideration over brands like Volkswagen and Skoda. The engine in my example is a 2,497cc V6 that pleasingly supplies 204hp at 6400rpm.
The Mark X’s 4GR-FSE engine has 152kW and is able to churn out at least 260Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm. Those figures may impress, but what is the reality? How does the entire experience make one feel while behind the wheel?
As the car pulls away confidently and swerves between lanes like a graceful middle-aged ballerina, you can't help but smile with expectation. It is indeed a worthy replacement of the Mark II that, while a great car, now reminds me of a still-in-shape retired Olympic athlete. Admirable confidence and great on the open road.
Toyota’s success results from 75 years of engineering experience. The brakes are complaint and reassuring, which inspires one to push the pedal a little harder.
Let's put this in perspective. The 2008 Mercedes C 230 V6 with a 2496cc engine manages 150kW at 6100rpm. Its torque is 245Nm delivered between 2900-5500rpm with a top speed of just over 230kph. The Mark X manages 152kW and is able to churn out at least 260Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm. The other more exciting engine is the 3.0 (3GR-FS) that also does service in the handsome Toyota Royal Crown and the luxurious Lexus GS 300.
It manages 252bhp at 6200rpm, and with 314Nm of torque it goes like a bat out of hell. If you decide to go for this model, I suggest that you look for an all-wheel-drive model with a 3.0 litre engine.
If you must put the Subaru brigade in its place, settle for the super charged version with an improved D4D system and a 5-speed gearbox. While it shares engines with the Lexus and Crown models, it is built on a different platform.

The 2006 model comes with a redesigned grill treatment and indicators on the wing mirrors which earlier models did not enjoy. The interior of the Mark X, while not having the leather one would hope for, is refined and conservatively elegant.

The sound system, which can be controlled by the front-seat passenger from the door controls, delivers a concert hall effect.
Should you buy this car? Perhaps not, but the phrase ‘‘never say never’’ has never been more appropriate.