Hi Jimmy, here is some info to share with you
1) does it really matter if it's UK or JP spec? is there any different beside of the speed cut?
Is basically the same engine...just running on different fuel grades. 95 vs 98
2) that's few models that comes with navigation monitor (UK & Jp spec) but my understanding is both wont be able to work with malaysia gps map? Is that correct?
Lexus Msia do have the DVD maps for Malaysia...but the sad thing is..they wont sell it to recon car owners. Only Lexus Malaysia distributed car owners are entitled. By the way ,this option of 'luxury package' which includes Navi system and Mark Levinson 13 surround speaker system cost RM23k form Lexus Malaysia.
The only way to resolve this is to hope there are some generous LM owners out there willing to burn a DVD map for us.... we could just pay some fee for it as a deal... maybe we shall meet up with some CT200H owners with ' Luxury Package', since there are not many IS from LM.
Check out the pic below...its a IS with Malaysia Map
3) If that's true will it be better if I purchase the car with a standard console system without navigation & monitor and then only change it to flyaudio myself in malaysia? Anyone tried this so far or is it even possible to do this?
I would recommend to go for the highest spec possible. The one with Touch-Screen Navi at least so you you could watch DVD while driving :).
The Mark Levinson 13 speaker surround system is fantastic. Especially the center speaker system. A must if you are a audiophile , it has a built in Digital Processor in the amp which uses Fibre Optic Cables ( Digital Out ) instead of the conventional RCA cooper cables. It have both Digital Theater System (DTS) and Dolby Surround feature ... trust me..you be amaze when u watch action movies with it. (i.e Transformers) . The surround was so surreal till i had goosebumps while watching the Autobots transforming ...imagine that.. just with 300watts RMS..!
The Front Staging effect is amazing..Listening to jazz instruments just made so real...as tho the band is performing right infront of you.
4) That's one UK model that I really like, the car looks fairly new on exterior and interior, only done 30k mileage, year 2007 model..but when I look at the undercarriage there are all rusty...the salesman say that his workshop will fix it if I buy from them, they said all UK model is like that and ask me not to worry cause his workshop ppl will scrub all the rusty part with sand paper or what? Is he tell the true that it can be done? or is he just plain lying to me? And I'm not a car expert, so I would like to ask what can happen if the rusty part remains?
My UK spec undercarriage had rust too...but its consider mild ...I always thought it was serious....however there some even worst than my condition after a few feedbacks from the mechanics of Vision Auto. My dealer did a undercarriage anti rust paint upon delivery. My exhaust pipes had the worst rust , starting from the Cat. Converter till the entry of Muffler box. I am mystified , as exhaust pipes are normally made of stainless steel...how could it rust ?
My brake rotor was rusted too , nothing major just doesn't look good aesthetically . Will change it together with the pads when it wears out.
My rust was mainly on exhaust pipes, rear diff box and brake disc...but all these was covered with thick black anti rust paint and still staying strong after a year if usage.
Dont worry too much about the rust.. as long rust doesnt appear on the chasis and engine compartment like drive pulleys , alternator and other moving parts you be fine.
I would say 99.999% of the recon cars in Malaysia had thier Odometer tempered with. 30k miles or 50k km for a 5 years. Thats about 10k km usage per year. Highly impossible for UK drivers. Those Brits loves to drive interstate for work and holiday ( I was working in UK for 2 years). Unless its a Jap import , where they rarely drive and take tubes/mrt or even cycle to work.
My IS came with a 25k miles showing at the Odometer... i never believe it... just by judging at the wear on the brake pedals...it definitely had more than 25k miles on it.
5) When I saw few Japan specs, the undercarriage was not as rusty as the UK spec! So should means japan specs better?
Always request for a test drive ...test at various condition if possible driving fast/slow and even/uneven roads and observe the car condition like dashboard rattles ,engine vibration , noise from the suspension/ball joints , clunking from gearbox/rear diff. Dont choose based on exterior or undercarriage ... I been thru more than 5 different test drives and visted about 8 showroom before choosing my 'wife'. After a few test drives , you can immediately know which car is the one.
Be patient... dont rush into..just ignore those words from SA if they say...Lexus IS is in hot demand now la...better grab it quick before the customer walk in yesterday get it...you can pay deposit first la....bla bla bla....dont worry.. the dealer will always be happy to import in more to cater for high market demand. So they could sell more.
One point to note... be extra cautious UK Spec IS with Pearl White colour... mostly had been resprayed from its less popular Ori colour (i.e Light Blue, Beige ). Most Pearl White are in Jpn Spec but not UK Spec. Check for car manufacturer stickers beside the door, normally resprayed cars had them removed or visible respray paint on it.
Enjoy the hunting process - just make it as thou you on a treasure hunt adventure , hunting for the best treasure around town... and hope you could join into the club asap.