Not all of the automobile nameplates built abroad make it to the U.S. Case in point is the Toyota Caldina, a station wagon that was largely sold on its home turf. It was produced across three generations from 1992 to 2007. The seller (a dealer?) has a 2nd-gen edition from 1998 and it was recently imported as a one-off with right-hand-drive. Located in Miami, Florida, this unicorn in the U.S. market is available here on craigslist for $12,499. Thanks for the nifty tip, Barn Finds reader Randy Johnson.
If you were in Japan and wanted to get a Caldina, a 5-door wagon was your only choice. A variety of trim and equipment were offered, including the all-wheel-drive GT-T model which was the top series and competed against the Subaru Legacy (which was exported to the U.S.). This edition is fresh off the boat as we’re told it was imported in August 2025. We assume it meets DOT and EPA requirements to be driven on U.S. shores.
Because of its roots, the instruments are all metric, so the 59,000 kilometers should equate to only 37,000 miles. The wagon is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The output is rated at 256 hp and 239 lb.-ft of torque. The seller lists a litany of features, though its operating condition is not referenced besides “excellent”.
From the multitude of photos provided, everything looks shipshape, especially for a 27-year-old vehicle. Our assumption about a dealer being involved is supported by the availability of financing. If you can get accustomed to driving from the other side of the car, this could be a great ride with automatic climate control, a Sanyo head unit, and a dashcam. This Toyota should attract attention at Cars & Coffee. (BTW, dusk is not the best time to take car pics)
perfect, just no RHDs for me.
We’re not set up for this (easy enuff to adapt personally, but it’s ‘odd ball’ for the locale placed in) in our cities, suburbs or rural…
Great daily other wise~
Car does not meet, nor does it need to need DOT/EPA requirements to import as it’s over 25 years old. However in many jurisdictions it nay be impossible to register if it won’t pass local smog requirements.
Car does not meet, nor does it need to need DOT/EPA requirements to import as it’s over 25 years old. However in many jurisdictions it nay be impossible to register if it won’t pass local smog requirements.
It looks like any other soccer mom hauler. Save for the RHD? No one would notice.
Nice looking wagon, but I’ve found RHD vehicles just aren’t practical in countries that drive on the right. I’ve driven in two countries that drive on the left, both times in LHD vehicles and it was a PITA!
Very cool! Never seen one of these before. Wagons are under appreciated. Handles well like a car but holds cargo like an SUV. The awd is a great plus.