Why would someone spend THOUSANDS to fix this 1998 Lexus LS400? Is it WORTH it?

Stop data brokers from exposing your personal information. Go to my sponsor
aura.com/carwizard to get a 14-day free trial and see how much of yours is being
sold. ➡️ 🧙‍♂️ Some cars are worth spending thousands to keep on the road. This 1998 Lexus LS400 is just one of those cars. What makes this car worth spending so much on and what repairs are needed? ➡️ Don't forget to check out ‪@MrsWizardsWays‬ for her great content.
🔮🔧 AMAZON AFFILIATE STORE: www.amazon.com/shop/omegaauto... 🔧🔮
🇬🇧🇬🇧 UK AMAZON STORE: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/omegaau... 🇬🇧🇬🇧
👕 CAR WIZARD MERCH: teespring.com/stores/carwizard 👕
📷 INSTAGRAM @realcarwizard / realcarwizard 📷
🧰 BENDPAK LIFTS: www.bendpak.com 🧰
🎞️🚙 CAR WIZARD SHORTS ON FB: / carwizardfb 🚙🎞️
🎸 LIFT AND OUTRO MUSIC BY CLAYTON CAGLE: / claytoncalifornia 🎸
🎶 INTRO MUSIC: Green Daze by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/... 🎶
#carrepair #carwizard #carmechanic #autorepairshop #automobile #cars #car #lexus #lexusls400 #greatcar #bestcar #reliablecars #timingbelt #carmaintenance

[@CarWizard]

Stop data brokers from exposing your personal information. Go to my sponsor aura.com/carwizard to get a 14-day free trial and see how much of yours is being sold.

[@sebastianmeans5954]

You're not showing up when it asks "who told you about us" and I used your link. I just wanted to give a heads up. I did enter Car Wizard in the entry still and submitted it 👍

[@jamesblackwell5141]

Way cheaper than buying a $50,000 rolling laptop with a year subscription for heated seats.

[@greywolf88]

Rolling laptop- Good one 🤣🤣🤣.

[@waltersweet4595]

Or new ones with a 22 HP Briggs and Stratton engine with 2 turbos so it gets 37 miles to the gallon for a maximum of 70K miles till it blows up from too much compression. Today’s cars will not last with lawnmower engines expected to do the job in an automobile or truck.

[@wolfgangpreier9160]

Not really. My 60.000,-- Euros running laptop does not need service or maintenance while i own it. A LS400 costs about 20.000,-- Euros here in Europe. With tires, insurance, gazoline, repairs etc. it would cost me for 20.000km each year 35 cents/km A Model Y Long Range leased for 5 years and 20.000km each year would cost me 30 cents/km

[@sohodon]

Excellent choice of words 😂😂😂

[@rigell2764]

@wolfgangpreier9160 see you in a few years for your $20k battery replacement

[@PhillyDee215]

My 98' Lexus LS400 is still running great and would fix anything that ever goes wrong with it. I'll rather fix my Lexus than go buy any newer car bc I guarantee my LS400 will out last it

[@zaffo757]

Same with my V8 4runner

[@joetz1]

What kind of repairs have you had to do

[@RobsNeighbor]

I will stand by your guarantee all day, the reason I keep our Sienna going, even a new Toyota will not be as good as an older Toyota.

[@Fony_turgeson]

Yes. It will keep going if you keep throwing money at it. Every car gets too old

[@RobsNeighbor]

That just isn't true for Toyota and a couple others.25 years into the auto adventure and I have enough to keep the van alive for another 25 including rust free body's in stock @@Fony_turgeson

[@dgurevich1]

You may not like the lexus LS but someone else does. He is called 'the car care nut' and he restored one way beyond what's reasonable. It was a great journey.

[@terrysennhenn896]

TCCN has 2 LS" now. He did put in lots of parts on the 430 but in his own shop so no labor there. But he did a complete interior bare metal clean and restore at a detail buddies business. Since AMD did the tear down and reinstall not sure if that cost him much either. I'm glad that AMD is only 3 hours away from me in case I have any major issues with my two toyotas. If you want to watch a true experienced mechanic AMD is the best on KZbin.

[@pfsantos007]

Cars that are underappreciated make the best deals. Don't spread the word.

[@elmarko9051]

I've seen a few of his vids, not a Toyota owner. Good presentations, he's newer on YT I think, but doing a great job.

[@rockinrob2004]

@@terrysennhenn896 You're lucky, I wish he, this guy, or Scotty were near me!

[@cn0503]

5 grands to fix and it goes another 200k miles.

[@KaiPonte]

Good video! This is a VVTI 1UZ engine. Yes, all the parts are expensive. However, this car will run forever. I bought a ’99 SC400 (same engine) with 160,000 miles. I bought it for $2500 and have since put $13,000 into the car between new timing belt/water pump, other engine updates, new stereo, paint, body work, and needed repairs. The car now has 205,000 miles and will go on forever. These cars are tanks. The vvti 1UZ is so incredibly smooth. I love it.

[@markcavandish1295]

Well Done Sir!!

[@pulaski1]

It might cost "thousands" to fix but at 25 years old it isn't depreciating _at all._ Also it is likely costing peanuts in personal property tax (depending on the state where it is registered). Both these reasons are (two of the reasons) why I am still driving around in a 2003 Accord, that has had _two_ engine swaps. .... The NC PP tax on my Accord is less than $30.

[@MikePianoMan85]

Yeah but I doubt you would put $5k into your car

[@pulaski1]

@MikePianoMan85 You apparently missed the bit where I said it has had _two_ engine swaps! 😀 ..... OK, so they weren't at the same time (not same year), but the engine swaps cost about $4½k for the first one ($3k remanufactured engine), and $2½k for the second one ($1.2k JDM Acura engine). At this point it has become more of a "project car" than just a cheap runabout, though that is what I mostly use it for. This year it is going to get a new inlet manifold and a dyno tune-up.

[@conorf8091]

2003 and 2 engine swaps is reliable ? Mad

[@pulaski1]

@conorf8091 Well the remanufactured engine was garbage, but otherwise yes, totally reliable, thx.

[@lvsqcsl]

The Kentucky Personal Property tax on the 'ol Marquis is $2.73. The license fee is $20.00. The insurance is $150.00 per year. I agree 100%.

[@pops55650]

With inflation and interest rates, $5-7k isn’t bad and you aren’t in debt for the next 5-7 years and have a reliable daily driver. You may never sell it for as much as you put into it, but the money you save not having a new car payment is nice

[@peter-pg5yc]

maybe. but a diy makes sence.. 1200 for belt and seals I got a bid

[@i.d.6492]

Do you know what paying towards principal is? Nobody is paying 5-7 on car note, it's either trade in, or paid off way sooner in order to avoid paying high interest. Stop exaggerating things. Not to mention buying old unreliable car is the worst thing you can do. You'd always have an anxiety of something breaking down. Can't take long trips, can't go to work because car is in the shop.

[@i.d.6492]

@@laurat1129 I'm an account, nice try tho. Paying towards interest and paying off vehicle is much better than buying old unreliable car that will always be in the shop. Yall lexus fanboys really blowing things out of proportion thinking the cars gonna run forever, come back down to earth. You're better of getting lowest trim new or low mileage corolla than old unreliable lexus. Common sense 😭

[@i.d.6492]

@@laurat1129 are you liking your own comment 🤣 and sure

[@laurat1129]

@@i.d.6492 Get lost, troll.

[@hokie9910]

LS 400, no rust, good condition, always fix. This is the car that changed everything in the luxury automotive world. It took Mercedes and BMW that had decades of refinement and almost immediately surpassed them in every way, and for a lower price point , and let’s not even talk about reliability. Not even close.

[@georgebushisntcool]

How and in what it surpassed Mercedes and BMW when it looks like some asian copy of S-class.. IMO Lexus only beats Mercedes in the reliability department but that's because Germans are often overcomplicating everything..

[@hokie9910]

@@georgebushisntcool Looking stylish isn’t so cool when the car is in the shop constantly and ripping lonely out of people’s pocketbooks. No thanks. If I want a real German car I’ll get a Porsche.

[@barryhill1044]

@@georgebushisntcool Trust my word, The Lexus is also far far better built than a comparable Mercedes of the same year, not just far far more reliable, My friend has the exact same equivalent Mercedes, Same year, S class as my 430 LS There’s, No comparison His car is always having Repairs done and now the rear Wheel arches are rusting away My car hadn’t got a Blemish on the entire body ! The interior quality bares no comparison, Hardly any Plastic, etc, Real wood Not veneer .. fridge in the rear, reversing camera Crash stop Radar at the front, self closing doors, keyless ignition, Rear blinds, electric reclining seats front and Rear ! Eerily silent motoring for less than a secondhand fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa,

[@JeepCherokeeful]

And since then Toyota has basically given up on competing with them

[@hokie9910]

@@JeepCherokeeful Correct, everyone has been trying to play catch up for over 30 years. Yet, no one comes close.

[@theyMuhannad]

it’s 26 years old car and if spending 7k will make run for another 26 years then I’ll just pay the 7k. most cars don’t even last for half of that time without major problems and constant repairs but this one managed to make it because it’s a Lexus.

[@maurice2014]

Exactly

[@Munakas-wq3gp]

What confuses me a little is that CW usually shows this brand with zero leaks at gazillion miles. Now we see that it leaks just like any other car...

[@1968CudaGuy]

Same with my 2004 Ford Ranger and 2000 Jeep Cherokee.. Spend about $200 a month on maintenance and fixing issues and just drive them.. 265,000 on the Ranger and 335,000 on the Jeep. Tags in GA for both and two trailers 4 by 8 and 5 by 12 was right about $120 back in May.. Not had a car/truck payment in almost 20 years.

[@donovanchilton5817]

@@Munakas-wq3gpWhy would you assume a vehicle that’s 25 years old won’t leak? Regardless of build quality, that’s a big ask. Of any manufacturer.

[@samuraisaint2360]

I’ve owned over 50 cars , 4 of them have been LS400”s ,, it’s the best luxury car model I ve driven

[@waltersweet4595]

You are correct. I wish I still had mine. Got rid of it during a financial issue. I may buy another since I have recovered on the 💴 side.

[@trishbrad00]

I want one!!

[@educated_guess]

if you like LS400, you will really love the LS430. LS460 not so much because to much transmission issues.

[@samuraisaint2360]

@@educated_guess I had 1 ls430! Very comfortable ride, but I had more electrical bugs then the 400

[@dennynisevic7848]

40 cars , so how old are you 189 😂😂😂

[@doomkid02]

As a technician, i personally havent done many timing jobs. But the few i have done I always spin the engine 2 full rotations by hand and verify if all the marks line up and I can spin it freely without nothing binding.

[@inspirice9844]

Thought this was standard practice lol

[@doomkid02]

@inspirice9844 it should be id say, but im sure there are plenty of people out there that dont.

[@mksarfraz]

As a DIY-er I have done many timing belt jobs and also done it on my 1996 LS400. Definitely definitely turn the engine by hand a few turns and check alignment marks before putting covers back on. If you are off you only get one chance.

[@joeblow871]

It’s called doing the work yourself and learning something. I’m no mechanic, but I’ve been doing the same work to a 2006 Lexus LS 430. There are a ton of videos that can help you accomplish all of these tasks if you’re willing to put in the work.

[@edwardbroyles9738]

I've had an 06 Durango since new and have performed all the recommended maintenance. And if something broke I've had it fixed. A couple of years ago the MDS system died on me. So i had the engine rebuilt.. I've spent approximately half of the original purchase price. But only about 1/3rd of what a new car would cost. So I can appreciate what the owner of the lexus is thinking. If you maintain the car until it starts to fall apart, you are actually saving money over the long run

[@damienponto2804]

I've been a follower of Car Wizard for a while and bought my 1998 LS400 back in May last year. The previous owners did almost ZERO maintenance so I've been having to replace over half the parts in the vehicle. I still think this is the best car I've ever owned besides my 93 Caprice wagon. The parts are reasonable cost wise, besides actual body parts (don't get in an accident lol) These cars are 100% worth fixing and keeping on the road for years to come.

[@waltersweet4595]

There is no way you can compare a Lexus LS400 to a Caprice. Give it time. I had a 96 LS400 and it was the best car I have ever enjoyed. It was very reliable. I now have a 2011 Camry that is bulletproof. Currently giving it some fresh brake and suspension parts. Nothing broke just a maintenance freak…and it is a daily driver.

[@AlexDavidson12]

Love the LS content! I have a '99 LS400 with 137kmi. which is running great. I do have a few leaks to work through, but otherwise in great shape at 25yrs. old.

[@nekite1]

Personally, I'd rather bring a car like that back to full health rather than buy some of the trash on sale today. You know the car will treat you right.

[@waltersweet4595]

I agree. Briggs and Stratton stock is going up with the lawnmower engines they are selling car manufacturers along with 2 turbos per engine all in the name of gas mileage and replacing the car after 70K miles because this is too much strain on a yard equipment motor.

[@TRJ2525]

I would love to see a dedicated video about is it worth fixing a car or buy another. The way prices are on cars now days, as well as parts and labor, it'd be interesting to hear your opinion about when does it make sense to let a car go or hold on to it.

[@JoseLopez-tk4tq]

Me too!

[@johnmichaelkarma]

A car is the sum total of two kinds of parts,moving and non moving. In many instances if the non moving parts,body,undercarriage,interior,glass,etc are sound then it can make great sense to replace,rebuild moving parts. I have a 03' raised roof conversion Astro from Arizona,rust free,paid $6K eleven yrs ago. I have a new Chevy crate engine,I personally rebuilt the entire front steering, suspension,hubs,ac components n lines and many other parts. Have owned it for 11 yrs now with total of $16 K invested and is now a near "new" vehicle. Of course I saved thousands doing most everything myself. I am 72 yrs old and have never bought a new vehicle,no need for it.

[@lilibethdoherty295]

Don't watch Astro Van Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Crash Test or you will never Drive that Rolling Coffin Again !

[@MrSweetHart6976]

I have done a timing belt on an LS400 as well as other Toyota/ Lexus vehicles, I really hope for that price you are using Toyota OEM replacement parts. The aftermarket parts really suck and you'll be redoing it again before its time. I will say also, if you like this style of vehicle, a LS430 is a better choice all around in my opinion. The LS400 are good but the LS430 have earned the title of the best Lexus ever made and I fully agree with that

[@volvo09]

He doesn't do aftermarket junk

[@shauny2285]

OEM parts for my 1999 Camry are reasonably priced.

[@MrSweetHart6976]

@@volvo09 I have replaced a lot of OEM parts on Toyotas and that tension did not look OEM, thats why I made the comment 😏

[@mph5896]

Aisin timing belt kit not good?

[@auginater4200]

ALWAYS do oem for critical components

[@glennbeadshaw727]

The nicest thing about these older cars is that they cannot be shut down remotely because of the technology involving GPS

[@zaffo757]

Max max

[@zaffo757]

Max max

[@seeer3240]

​@@zaffo757TJ Max?

[@lilibethdoherty295]

At Least you will have a Warning when the Government Forces you buy one of those Hackable Computerized Deathtraps, California will Force them on their Citizens First then it will move East until the entire country has to buy them under the guise of safety, all California's Mandates ends up affecting everyone else and the Manufacturers know this that is why they agree to these rules to spread out their costs which we end up paying for.

[@808ecobeast7]

Yup, while I was a young tech, one of our regular customers came rattling in with his 70's Plymouth Satellite. His oil pump drive shaft snapped while he was driving into town. Oil light came on but he kept driving to our shop. The poor engine was screaming as he pulled in. My boss recommended he trash the car due to it's age, mileage, and cost to repair. Poor old guy looked so sad but he wasn't a push over. He came and asked what I thought. I said the only person who can place a value on the car is you ... only you can decide what it's worth. There was no rust on the car and apparently garage kept since the factory paint was flawless. So he was estimated a used engine, or a rebuilt engine, and he chose a rebuilt engine. I pulled the engine, a local shop rebuilt it .030 over, and I rei stalled it... he was advised on the breakin period and he was right back at the shop for the first post breakin oil change ... OMG he was like a teenager with his first new car! He was so happy with his new peppy engine! 😆😆😆

[@volvo09]

Bet that one must have felt real nice for you, making a customer super happy and he cared.

[@808ecobeast7]

@@volvo09 👍👍👍

[@mergru6371]

Love you wizard. Impressive you are almost at 1 million subscribers looking at the production level. I love this way of putting out the content so please keep it up! Much love from the Netherlands!

[@wernerdanler2742]

If he spends this money now and gets another 200k to 300k miles out of the car, I'd say he will come out ahead. As long as he keeps it properly serviced!

[@mattbrown5511]

Repairing an older vehicle is almost always cheaper than the payments, insurance and maintenance of a new vehicle.

[@JoseLopez-tk4tq]

Good advice. The stuff new car dealers try to foist on buyers these days is no fun at all.

[@mccoyji]

Have u seen new car prices??? 7k for another 100k is cheap AF

[@JoseLopez-tk4tq]

Don't even consider new truck prices unless you have some major dinero for a down payment.

[@msmarshall854]

Didn't finish the video (YET,) BUT I can tell you that fixing your OLD vehicle is absolutely worth it---------because they don't make them like that anymore. Not everyone likes modern designs with their nearly allll-back interiors, tiny windows, etc.

[@laperez7946]

Do the math, $2500 for a used car, $5000 to make like new . Under $10k ,you have a paid for car, good for 90,000 miles at least. Just change the fluids when its due. Flush antifreeze yearly!

[@peterpanini96]

If you buy good car you don't worry about that while doing proper yearly maintenance to it...

[@caleb7674]

Direct injection with oil dilution and carbon buildup, plastic valve covers with plastic spark plug seats, plastic oil pan, integrated manifold into the head. Yeah, cars are getting cheaper built but you don't get those cost savings.

[@shiftfocus1]

💯 . I do not decide whether repairs are “worth it” based on the market value of the car, but based on the cost of ownership of the “other” car I might buy. Repairs have to get awfully expensive before they come close to new(er) car payments.

[@JoseLopez-tk4tq]

​@@caleb7674Yep. Plastic this and plastic that. Bean counters calling the shots to increase profits, not durability.

[@brianwaldo2642]

We’ve got a ‘99 LX470 with over 200k miles and is still used as a daily driver. Admittedly, it has been well cared for by our independent mechanic and is in tip top condition for its age. We have no desire to replace it yet as it has proved to be a reliable and practical car. Sure, the gas mileage isn’t great, but performance is still awesome.

[@T25de]

100 series are so good

[@dondattaford5593]

Toyota runs and runs

[@alanwrobleski]

The MPG is the only penalty for everything else being so good.

[@cliffm8112]

Key words..taken care of some people don't and then blame the make and model

[@jtwood4925]

I got a 2000 Lexus LX470 lots of mile 250,000 plus, rusty chassis but the paint is perfect and the interior is perfect [prior owner probably replaced]. Every 6 months I paying out $3000. Just found out I need to drop in another $3000. I'll fix it because I could never buy a new one and if I go used I could end up starting the process over again on a different SUV. I know the radiator, ABS system, timing belt and 10 other expensive things are good.

[@NomadicCratic]

This is the most iconic car of the 90's. Like Wizard said, you can't go buy a new car today that will last as long as the LS. I would buy an older LS 400 in a heartbeat. In fact, I'm confident that I will own one in my lifetime. The components mentioned above, are typical wear/tear due to age. So happy we got another LS video.

[@HunterB738]

Delusional

[@redlight3932]

@@HunterB738 presumptuous

[@HunterB738]

@@redlight3932 Delusional

[@lindanelson8400]

When I bought my 02 Silverado Z 71 4x4, I knew it was in need of a lot of neglected services and had several leaking gaskets, drive train seals, and noisy wheel bearings. I had my mechanic go through the truck and the list of work needed in order of importance. One thing at a time as i was able and now everything is up to snuff. I know I have more in it than I could sell it for, but I'd rather have it than a newer one with the cylinder deactivation system. I like my old Chevy, and everything still works, even the power mirrors.

[@christianlinklyle]

I spent $3400 on the transmission in my 2004 Honda odyssey one year ago. I bought the van for $900 with 187k miles on it in May 2018 and it now has 240k. Only other major repair was water pump.

[@taurota1554]

Awesome and outstanding as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@capraagricola]

I am restoring an 05 lx470 for my familys do everything vehicle and it has been my favorite project yet. Lexuses are brilliant platforms. Timing belt service cost me $50 and some elbow grease :)

[@chipholland9]

The average new car payment in 2023 was $725 (which I'm shocked by, btw). So if a major repair costs less than $8700 (a year's worth of payments) you're better off getting it fixed.

[@elmarko9051]

Hear hear. I think in terms of $500 car payments. My last project was a $1200 Pontiac minivan I dumped about $1500 in to (engine rebuild, trans seals/frictions/steels, brake, suspension). The car should last a minimum of 100K miles with fluid/filter/tire/brake PM work...100K miles for 6 X $500 car payments, worth it.

[@zm321]

I totally agree, I just wish more people here in the UK would wake up to this basic fact of motoring life. Just over a decade ago many would comment "you don't want to rent a house its dead money, buy a house instead". Yet now so many Brits are happy to lay out upwards of £500 per month to lease/rent a car that they'll never own. It beggars belief.

[@JoseLopez-tk4tq]

​@@zm321That's extra quid you don't have to spend on healthcare insurance thanks to the NHS. In the states the petrol is cheaper (gallon not liter) but some lower income folks have to prioritize.

[@Munakas-wq3gp]

While that's true, new cars do have perks like Apple car integration, driving and safety assists etc. I couldn't imagine driving without adaptive cruise control anymore. And the active brake assist on my MB has saved me from at least one rear end collision with a car with a trailer behind it...

[@Riz1TheGreat]

gotta be way more than $725

[@VX220Bits.co.ukVX-EliseParts]

Just discovered your channel , love it . cheers from England 🍻

[@barryhill1044]

I own a top flight 430 LS, it’s fully loaded. ( same money as a secondhand Ford fiesta) , It’s 18 years old and everything works as it was when new new, eerily quiet (almost silent) too, All you can hear is the tyres on worn road Surfaces , Interior is like new, slight sagging of the drivers seat, but otherwise Unmarked, It’s One of those cars you can’t wait to get into And drive … My one was £6000 But the more Basic models can be bought for far less ! The old saying “ you get what you pay for “ is true with the LS 430 Ultra Luxury model…

[@samaccurso]

My 98' lexus gs400 I've spent about $12k last 10 yrs., 235k miles now on odometer. Most things I've replaced have been because of age of my car, best car I've ever owned & really love driving it, very well worth it for me!

[@maurice2014]

You’ll get another 200k miles out of it

[@daved3948]

I’ve spent about 5 grand on my gs 430 over the past 5 years, it’s one of the best cars I’ve ever owned.

[@iam_myster_e]

To be fair I sold my 3 series with 180k miles and it cost me about 8k to maintain for the 10 years, it was an 07. Yes it was. BMW yes it had a lot of plastic but yes it was pretty damn good for the price I paid and enjoyed it. Unfortunately the alternator and the water pump each left me stranded once but that was my neglect in not following the interval and stretching it. Just a bit of positivity for those who hate BMW and praise Lexus only. With all respect to Lexus

[@user-vz5lc3ps3s]

❤mr wizard u are the most honest guy out there u don't scam or lie to clients people will trust u some may be envery of u but pay no mind big fella and the family are good ❤✌️✌️

[@lirr408]

Great video as always. I love how the 66 Chevelle is always in the background. Lurking. Looking forward to your next video.

[@bluepill87fah-q98]

We have that same car. Color, year we are even in the same state! We live in Salina, Ks. It’s the wife’s car but I enjoy driving it. I drive a huge crew cab dually duramax. The Lexus is fast and reliable. It’s old yes but driven daily.

[@dodgedemon840]

I love these generations of LS400 and 460,I only had an ES300 but woow it ride amazing even with 270k miles on it,I love the LS460 in the grey color they offered,tint the windows and your good

[@jayhockley8841]

Ive owned 2 Lexus SC400s ( Same V8 Motor ) and they are good motors . You do need to keep up with the Rubber Timing Belt service and if the Starter goes out , you have to pull the intake manifold to get to it . The Power Steering usually goes after about 150k .

[@805NAVE]

I had a GS430 with 240k miles and both the starter and the power steering failed on me, a little pricey to replace but well worth it in the long run. Miss that caf

[@jaydee9086]

I've owned 2 Lexus SC300s and an LS400. The V8 sucks!

[@riceburner4747]

Your customer is approaching his repairs in the correct manner. And you are attacking the priorities correctly also. Not going cheaply, but efficiently.👍 My ONLY complaint is with TOYOTA. There's no money in stocking old parts, but someone needs to. I just love seeing ppl reviving old Toyotas. Is it any cheaper purchasing Toyota parts that are on a Lexus, than buying Lexus parts? I could never afford a Lexus.

[@ckerce]

Nice video, sir! I have to get the timing-belt changed on my ‘05 4.7 soon also!

[@ianelliott229]

So true what you say about most garages replacing parts instead of repairing them! I just had my car serviced at the franchise dealer and the quoted $1036 for a rear exhaust box (not inc labour). All that was wrong was that the upstream pipe was bent. A real mechanic straightened it for $30!!

[@moinhaider1496]

Drove a 1995 Toyota Celsior for many years. It is definitely worth the investment as these cars are incredible if maintained correctly. Also if you are doing the water pump and timing gear I would suggest looking into replacing the alternator as it's stuffed deep inside there!

[@Ustupid123890]

I’ve done pretty much every maintenance item you listed on my own 1998 Lexus Ls400. Timing belt, water pump, front control arms, brake flush, and a power steering pump. Still rolls great for 300+ mile road trips at 135,000 miles. I’m never getting rid of it!

[@smithjohn2416]

I see one currently driving around my area, same silver spec as this example, probably a 95-97 model. Looks like the driver is an elderly lady. Car looks a bit beat, but it still is stunning. I guarantee that thing runs like a legend. It has this certain presence, that only the big barges of this era possess. This car is still one of my affordable dream cars. I have the LS430 right now, but would one day like to own the 400. I would install an aftermarket parking sensor unit and reverse camera, and try to make it look OEM as possible.

[@kimaniharris7922]

i have a super clean 91 LS, and my only issue with it is just its age. so many small things start to leak and/or fail. outside of that, it's the best car ive ever owned.

[@martinfromseacity2010]

Thanks, Good info

[@royblankenship5185]

I had that exact thing happened with a Camry V6 they changed the belt and it was a couple teeth off on one of the cams it ate itself over the next 1000 miles fortunately a valve job fixed it and I ran the car another 70000 miles but it is so disappointing to realize that somebody has screwed you by not fixing your car properly.

[@davidbeckenbaugh9598]

We are looking at buying our neighbor's 2003 Camry. It has been started twice a month for the last three years and starts easily enough. So we are paying the $189 for a pre-purchase inspection. Even before that, I did a quick inspection ti make sure ir was safe to drive to the shop only three miles away. Just in doing that, coolant is bad, but brake fluid is worse, so all fluids need to be replaced. Battery cables corroded (cleaned them and they appear in (otherwise) very good shape). Engine VERY rough, but I suspect the three year old gas is the problem so I have told the shop to drain the tank, dump in some conditioner (or whatever they feel is needed) and put in however much fuel they think is needed to do proper diagnosis of the car's fuel system. If there is no Carfax report on the timing belt, that will (probably) be needed (and water pump). The 2003 V6 is known for sludging, but we have been told time and time again that flushing the oil system leads to even greater problems so, if we have an issue with that, I will seek out a Toyota specialist (several here posting regularly on KZbin) what to do about that. So, just right there, there may be several thousand for a car that was running when they bought their new car three years ago and loved this one so much they did not want to let it go. But it is in the way now and my brother had to sell his manual trans Saturn after a stroke left his left leg paralyzed. He needs a car fairly fast and this one MAY be it. The purpose of my post here is that, even though the car LOOKS really good and you know it's history, and the person is someone you trust, the $189 inspection BEFORE purchase can save you a HUGE amount of money. I don't know how much Wizard charges, but I bet is some of the best money you could ever spend. This 2003 Camry has 200k miles on it. But it will be well worth buying if we can get it with less than $4,000 in repairs needed to take it another 100k miles (or even 200k).

[@renejosephthierrry7692]

i was waiting for that video❤❤❤❤

[@detuned_SEKAI]

i own an LS430, the successor to this car. when i brought it in for a timing belt and water pump i was shocked at the 1300 dollar repair bill. but, seeing as i checked my timing belt myself a few weeks prior and it looked even worse than this LS400’s belt, i knew it was either 1300 or 7000 for a new engine.

[@garyzhang5099]

No, new 3uz are dirt cheap. Less than 1500

[@joshc7765]

​​@@garyzhang5099are they?

[@Mumblix]

I recently bought a 2004 LS430. It was love at first sight. I got it for 5,000. Gives me "room" for extra repair expenses.

[@machineman6498]

Thank you for making this

[@JRPLawyeress1]

We had a 1998 Toyota Avalon with 245K miles. We loved that car. We loaned it to someone and it got wrecked. Even a 1998 we got $2,000 from insurance. I’d buy another used one. I have a 2006 SUV I love and has 200k miles. Replaced engine a couple of years ago. Replaced transmission last year. I don’t drive back roads at night. I total it hitting a deer, I’ll get $3,000.

[@JoseLopez-tk4tq]

Hey, I like your side hustle. Crash and cash!

[@monkeymonkgaming5013]

I would enjoy following this car through the rest of the repairs. Make it a series

[@kevinhabener1279]

Great video. I've been browsing Craigslist a lot lately. And I discovered a 2000 Jaguar S-Type with a 3.0 L V6 that I'm seriously considering. It's been listed for about 2 months, priced at $3200, then recently brought down to $3100. It has 155,000 miles on it and is said to have been well maintained, may even has been a 1 family car. And Those S-Types are in low demand. I'm finding this video very helpful as to what all I may be up against, as well as a couple Jaguar S-Type Buyer's Guide vids.

[@elmayimbe_the_amateur_mechanic]

I had a friend 2 days ago ask me how I am a "mobile mechanic" at times. I never went to school and am not certified for anything. I told him a lot of light to intermediate stuff you can do yourself as long as you have the proper tools and...KZbin TUTORIALS😂😂😂

[@stefanpuffer]

Another great video. Thanks Car Lizard.

[@davidedgar2818]

I rebuilt the top end on the earlier version. It was recommended to turn the engine over 3 times ( six revolutions) and confirm marks. It took me 3 times of resetting the marks to get the slack side correct. That car has over 40, 000 miles since then and still strong. It was a 92 version.

[@md2k8]

These older LS' from Lexus are reliable.

[@Warpedsmac]

Has anyone ever heard of a Lexus 1UZ-FE with a GENUINE timing belt EVER letting go? I haven't. The most important part is "burping" this engine at the last phase. Cheers from Sunny Australia.

[@waynekaminski5438]

Great opinion of fixing this car, well worth it!

[@LoftechUK]

This is an awesome video. More please

[@craigyeoman8721]

Im not a mechanic and have done 3 timing belts on different models, a 1990,1995 and 2005 LS models. The job would take me around 10 hours as there is a lot to remove. First one took a lot longer as l tried to do it with the radiator still in. I always changed crank seal, water pump and bearings on the pulleys. The seals on the cams were left each time as they were dry and would have been a ton of extra work. Parts alone were around $500.

[@joshriver75]

Ive had my 2000 for 20 years. At 370k miles now and have only replaced strut rod bushings. And still drives solid tight with no knocks. This is car you buy to work on yourself. Teach yourself! It can be indefinintly maintained on the cheap.

[@bobeaseshop9389]

My friend has had a 1997 one of these for over 10 years (Coach Package) and we have done all of this work and more. A new starter (5 hour job) and we just did the driveshaft center bearing, rubber joints and axle bushings. Those repairs are on my channel and it really made a difference in the clonking noises. We have a set of motor mounts but haven't gotten to that yet but these are generally shot. It is best to eat this work one bite at a time. He also had a power drop that we fixed with a simple fuel filter change. He feels it to be a better thing to fix it up and not have new car cost that are 3x what it cost to just keep this beast going. It is a real nice car and most of the time worth the effort. We also did the drive door outside handle and just keeping up with these things makes it worth the effort short of super high miles, rust or wrecked.

[@branesiculan4783]

Just picked up a 01 rx 300, had the water pump and timing done before purchase. Runs like a top happy as ever. So much better than my 2017 hyundai, won't buy past 2009 for the foreseeable future.

[@HunterB738]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="845">14:05</a> Those differential bushing are perfect though 😂😂😂

[@danlove4270]

I'd love to see an interview with Ichiro...one of the best hitters ever in MLB.

[@MrHoppy-so2no]

Wow, the Car Wizard is more expensive than the Lexus dealership. I had my timing belt and water pump (‘03 LS 430) replaced at Arlington Lexus in Palatine, Illinois for less than $1200. I appreciated the loaner and coffee bar, too. Wow, Wizard.

[@NZbmxer0]

this guy doesn't know what he talking about, makes a big deal out of day to day work

[@BrandonAilion]

Love my 99 ls400, I need to catch up on a few things but its such a tank. Previous owner did a lot of the big ticket stuff and I have just been feeding it oil and gas. Already clocked like 10k miles with out much as a fuss. She even gets decent mpg on the highway and if I don't stomp it.

[@roxiebeagle]

Let's say the owner bought this for $7,000 and for Wizard to fix everything and it costs $8,000. $15,000 for a vehicle that now will have at least another 100,000 - 200,000 miles (other nickel and dime expenses over time won't be that bad) it seems like a good buy!

[@adamdistortion8810]

U can pick these up for like 2000 is this condition anywhere in the us if you wait for the right deal. I couldnt justify anything over 5 all fixed up for this car. Its 20+ years old and for 15000 you can get a 2012 lexus or newer

[@russellzacharias3535]

Not disagreeing with the numbers, however, I often view it in a different manner. IF I paid $7K and then $8K to fix it, what am I likely to get out of it IF I were to sell it? Sorry but I just don't see getting $15 000 out of it and it could be difficult to find someone willing to pay say $11 000 for it in the much improved condition. Not talking about trying to flip cars while paying shop rates but $4 000 is a pretty big hit. Not that it is a bad thing to commit to this car for another 5 to 10 years.

[@pri0r_t0_a_weekago...fukwi48]

He is taxing the hell out of this guy…. And everyone knows this guys prices are crazy

[@adamdistortion8810]

@pri0r_t0_a_weekago...fukwi48 i disagree. The wizard is not just a great mechanic. But he has fame. Too many people would go to his shop if he didnt have those prices. I work as a mechanic and at my shop we have guys like the wizard, but not as famous of course. But becauze of the experience, people pay higher prices to get the jobs done right

[@MOE-db8oc]

@@adamdistortion8810 $15000 for a car you know where stand with it or 2012 that will still hit you for a couple grand every time it goes in the shop. If your going to keep it, $15k for a sorted 98 is a better deal.

[@Truthcanbeconfusing]

I love that it will be coming back because I actually want this car for some reason

[@thelittleguysoutoftexas421]

Bought a gx470 and spent more than I paid for it in repairs/past due maintenance. 2.5 years and have only had to replace the alternator… absolutely rock solid vehicle. No ragerts and no car payment;)

[@megamachine7818]

any car with that age will have these issues, once you fix them though then its good again for another 10-20 years. definitely worth to just fix here and there over time. its only bad when you let it pile up.

[@anthonyf3647]

I have a 1997 Celsior. I did the timing belt, water pump, rear shock and alternator on it. Other than that it's been better than the newer car i had before it.

[@cmlxjcky]

I used to have one of these. What a GREAT car. I only got rid of it because of the exact reason explained here - the repairs cost more than the car was worth. I still miss it.

[@gummball]

I recently did similar with my 1999 Mitsubishi Verada (Diamante in the US) but you have to think of what the car's worth to YOU, not what you'd get if you sold it, unless you're selling it of course. My car does everything I need from a car, everything still works, and actually knowing for a fact the service and accident history of a car is super important for an old car - I've owned it from new. I probably wouldn't do the same with a car that I bought used because you don't really know how it's been treated over the years

[@michaelwright1602]

If rust free, in good cosmetic condition, YES. The equivalent new vehicle will be dead on the side of the road with impossible, and or incredibly expensive to repair electronic issues, while this Lexus will keep rolling on.

[@glenerickson2092]

All the typical SC/LS400 problems, but that 1UZ will probably outlive us all. Being a previous owner of a SC400, I know that pain, but I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. Toyota put over a billion dollars into R&D for the 1UZ drivetrain back in the 80's, which is reflected in the engineering.

[@stephendibari5010]

Absolutely worth it. This car took down Mercedes back in the early 90's. The LS 430 is a better car then the LS400 but either one is worth putting $ into it. they will last forever if maintained properly. Almost 3 years ago i bought my 1 owner 2002 ES300 w. 161k miles. The original timing belt, water pump and valve cover gasket was replaced at 88k miles by a Lexus dealership. Dealer serviced for nearly its whole ownership. Ill be doing the timing belt, water pump, tensioners this fall when i hit almost 190k miles. Nothing beats the quality of these early gen lexus's especially my 4th gen ES 300.

[@martinsvensson6884]

Only in the US though. Where performance isnt valued quite as much. Puts more value on simple and cheap.

[@v12alpine]

@@martinsvensson6884 dunno man, 290hp and a 5-speed auto was no slouch in the 90's. The LS400 jams.

[@martinsvensson6884]

@@v12alpine Not saying it was a slouch. I'm talking about performance of whole car. An LS400 doesnt reach the levels of a w140 for example in most regards. But might still have been more bang for the $. At least many in the US regarded it as such.

[@BrandonAilion]

@@martinsvensson6884 I definitely hear what you're saying, but how many w140s are left still being used as daily drivers? The LS still drives as nice as modern luxury cars and it's been over 3 decades

[@martinsvensson6884]

@@BrandonAilion A w140 drives even better :) In Europe I dont see anyone using any of the two as dailys.

[@jigglezpoo]

Can you do a video series where you detail all the repairs that will be made on this car?

[@rogerpritchard]

Maybe check the starter motor at the same time? I understand these are normally time consuming to get to. Great video and super car.

[@High-Vibrational-Alignment]

My 1997 Lexus LS400 has 335k miles and still going strong. Yes, occasionally issues and scares but this thing bounces back, always! I don’t want to sell it but had a change of life circumstances but I will either buy it back or get another again.

[@chrismiller9032]

have a similar situation with my 2000 LS400. Right now it needs timing belt/water pump, and rear CV boots. Great car though. Control arms already done.

[@Paulman50]

My LS400 was the best car i've ever owned, but in New Zealand its too expensive to run on the price of fuel over here. I now drive a 2018 diesel Jeep grand cherokee (pretty nice also).

[@ZIGZAGBureauofInvestigation]

My options for a new Truck was $50,000+Reg/Lic.Tax's $6,000++ Ford/Chevy or Renew my 2001 Chevy Silverado Truck, cost $4000 bucks. Mainly rebuilding the suspension con.arms/bushing/wheel bearings hubs/shocks/u-joints/tires/windshield. Was it worth now Yes * I love it more than ever ! will it be worth it fix it in the future * Hell Yes.

[@plektosgaming]

Same with my Mustang. $55K after taxes for a base model V8? That's just insane loony money. I could literally make mine factory fresh/show car clean, add a supercharger, racing suspension, and still have $30K left over. (In reality, it's about $6K to make it showroom perfect) The prices are just too insane for new vehicles.

[@ZIGZAGBureauofInvestigation]

@@plektosgaming So true Thanks for comment.

[@Jimmyky77]

Those Tokyo's Build Quality Dependable Vehicles Car Wizard!🤤

[@williamkelley7654]

I worked for a shop and the head tech (owner) misdiagnosed a timing belt job on an early 5V 2.0VW. I tore it down, found that the belt had already failed but was told to replace it anyways. In the end the head was destroyed and the job got super expensive. Glad I didn't have to make that phone call.

[@volvo09]

I was a lot guy in a shop and a timing belt failed on a Volvo 850 (I believe) we quoted a head but the customer wanted a belt job "tried" anyways, he said because it broke at low speed the engine was likely fine as he had a belt failure in an older Volvo before. He signed a waiver and we did the belt job, he paid full price and the car would not start (no compression on all cylinders as the tech documented) and then we did the real repair, so he paid 2x for labor 😂 I knew about that one because I had to go pick up the fixed head, and I always talked to the techs.

[@lesklower7281]

You summed it up well is it worth repairing yes it's a keeper and all the repairs are age related and in Australia older Toyota's are going up in value because of the reliability factor most Australians like reliable cars that is why there are so many Toyota's on the roads in Australia also Mazdas Honda's Suzuki's and Lexuses

[@meastwood274]

Great cars. Def worth it.

[@scottclark7559]

These videos always remind me why I'm so thankful I can do all my own wrenching...I always joke that it's the only reason can I afford to own cheap cars 😂.

[@stonepa]

A Toyota without rust is always worth the investment. My 450k mile Land Cruiser will never be replaced.

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

This is a great video. I did this recently with a 2005 LS 430 that had 235,000ish miles on it when I bought it. I paid $7800. I ended up putting almost $11,000 into the car but because the car was still in pretty good shape it was well worth the money. I now have one of the best made vehicles of all time that runs amazingly and I couldn’t be happier.

[@alljerseysmatter.]

$11,000 in repairs ????? That’s 19K total. What did you get fix

[@alljerseysmatter.]

@@RocktCityTim$13,800 for repairs. You must of got a new engine and transmission

[@educated_guess]

people complain that Tesla car HV batteries cost $15k, but look at this super old car this person is dumping almost that amount into to bring it back to its former glory. and that does not factor in all the savings that EVs have from the years of maintenence free driving.

[@alljerseysmatter.]

@@RocktCityTim I already know UL = Ultra Luxury.. The main differences is the Air suspension and refrigerator

[@andrewmooreandrewrmoore7615]

​@@educated_guessNo such thing as a maintenance free car . You are not comparing like with like. See how current EV fare in 15 years when solid state batteries appear. They will be scrap. Where is the environmental benefit???

[@riccosmooth481]

LS430 here. Dropped $1500 on it last week for starter job, parts, and labor…..still ride or die

[@carmine-capalot2251]

I just sold my ls400 and am buying a sc400 tomorrow can’t get enough of the 1uz

[@Creeppersharp]

I'd personally look for parts at a couple of junkyards first, then go online, but, I will agree with the census that all old cars that have lasted this long with good maintenance and care are absolutely worth the money to keep fixing since all the new stuff ain't built as well as before

[@AverageNeighbor]

The fan clutch bracket bearing is bad on my 07 sequoia, 2uz motor, that is a involved job to replace I would recommend doing it while doing the timing belt