Current Celsior owners

[Delp]

Hello

Looking to buy a UCF30 or 31 Wondering if there any current owners that could advise on potential problems to be weary off. Any advice or information be kindly appreciated. 

[steve2006]

I recently purchased an excellent 2004 model year Celsior from a fellow member which fortunately came with all the usual problems already sorted.

The things to look out for are worn suspension components both front and rear, faulty air suspension which on mine had been replaced with conventional struts, the coolant radiator/ transmission cooler for cross contamination of fluids due to internal leaks ( transmission wrecker if not sorted before it happens). The exhausts are mild steel so back boxes do rot out ( mine has a factory stainless steel system).

Imports generally do not generally suffer from rust and rot like UK models due to a kinder to cars Japanese environment.

Service items like the cam belt, filters and fluids are all the same as UK spec models.

The early pre 2004 models suffered from window  fogging due to delamination of the glass.

The later models (2004-on) had a 6 speed sequential transmission.

 

[Malc]

and there's the VED Road Tax issues with later cars being excessive too probably

Malc

[The-Acre]

Most insurers won't cover imports but there are specialists, and I found prices weren't that different. For some reason road tax is a bit less, even though the engine is the same! Sat Nav won't work, and the radio will be very limited. Most will have the instrument cluster in kilometres. I would want to see the original, or at least a copy of the Japanese auction sheet (just about all of them come through auction) with the important condition grading figures/letters.

[Delp]

3 hours ago, steve2006 said:

I recently purchased an excellent 2004 model year Celsior from a fellow member which fortunately came with all the usual problems already sorted.

The things to look out for are worn suspension components both front and rear, faulty air suspension which on mine had been replaced with conventional struts, the coolant radiator/ transmission cooler for cross contamination of fluids due to internal leaks ( transmission wrecker if not sorted before it happens). The exhausts are mild steel so back boxes do rot out ( mine has a factory stainless steel system).

Imports generally do not generally suffer from rust and rot like UK models due to a kinder to cars Japanese environment.

Service items like the cam belt, filters and fluids are all the same as UK spec models.

The early pre 2004 models suffered from window  fogging due to delamination of the glass.

The later models (2004-on) had a 6 speed sequential transmission.

 

Does suspension arm, bushes, and air struts share same as LS430? And other engine parts interchangeable with the LS430. 

Is the coolant radiator expensive part to replace? 

What's best model to go for the 30 or 31

 

[steve2006]

UCF-31 is the top spec models like the C-F, UCF-30 the A and B specs, have a read to find out more.

https://choroq.fandom.com/wiki/Toyota_Celsior_(UCF30)

[steve2006]

57 minutes ago, Delp said:

Does suspension arm, bushes, and air struts share same as LS430? And other engine parts interchangeable with the LS430. 

Is the coolant radiator expensive part to replace? 

What's best model to go for the 30 or 31

 

Parts are the same as the LS430 but have different Toyota part numbers which dealers have the pleasure of adding a “ premium” to the price being an “import” so order as Lexus parts.

Replacement radiators are reasonably priced.

30 or 31 see previous post.

Road Tax is based on the engine size ( above 1500cc) not emissions so slightly cheaper than the equivalent year LS430.

[steve2006]

As Phil mentions check the auction sheet very carefully and bear in mind if you chose to import yourself there will be duty and VAT on both the car purchase price, shipping cost and the already paid duty. Additionally you will need to get the car UK registered and MOT’d. Japanese vehicles don’t have rear fogs fitted which are required in the UK so that’s another expense to consider.

There are companies which will do all this for you.

[Delp]

I was considering the UCF30 only reason no air struts to worry about. The 31 though comes with all the toys.. 

As there scarce in the UK for sale I probably have to source from Japan. 

what kind of price would I be looking at in the UK. Example 2002+, 100-130km, part service history. Steve have you pics of yours and what model spec is it. 

[steve2006]

Prices have gone through the roof recently, just take a look at the “Cars from Japan” website.

Mine is a UCF-31 with wool seats and no sunroof, the options in Japan were vast unlike UK models.

Here are some pictures.

[Delp]

That's nice Steve. Does it have rear electric sun shade, rear seat recliner, massage function in the rear centre arm rest. What would something like yours, expect to sell for? 

[steve2006]

Yep all that plus side blinds in the rear and a fridge.

I prefer not to comment on prices but was more than happy with the price I paid for it.

[Delp]

Ok. You prefer cloth to leather?

JDM prices definitely gone up.

 

[steve2006]

Love it, seats are still unworn, cool in the summer and warm in the winter, there are no heaters in the front seats just the rears so the poor chauffeur has to slum it 😀

Yep prices have really shot up, only a few years ago you could land a decent LS400 for $4000.00 and now you’re looking double that particularly with the earlier models and rapidly depleting stock.

[Delp]

What struts you have on there Steve? 

Was thinking coilovers would be good not looking to slam, just comfortable ride without troublesome air struts. Do you have FM expander. 

[steve2006]

As far as I know they are a Strutmaster conversion kit purchased directly from the USA manufacturer so basically non adjustable coil overs.

https://www.strutmasters.com/collections/Lexus-LS_430-2004

No FM expander as apparently there is no conventional co-axial aerial connection to the radio but just having radio 2 is fine with me plus you also have a multi CD player and tape/MD player, the TV is of course completely useless as are the sat nav and ETC.

[Delp]

Ok mate. 

Just PM you Steve