steve2006

I would completely agree with Ikea on the possible causes and would also add to check the scuttle panel plastic cover has drain holes usually around where the wiper spindles are located. If these get clogged the water tends to overflow into the nearby air intakes into the cabin filter housing. Also be careful when replacing the cabin filter as the flap settings sometimes need to be set in a certain position to avoid damage to the mechanism.

Is that a JDM import? Just looking at the shape of the front numberplate. Found this but going back 11 years, not much interest at the time https://www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?536670-Diamond-Cut-Lexus-GS300-Sport-Borbet-TTE-Staggered-Wheels

Then for the dud one to return to the spares shelf ready to retail as a mark 2 version.

Ask them to find you a car with the same colour, specifications, prior condition, mileage and history as yours for the money being offered.

Great result Paul 😀 it does make me wonder if Lexus are indeed aware of this fault and the replacement you bought is a modified/ upgraded unit particularly given the 2 suffix maybe indicating version 2. A pity the car is now 10 years old otherwise you could have used the Consumer Rights Act up to 6 years old.

As soon as I saw the words I knew who this was! https://tinyurl.com/53ur4ya5

I’ve moved your post to the ISF section Ray 😀

Interesting article on electric vehicles linked below 😀 https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/07/the-milk-float-was-the-first-truly-successful-last-mile-delivery-ev/ By strange coincidence Linas I have actually driven one, a mate of mine was a “milkman” in the late 1970s and I often used to drive it around the estate for him. If you also consider the bottles were all recycled and the propulsion method used then we sure went backwards before coming forwards again on EVs and recycling.

Hi Ryan and welcome to the LOC. If you bought from a car dealer take it back for repair under your consumer rights. As Vlad mentions read the postings in the section mentioned. Read the diagnostic codes for any potential causes, even if the EML is not lit there may be codes stored.

Good to hear you have looked at both and you have done your research. As you mention these cars are now getting on a bit and obviously you’re not going to get a concours example unless you want to pay stupid amounts of money and even that’s no guarantee. You’ve done the right thing by walking away and waiting, that “good” one will eventually appear and it shows you have a mature head on your shoulders. It was only a few years ago that importing your own from Japan was another option but prices have now gone through the roof (particularly shipping costs). Add in the duty, VAT and UK registration costs and you’re easily into a five figure sum. Another thing to now consider are the supply of spare parts for the older models as they are becoming NLA on a daily basis. Regarding the suspect LSD it does make you wonder if someone has fitted a standard IS200 one! Good luck with you continuing search, take your time as it will eventually turn up 😀

No problem, other members are always happy to offer help and advice. The job is very DIYable with just a few basic tools, there is a Youtube link below. The main thing is making sure that bonnet/hood is fully and securely held up before removing the struts, the weight if if fell down could cause serious injury!

Personally I would have another non fob key cut, just the blade and the black handle, at least then you will have a spare key if the original breaks or gets lost. Buy yourself an aftermarket remote central locking system for around £25.00 and wire that in, OK you will now have a key and separate fob but it worked for me on the old 94 I had. If still available I remember Amayama sold the OEM keys but then they have to be programmed to the ECU….. think in hundreds of ££££s.

Hello Maelo and welcome to the LOC They tend to be sold in pairs and if you read the description for the eBay seller’s listing it does say “pair” Just make sure your bonnet is well supported with a piece of wood and another person around before removing the struts! “What we have here is a pair of BRAND NEW struts which come complete with new ball joints ready to bolt onto the car - Fitting is very simple and merely take 5 minutes - simply undo the 2 bolts holding each old strut.Then screw the new struts onto the car - simple straight swap.”

From past experience on my previous 94 LS400 I know it is motor failure in the lock mechanism that causes the problem. They are fitted with a small brushed motor and the brushes wear to the point they no longer firmly contact the commutator. At the time I purchased a few motors from the usual sources and repaired one of my actuators successfully, removal is a bit of a faff and there’s a lot of grease to contend with but for the cost of a few £££s repair can be done. When it comes to the LS430 there may be differences regarding the soft close doors but I would think the motor is similar and still the likely cause.

Just spotted this on Fleabay, admittedly it does look immaculate with exceptional history but at nearly 11K could you justify paying that much for a 24 year old car. https://tinyurl.com/4ez3xhu4

There is normally a requirement to have a “smart” meter too. Having now retired from working in the power distribution industry I haven’t kept up with domestic tariffs but understand the two rate (E7 and E10) tariffs have gone. Most suppliers seem to be offering only 5 or 6 hours of early morning “cheap” rate at around 8p/KWh but with the average 7.5 KWh charger will that provide enough charge for your required mileage. I would also imagine the daily rip off standing charge would also increase with EV tariffs as E7/E10 tariffs did. When I began my career normal rate was 4.1p per KWh and cheap rate was 1.9p per KWh most of which came from coal fired power stations.

How many hours labour have you been quoted for the job, if it takes 1.5 per corner that’s £100.00 an hour! Fortunately mine came with a Strutmaster conversion kit already fitted.

Interesting in that my 2004 JDM Celsior is taxed under the old system so over 1500cc presently £325.00 a year less than a same specification UK LS430. I would assume that a JDM ISF imported into the UK would be the same rate? On the other hand mine is not exempt from ULEZ charges whereas a UK spec LS430 is. I ain’t driving anywhere near London!

The cam belt was the only job I didn’t DIY on my previous 1994 Celsior, when the local garage gave me £100.00 labour quote I purchased all the parts and let them do it. Took them nearly 2 days but they honoured the price. Fortunately my present Celsior had the cam belt replaced shortly before purchase along with the air suspension conversion to springs, a factory stainless steel exhaust as a bonus and various new suspension/ brake components.

Hi Deen and welcome to the LOC. I owned a 1994 JDM Toyota Celsior (Lexus LS400) for 16 years and now own a 2004 Toyota Celsior (Lexus LS430). If they are already in the UK that’s a bonus as all the taxes are paid, they meet UK requirements e.g. rear fog lights and also registered. If buying from a dealer you also have consumer rights. If possible ask to see the Japanese auction paperwork as these show the “Grade” of the car (1-5 where 5 is immaculate) and there is a diagram of the car showing any damage or marks and importantly the mileage in KMs. If the speedometer has been converted to MPH make sure the odometer reflects the KMs to miles conversion. JDM cars are generally well looked after and in good condition (no road salt in Japan), most of the flood damaged and irradiated ones were scrapped years ago. You will be very lucky to get a Japanese service history with the car and if you do unlikely to be able to read it so checking for service items like cam belt changes is difficult unless there are stickers. Oil services usually have the stickers on the driver’s side A panel inside the door. Where there is no history of a cam belt change I would request replacement before purchase or budget the job in the sales price I.e. haggle. The 3S-GE Black Top engine is fairly solid but check for any oil consumption or blue smoke in the exhaust, good replacement engines are hard to find. Check for suspension knocks and clunks during the test drive and that the brakes pull you up straight, seized brake callipers are common if not serviced correctly. Check the MOT online, I would not expect to see any advisories. Have you got an insurance quote yet as mainstream insurers tend not to touch imports? Finally be advised JDM cars are not ULEZ compliant so avoid London! P.S. what are the mods on one of them, please don’t say lace seat covers 😀

That’s not far from me, had I known last week I would have dropped by for a look. Judging by the pictures you could spend half a day there looking at the cars on display, I wonder if they let you sit in that red racing car 😀 What did make me smile was when looking at the ISF there was a title further down the page entitled “Similar Vehicles” one of which was a Peugeot 208! If it’s still there when I next visit my cousin in early November I’ll call in and report. Having said that some LOC member will probably have bought it by then. Never realised it was £695.00 a year road tax! To save you all searching https://www.sarahcoxcars.co.uk/used-lexus-is-newark-nottinghamshire-5349265

It does sound that Lexus link had updated given it now displayed your name but I would as suggested above get your fob battery replaced by Lexus. Oh and welcome to the LOC 😀

It was only a few weeks ago another member having waited months for his new Lexus with white seats specified on the order received the car with black seats! I would contact your dealer without delay.

Can’t you buy them through the NAAFI anymore?