Who are the best aftermarket manufacturers for parts?

[Howplum]

Hopefully, if everything goes according to plan, I shall shortly be enjoying the experience of owning, and driving, an LS400. However, it does need some TLC, some of which I plan to do myself.

I have been tinkering with German cars for several years now, so am familiar with the usual suppliers, both the ones to use and the ones to avoid.

However, this will be my first Japanese car, so am looking for some guidance on the aftermarket suppliers that provide good quality parts (and those that don't).

For example, the timing belt and water pump etc. will need changing, and I have seen full "kits" on eBay for £187.00 which are unbranded, which worries me. Similarly, there seems a wide variation in price on suspension components, which may also be needed.

My impression, and I may be wrong here, is that there is a greater supply of non-dealer supplied parts in the USA.

Are there any companies in the UK that tend to specialise in these cars, or is it a case of shopping around as each component is needed.

[Malc]

I've been buying my 4 replacement Toyota produced Upper Control Arms from Amayama in Japan directly on-line

After carriage and Customs duty and VAT and fees they work out at about £250 each corner, which is 50% of the UK Lexus / Toyota supplied parts

Cambelt and pulleys and waterpump generally needs changing at 10 yrs / 100k miles and a Gates kit should be fine  .... .  it's an 8 hr job !

 

steer clear of BluePrint for UCAs, the one I fitted ( £250 )  only lasted 45k miles, the originals last between 160 and 200+ k miles depending on driving stance and the nearside stuff often wears out faster it seems

There's a mountain of data here about the Ls400, study and reflect and just enjoy your wonderful car

Malc

[Malc]

if you put this entry into the Ls400 etc forum specifically, you will probably get more useful and informative responses I think😉

Malc

[ColinBarber]

1 hour ago, Malc said:

if you put this entry into the Ls400 etc forum specifically, you will probably get more useful and informative responses I think😉

Malc

moved 🙂

[Mikaelse]

To get advice on this forum is a good idea. Dealer prices are often very high and you can get good parts for much less.
It is also very easy to buy bad parts that will not last. Cheap parts are sold wholesale at very low prices. I am wondering where those parts end up and who pockets the profit.  
I buy brand stuff from German sites,  Like BREMBO brake parts and  the like.  OEM real Toyota/LEXUS stuff can often be sourced from AMAYAMA (japan)  at better prices.
From some US LEXUS you can get some LEXUS OEM stuff at more reasoanble price.   ROCKAUTO also supply brand name parts like DENSO, BOSCH, AISIN .  Have a few times from them. 

 

 

 

 

[Howplum]

I have got some prices from the main dealer for items that may be needed, depending on the MoT tester, hence the question.

Surprisingly they were the cheapest for a new Battery, albeit only slightly.

For my 1993 Mercedes I always check with the dealer first, and have been pleasantly surprised on several occasions.

[Malc]

12 hours ago, Howplum said:

the cheapest for a new battery, 

yes, I find that too and what's more, with your Mk3 it's only the Toyota Battery that's properly shaped at the base to fit in the holder !

Malc

[Mo-]

If you can can do the work yourself then buying from Toyota means you can have the best parts with zero labour costs.

 

similarly, if you do the work yourself you can buy cheaper parts and see how you get on. If they fail you can try an alternatives since the labour is 'free' and you'll still be well below Toyota prices. If within the warranty period you can get a free replacement and put that on. 

Well worth doing the work yourself or having a mate who would do it for you.