The-Acre

My Celsior is my first import, and should I ever buy another Lexus I wouldn't want anything else because the Japanese just seem to look after their cars so much better.

The Celsior can have much more equipment, or it could have less! If it's a new import it could have the speedo in KPH. Mine has TV which doesn't work much in the UK. The switches are mostly in English but oddly some in Japanese. The Celsior has thicker carpet and the mats are about a half inch thick! Mine also doesn't have "double glazed" windows which is good because they can't delaminate. The Celsior can also have various other oddments but nothing seems standard. On most the rear passenger can move the front passenger seat right forward and then flat to get loads of leg room and a better view. Speed may be limited to 112mph or there about. Mine also doesn't have the ML music system which is something else I'm very pleased about. Most have very dark tinted back windows to protect the inside from the sun/heat. Everything else is pretty much the same. Insurance is a bit harder to get as most won't cover imports. One of the best things is having a Toyota badge, it's a great conversation starter! Also if you get a fresh import the underbelly may be totally rust free, as the body should be.

If you were burning oil, as suggested, you would usually see some evidence from the exhaust in the form of smoke. What's the service interval? Personally I don't think it's unreasonable to use some oil with that kind of mileage. It would also be interesting to know how much oil you have to add to bring it up to the correct level, that may help to determine the extent of the consumption.

You may find yourself using more fuel, and in the long term it's not good for the engine. As far as I'm aware, bank 1 sensor 1 can be done from the top so a fairly easy job that only needs a sensor socket, about £10 from eBay. I'm sure it's the same as the GS300 which I did last year from the top, in other words no need to crawl under the car or raise it up.

I believe the steering wheel motors, (tilt/retract) can often be repaired on the MK3 but make sure they both work as that can also be a bargaining point. Also check the boot for damp, and any signs of leakage around the power steering pump lines. And listen carefully for exhaust leaks around the cat end. Good luck with it and keep us posted.

It looks very nice in the photos for sure. As long as it drives perfectly (as it should) and the transmission is smooth and changes almost unnoticeably, then the main thing that could cause you some major expense will be the suspension components, ie control arms. There should be no knocks or bangs over bumps and rough roads. Plus you want proof of a cam belt change.

Yes, my thoughts as well, totally unnecessary. Sadly it's just commonplace now.

You're very lucky to have that....and a TV!

You're very lucky to have a garage you can use. I'd do so much more of my own work if I didn't have a garage built in the days when cars were 4' wide and men wore cloth caps!

I don't know why the dipstick went, it makes no sense to me. I'm assuming Jem Lexus aren't doing a complete flush for that price, taking into account the cost and amount of fluid they hold, or maybe they do?

That's interesting, so the 450h transmission is also cooled through the radiator. Presumably there hasn't been any reported problems like with the LS430?

Yes, it has the 3UZ-FE but on the facelift model they very annoyingly did away with a dipstick.

Mine is also sealed, and being an import the history is all in Japanese so I've no idea if its been changed. When I fitted a new radiator a few weeks ago I noticed the fluid was nice and red and had a good smell, so I'm more than happy to leave it. Maybe just have the colour checked? If the colour is good and smells OK just leave it. If its dark and smells burnt then have it flushed.

If nothing else it'll give you peace of mind knowing you've got fresh fluid in the transmission.

The best way may be to contact Paul Frost (Lexussparesdirect) he breaks LS's and has immense knowledge. Apart from sound, I doubt the amp will affect the sat nav. It's not uncommon for the ML amp to go kaput sadly. I think this is the correct number for Paul: 07590 072646.

This is the thing with the old LS, it's only when people get to drive one they're blown away by it. I still maintain that if I had my original one it would drive as good, probably better, than most new cars today.

Any news?

My first Lexus was a 93 LS400. It was already 13 years old but everyone without fail commented on how quiet and smooth it was. As much as I love the 430 I really don't think it has a ride as smooth as that first one, even with air suspension. Fond memories!

Welcome to the LOC!

Unfortunately, unlike conventional coil spring suspension, the air system is very complex. To try to diagnose a problem via a forum doesn't always bear fruit. The fact that it's at full height maybe suggests the struts are holding air. A faulty sensor can play havoc on the system. I wish I could offer more.

I don't know if this has been posted before, I only saw it today. An excellent review I think.

Looking at the info for cutting around the shelf I think I'd be happy to do that, keep us posted.

I don't fully understand why, or even know if it's a good thing, I'm not sure what it'll achieve, apart from us doing what the EU says we must!

It may just be a height sensor issue. Has the ride become hard or is the suspension still ironing out the bumps? I don't know what the RX300 equivalent is in the US but Rockauto have struts with springs for about £75 each. Someone here must be able to give you the part numbers.

No replies yet I see. As far as I'm aware there probably isn't much else that's needed. You would have to disable the height warning light on the dash. The compressor can be left in place with the fuse removed and the height sensors disconnected. I've considered what I would do should I be unfortunate enough to have suspension problems and I think I would go for direct replacement struts from Strutmaster in the US if I can manage to get a reasonable shipping rate. The parts are a direct fit and cost around £800 for the four. It may be worth enquiring with them.