Ls400 Import Question

[philster_d]

Hi I have been looking at a few ls 400's. I saw a 98-99 that might be worth a punt, but it has Japanese writing on the dash lcd - "door open" messages and such.

Is that relatively easily swappable to english? I dont mind but I could see it being an issue when trying to sell it on.

Also I just read on a lexus site that after 95 they had odbII for fault codes. Is that european only? I know from the mr2 roadster that jap imports had some other system for codes and finding a reader was hard work.

Thanks,

Phil

[steve-bedford]

The huge challenge with an import is all of these unanswered questions........Then there are the question marks over rust proofing, safety and (as you say) the possibility of difficulties when selling it on.

In my view, there are so many decent UK LS400s available at peanuts that an import just isn't worth the hassle.

[philster_d]

So just be patient?

[steve-bedford]

Well to give you an example.............Hillside Car Sales of Ampthill have got an LS400 1998/R, Series IV, 159k with a 3 month warranty for £1875 before they even take an offer. It has LS430 alloys on it too which look pretty good.

I just don't think you can get more car for your money than that!!

PS - I'm not connected to them - Just interested as I have a similar age and spec.

[philster_d]

What gives that away as a UK car then? as there are no shots of the dash.

Thanks,

Phil

[steve2006]

I have had my imported Celsior for just over 4 years now, came into the UK as one previous Japanese company owner with certified 38,000 miles ( converted figure).

Apart from regular DIY servicing and replacing wear and tear items including a rebuild of the original starter motor I have had no problems, no advisories on an MOT and extremely reliable service.

There is no rust on the body or below.

I may have just been lucky.

The only thing I did replace was the audio system.

The later models may be more of a problem with the Sat nav and TV being Japanese spec and conversion would be expensive if possible.

[philster_d]

The milage is also quite high at 159k the imort one is more like 60k maybe I should consider that as well.

[steve-bedford]

What gives that away as a UK car then? as there are no shots of the dash.

Thanks,

Phil

The fact that it's a Lexus LS400 and not a Toyota Celsior means it's very likely to be a European car. OK - It's a Lexus LS400 and RHD so almost certainly a UK car - It needs checking out though of course.

[philster_d]

Thanks guys.

Phil

[John Lawley]

mileage? pah 220k and going strong.

[nesponge]

I have had my imported Celsior for just over 4 years now, came into the UK as one previous Japanese company owner with certified 38,000 miles ( converted figure).

Apart from regular DIY servicing and replacing wear and tear items including a rebuild of the original starter motor I have had no problems, no advisories on an MOT and extremely reliable service.

There is no rust on the body or below.

I may have just been lucky.

The only thing I did replace was the audio system.

The later models may be more of a problem with the Sat nav and TV being Japanese spec and conversion would be expensive if possible.

Agreed, no issues with any rust on mine either...

obviously the jap spec radio needs to go, and if you get one like mine with air suspension than that will more than likely need replaced at some stage... either new replacement air suspension struts or a spring and shock conversion (easy)

Personally i'm keeping my air suspension as I like adjustable ride hights and it works out cheaper for me to fit re-manufactured air struts than JIC coilovers, which would have been my next choice.