Lexus different parts in different markets?

[krisby]

I sell luxury cars in NZ, mainly euro cars as well as Lexus, by far my favourite above all euro luxu barges.

Anyway, have sold several GS300s now with no issues whatsoever, and for people that want them it is normally an easy sale. However, on the weekend I had some chap looking at a mint 98 model, our cars are from Singapore, but I have always been of the impression there is virtually no difference from a local NZ new model or perhaps even a US or UK spec car, save for suspension settings, maybe stereo and airbags options, but hey, all basically the same car.

This customer looking at the car, has asked around, and asked the local Lexus dealer, who has told him that being a singapore import some parts are different, things like the radiator and cap, various engine components or brake items etc etc. I told him that is rubbish as we know of someone who has a singapore car, his brake specialist was told by the Lexus dealer it would be $9000 and about 3 weeks, so he asked us, we got onto our suppliers in Singapore and turns out the exact same part is only $5500 from Singapore and can be shipped in a couple of days with DHL.

Ok, this is only one example, but I find it hard to believe that parts are all going to be different, does anyone here know anything about this? I can only assume the Lexus guy was talking crap as he does not like us cos we were selling a GS300 for $10,000 less than them recently for the exact same model and year and colour.

 

[Peewee]

It is possible that there are differences.

I've only really looked at Cressida's and Supra's, but I know different countries got different packages. USA tends to get much more options, bigger brakes, smaller tyres than Australia. I know JDM Supra's have different brakes and brake boosters to Australian delivered stuff.

ECU's are usually tuned for different fuels. ie, JDM stuff is usually tuned for 98+ fuel, where as Australian stuff would be tuned for 91 or 95 at the highest.

These differences however are usually negligable at the end of the day, and bits are usually interchangeable.

IE, JDM Supra brakes are smaller than Aus ones, but you can put Aus discs and rotors on the JDM Supra.

 

[Zuffen]

If I'd just purchased a car and it needed a $5,500 (discounted) part I'd be less than happy.

I can't think of a Mercedes part worth that much apart for a long engine or perhaps a transmission.

 

[The Witzl]

$5,500!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i think my arse is bleeding from the THOUGHT of paying that much for standard brake parts......