The Toyota Premio and Toyota Allion are twin mid-size sedans sold only in Japan: the same car with different styling. They are hugely popular in East Africa and South Asia because they are roomy, comfortable, reliable and cheap to maintain, with the same simple Toyota engines as the Corolla.
Generations
| Generation | Years | Engines |
|---|---|---|
| T240 | 2001–2007 | 1.5, 1.8 and 2.0 petrol |
| T260 | 2007–2021 | 1.5, 1.8 and 2.0 petrol; facelifts in 2010 and 2016 |
- The Premio is the more formal, luxurious-looking one; the Allion is slightly sportier.
- Grades include F (with packages such as "L Package" or "EX Package"), G and G Superior on the Premio, and A15, A18, A20 on the Allion.
Which Engine?
The 1.5 is the most economical and the most common. The 1.8 and 2.0 are better on highways and with a full car. All are simple, well-proven engines.
What to Check
- CVT gearbox: ask whether the inspector noted judder or whining. (later cars); older cars have a 4-speed automatic.
- Mileage: many are ex-family cars with moderate kilometres. See how to spot odometer rollback.
- Rust: check underneath on cars from northern Japan.
- Interior: seats and headlining show how the car was treated.
- Auction sheet: read how to read a Japanese auction sheet.
Age Limits: Which Countries Can Take One
Some countries cap the age of an imported car: Jamaica allows up to 5 years, Trinidad & Tobago 4 years, and Kenya and Guyana 8 years. The Bahamas, Barbados, Suriname, the Eastern Caribbean islands such as Saint Lucia and Antigua, Uganda and Tanzania have no strict age limit on our checker. Rules change, so always confirm with your clearing agent before you pay.
Only recent T260 cars (2018 onwards) fit Kenya's and Guyana's 8-year rule. Older Premios and Allions suit the no-limit markets, but check the latest rules for Uganda before you buy.
The table at the bottom of this page applies each country's rule to our live stock and shows the cheapest delivered price. For the full list see import age limits by country, and for duty and port fees see how to calculate the total cost.