DFL8114

New to the forum! I'm trying to dig up info on the differences between the Japanese market Windom vs the US market Lexus ES300. From what I can tell, the Windom was the Japanese version of the ES300 but with a 2.5L 2MZ-FE.

I'm looking to pick up a 97-99 Windom with the 2MZ-FE engine as my first car was a RHD Wrangler and being used to driving on that side of the car, I'm looking to replace my now totaled Jeep with another RHD vehicle. I've dug into the Windoms and found a few for sale both in the US and abroad for import - but my concern is parts availability. Is the only real difference between these cars the engine itself? Even the engines (1MZ-FE vs 2MZ-FE) look the same from a topdown POV, but I don't want to go off that and just hope that the other parts are interchangable (ie. water pump, thermostat, belts, sensors, etc).

Not averse to having to order the odd part from overseas, but, I can't even seem to find a service/repair manual regardless of language. If anyone has any info I'd appreciate it greatly! Thanks

LeX2K

Drop you VIN into this site
https://www.japan-parts.eu/

Then drop this VIN in as well and compare part numbers
JT8BF28G1W5015959

DFL8114

Unfortunately it doesn't accept the Japanese VIN of one of the Windoms I'm looking at. It's already titled etc in the US, but no dice. Wants a 17-digit VIN (I tried adding 0s)

I'll save this site though, thank you! It looks like it'll come in handy in the future

LeX2K

Can you post your VIN? Will make it much easier to look up things like timing belt components etc.

DFL8114

This is the VIN
MCV21-5001549 (Also the chassis #)

Your first reply gave me the idea of searching by the chassis #/VIN on the Windom. It took a while, but I was able to track down the exact model (There are two variations for the same years. MCV21-ATPNK and MCV21-ATPGK, the one I'm looking at is the former). I'm currently trying to track down a parts catalog or something using this.

LeX2K

That's the chassis code not VIN. From what I know the 2MZ is a 1MZ with less displacement everything else is mostly the same. What is completely different vs. the 1MZ in North America is engine controls/ECU if you ever need for example a computer it could be harder to find.

Suspension and brakes are the same getting parts won't be a problem.

DFL8114

JP imports have the chassis code used as the VIN in the US afaik since they use the chassis/frame # in Japan for vehicle ID and don't issue VINs, though I could be wrong?

Thanks for the help! That's definitely reassuring to know. I have no problem getting stuff imported if necessary, I'm used to the process with other non-automotive products.

LeX2K

I thought it started with for example MCV21 then the rest is the VIN? I'm surprised japan-parts.eu doesn't accept JDM VINs.

A whole pile of parts change over ES300 and Windom are mostly the same car.