Lexus from Japan -what need to be changed

wheels with nuts ltd · April 3

Hello.

I am independent low volume Lexus dealer.

I am thinking of expanding my fleet into rare Japanese models - I know it is so much more paper work with DVLA to prove it still can be insured in the UK.

But... Rare cars are not the only ones on my list. I know it is worth buying Japanese cars as they tend to be better spec, better quality, less miles and so much less repairs in unauthorised places.

Did someone imported lexuses from here? What are the changes needs to be done to drive car legally on British roads. I know it needs to be converted from kmh to mph and rear fog lights is a must in UK. Is there something else what will stop me of passing MOT for Japanese Lexus models which are available in EU market too? (Let's say models CT, IS , and RX)

many thanks for any information.

Malc1 · April 3

Alan hi and welcome here from me

NOW .. I'm a great one for thinking Japanese cars direct should be a boon for people in the UK BUT what put me off buying one totally was the inability to find anyone likely able to remove ALL the Jap language hieroglyphics and buttons ........ that stopped me buying an Lexus Jap import car these past months

Good luck in your endeqavours and if you find that solution I'm seeking then do message me and let me know please

Malc

HPS13 · April 3

Hi Alan

What is the name of your current Lexus dealership?

Regards

Spock66 · April 3

If I was a prospective customer I would also be thinking what is the after sales support - where can I get it serviced, availability of parts etc.

NemesisUK · April 3

Doesn't the radio need to be replaced as the frequencies are different?

Malc1 · April 3

I’m remembering there’s a great deal, ICE just one thing besides SatNav screen, maps, buttons and screen hieroglyphics to be changed to bring such an imported car to “ normal “ UK supplied car features

I wasn’t able to track down where I could achieve what seemed impossible at that time, August last year

Often superb underused clean and well maintained cars BUT one having to be satisfied with Japanese nuances

Malc

H3XME · April 3

4 hours ago, wheels with nuts ltd said:

I know it is worth buying Japanese cars as they tend to be better spec, better quality, less miles and so much less repairs in unauthorised places.

Debatable, there are also lots of the same cars in base model spec compared to what we get here. Be careful what you're getting.

4 hours ago, wheels with nuts ltd said:

What are the changes needs to be done to drive car legally on British roads. I know it needs to be converted from kmh to mph and rear fog lights is a must in UK. Is there something else what will stop me of passing MOT for Japanese Lexus models which are available in EU market too? (Let's say models CT, IS , and RX)

many thanks for any information.

If the car is under 10 years old, it will need an IVA test (MOT on steroids basically), it will need to be converted to MPH too. However, if the car is over 10 years old, it requires only a standard MOT, can remain reading in KM and it will just need a fog light if it doesn't have one. So it's fairly straight forward 🙂 Radio goes up to 89hz IIRC. So that will need a range extender but it's less than £20. Or a new head unit. Most cars will be fitted with ETC which is a just a device used in Japan for not having to stop at tolls on motorways. Can be removed once here.

4 hours ago, wheels with nuts ltd said:

Is there something else what will stop me of passing MOT for Japanese Lexus models which are available in EU market too? (Let's say models CT, IS , and RX)

many thanks for any information.

No, it doesn't matter if it's available here. Let me use an example of Nissan 370Z. UK cars will have a £700/year road tax bill. JDM imports will be around £300.. £325 I think it is these days. Imports aren't emission tested.

H3XME · April 3

1 hour ago, Spock66 said:

If I was a prospective customer I would also be thinking what is the after sales support - where can I get it serviced, availability of parts etc.

This isn't a problem. Especially if it's a JDM counterpart. JDM IS or RX can still be serviced at Lexus or any Indy garage of your choice. Cars that were never available here can go to indy garages or import specialists. In terms of parts, it's all the same as here, you can still order from Lexus/Toyota. They can find part numbers from a VIN.

MaximusPrime · April 3

4 hours ago, Malc1 said:

Alan hi and welcome here from me

NOW .. I'm a great one for thinking Japanese cars direct should be a boon for people in the UK BUT what put me off buying one totally was the inability to find anyone likely able to remove ALL the Jap language hieroglyphics and buttons ........ that stopped me buying an Lexus Jap import car these past months

Good luck in your endeqavours and if you find that solution I'm seeking then do message me and let me know please

Malc

Hi Malc, was wondering about this too, however it looks like this doesn't apply to all imported cars after all.

There's a very clean, imported LS460 currently on Autotrader that's got all the buttons and menus in English, in fact the only thing that gives it away is the speedo in Km/H! 🙂

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403137524066