I am getting closer to sourcing and then importing an LS600h from Japan to Australia.

I have been noticing one that ticked all the boxes, but after some deeper investigation found damage to the dashboard as shown:


That is the only image available of the damaged area.

[This is on the driver's side (Japan, so the reverse of US layout)].

The car has been listed on a few different Japanese sites, but only one site displayed this image.

I was surprised that the car had lasted as listed for sale for so long, given the overall presentation, but now I am smelling a rat.

In almost every other respect the car presents close to 100%, so this damage is completely out of character with the rest of the car, which has quite low mileage.

I have now been studying other similar cars(both 600 and 460 versions), but I am not finding this damage replicated elsewhere.

Is anybody able to shed some light as to what might cause this damage?

What needs to be done to fix it, and how much, roughly?

Thanks.

EDIT: Of course, I am unable to ascertain if the buttons are all functional.

If I was able to verify that the damage was merely cosmetic, and in no way compromising any functional aspects, I would be happy enough to take a "punt" on having the cosmetic damage plastic welded.

 

What year is it? I know the early 2007-2008 LS460 cars suffered from dash cracking and front door panels damage due to a material incompatibility. I think there is a perpetual recall for replacing the interior for those vehicles. May of extended to the LS600H as well. May be worth looking into. Get ready to spend some $$$ if the air struts or high voltage battery go out on ya (or get a warrentee!!!)... the LS600h is the best LS Lexus Lexus ever Lexus'd but from what I understand they can be expensive mistrises.

 

Good call.

The car in question IS a 2007 model.

Your response has reminded me of this "sticky" thread:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ation-zlz.html

But I am not sure yet if the damage as per photograph is covered by the recall.

As a recall restore was free, AFAIK, I would have thought that most careful owners in Japan, where this used car in question is on sale, would have taken advantage of it.

Anyway, I will peruse the "sticky" thread, which is quite long.

I welcome any other response, and thank you for yours.

EDIT: And, yes, a warranty would be a helpful addition, but I am unaware of any aftermarket warranty that I could purchase for a 19 year old car from a different market than that in which I reside.

On the other hand, I will, of course, be hoping to get a "good" deal up front on the used purchase price.

 

It seems that only USA delivered cars were covered under the recall, so that option is closed.