Early Rx300, Import Or Not?

[Shepherd]

Hi all

Just a quick question. How can one tell if an early RX300 (say 1999/2000) is an import or not. And if it turns out to be an import (i.e not Lexus UK imported as UK spec) what implication would it have on, say, insurance / road tax etc?

Thanks

[steve2006]

There was no such thing as a Lexus RX300 in Japan it was known as a Toyota Harrier there so the engine will be marked Toyota and the steering wheel will also be badged Toyota.

Also look for a retrofitted rear fog light and switch as this is another import give away.

Check the speedometer, if it is just one set of figures instead of 2 (MPH/KPH) this is another clue that it is an import.

If it is an import from most other countries it will be LHD so easily spotable.

If you do buy an import many mainstream insurer's won't deal with "Grey Imports" so you need a specialised broker, rates are generally comparable to a UK spec model.

Road tax is calculated for the equivalent UK model of the same year so should be the fixed non emissions related rate of £220.00 a year at that age.

The V5C logbook will also state "Previously Registered Overseas" on the front.

I have an import LS400 and have had no problems with insurance or spares.

[Shepherd]

Thanks for the detailed answer. Its got all info I was looking for.

[paddymann]

The above answer is not actually fact, the reason i know this is because i own and drive a rx300 import 2.2 it is badged rx300,steering wheel is lexus,v5 is lexus rx300, so they do exist

[Jaystar77]

Really good guidance there but Paddy's right, they did offer both Lexus and Toyota versions in Japan.  Here's an example for sale at the minute:

Lexus RX 300, 1999, used for sale (japan-partner.com)

I think Steve's covered pretty much everything else so that'll keep you safe at any rate!

[paddymann]

I am new to lexus and to be honest it is the best car i have ever owned, it is on lpg and i must be getting 40 plus to the gallon, it needs new suspension which i will be sorting spring,

[paddymann]

Does anyone know if the shock absorbers for the rx300 range are the same through the whole production, i need new shocks i have a 1999 import 2.2 so very early, i cannot find any shocks that go back to 99, the earliest i find is 2000, not on air any help and advice would be very greatfully received,

[ColinBarber]

48 minutes ago, paddymann said:

Does anyone know if the shock absorbers for the rx300 range are the same through the whole production, i need new shocks i have a 1999 import 2.2 so very early, i cannot find any shocks that go back to 99, the earliest i find is 2000, not on air any help and advice would be very greatfully received,

You will struggle to find info related to 1999 RX300 in Europe as it didn't launch until late 2000. The Harrier was available from 1997 in Japan.

It seems the 2.2 and 3.0 Harriers shared the same shocks in Japan from 1997 to 2000.

The European ones use a different part - probably because the suspension stiffness is different rather than being physically different but is difficult to say for sure.

[paddymann]

I know you are right because all i have done for the last month is research the suspension, it also needs new brakes and discs and i am having same problem, i realy do like this car and don't want to give up but i must be honest i am looking at later reg v6s,

[m4rkw]

I have a 2006 RX-300 japanese import which would have been sold as a Toyota Harrier in Japan. 2.4L chain-driven engine, has the rear fog light and the steering wheel is badged Toyota.

I believe the brakes are different Lexus part numbers however I got Brembos when they were due which is a generic part for both Lexus RX-300 and the Harrier and they work well.

Some things are a bit of a pain, the remote keyfobs use a non-standard transmitter frequency so it's very hard to get aftermarket transmitters for it. I only found a single supplier that could get one (after a LOT of searching) and it wasn't very high quality. Am now ordering a genuine one from Japan. Most of the car is the same as a Lexus but there are odd bits and pieces that differ and in some cases you may need to order parts from japan.