Parts Availability, A Worrying Trend

[Titch LS]

I've read one or two posts on here recently stating that certain parts were no longer available for older LS models. I hope this worrying trend doesn't continue to the point where more and more of our cars are having to be scrapped as a result of parts becoming ever rarer to find. Bottom line is, I suppose, supply and demand. It looks like it is becoming uneconomic for Toyota/Lexus to cater to us dwindling band of enthusiasts. I don't think that Mercedes has been this short sighted with their older models, but I may well be wrong. We just have to become a bit more resourceful I suppose.

[Arcane]

I think it would be wise to start hoarding certain bits in the good days ready for when you may need it in the bad days...

[ROYT]

Lexus claim luxury models with luxury part prices to go with them, so they should keep supplying parts.

I think the Japanese set a cut off point for parts sooner because they are forever completely redesigning models from scratch

I don't think we will be lucky enough to get aftermarket electronic stuff being made to keep us on the road as 'classics'

Also later Lexus models don't seem as well made as LS's ,I'm not confident to change to a later newer model.

All the gadgetry and ECU's have put a finite life on everything.

I really don't want to go back to a simple Morris minor either!

Dilemma.....

[Slobbo]

I wouldn't worry too much. I have been in the vw seen for years and have seen the same thing happen with rare models more than once. Someone will come along and start manufacturing the obsolete parts or a suitable alternative will turn up.

[Stuno1]

Pretty normal for parts to stop being made eventually for all cars. It just stops making sense from a profitability perspective. Nothing new really. I had a 16 year old fto and it was tough to find certain parts for that car.

[steve2006]

Another member was recently looking for the transmission "filter" the other day and was told by a Lexus dealer they were NLA but checking on Amayama they are still listed.

There's always going to be old stock lurking somewhere in the stores of dealers, put it this way apart from a front wing you can still buy brand new parts for the Delorean DMC10 :)

[Malc]

...... and I finally sourced a set of points for my 1932 Triumph Southern Cross sports tourer from Australia :outforcount: , the Melbourne outfit there had cobbled together all the aussie stuff left over ... . so whilst I could have just ordered them on-line I actually felt compelled to make a personal visit ........ bit expensive tho' at £26 BUT there they were, in a brand new Lucas Birmingham box, ready to go ................. from the 1930's.

Just impossible to then source from anywhere in the UK ............. UNTIL......... the guy looking after the car had 3 sets given to him by a buddy who had found them in a carboot jumble for a £1 somewhere.

The car works well now with new points !!

Don't doubt we will always be able to get just about the right stuff for our beloved limos when the time is right

Malc

[harrylime]

It is a worry, although there are many cars from the 1950s still going, so people seem to manage. Also, as Malc's experience shows, globalisation and the internet helps

[lex - eleven]

I rang a local american parts shop for a wheel bearing for my 1955 cadillac coupe de ville and I got... "front or rear?" "rear" I said, yeah they're on the shelf. 1 hour later and it was on the car.

[ROYT]

I'd like to think that would happen with Lexus when they reach 50 but I doubt it.

I won't be around then anyway!

I had a similar experience a long time ago when I wanted brake parts for a Dodge.[i've had 3 yanks,wish I'd kept the Camaro!]

Shipped from the states in 4 days and cheap, with all the fixings included.

[Cotswold Pete]

I would put my money on it being the USA parts base that keeps our LS's going when Lexus give up.

Seems like so many over there, that afte-market would be going strong for a long time.

Electronics should not be an issue so long as it is not a specialist Integrated Circuit that goes pop.

Still not looking forward to the days when it just become a bit of a faff to look after these wonderful cars.

[Malc]

I'd like to think that would happen with Lexus when they reach 50 but I doubt it.

hmmm ...... mine will be 50 when I'm 95, maybe not driving it then BUT it might just be added to my classic collection of course .............. wonder if I'll be driving it in 20 years time

Malc

[Keynun]

The LS400 still has a huge following in America. I have actually ordered most of my parts through American sites, loads of aftermarket parts and OEM parts still available. I think the LS400 will have plenty of support for many many many years!!!!