simondsw

Lexus Enthusiasts, I have the great opportunity of living in Japan right now and have the option to buy a 1997 Toyota Celsior UCF20 or UCF21. The cars are basically the same, but the UCF21has the HID headlights and a few other features (i.e.Turn Signals in the mirrors, exhaust sytem). The UCF21 is about $800 more out the door. No matter which one I choose I plan on stripping the car down and using the parts to put on my 1996 LS400 to get it more JDM.

Please let me know if me buying the UCF21 over the UCF20 is a good deal? I want to make sure the parts will go on my car and I am not worried about the color as I plan on getting the car repainted in a few years.

I look forward to hearing from all of you on what would be the best deal. I know this is a dream come true for many of us, and I do not want to miss this great opportunity. Since Mileage is not really an issue I did not add that (but the UCF20 has lower miles). Any and all inputs would be greatly appreciated.

When I say strip the car I mean right down to the transmission coming out and selling off the parts to friends and local shops. I will take the parts I want/need for my car and get rid of the rest. Please let me know your honest opinions as I very much respect the inputs from all of you as you all have been doing this for a long time.

SpencerT

doesnt the 21 have factory air too?
I would go with the 21 just for the other parts that you mentioned.

LScowboyLS

I want the clear JDM turn signals!

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Where are the pics!!!!!! lol I want RCR tails

Shiryo

I'd say UCF20... One of the many reasons: 98+ steering wheel won't work on 95-97... And if i'm not mistaken, 95-97 LS in Japan has a wood wheel, ten times more rare over here. That alone would make me jump on the UCF20.

SpencerT

sounds like you dont know the true meaning of the name designation.
ucf20= 95-00
ucf21= 95-00 with factory air suspension.

it has nothing to do with the year.
you can have a 98 ucf20 with a wood wheel
and you can also have a 95 ucf21 with a leather wheel.

SuicidnS13

iTrader: (2)

98+ just for the vvti and 5 speed tranny for sure. Also much more modern looking front end in comparison.

steve2006

I haven't seen a wood steering wheel on a 95-97 Celsior, they do have side airbags,folding mirrors and if the CF package massaging and reclining rear seats, no EGR system is fitted to the engine.
My 97 UCF20 before parting it out.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

this.

I would recco '98-00 cars but then again i'm biased

SpencerT

PD Quotes Me?
Life = Complete.

haha jkjk,

I too would recoment a 98+ but considering the op is working with a 96 and due to the fact that alot of 98+ body parts wont fit a 95-97 I would choose the 95-97 ucf21 if cost is not an issue.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

you are gonna make a celsior more JDM? it already is! i'd go with 98+ up myself, and i own a 97 so i am not biased.

95-97 USDM cars never came with wood wheels. correct me if i'm mistaken but this is to my knowledge.

LScowboyLS

except for the look, everything else about 98 and up is better than 95-97

it seems every generation of LS got better and uglier, until 2007

Shiryo

Yeah, that's what I was trying to say... 36 hours of being awake and having to stay up for another 5 hours sucks.

There was one thread somewhere, not sure if it was here or VSC where someone imported a 95-97 wood steering wheel as they were supposedly optional in Japan (or maybe Europe)

simondsw

All, This is a great discussion on the finer art of buying a 98+ or a 95-97car. If I had the option to buy a 98+ I would, but then it would be right hand drive and unable to return to the U.S. due to the 25 Year clause that states that the vehcile would still have to pass all emissions and safety checks, and these cars would not do that. I think I am going to go with the 97 UCF21 as both of the cars I am looking at are 97' versions (no 98+ here).

Once I get the car and the parts I will send pics and let everyone see what I have. To go back to the original post! I was curious if the 97' UCF20 (no air) would be a better buy then the 97' UCF21 (with air) and the UCF21 also has clear corners, turn signals in the mirrors, power mirrors, new front bumper, wood grain steering wheel, exhaust system, and many other features I am sure to find out about. The UCF20 is pretty much stock so I am not sure if paying the extra $800 for the UCF21 is going to be worth my time.

What I really want to know from all of you is would I be able to get these parts for cheaper by buying them separately? Or should I go ahead and spend the money on the car and then sell off the parts I no longer need or want. They both have the 1UZFE motor so I can strip the entire engine of parts (i.e. MAF sensor, coils, headers, resonators, exhaust, bumpers, hood, fenders, headlights (UCF21 has HID) and other parts and pieces. Which one is the better buy from the stripping the car of parts perspective. Both are clean cars that would be great daily drivers if I were to stay in Japan.

simondsw

This is one of the things I love the most about the cars. Having Power Mirrors with the turn signals in the mirrors will be a huge improvement over the ones I have to roll the window down to close. Also, it will make it easier to see me changing lanes :-)