1998 Lexus GS 400 - Full Ownership Cost Analysis & Daily Driving

[@iliketurtles6274]

“I’m starting to get less angry when I see Nissan Jukes now” Not me, I still and always will hate them

[@Ana_user25]

Amen… 🙏

[@dawsongranger4940]

The nismo juke is cool and I believe you could get one with a manual

[@issavibez394]

Not bad they just to small

[@CACressida]

As a long time GS400 owner myself, the solidity of these cars is mind boggling. My car is a cream puff cali car with zero rust and all but the lower ball joints and tie rods are original. Love these things.

[@805NAVE]

Keep an eye on those ball joints!

[@CACressida]

@805NAVE I don't need to. I replace wear items before they fall apart. People drive these things with boots torn and grease depleted then they're surprised by when they wear down and pop out of their sockets.

[@dawnpoint]

You aren't kidding. I just bought a 331k-mile GS400 and replaced the radiator and thermostat because they were original. No creaks or rattles, drives smooth and quiet, everything works. It's insane. And kind of depressing cuz cars like this will never be made again.

[@RyanRoadReaper]

"Michigan is super expensive for insurance" _laughs in Floridian_

[@sunshinesuen6998]

Laughs from BC，canada😅😅😅

[@EndeavorsDnB]

Don’t get into an accident here in Florida tho… no fault state w/o good insurance (I have the cheap kind as well).

[@stevenbenito-mf5zb]

my insurance cheap im in miami lol

[@SenzuLean]

Laughs from Ontario, Canada. 💀

[@groundcontrol6876]

@@SenzuLean Plus you guys get to pay in Canadian micropesos, so even cheaper!

[@CoreyZ232]

I picked up an 80,000 mile '95 SC400 last year and used the Google Sheets budget method as well (mostly all fun stuff since the only things it needed to future proof it was a timing belt). Really was a pleasure ticking things off the list and and now that it's finished, I think I have one of the cleanest SCs out on the road - I love the 1UZ, enjoy your GS and keep us updated on the channel!

[@yaksid8857]

Congrats 🫡 how has it been owning it? I’m looking to get an sc400 myself, or a gs400 if that’s cheaper

[@CoreyZ232]

@@yaksid8857 it’s been great so far! Everything was strong mechanically and the car had spent its life in New Mexico up until it ended up here in Ohio last year so a much different experience than most 30 year old cars here in the rust belt! I was originally looking for an LS when this SC popped up a few hours away. After putting wheels and tires, some coilovers with a little bit of a drop, brakes and a new head unit in it - it’s wild how contemporary it feels. I’ve heard it before and people aren’t lying when they talk about how well ‘90s Lexus are built! Thank you and good luck on your hunt!

[@travisstamp7428]

I have a 99 gs400 that I got for 2500 with 199k miles. I drive it 100+ miles daily and take it to the track some weekends. Its never skipped a beat. By far the best car I've ever had! There's a cpl vids of it on my channel, I plan to turbo it.

[@eVerProductions1]

I’m so happy to know topher is a Lexus fan, people keep sleeping on Lexus cause compared to the euro options they think that’s the gold standard but a Lexus will outdrive most of its euro competition. Reliability, speed, smoothness, comfort it hits all the notes you want from a luxury car

[@TopherDrives]

I've been a diehard Lexus fan since I bought my 5 Speed IS 300 back in 2016!

[@azraf509]

I picked up my 03 gs430 from copart 2 years ago and now the car is lowered and all maintenance taken cared of. I spent about 10k and she's ready to reach a million miles

[@johncastillo838]

I live in California and I'm into my GS300 for $6300. It sat for 3 years before I purchased it. I've done my timing beat, lower ball joint, vapor canister twice, AC condenser, major tune-up, door actuators all around, brakes and rotors all around, fuel pump, and upper control arms. Plus my own personal touches to it

[@project-LEXUS-BMW]

My was 99’ best car I ever owned ,had it for 20 years and 280K miles later never seen dealer shop ,changed timing belt and water pump 3 times ,2starters and 1 radiator and that was it ,I still miss it 😢

[@FreewayBrent]

Oh wow. What about suspension parts?

[@project-LEXUS-BMW]

last two years she was getting softer and floaty needed a new socks, but I never changed it sold it as it is, just to add, she was also part of my youth years - oversized wheels, load of ppl people always inside ,late oil changes ,loaded roof rack ,dirt roads snow roads donuts go everywhere with that thing pulled utility trailer you know young ppl shit I took care of it, but I drove hell out of that car

[@05Elantra98GSGang]

Just bought a 1998 GS300 with 150k miles for only $1500 got a steal from its original owner it sat for a year an needs a AC leak fixed and both valve cover gaskets an plugs an wires an obvious thing alike trans flush ball joints to be safe… Live this car wanted one since haggard garage back in 2015 and finally got one bc the opportunity came to me

[@possession3929]

Your not supposed to flush a trans with high miles. Just drain and fills, but that also depends on what the previous drain n fill history is.

[@05Elantra98GSGang]

@@possession3929 bro I work on cars for a living there is nothing new you can teach me

[@05Elantra98GSGang]

@@possession3929 the trans has been flushed before twice

[@raftermanhoward1883]

I have a 4GS myself, but I always love seeing 2GS and 3GS's. Sadly, in my area it's a rare experience, maybe once a month I'd say. Usually I'm all smiles, and the 2GS or 3GS is too! This was such a great model line.

[@seb5945]

Your roadside assistance service includes a helpful dad and a mom. Nice. 😂

[@ryanb8736]

Just do a custom exhaust and flow master mufflers from a good exhaust shop. Shop can make all the pipes cheap. Thats what I did. Sounded insane. The smiles were pinned at 100 while driving it.

[@TopherDrives]

I like this idea

[@monikhushalpuri]

Flowmasters sound terrible and hollow, do anything but flowcrapsters

[@ryanb8736]

@@monikhushalpuri They are not that bad on these. Mac also has amazing sound.

[@ryanb8736]

That flick of the key to start it was always pure satisfaction.

[@FreshlySnipes]

My Dad had an SC400 he got in ‘96. I inherited it as my first car in high school. It was definitely a boat but the V8 was fun.

[@rajdhir919]

The door lock thing is a older Toyota problem, the actuators love dying 😅

[@ps3alphagamer12]

Just picked up a 2002 LS430 ultra luxury with 160k miles last year. Got a lot of work ahead of me still pretty much gotta reseal the entire mark levinson speakers and sub, replace my driver door lock, replace oil pan, valve cover, and intake manifold gaskets, replace a few more vacuum lines, address P0325 ls430 owners you know this one’s a banger especially if you replaced the knock sensor just for the code to come back a few drive cycles later, fix the exhaust leak by the heat shield that triggers P0420 and P0430 another banger that’s apart of 430 ownership. Anndddd since it’s an ultra luxury replace pretty much the entire front suspension then decide wether or not I wanna stay on factory air or go aftermarket. Luckily I’m a former Lexus tech so pretty much everything besides suspension I can knock out at home.

[@SenzuLean]

Glad you're enjoying your GS so much dude. I plan on getting a GS of my own by the end of this year. Thanks for the update videos!

[@stephendibari5010]

love these GS’s. 3 years ago i bought a one owner 2002 ES300 w 161k miles. just turned 180k miles and loving it. paid only $4,495 but within first 18 months i did have to replace original 20 year old parts: Starter, Alternator, 4 struts, AC compressor (squealing but was working ) exhaust flex pipe and brake calipers. the dealer replaced the OEM muffler before i picked it up. i change my synthetic oil every 5k miles. the original owner replaced the timing belt, water pump and valve cover gasket at 87k miles. every button and switch still works like new. amazing quality, car is super quiet. many people have compared it to a Camry because of the same body frame but the amount of insulation and Road noise deadening sound material makes this 4th gen lexus super quiet. The car is solid like a tank. this GS is more sporty and stylish but i’m happy with my ES 300. i’ll be keeping her for many years to come

[@TopherDrives]

Love to hear that! I need to try an ES 300 some day.

[@stephendibari5010]

@@TopherDrives it’s a super quiet luxury sedan. not an ounce of performance related experience. for me i love it. i have a 1999 C5 Hardtop with only 20k miles where i get my thrills !

[@lordwalker71]

Love seeing people who actually use garages for what they are for instead of filling them with junk they never use. Nice GS 400’s got for 15-20 grand where I live in Canada because used car prices are insane right now.

[@issavibez394]

Nooo they rob u

[@TopherDrives]

hahahahaha I always say the exact thing. RARELY do people use their garages for cars.

[@805NAVE]

I’ve got both an 05 ES330 (343k miles) and an 05 GS430 (187k miles). Just picked up the GS from Las Vegas and drove it home to California. Both my cars are fully loaded every option. ES is perfect, gonna take it to at least 500k miles. The GS needs some work, trans shifts a bit harshly, needs paint correction, tires, door lock actuators, new key, passenger mirror has a crack, engine makes ticking sound but runs great. I think I over paid for the GS but it’s a final model year V8 (one of 422) and the interior is mint with every option I wanted; wood grain wheel, nav, mark levinson, heated seats, wing, HID lights + yellow fogs, 7 spoke chrome wheels. Gem of a car. I paid $6500 for it, probably in it for $7700 just did the timing belt. Couple more grand hopefully it’ll be absolutely perfect.

[@randybeeks6561]

Fuck yeah GS’s for life easily the best of the lexus sedan’s in terms of space and performance. IS is a close second but is held back due to space which is fine it is an entry level sedan. but still very cool car ‼️‼️

[@therealinterlaced]

So funny and badass of a family to come help you out with the spare key to help get you going in the GS LOL! You're awesome and so is your family! Much love from New Jersey

[@TopherDrives]

Thank you! I'm very lucky to have them :)

[@therealinterlaced]

@@TopherDrives :)

[@Mizt_Plays]

I have HKS Hi-Powers on my GS 400. Axleback only. I have two shorts if you want to hear how it sounds. One cold start in a parking garage and turning onto the highway (exhaust noise as heard from the interior of the car). It makes the car put out a low tone, almost like a V8 truck sound but not as bellowy.

[@shocks_xretrox9966]

I was looking at one for sale and bought one because of your videos! 1 owner AZ 1999 Lexus GS400 with 65k OG miles Silver with gray interior. Its an absolute dream to drive.

[@TopherDrives]

Amazing!! 65k is crazy low. Nice find!

[@jackgonzalez7767]

The little intro was such a vibe! 😎

[@CPMUNSEY]

This era Lexus is hard to beat. I think you’ve done great on this purchase and the money spent. It will rust out from under you before it dies mechanically,lol!!

[@mcfragger2605]

I have a 2004 Lexus Es330 for like 5500 CAD. I was planning to pay no more than 1000 ish to get it cleaned it up and safe but end up nearing 2500 because wear and tear lol. But i dont regret it though, even for such an old car its so nice to be inside and its worth it. Treat your vehicle well and it will return the favor

[@ClovisGeneral]

Don’t waste your money on custom exhaust. Just buy some 2” Borla ProXS mufflers and delete the secondary resonators. 2” is stock diameter and easy fitment. The sound is great that way!

[@thexiafury3104]

Woudnt there be rssp without the resonators

[@RenNakamura20]

In Japan these are called Toyota aristo, and the aristo was the very first car to offer the turbo 2jzgte engine that everyone loves in the supra, then the supra has it afterwards. Japan never got the v8 but it looks and sounds like a fantastic engine!

[@DavidM-ms8pp]

I been looking into getting a 2000 gs400 with 134k miles. I can't wait to go check the car out soon and I'm glad you've been enjoying yours

[@ciello___8307]

Make sure u budget for maintenance. Even if its relatively reliable, at this age, even old lexuses will need new parts. Stuff like bushings, fuel system, random electronics start to get worn

[@hyypersonic]

TIL we’re the same age. That’s awesome

[@ryanb8736]

One of the best engines ever.

[@JS-ey1wz]

Worked for a guy who had one of these, sat in it, and decided right then and there this was the car I wanted. Bought it used a few years later. Drove it for eight years and loved it. Same exterior and interior color. Mine was a 300. Trivia question; Larry David drove this identical car in the first season of curb your enthusiasm.

[@roofcamper3473]

Just noticed Larry had one of these this week too!

[@tahaakhtar776]

I heard there is one governor fuse in the gs400 which limits the top speed of car does anybody knows how to remove that fuse?

[@EndeavorsDnB]

The Smooth Jazz was a great precursor for this Lexus for me. The only person I’ve ever personally known who had one of these which I’ve been driven in, loooves Jazz 😋

[@tempturerush1987]

If your the do it yourself person you can pickup one up for way cheaper price but is a Lexus and theres a lot of aftermarket on them what i love about the gs 400 is a v8 and its just a joy to drive

[@AwkwardYet]

15:14 didnt you lock it with the key from the outside?

[@gimmeahellyeahH]

Wow this car is almost 30 and still amazing

[@awepossum1059]

OMG the Cobalt SS turbo is my first car too. I still drive it ❤

[@josephspellman2698]

Throttle body and MAF for the low idle issue is my guess. I have LS430 and the forums are full of info on there. I'd start there first IMO. IIRC the 1UZ is the cable drive, but I'd still clean the tb and redo the seal and clean the MAF.

[@Mizt_Plays]

Paint looks amazing!

[@ryanb8736]

Use the key to lock drivers door. Never lock door on inside.

[@Y4MAN]

Any car with the 1UZ was a masterpiece.

[@Voges2023]

Hi Topher, I have an LS 400 I got a key from YotaMD and I never grab the other key, feels way more solid every time I start it or unlock the trunk. Also, I got a solid wood shifter off Etsy and that is also super nice.

[@MotorVelocity]

I love the Lexus! But how are you able to play music in the factory radio?

[@TopherDrives]

Cassette to aux adapter!

[@saulhernandez1953]

Mine is a 2002 gs 430 I have hesitation on up hills I have to step on the gas pedal to the floor in order to get more power

[@pluxf]

used to think the gs400 was ugly but the more i see it... its growing on me

[@nhfanful]

That gauge cluster is a deal breaker. Looks like a casio watch

[@SerPurple51]

The car sounds really great and looks the part too! Low idle could be a lot of things. Most basic would be starting with air filter, injectors and spark plugs. Oxygen and throttle position sensor would be next on the list. Check for any air leaks too.

[@HiFiInsider]

I want a GS400 like yours one day. I do like the white color more.

[@dawnpoint]

Dammit substitute Topher, just thist last week I bought myself a(nother) GS400. This one has 331k on it and drives like a dream. I blame you.

[@A_guan]

I bought a gs430 with some pretty faded paint. I honestly overpaid for what it's really worth but it's an amazing beater that because of the paint I could care less about. It's got an oil leak from somewhere and probably some power steering issue but I could drive it forever especially now that I've fixed the misfiring issue it had for a bit

[@Luisu229]

Excellent. Excellent. Enjoy 👍👍👍

[@ars2351]

Same model, but gs 300 in our country cost 6k average with average salary 800$. Gs400 cost about 9k (with x2 mileage and some mechanical issues). Damn...

[@noelsaw]

These are really hard to find on the used market. I am sure the owners of the good ones are keeping them.

[@noiwtna]

Why are the registrations different between the Lexus and the Porsche? Here in Tennessee the difference is whether you get personal tags or commercial. Where I am from in west TN, tags are around $25. Here in Middle TN, tags are about $80 for standard tags.

[@TopherDrives]

In Michigan it's based off the original MSRP of the car :(

[@tigerhawk84]

A garage without a ton of crap pressed as tightly as possible against every single wall? Including several layers of wall shelving? Must have just moved in yesterday.

[@TopherDrives]

hahahahaha so real

[@gettcouped]

My dad had an SC400 and I remember something with the idle speed, but not the details. I’ll ask my dad and see if he remembers.

[@Jesuledesmaa]

Can anyone tell me if those wheels can be used in Florida because I like the way they look but it says winter tire please someone tell me?I would use it for regular use all year so anyone please tell me

[@keltecdan]

That’s a clean GS

[@Sithhy]

I'm envious how you can get a GS400/430 in America for $6000. In my country it's at about twice that & only the GS300 costs that little

[@Tapnwitjay]

should i get a well maintained original owner gs400 for 3300 obo just wondering ??

[@ElectricusTus]

I really wanted to see you do the thing with the fob that automatically opens the sunroof and rolls down the windows. 😂

[@allankirk8336]

What’s the specs?

[@ProductofNZ]

I really wanted a V300 Aristo (the Toyota version with the 2JZGTE) but before I had the cash, the JDM hype train derail my plans and the prices shot up.

[@FarhanAhmed-mx1wm]

Plzz find an 2004-06 LS 430 to review. Base or Ultra luxury trims dont matter, would love to see a review on one

[@TopherDrives]

I'd love to have one of those next

[@DoctuhJ]

How does this compare to the ls400/430 of similar age? i feel like that one is getting lots of attention right now

[@TopherDrives]

Not sure! I should buy one and find out.

[@BimmerGuyFL]

Is your alignment off? The steering wheel seems off center to the right when you are drive straight down a road.

[@TopherDrives]

Yes. I got new lower ball joints. Mentioned that towards the end of the video

[@anshulgattani1709]

how many miles are on it?

[@SilverScarletSpider]

send it up to speed academy so they can supercharge it and give it even bigger brakes 😂 maybe a flexus part 2

[@groundcontrol6876]

13:30 You’re like “alright, I drove through all those potholes on this side and the road’s about to get smooth now, might as well switch lanes”. You’re like my dad when I was little, he’d literally take the most f’d up route possible on purpose just so he could be enraged the whole way and complain about it when he could’ve just avoided them. He probably still does it but thank god I’m not there to witness it. You literally got back into the car just to leave the keys in the cupholder. “K car’s locked up, I’m ready to go buy some totally oatsome, lemme jump back in real quick and lock myself out”.

[@DOGO8991]

98RICH is def a vanity I'd rush to grab my phone for a picture of. I'd pay $6k for that happily given the repairs. I locked myself out once and now I never even leave it running without at least one window cracked lol

[@xx-kid-yt2695]

What’s the highest reported mileage on a GS 300? My 2jz has 337k miles!

[@xXilisminusXx]

Lolol my gs430 has intermittently locking rear doors but the passenger side never works. I bought an absolute lemon though, 1 owner florida grandpa car, 98k miles when i got it (125k now) and an immaculate service record. So far: needed head gaskets (fixed), I have no a/c (for a later time), needed motor and transmission mounts replaced (fixed), garbage mark levinson sub rattles, mix door for pulling air from in the cabin/outside is broken on the passenger side (also for a later time). Bought the car for 12.5k because on paper it was great. Should have walked from the car. All those repairs have ran me about 6k maybe 7k. Even though I got absolutely shafted I do like the car. I'm in so deep at this point I may as well try to manual swap it but I'm not sure of anyone who has a detailed guide for a 3uz gs

[@TopherDrives]

Surprised to hear about head gaskets! Maybe grandpa cold started it and immediately hit 6k RPM on his way to bingo every morning

[@ryanb8736]

Extremely shocked to hear that it blew a head gasket. Did it have a leak and lose all coolant?

[@xXilisminusXx]

@@ryanb8736 nope, just an oil leak.

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

Are you sure it wasn't the valve cover gaskets?

[@iheartgs400]

Either you neglected the water pump or cooling system lmafo these motor don’t blow up easily all to lack of maintenance is the factor on why these motors go out

[@lordofkhaos]

Do you keep insurance year round on all of your vehicles, or do you only ensure whichever one(s) you are currently driving?

[@TopherDrives]

I keep full coverage on the ones I'm driving, and storage on the ones I'm not.

[@yzhan225]

Any reason in particular for the full coverage? I’ve been told usually it’s not worth it the car is over 10 years old since the value is so low compared to the monthly cost and given your young age that’s probably why your monthly cost is that high.

[@TopherDrives]

Yes. Michigan is a no fault state, so if (for example) I'm rear ended without full coverage, I'm responsible for the damage to my car. I have no problem paying an extra $20 per month to cover my $6k investment.

[@yzhan225]

@@TopherDrives oh gotcha. Thanks for the insight. Didn’t realize the difference was so minor.With my vehicle switching to liability would be like half off the monthly in California.

[@lukewalker1051]

@@yzhan225 Difference between full coverage an no collision is small in Florida as well so I too opt for full coverage on a 2009 SUV

[@kitrocks8058]

Damn how many cars you got now.

[@gang6009]

Turd signal 6:14

[@lexusfan100]

Your Gs headlights must be HID and auto level?

[@TopherDrives]

Correct

[@paladain55]

Elate manufacturing supercharger. Lets go.

[@wallybigwheels8993]

Fuel economy???

[@TopherDrives]

High teens/low 20's combined. Mid 20's on the highway. I have a road trip video on this car that discusses fuel economy if you're interested.

[@matthewwolfe4509]

13:55 i sometimes wonder what those people drive on a daily basis. I hear the same in the Lexus IS community. "Slow af." Are they fast? Ehh maybe not but, dog 💩 slow? Our other car is a NA Ford Flex, and that thing is dog crap slow, as are a lot of the mundane cuv's. Nissan Jukes for example lol.

[@cedricthomas9069]

Please change your taillights i bought some off eBay 4 years ago Spyder brand

[@ManuelFresh100]

So you think it's a good idea to have full coverage on a 26 year old car? Last year I purchased a 2001 ES300 with only 113k miles. The car feels brand new. I didn't get full coverage because from my understanding if it gets wacked, it will likely be totaled..

[@TopherDrives]

Yeah, since Michigan is a no fault state, I like to be covered. Even if the car does end up totaled, at least I'd get a check for the full value rather than nothing at all.

[@faheemabbas3965]

Every time I see cars like this, then see cars today, I get sad knowing we are never going back to having things like this.

[@wonderboy1998]

Now this.... beats any fancy car 😌😌😌 See what happens when you the favorite son.... both parents came to the rescue

[@mahinahmed2316]

IS300 video pls

[@TopherDrives]

soon!

[@Jswag2929]

I used to go around and pull every door handle to make sure I locked my car

[@worldhello1234]

It is basically a GS 300 with a 1UZ-FE.

[@ruhaan6216]

Yes

[@DEZBOYZ1]

We’re do you get your cars?

[@TopherDrives]

this one came from Copart. I bought it with mild front end damage and fixed it

[@DEZBOYZ1]

Thank you

[@DEZBOYZ1]

Btw I told all my freinds and family to subscribe to you you are the best

[@2infnbynd]

Need an alignment first lol

[@scoobtay]

Grocery shopping at target is an expert secret… don’t let the normies know about it!

[@genotsSnor]

Why does your dad seem so cool lol

[@TopherDrives]

because he is

[@sirrahcosse1086]

Yes sir That

[@VILSONDUSEVIC]

Alignement needed.

[@goga.games18]

Tbh $6k for 1998 car is too much

[@cooldoctor174]

Dopeness

[@ryanb8736]

Clean the throttle body.

[@ClovisGeneral]

Also check all intake parts after the MAF sensor for tight fit.