| Author | Topic |
|---|
Registered:
March 2003
|
|
Toyota Celsior
|
Mon, 27 September 2004 13:02
|
 |
Does anyone here own a Toyota Celsior (Lexus LS400)? I am interested in importing one from Japan after I sell my Soarer.
I'd like a 1989-1990 C-Type F Package Celsior, with dark duco and leather seats. They seem to go for $8-$12k without compliance, landed in Australia.
I'd avoid airsuspension, but I would like a sunroof, rear audio/climate controls, digital dash, and all other electrics and options.
http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/au/stock/deta ils.asp?StockID=2491
http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/au/stock/deta ils.asp?StockID=1554
http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/au/stock/deta ils.asp?StockID=1431
http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/au/stock/deta ils.asp?StockID=1166
other examples, look under sold vehicles:
http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au
On the other hand if a Toyota Chaser JZX90 was in the same price range I'd go with one of those as I know more about 1JZ's than 1UZ's. However, the shear luxuriousness of the Celsior is hard to beat.
I can't really find any problems associated with the Celsior electrics or the 1UZ-FE, so please enlighten me. It's a shame a blower is out of my budget for the V8. I'd like to make the same amount of power my Soarer has (210kw) but I know that really isnt possible without a lot of moeny, and the point of buying the Celsior would be to just revel in the glory of it's comfort and drive the thing from A to B, while saving petrol and enjoying taking friends around with the extra two doors without worrying about police.
[Updated on: Mon, 27 September 2004 13:44]
|
|
|
I supported Toymods
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
September 2004
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Mon, 27 September 2004 13:05
|
|
|
umm, they're both the same link, both to an R32..
|
|
|
Location:
Perth
Registered:
October 2003
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Mon, 27 September 2004 13:47
|
|
Im hanging to import one and twin turbo it  not to sure that there is much room in the engine bay though
|
|
|
Registered:
March 2003
|
|
|
I supported Toymods
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
September 2004
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Mon, 27 September 2004 14:32
|
|
|
ahh, that's better, they are a very nice car actually.. If it was me i'd probably leave the engine mostly standard. Given the size / weight of the car, it would never go that quickly unless you spent a large sum of money. It would look very slick with a really dark tint, pitch black paint and some big rims on it ^_^
|
|
|
Registered:
March 2003
|
|
|
Location:
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Registered:
May 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Mon, 27 September 2004 21:49
|
|
Unfortunately all the Celsiors have air suspension. Before you buy one though go and test drive an early LS400. I was going to do the same thing until I actually drove one. Luxury yes; exciting no. They are getting quite pricy too, almost to the point that you could get a very good LS400 in Australia for the same money.
|
|
|
Toymods Social Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
July 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 28 September 2004 02:09
|
|
although the Celsior is now just trimming into the 15 year rule, and i have seen a few on Yahoo Japan for under $5k, which puts them still a bit cheaper than the locally delivered LS400 which was a povo pack anyway.
The main problem i have with the Celsior is the insurance rating they have - BAD.
For a 23 year old, with 30%NCB with JustCars = $2500 p/year!
Thats more than a GX81 twin turbo chaser!
If you want a luxo, quick, comfy car.... Chaser.
|
|
|
Location:
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Registered:
May 2002
|
|
|
Toymods Social Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
July 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 28 September 2004 04:15
|
|
Yeah grant i fully understand the 15 year import business..
a $5k FOB car would usually land uncomplied for around $7-8k once you add in service fees, shippings, import duties etc....
then compliance and rego is probably another $2-2.5k on that.
Thanks for the offer Grant, but i already have my little UZS131 on the way 
|
|
|
Location:
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Registered:
May 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 28 September 2004 04:20
|
|
Sorry, I wasn't trying to tell you how to suck eggs Karl but most people don't understand what cars actually cost to import.
What type of UZS131 did you get? I just bought one too (in lieu of a Celsior actually).
|
|
|
Toymods Social Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
July 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 28 September 2004 04:41
|
|
Yeah its all good mate, i knew that  Probably a good idea you said so, because yes most people dont understand!
which type.... dunno really 
i just found the car i wanted, in the right colour and with a dark interior (not the tan like 90% have).
http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/au/stock/deta ils.asp?StockID=1876
all the "mega visual" models (with the TV) i found were either dec/jan build, ugly white, or just fucked (bad leather etc). All the white ones looked like big camrys to me, and this is the only other colour i found besides that off greyish colour which just looked bad.
If i find another one i like in a few months i might sell this one off and buy a new one. More than likely i will keep it though, i already have the air bag height controller and am looking for wheels (DISH)
What kind did you get?
|
|
|
Location:
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Registered:
May 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 28 September 2004 04:58
|
|
Hahahaha, one of those ugly white ones with tan interior BUT, it is rated 3.5 bb, has the TV and all the gadgets, fitted with 17's and a twin 2.5" system.
Try and get one in gun-metal grey. With polished rims they look cool. That was the first one I ever saw and thought 'wow'. The one I bought was the best looking one I had seen since then so I grabbed it. They also come in black with black interior but are very rare. Debadged that would look awsome.
What's your email and I'll shoot you some photos.
|
|
|
Registered:
March 2003
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 28 September 2004 05:04
|
|
Are you sure they are all air-suspension fitted, I don't think that is right.
I'm not really after a fast car anymore.
|
|
|
Location:
Perth
Registered:
October 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 28 September 2004 05:32
|
|
Danish - PLEASE sell your Soarer to a worthy buyer. It really does deserve it!
There are an increasing number of JZX90's going around Perth. One of the local importers has a SECS or RAWS or whatever license and is starting to bring them in by the barrell. Expect prices will drop fast, too.
I had a drive of a near stock auto Chaser last year - what a hoot!
|
|
|
Registered:
March 2003
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 28 September 2004 06:14
|
|
Yes I'll try Celia, I can't find many JZX90's in Adelaide. They are all around the $20-$30k mark if there are any.
How much does a dark coloured, JZX90 auto/manual, full options go for in Perth? Do you have the name of the importer?
|
|
|
Toymods Social Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
July 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 28 September 2004 07:07
|
|
grant,
email karl@toymods.org.au
i have thought about painting this one black, but i really should be spending that money on the Ra28!
I'll probably put my own TV in the dash, and the electrics to give the facotry TV an external AV source is well hard to work out, an the TV tuning will most likely be all off (still cool feature tho!)
|
|
|
Location:
Perth
Registered:
October 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 28 September 2004 11:07
|
|
I'll have to find-out the name of the importer - though I do think they have some connection with C-Red Tuning.
The white auto JZX90 I rode in cost the owner around $14K.
|
|
|
Location:
Perth
Registered:
October 2003
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 28 September 2004 13:06
|
|
|
Danish: Its just a pipe dream at the moment hehe, but if i did import one id do it through prestige motorsport again like my landcruiser.
|
|
|
Location:
Vic, AU
Registered:
September 2004
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 28 September 2004 13:14
|
|
Just for a bit of interests sake, I found this in my mailbag...
http://www.j-spec.com.au/list/index.php?ID=1087
http://www.j-spec.com.au/list/index.php?ID=0666
http://www.j-spec.com.au/list/index.php?ID=0425
http://www.j-spec.com.au/list/index.php?ID=0417
There are more, but that's enough.. Obviously all are sold now, but they were in the $8-10k range, except the wide-body, was $24k.
J-Spec are a great bunch, very friendly, pretty decent prices and always helpful. Let me test drive a nice R33 sedan when I was hunting around, drove it to work and everything. Impressed me a lot, can you tell? 
|
|
|
Location:
Adelaide
Registered:
March 2004
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Wed, 29 September 2004 04:15
|
|
i rekon that the jap spec celsior has a lot more features than the autralian market version.
id say these fellas would have more of an idea
http://lextreme.com/forums/index.php?
|
|
|
Registered:
March 2003
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Wed, 29 September 2004 13:57
|
|
I think the best option would be to sell the car first, then write down exactly what model and options I want, then sit on the money until one comes in through J-Spec Or Prestige.
What do you think? Unless of course you can think of a better can I should buy?
|
|
|
Location:
adelaide
Registered:
April 2003
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Wed, 29 September 2004 15:27
|
|
|
is that c-type f-package celsior that was for sale a few months ago still floating around?? search the forums cos the guy was pretty keen to sell it, and it looked very nice
|
|
|
Registered:
March 2003
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Thu, 30 September 2004 09:21
|
|
|
I didn't get a reply when I posted on his thread about the Celsior for sale. I think he wants $15-$17k or something. You can pick them up for under $10k from Japan and spend only a few thousand on making it roadworthy.
|
|
|
Location:
Vic, AU
Registered:
September 2004
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Thu, 30 September 2004 21:50
|
|
| Danish wrote on Wed, 29 September 2004 23:57 |
I think the best option would be to sell the car first, then write down exactly what model and options I want, then sit on the money until one comes in through J-Spec Or Prestige.
|
One of the good things about J-Spec, you tell them what you want, the price you want and just sit back and wait for them to find it. 
|
|
|
Location:
Newcastle, NSW
Registered:
February 2003
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Sat, 02 October 2004 01:12
|
|
|
i say JZX90 , but i am one-sided as i have one in the driveway.
|
|
|
Location:
Vic, AU
Registered:
September 2004
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 05 October 2004 08:34
|
|
Sorry to dig up this (semi) old topic, but just got this email come through.. Excellent example, just needs a respray. Wicked car.
http://www.j-spec.com.au/list/index.php?ID=1266
$8,400 inc everything except compliance and registration. Bargain!
|
|
|
Registered:
March 2003
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 05 October 2004 08:43
|
|
|
I saw that one too. I just want a stock one that requires nothing extra.
|
|
|
Location:
Canberra
Registered:
February 2004
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 05 October 2004 22:51
|
|
|
I had an ls400 for a while back there and at 18mpg at the best of times it wasnt an economical proposition. Wow, I sound like a lot of fun don't I?
|
|
|
Registered:
March 2003
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Wed, 06 October 2004 05:27
|
|
|
That's a lot of petty, I think mine uses more than that still!
|
|
|
Location:
Hornsby, N.S.W
Registered:
September 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Wed, 06 October 2004 17:21
|
|
|
supra man has a nice one of these for sale at the moment, i went for a ride in it the other day!!! lots of features!!!
|
|
|
Registered:
March 2003
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Thu, 07 October 2004 08:13
|
|
|
It was sold unfortunately!
|
|
|
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
February 2004
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Thu, 07 October 2004 09:18
|
|
|
I am interested in buyin one of these too, havent been able to find anything negative about them yet, anyone got any advice to offer?
|
|
|
Toymods Social Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
July 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Thu, 07 October 2004 13:48
|
|
insurance for a celsior is up de ass!
call some insurance companies and ask!
|
|
|
Registered:
March 2003
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Thu, 07 October 2004 15:11
|
|
|
I only have 3rd party property, fire and theft on my Soarer anyway. But for my next car I'd like some comprehensive.
|
|
|
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
February 2004
|
|
|
Toymods Social Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
July 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Sat, 09 October 2004 01:55
|
|
no no no! they WONT insure it as an LS400, only as a Celsior!
Just cars for me, with 30%NCB in sydney
# Celsior = $2500p.a, $1600 excess, extra $1000 excess if stolen
# UZS131 crown = $1400p.a, $1400 excess, no catches
# Chaser GX81 twin turbo = $1800p.a, $1500 excess, bonus $800 if stolen
Thats up da ass!
I'm yet to see what Vigil is like, been recomended them by a few people for imports/modified.
|
|
|
Club Member
Location:
sydney
Registered:
May 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Sun, 10 October 2004 03:36
|
|
|
Actually theres a celsior that a friend of mine just got in this last month.. it ran a mid 15 at the WSID last week, he loves it, its immaculate and allready came with a full suspension kit, theyre a beautiful car... wish i had the money to get one , Im sure hell be posting it up in the members section before too long.
|
|
|
Toymods Social Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
July 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Sun, 10 October 2004 05:41
|
|
bastard - i soooo wanted a Celsior, but i just couldnt justify the insurance costs and extra purchase price over the UZS131.
I'll also be running mine down WSID as soon as its on the road
|
|
|
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
February 2004
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Mon, 11 October 2004 00:28
|
|
I guess third party fire/theft couldnt be too bad.
I have left it with an insurance broker, they going to get back to me with prices.
I am doing a bit of research on importing one and there are a few horror stories out there, alot of people just say to find one in Aus thats already registered and buy that. Problem is they arent that common.
The 2 main places to import one through seem to be J-Spec and Prestige motorsport, having no previous dealings with either of them I really dont know who to go through.
Can anyone offer advice on the subject? personal experiences with either one, etc.
Also if anyone knows where i could see a Celsior int he flesh in S.E. Qld, let me know please
Cheers
Dust
|
|
|
Toymods Social Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
July 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Mon, 11 October 2004 01:03
|
|
if you want to deal with someone with a bit more personal service, and located in brissy, contact John at Importbitz.
http://www.importbitz.com.au
He can search thru Jahoo japan auctions and recommend a few cars, but doesnt have the whole "yard" to pick from, so his service charge is a lot lower than j spec or presitge. Drop him an email, he is pretty helpful.
|
|
|
Location:
Canberra
Registered:
May 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Mon, 11 October 2004 04:39
|
|
I know they are not the same "C" spec as the Celsior, but some of the locally delivered early LS 400's are available for around 12K! Most will have a fairly comprehensive service record. Food for thouhgt maybe!
regards Chuck.
|
|
|
Location:
Newcastle NSW
Registered:
June 2002
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Wed, 08 December 2004 07:29
|
|
i know this is an old thread but im just about to pick up my next car... a 1989 celsior in gunmetal grey with polished Lexus 17's
just to clarify some things said in this thread. not all had air suspension the sportier ones had coilssprings with TEMS like mine and the poverty pack ones had just coils like the aus LS400.
also insurance is pricy but it is cheaper than an aus LS400 cos they cant insure it for as much
also im getting mine for under $13K with a couple of months rego left
|
|
|
Location:
central coast nsw
Registered:
November 2004
|
|
Re: Toyota Celsior
|
Tue, 14 December 2004 12:29
|
|
|
does anyone know what the go is with importing from nz.you can buy a toyota windum (i think thats its called)for under $4000.and the same car is a lsxus here worth $20-$26.
|
|
|
