Keith Bowler

Hi all Now that I have got your attention, can anyone help with the following queries 1 Is it possible to upgrade or retrofit a more powerful horn to the Mk1 GS300, mine is so feeble and sounds as if it belongs on a Lada!. 2. Where can I get a second hand grille from. Thanks in anticipation :) Keith

Hi Mudzs From my experience I think you are getting a good return at 22 mpg. If you look at the road tests for the Mk1 GS300 you will see that the average mpg for urban driving is 20 and up to 30 at a standard 60mph. I have had mine now for about 7 weeks and I am averaging about 20mpg as most of my journeys are short. It amkes no difference if you have a sport or not as both cars have standard 3 litre engine. If it is any consolation I also run a V6 Rover vitesse which returns about 22mpg on average and about 30 on a run. I would never expect to get any more than 25mpg out of a V6 but then I do like to 'drive' my cars. I beleive lpg is a viable option but some members on this list are not convinced its right fotr the Lexus 3 litre engine. That aside I have seen GS300's for sale with lpg conversions and I almost bought an LS400 with lpg conversion. Hope the foregoing is of some help.

Hello I have acquired a set of original GS300 TTE Sport alloy wheels which are in mint condition apart from what appears to be corrosion under the laquer in a couple of places on two of the wheels and some scuffing on the circular plates that cover the wheel fixings. I would like to know whether the outer face of these wheels is painted (ie under the laquer)and what the colour is. The corrosion is behind the laquer and the face is smooth to the touch. I would like to try to refurbish them myself as I have had some success in doing so with standard alloys on other cars. Any help and advice appreciated. By the way I tried TDI and they were unable to help. Thanks Keith

Chris Thanks for that, I can now order my paint stick from Autovisuals! Keith

Chris The last two rows of numbers/letters on the vin plate are:- JZS147-R-BEPQFW 8J5LJ10A6AA343E Having looked at Autovisuals website I think the colour code may be 8J5 which is listed as Midnight Indigo Pearl. Seems to be 99% right, but I am not sure about the 'pearl' reference as the colour looks like a solid colour and does not appear metallic or pearlescent. Any further help would be appreciated. Keith

Hello Can someone tell me which numbers give me the paint colour code on my 1995 Mk1 GS300. My local Lexus dealer tells me that it is the bottom set of digits and letters on the vin plate, but the paint factor I went to said that there were too many numbers and letters. Can anyone assist. By the way the car is a dark navy blue colour. Keith Bowler

Hello all I need to get some touch up paint for my 95 GS300. Where is the best place to purchase, I need some for dealing with stone chips and to tidy the sill areas. My local Halfords store say they can get some mixed for me if I give them the colour code. Where do I find this code, is it on the vin plate under the bonnet? Thanks Keith

I too would be interested in knowing if anyone has converted a GS300 to lpg. I have recently bought a GS300 and was suprised to see how much fuel the 3 litre uses, particularly when warming up. I have stopped looking at the fuel guage and turn up the stereo (or should I say Hi Fi) and try and forget about it. I also have a V6 Rover 800 which I got a quote on and if I remember correctly back in 2000 it was about £1200 all-in. I do know it is only suitable for certain engines, but I have seen LS400's advertised as duel fuel. Keith

Hi I recently purchased a 1995 Mk1 GS300 from a non Lexus dealer. It had full service history, part of which was by Lexus in its early years and later by a reputable garage that I was able to check out. The last owner (I am the third) had the car serviced by Lexus which was why I bought it as it had just had new discs on the front, a new caliper to replace a seized one, new brake pads all round (which I understand is a failing on the GS300) ,some suspension bushes and a cambelt change. The engine bay is pristine, the paint alittle neglected and the standard 16" wheels are a little corroded from brake dust. I will have the car maintained by an ex Toyota technician who specialises in Supras which I understand share some of the mechanics of the Gs300 at a fraction of the cost of a Lexus dealer. If all goes to plan I intend keeping the car for 4 years after which its resale value would have depleted substantially and it will not have cost me a packet to maintain. Just my philosophy. My next Lexus will however be a new one. Keith

Hi Guys I am considering changing the standard 16" alloys on my GS300 Mk1. I would love some original Sport alloys but they are way outside my price range at present as I am about to fork out £600 to get the car lowered. What size and type of wheels do you have on your cars. I would like to retain a reasonable ride and so have been looking at 17" rather than 18" but only seem to be able to get them in 7 1/2 " and 8" widths in the common aftermarket makes. Your advice would be appreciated. Keith Bowler

If I remember correctly the MK1 Gs300 owners manual says that the auto unlock operates from about a metre away from the car. When it feels like working, mine works at a greater distance as long as I derect the key towards the nsensor on the lh side of the dash. Suprisingly it is not on the driver's side of the dash. Keith Bowler

Hello Can anyone tell me if the IS200 alloy wheels fit the Mk1 GS300. Are there any other parts that are interchangable between models. Finally, does anyone know of any suppliers of salvaged GS300 parts. Thanks Keith Bowler

Hello all Could someone let me know if it is possible to replace the battery in my key that operates the remote locking. Mine only seems to operate when it feels like it and will often unlock the doors but will not relock them. I am assuming it is the battery in the key. The car is a 1995 GS300 Thanks in advance! Keith Bowler

Thanks Matthew It is number one on my list of things to do first thing in the new year. Keith

Hello I am considering purchasing the Quanan parking sensors kit with the recessed sensors that require holes to be drilled for the sensors. I would be interested to hear from you if you have fitted them to your car and any tips/advice you may have. Many thanks Keith Bowler

Hello I recently purchased an 'M' Reg GS300 with 61500 genuine miles on the clock and so far so good. I would like to lower the car such that it has the same stance as the sport version. Wheels and body kit bits will follow in time as funds permit. I am surprised that there are so few companies in the UK selling spares and accessories for the Lexus. Can any one supply me with some web links? I have found TDI whose prices seem quite fair and will no doubt get my lowering springs and possibly new dampers from them. On the question of servicing, I would be interested on your views as to whether it is best entrusted to a Lexus dealer or can a competent repairer do the job equally as well. I also run a 1990 Rover Vitesse which is maintained by an experienced ex Rover technician at half the price of dealer rates. Fortunately he has a mate who is an ex Toyota main dealer technician who runs a Supra at present and says that many of the GS300 mechanicals are similar to the Supra's. Apologies for the long post, but I am loath to shell out my hard earned readies to a main dealer unless there is a need to do so. Thanks in anticipation Keith Bowler

Mat Excuse me for butting in. I too have been looking for a set of proper Mk1 GS300 wheels. What sort of price are they generally, I have been told by my local dealer that they it is not possible to get hold of them anymore. Do you know who the manufacturer was and/or is there a similar aftermarket type available. Many thanks for the help Keith Bowler

Hello all Please excuse me if I am not using this forum correctly as it is my first visit. I am looking to purchase a pre 1997 GS300 sport but am not having much luck. I have a tidy sum of dosh burning a hole in my pocket and would like to know if any one knows of a good one currently available. Alternatively, I may purchase a standard GS 300 and upgrade to the sport spec. Going this route what parts would I need? My budget for the upgrade would be about £1500-£2000. Thanks for your help Keith Bowler