Good Afternoon all.
I have just acquired a 1996 GS 300 Sport with just 38k miles backed up by full history and only 1 owner plus garage demo beforehand for 7 months.
It is in Oxford Blue and so being a dark colour and having an elderly owner has some battle scars which I plan to have sorted. i.e. respray bumpers front and rear, have the whole car mopped (plenty of little car wash scratches to try and deal with) plus respray rear spoiler and door mirrors. That will be about £450 but in view of the mileage etc. worth getting in tip top shape.
The next thing will be the wheels, I have discovered the spare is nearly square and so not sure if it can be repaired/refurbed. I have trawled the forums and they seem to be renowned for being delicate. Does anyone know if new ones are still available or I would appreciate suggestions regarding refurbishment to standard two tone colour spec. There is no real kerb damage on the outside of the wheels just corrosion due to age I guess.
The inside is immaculate, I spoke to the last owner before buying the car and was told that pretty much no one had ever sat in the back!
Everything works as far as I can see except what appears to be a nightmare common fault with the needle for the Rev Counter not lighting up. Any suggestions of if these can be repaired and by whom would be helpful.
The next thing I wanted to check was in relation to clear side indicator repeaters, again having spent time looking at previous posts it seems the part number I need is 81730-20220 (which I think are for the RX but fit exactly). Can these still be obtained from Lexus (I will phone them on Tuesday anyway to check) or can I get them anywhere else for a lower price?
Final minor thing is the small cover things on the sides of the rear bumper where I presume reflectors or running/marker lights are fitted for other countries. Anyone fitted these or have suggestions where to find some, I have hunted on the net but no success so far.
Other than that are there any specialists suppliers of genuine parts at lower prices that Lexus (like Euro Car Parts who I have used for my BMW), I have found Japanese Car Parts so far.
Also suggestions of any good Breakers I could try if required.
I have just thought of a couple of very trivial things which are should the outside temp button on the stereo be lit when the lights are on (every single other button and knob is but not that one). Lastly on the subject of lights, is there a bulb in the lock switch on the passenger door or is it part of the switch because that is the only other thing which is not working (sorry I suppose I should take it out and look myself but I am sure someone will know).
Many thanks to all those that read this and any suggestions, ideas, hints and tips would be very much appreciated to help me get the old girl back into the condition she should be with such low mileage.
Cheers,
Phil Mills