Lexus ES300 Mrs. Wizard bought for $1K is alive! Tranny was an absolute disaster. You have to see it

[@CarWizard]

Get an exclusive Surfshark deal! Enter promo code CARWIZARD for an extra 3 months free at surfshark.deals/CARWIZARD

[@Elementaliti]

The U140e transmission was used in the 00-01 ES model years. The pins from the planetary gear can and will eventually dislodge. This was a known design flaw. When these are rebuilt if it's possible, or on properly reman U140e, the pins on the planetary gear are welded in place. There's really not much else than goes wrong with them.

[@Shauma_llama]

Wipers! My car needs new wipers. When I buy them at the autoparts stores they're already bad. They streak as soon as I put them on! Were they old when I bought them from the auto-parts store? Would I be better off buying from the Hyundai dealer? Is there a manufacturer I can order from on the internet?

[@JSFGuy]

@@Elementaliti This is a promo code for a VPN, all other comments on the main thread.

[@williambaldwin9346]

VPN's actually don't do ANYTHING to protect you online, it is quite easy for someone to figure out what you are doing onine when you use them. Plus privacy is NOT what VPN's were ment for and never have been.

[@JohnAbrahamsen]

@@Shauma_llama Probably need new springs and not wipers. :)

[@townhall05446]

My mom had that same car in green. There's a rubber 'boot' seal on the steering shaft at the lower firewall that you can spray with something to lube it and get rid of the moaning sound. At age 88 she rolled hers one and one half times, ended up on the roof and got out upside-down (with help), and walked away from the scene. She credited the car with saving her life. All the air bags worked. To see crash pics of the car you'd be surprised that anyone in it could have lived.

[@johncobb6204]

My 02 Avalon did the same thing

[@robertknight4672]

My grandmother's mechanic told her there was nothing she could do about that noise until I found the video on exactly what you were describing.

[@ortelioaguiar8532]

These cars are awesome they are worth repairing if you have am honest ethical mechanic

[@gzhang207]

My 99 Camry V6 had the same noise and was addressed with regular silicone spray into the PS rubber boot.

[@accobra4272]

​@gzhang207 do you spay it on inside or in the engine bay?

[@MH-fb5kr]

Owned one and used it for 60 mile rt commute for maybe 8 years. No problems… luxurious, comfortable, cheap to keep. Nice ride!

[@rahimi4762]

A Camry

[@robertknight4672]

My grandmother has a 2001 model she bought new that's still going strong. 2001 was the last year of that body style.

[@mrmike5941]

Not a camry its a lexus i hate when people call a lexus a camry yeah same engine but with minor upgrades no governor different coils etc interior is not the same neither are lights light buckets i can keep going

[@666cemetaryslut]

@@mrmike5941 Really its an Avalon but yeah

[@YELLTELL]

​@@mrmike5941CAMRY WITH GOLD TAGS

[@mrmike5941]

I purchased one of these with 248,000 miles on the clock from a local car dealership ac worked ride was smooth etc only needed struts which was original from 2001 dad had the 96 version and now has a gs350 this car has never let me down five years later i replaced vvti sensors which were also factory knock sensor and normal maintenance we now have 14 lexus in our family ranging from 2001 to 2014 they literally spoil you and will never let you down

[@eddiegx2]

Yeah same with mine people often ignore the struts which is bad I’m guess the previous owner in mine was overweight because the driver side cv axel got destroyed from all the weight of the car pushing down on it

[@MrTiger0002]

That Lexus power steering noise is a very simple fix. Silicone grease on the rubber boot/steering shaft at the firewall.... you grease it up in the driver footwell. The rubber vibration noise when turning steering wheel.

[@rayallam3938]

That's exactly it. Had the same problem with my Avalon. I thought it was the power ateering pump but found out that my car has electric steering. Silicone grease (on the rubber boot at the firewall inside the car) fixed it.

[@user-nifinei34jd9]

Same with 2016 lexus es. Seems like this is common issue on toyota/lexus.

[@killabandit]

That noise in the steering is the rubber grommet the steering shaft goes through on the firewall. Lithiam grease spray into it and fixed for a year. It may need it yearly but that usually fixes it on the 4th gen Camrys.

[@danielbrown4133]

You are a wise man and experienced tradesman Wizard. I'm an old school motor mechanic and admire your professionalism. Keep up the good work, do the job once, do it properly is what I had hammered into me some 48 years ago as an apprentice. If the customer doesn't take your word on what needs to be done, you don't want them.

[@scranton123]

I had a 98 camry with that 3.0 v6. One of the nicest engines I've ever driven.

[@williamscoufaras7045]

I’d suggest polishing the headlights now that it’s mechanically sorted! That would be something I’d like to see next! Great job on the car tho! Lexus and Toyotas are KILLER cars! Have an 08 Camry LE with a V6 with only 18,000 original miles! It was a family pass down & it’s AMAZING! Keep preaching Toyota Wizard!

[@mrmike5941]

Wow

[@mistersteve383]

Maybe preach the perils of Toyota and their "lifetime" transmission fluids. So many comments about it was probably owner abuse or lack of maintenance. What if they followed the manual in a "sealed" transmission that obviously had a life of 170k not life of the entire car?

[@user-od4op6ng9y]

That's awesome. A knowledgeable guy once told me to stay away from 07-09 Camrys due to their oil burning issues.

[@briansmith2570]

WELL DONE Mrs. Wizard! Along with Chief Videographer, this should earn her the title of Head of Acquisitions at Omega!

[@joshgladstone7119]

They both co own the shop you know

[@tonybooth4]

@@joshgladstone7119 yes but always use a grandiose title there was just a smidgen of sarcasm...

[@lightningstrikestwice2935]

Mrs wizard already has control of the shop. Problem is, Mr wizard is too dense to realize it! Chastise was her for spending $1,000 on a car without his permission? If I ever played that game with my wife she said you don't like the first thousand I spent you're really not going to like the next 10,000 I spend. I don't know maybe they're stuck in the '50s over there in Kansas. They don't realize The wizard is gone and that Dorothy has left! that Dorothy's left!

[@damienlee1165]

The 2 tone body is so clean. I miss that stuff on cars, black packages i guess is the modern equivalent but it aint the same.

[@bobflyer4346]

Enjoyed Video, however it would be nice to know what the outlay was for the replacement transmission (cost, miles on Tranny) and the number of hours to pull old and replace and cost. Left us hanging on these items.

[@abukumar9211]

It was mentioned at 9:50 173k miles on that tranny. I have 250k+ miles on my 08 Mercury Grand Marquis and change it 30k. I'd imagine it would be pricey with the labor hour, probably just a swap with it being a 2000. Still surprising with it being a Toyota product.

[@axjohn]

@johnsmith-ed3gnin the first video Wizard said the tranny was going to be about &800 IIRC. so you could do an internet search to find out how many hours a tranny swap would take times the hourly rate in your location.

[@SammyKurts-ku2ht]

Tranny go for like 2-300 The junkyard with a garentee.. plus labor $700 would be cheap for just the labor on this car 🚗 so if he did it himself it can be done for less then $500 but if he paid a real shop I know shops that charge $1k for a pull and swap on a transmission so …

[@bobflyer4346]

Thanks for the Feedback appreciated @@SammyKurts-ku2ht

[@mikeries8549]

They can't tell us actually facts and prices or we'd start talking shit about ethics and stuff that they would rather not do because it's a mine field.

[@jblyon2]

We had an Avalon with that transmission. It started making noise, then skipping second at around 190k miles. Cracked it open, replaced the fluid and totally plugged filter, and that transmission still shifted like new when it was sold at 340k. You really, really, REALLY, have to go out of your way to kill one.

[@ndanieltx]

I had a 1998 I bought certified in 2000 with 48k miles. I put 50k miles on it never needed a thing except oil changes. One of the best cars I ever had.

[@jay_ohhlayy]

My dad use to have this car when I was younger… I remember how comfortable n smooth it drive.. man I miss it!

[@ScottJ175]

The color on that radiator is considered a warning sign in the NA Miata world. When they turn that color it means it's time to replace.

[@martymiller4300]

I had the radiator in my 05 Element replaced because the top tank turned bright green. Had to argue with the servicing shop because it hadn’t started leaking yet. They may have been correct in balking at a potentially premature expense but ya’know, my new radiator hasn’t given me a moment’s trouble. Green radiator = gone radiator.

[@bdMoron]

Seen this on lots on Toyota pickups. Would make sense to see it on another toyota

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

The steering noise is is fixed by using a lubricant down at the firewall where the steering shaft goes thru a rubber grommet. Quite common on early 90s Toyota and Lexus automobiles.

[@stevesmith5042]

I bought a 2000 Lexus ES300 with 103k miles back in February from the original owners estate. Been dead-nuts reliable. My steering wheel made the exact same sound! I've put 8000 miles on it by now & the sound went away.

[@peter-pg5yc]

I got one with 80k from land lady . garage kept ca car. got mine for 1 dollar. looks great chrome lexus rims sparkle. everthing works, but an oil leak.

[@balabay77]

I always wondered why headlights on these older cars or any cars for that matter are always cloudy and faded but the side markers or blinkers look brand new? Rear taillights are also looking great compared to headlights. You would think that car manufacturers would use the same plastics so that headlights would last longer. makes no sense if you ask me!

[@myacidninjatheamazing1025]

a family member of mine has an old toyota camry wagon with the V6. they have had that thing as long as I can remember and it was at 300k miles last i knew. found out today it hit 407,000 miles and still going strong only parts replaced are the fuel pump, radiator 2 alternators and 1 motor mount and it still keeps trucking as quiet as a sewing machine

[@leechburglights]

From 2000-2004 I sold transmission parts from a company located in Pittsburgh, PA. Loved the job, learned a lot about what shops go through. I was making a delivery at a particularly busy transmission shop. Checking in the delivery, I was a fly on the wall, I overheard a tech who was on the phone with the customer explaining what happened to her car. This woman was so upset the repair was going to be over $2000, needing a whole new transmission. The builder did the best he could, explaining what had to happen but she wouldn't hear it. She demanded the transmission be put back into the car and she would have the car sent to another shop down the road. I made sure to warn the next shop when I made the delivery to their place. And the owner said, "yeah the other shop already called and warned me. I told the lady we couldn't help her. And, that the other shop should continue doing the work and finish the job because I charge more than they did." 😂😂😂😂 That was awesome lol

[@Beer_Dad1975]

-2 celcius here in New Zealand this morning - that's about 28 degrees in 'Merican. Definitely a car worth saving, that interior is amazing for the miles.

[@collinklitz7434]

I'm hearing some RFI through the speakers as you accelerate Wizard.

[@patricksullivan4329]

I found one of these a few years ago, for $2,000 (a 1999, with 170,000 miles), rebuilt the transmission for $3,300 (parts, labor, tax and a 3 year, 36k warranty). All of which was well worth the money. These are luxury cars, without the luxury price. Mrs. Wizard now has an excellent ride.

[@MFSteel]

got a 99 for 3,600 w/ 138k and man reading the price on the trans is such a sigh of relief compared to literally anything on my bmw.

[@OtomoTenzi]

Even the 1990 models are still running even to this day as long as they are properly taken cared of... $3K+ for a replacement tranny is not bad at all... Either this or the NSX will be cars that will run FOREVER. 👍

[@patricksullivan4329]

@@OtomoTenzi Yes, I was surprised that Wizard opted for a used transmission when this is a 300,000 mile car (at least). I predict that he'll be replacing this transmission too, in a few years. So, it'll be double the labor, double the unfun. And his labor is not 'free', there is the opportunity cost to him, which is what he could be doing if he didn't have to replace the Lexus transmission. For which, he'd charge someone probably almost $200 per hour.

[@mrmike5941]

Transmission will be fine

[@davidmorgan5138]

Just sold my ES300 in January of this year, but you guys are making me miss it. May go ahead and purchase me another one. Great Cars !!!

[@TexasVexes]

You’re starting to turn into Tyler with all these cars. That’s when his content was the best with the cheaper Gamble cars

[@shawnstillman736]

Absolutely agree!

[@SuperDirk1965]

Hope he'll be back soon.

[@kowalski5599]

Yeah, I'm glad these guys can afford the supercars they want in their personal lives, but I like the blue collar cars they made their bones with.

[@ozzierabbit587]

Still a good buy even with a bad tranny.

[@LAactor]

If anyone has that Lexus steering squeak when turning, coming from the steering shaft, it's the boot. Attach a straw to the spray head and inject a shot under the boot. I recommend white lithium grease for longevity. WD would just wear away.

[@DJNMTX]

I currently drive 99 ES300 with 267k and still rolling strong.

[@user-nifinei34jd9]

That squeek noise from steering wheel is from the steering wheel rack. Spray or put some grease on the rack located next to brake foot pedal. I had same issue on 2016 lexus es. I drove almost 10k thinking its actual steering wheel. 2 min quick fix.

[@ManuelFresh100]

I have a 2001 ES with 110k miles. The car feels brand new, it's pretty crazy how the car rides for its age

[@noble20xx56]

Really smooth especially on the highway.

[@clausclausie7560]

Here in Denmark the summer has been cold, wet and miserable. So it all balances out. Share the warmth, please!

[@johnfritz2944]

Good job Wizard! I think you chose wisely with Grimes. Seems like you found a very good mechanic which are hard to find these days.

[@1944chevytruck]

GOOD JOB!..... YES its hot up here also on Vancouver Island!

[@CJmk3supra]

Those ES300’s were prone to thrust bearings exploding in those transmissions. Essentially destroying the transmission, it’s actually pretty common but not talked about for some odd reason. Also heavy engine oil sludge as well as worn piston rings. I should know, as I have one, 2000 to be exact. The 1997 and 1998 are far more reliable than the 99-01 counterparts but other than that, besides alternators as well, they are alright, annoying sometimes but ok

[@mrmike5941]

Its not talked about because its not as common as you say these cars are extremely dependable

[@rebelusa6585]

Most people think lexus will last half a million miles without a problem. But even lexus have problems.

[@CJmk3supra]

@AzirelGoldblattsilverbergstein that is true

[@CJmk3supra]

@@rebelusa6585 exactly, like I’m on my 8th alternator in just 1 year

[@lesliehorwinkle]

​@@CJmk3suprayou're either buying trash alternators or have oil leaking on them

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Good Car now.....Thanks Wizard & Grimes 👍

[@reneneron2971]

You can polish those lights out with plastic polish in minutes, then clear coat with a UV protectant to keep them from yellowing. Will look like new.

[@MB-rr1fb]

What brand plastic polish ?

[@randymartin2040]

@@MB-rr1fb Meguiar's PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner and Polish Liquid

[@Calamity_Jack]

I hope they do that and correct the finish before moving on. Seeing those dull, yellow headlights is like looking at mouth full of unbrushed teeth. 😬

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

It takes more than a few minutes!

[@reneneron2971]

@@golden.lights.twinkle2329 not to get them clear. To protect them, yes.

[@chetmyers7041]

8:30 Grandma gave her sweet ride to new teenaged driver who destroyed the transmission.

[@yoranw4608]

The invincible Lexus got a second life! It almost brought me tears. *I love those Lexus’es.* Great job, Wizard! Congrats.

[@naj_z]

Tears?

[@SURENITY]

I live them too! They deserve to drive long and well!

[@PetrolHeadBrasil]

They are fantastic cars!

[@tim3172]

The plural of Lexus is Lexus according to Lexus.

[@yoranw4608]

@naj_z - I get emotional with cars… LOL

[@Snappynappybullpen]

Bout that life. Got my son an 06 Camry 4cyl 117k new inspection including emissions. Shifts good, changed 80% of fluid anyway. 4k later so far runs perfect. 1700 bucks, needed a headlight💪

[@brianstauffacher]

❤ GRIMES IS A STUD!!!! love watching him talk and teach on camera!

[@offroadnut]

My 2003 Avalon makes the exact same noise when turning the steering wheel when it’s hot outside

[@eVerProductions1]

Now that is a Lexus. So smooth and fast.

[@Venem1975]

Yes! It is cold down here in Australia. But it's getting warmer soon. Love to see you two down here...

[@GrimesGarage]

Put me in a spicy falcon and I’m there. 😅

[@Venem1975]

@tylergrimes1256 Pitty I drive a Holden...lol

[@deanstyles2567]

The last couple of weeks have been pretty mild...19C here in Melbourne yesterday. The trees are starting to flower early.

[@rockymtnmovies]

What a great find. I have a 2000 RX300 and the steering wheel also moans from time to time. I can live with it. Great car. That old Lexus you have should be great...just new headlights. It's a comfy ride. Oh, the pleats/wrinkles on the doors inside are intentional. My RX300 has the same thing.

[@Entrelanieve]

It just need to polish them..

[@mescko]

@@Entrelanieve Meguiar's Plast-X applied with the blue roll shop towel does an absolutely incredible job on neglected headlamps like these. The more abrasive texture of the blue towel does the trick.

[@alpha7ization]

It is not uncommon for the early Lexus cars to have whiny power steering systems

[@LAactor]

@@alpha7ization It's not the pump. it's the boot on the firewall

[@alpha7ization]

@@LAactor OH Ok

[@Phuc_Yhou]

Silicone spray with the long tube nozzle to get behind steering wheel for the squeaking 👍

[@appleinfl]

My friend had one of these for a 1st car. 270k miles, passenger front brake pad was so worn it fell out, transmission clunking, headlight full of water, power steering pump groaned in agony by it got him to work everyday. Can’t kill a Toyota lol

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Well, this one was DOA. So much for that theory.

[@sergiobisonte]

can hear the alternator on the speakers... bad ground on the radio or amp

[@bobbypty]

I do hear alternator whine coming from the stereo.

[@ryans413]

I thought that was a turbo noise lol

[@Str8upstoopid]

Was looking for this comment!

[@Tclans]

Maybe some new headlamps or clean the current ones? And while your at it, polish the paint for a perfect shine?

[@wigrysystems]

Lets hope that transmission is a long life ahead after reusing the actual metal in some new product. Maybe even automotive part. So that gearbox is a valuable source of material and should be recycled properly to turn it into another metal bar or sheet for the next cycle.

[@barrywebber100]

Great find by Mrs Wizard. Good work by new mechanic Grimes! The Lexus looks good apart from those cloudy headlights. Perhaps another clip could look at cleaning the headlights?

[@sccarguy8242]

Grimes seems very comfortable in front of the camera… way more so then some of the other techs who seem nervous.

[@Wilt8v92]

Had one for years,the build quality is unbelievable,did all my own work,all Toyota genuine parts,3 cambelts and water pumps,one fuel pump,then my daughter got it and drove it hard,until she got hit at the lights,solid as well...

[@valengreymoon5623]

Looking good. It just needs the headlights restored.

[@kuebby]

It was hot here in Maryland but the heat wave broke last Sunday and it's been quite pleasant the last few days. Really nice mid-80s days.

[@JSFGuy]

Make air conditioners cold again.

[@noneed4me2n7]

That’s a statement I can get behind.

[@scott8919]

A/C 2024.

[@HypocriticYT]

Fill with propane 😊

[@trentryan27]

MACA

[@JSFGuy]

@@HypocriticYT No, you can do that with R12 with a top off in the old days. Works good till about 90°.

[@pittstonjoma]

I have had similar problems to Mrs Wizard while trying to buy a used car. Thankfully I found a good one. Although I dread eventually having to buy another car!

[@Slim1962]

I can only imagine that the transmission fluid had never been changed or the filter either. Also the driver could had been abusive toward driving it.

[@GrimesGarage]

Fluid was definitely burned but from the condition of the other clutches this one likely had a sudden catastrophic failure of hard parts that had a cascade effect

[@Ronhickmott]

Not necessarily abuse, more like neglect, some may call that abuse, but the vast majority of the population has no mechanical knowledge.

[@jrsmith1008]

Not necessarily I had a new Chevrolet pickup and transmission failed within 36,000 miles GM paid for it under warranty, I was told a sprag ( one way clutch) had failed sending metal throughout the case the one they rebuilt was in service for 12 more years after that one I got a 300 dollar used one it lasted 7 more years after that one the truck was done those 4L60e are not that bad

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Someone put the wrong fluid in it.

[@TwoDollarGararge]

So it's what people do to Toyotas

[@Dis-Emboweled]

FYI, Bud light should not be put in an automobile transmission. Please use regular tranny fluid like Mercon or an equivalent.

[@Chasechillz]

I had this exact car with the v6 engine many years ago. What a great car, someone t-boned me and totaled it otherwise I'd probably still have it lol

[@ducky1870]

Looked at one from 1997 going for $3k with 121k miles. The car felt great and almost everything works except for the parking brake and the hydraulic hood lifters. Interior is dirty but nothing damaged except for drivers seat. Do you think this is a good first car and commuter car?

[@TexasVexes]

@@ducky1870 This generation Camry/Es300 one of the best imo. I’ve owned one and zero major problems

[@ducky1870]

@@TexasVexes yea ive heard they can last. Just worried about how costly/DIY friendly it is when soemthing breaks. Also, how are the mpgs?

[@Chasechillz]

@@ducky1870 Yes, gas milage is iffy. But good car for sure

[@Chasechillz]

@@ducky1870 You can get aftermarket stuff very easily. It's just a pretty toyota

[@jeandibb4111]

Fascinating. Wizard please show more dismantled component failure stuff - love it

[@jimh9332]

Had a ES300 exactly like this one same color same year drove it 250k only sold it because the suspension was going bad and bought another used Es330 Lexus and we also bought a Rx 350 Excellent cars folks highly recommend buying one

[@GrimesGarage]

I’m almost convinced the es300 didn’t come in any other color. 😂

[@JamEZ87]

I recently lost my 2007 Toyota Camry LE from getting rear ended at a stop light. That car also made the steering wheel squeak and sometimes the break pedal when it gets cold. I actually miss it hearing it sometimes.

[@JamEZ87]

@@jamescostello7584 Mine never did for some reason.

[@vainexp3481]

How much was the replacement transmission? And how much u think u will get for it if u re sell it?

[@peterwilliam4681]

Yes it is cold down here in Australia. 14 Celsius today in Tasmania..Love watching your videos mate.Very informative..cheers

[@newcarpathia9422]

All that's left is to polish the headlamps and put some UV protection film on them. :)

[@michaelmcguire30]

Where did u get the trans from??

[@nicce12]

Yes, that will transform the looks!

[@GrimesGarage]

@@michaelmcguire30transmission came from LKQ, looked pretty well taken care of, shifts great

[@adrianmclean9195]

Mrs Wizard, made a comment about it still could be chilly down here in Australia - our winter time. But Australia is having a pretty mild winter. And the North of the country, is wetter than normal, when normally the monsoon should have finished. Our snow alpine resorts don't have much snow. We also are lacking rain And x2 states have extreme fire warnings. As we have been watching what is happening in Canada and Europe and Arizona - we are just amazed. Why ? Because, some of the temperatures we are seeing - are temperatures Australia has never seen - or recorded, due to no weather/radar stations in certain remote areas, which are vast. So we are, really very anxious as to what maybe heading our way for summer - especially since an El Nino has been declared. We have only just come out of an almost x3 year consecutive run of La Nina years. Massive rainfall and flood records - massive damage that still hasn't been fixed. Although Australia does get hot, the extremes are really concentrated in the outback - about 85% of the country. And we do have Indian summers, across most of the country, lasting well into April. Even we can be caught out. Energy infrastructure can be caught out. And remember we have only a small population in a large land mass with 85% population on the east coast, along the beaches. Some of our fire crews are currently in Canada. Will be exhausted when they return. Power bills here, skyrocketing and possible network not sufficient. There are many factors and "dubious" factors involved. I can certainly see, why you would steer clear of a car that has a/c woes Easily $3000 to redo one here. Perhaps Mr Wizard, would like to do a A/C video, dedicated to informing people as to how to maintain there A/C - even during winter, and why. A/C gas, is the systems lubricant So many shops/dealers overlook A/C. Gas level. Lubrication. Seals drying out. Not being periodically run in winter. Shutting down. etc. Can save a fortune, with maintenance. Extremely dangerous to drive in Australia's summer without A/C. Just having air from outside is dangerous, as once the temp is not cooling it is exacerbating dehydration. Very easy to suffer from heat stroke without knowing. Symptoms can be delayed and deadly. Thanks Adrian. Having driven many cars and makes here, it's interesting to see that some Expensive Marques, don't perform well here, when it comes to A/C. Cooling capacity not sufficient. Fan speed not sufficient. European cars, usually the worst. Even the Germans.

[@JBsC6]

Nice Lexus . Pretty car. Good deal

[@xxCablexx]

I have a '99 I bought about 5 years ago for a really good deal, it had about 80k miles on it but after about 2 months the transmission broke, it would slip and it wouldn't shift in Reverse, I was so surprised and disappointed because I was counting on the legendary reliability, so brought it to a mechanic and he gave me the option of replacing it with another sourced Transmission or Rebuild, I chose the Rebuild as it had a longer warranty, the car has been bulletproof ever since, it really is a great car

[@elmayimbe_the_amateur_mechanic]

Wow! You hear the supercharger on that thing! 😂😂😂

[@jaylinmoseley3910]

I brought a 1996 Lexus LS 400 for $1200. The problem is that it would drive forward in reverse, neutral, and park. Thought it needed a trans,but all that was wrong was a burnt up torque converter. Got that fixed for $2300 and added a transmission cooler and still drive that car today. This was a good year and a half ago. 😌

[@LAactor]

how much for the cooler and labor?

[@johnpurdum8126]

Good job on saving the car. Maybe car care nut will reach out to you again about what causes the steering wheel noise, like he did with the truck you were working on

[@mofakah5906]

I think it’s a rubber boot or something like that on the base of the wheel steering column next to the pedals. A little silicone spray and it solved this exact noise on 2003 Camry

[@jayjaynella4539]

I wonder what ccn paid for his 650,000 mile Lexus. He might have fits of jealousy over Mrs. Wizard's purchase. 😀

[@thevanmancan4850]

He did? Cool! Where did you hear about that?

[@DanielJohnson-ec8rk]

I bought an RX300 many years ago that would not go into overdrive. It was sold as a bad transmission to me. I bought cheap and took home and changed both knock sensors for less than $300 and it fixed it. Wee drove it several more years and over 150,000 miles before trading it in

[@detourexplore6615]

How hard were the knock sensors to fix?

[@DanielJohnson-ec8rk]

@@detourexplore6615 I’m a brick mason not a mechanic and it wasn’t bad. I put the car in my garage and overall took about 8 hours. Had to remove intake manifold but I did all from a book

[@detourexplore6615]

Thanks for your quick reply!

[@Bigphish5280]

I had this car as a 1999 model year. I bought it in 2001 the year my son was born and donated it in 2020 the year he graduated high school. As Wizard indicated this car’s engine and interior/ exterior integrity are solid but it’s transmission seems to be its weakness. My transmission didn’t explode but it started to whine and my mechanic said it would eventually fail. I donated the car and it sold for $1200 to hopefully some like Wizard.

[@dimitrig3739]

About 10 years ago my mom returned a lease to the Lexus dealer and the guy sold her a 2000 es300. Still rockin that bad boy today and she says she’ll never get rid of it. Just a fantastic car! Not the fastest, prettiest, or coolest. It is just a darn good car that works like a champion at 200k

[@mrmike5941]

The vvti version is a lil quicker not sure if she has that version lil slow off the line but that top end is nothing to play with and has a top speed of 138 - 139 premium makes it quicker as well

[@tails300]

@@mrmike5941it’s hard to tell if the engine cover isn’t on there, but if was buying one I’d look for a non VVTi model. Just for added insurance if the timing belt decides to break 😂.

[@riceburner4747]

SO nice to see a Lexus/Toyota recouperated. Thats a sweet ride. I wonder if they ever changed fluid/ filter. Didnt Toyota have tranny problems? I had a used 97 Camry that I changed every 60,000 miles. It was 21 yrs old/265,000 miles & ran like a top. Rusted out in the rust belt.

[@laynesamba]

My wife and I both drive ES300's as our commuters, mine is a 1992 5speed and hers is a 1995 automatic that needs a transmission LOL.

[@oveidasinclair982]

Did you change out the timing belt, water pump and tensioner when you dropped out the power train ?

[@michaelhawkins5530]

This design of the ES300 was always my favorite.

[@scott8919]

The only thing that would drive me nuts is the continuous high pitched noise as it's being driven (not the wheel).

[@derrickgause8419]

The radio noise. Could be aftermarket amp installed also. I heard it too.

[@ZEVONLIN]

@@derrickgause8419 It's when you run aftermarket head unit through factory JBL amp. You only hear it when volume is all the way down. Turn up volume just a fraction and the buzz stops

[@PatrickJago]

Toledo Ohio hasn’t been very hot at all this summer. Only a couple 90* days. We have been very fortunate this summer. Even the humidity hasn’t been bad. We have been very lucky because it can get miserable here too.

[@NomadicCratic]

Will you detail the inside/out and clean those headlights?

[@JohnSmith-wx9wj]

I got an 02 with the bug eyed headlights. A couple months after cleaning them they are getting dingy again. I'm going to get around to buying new ones and covering them with Weather Tech protectors.

[@rorysdiycorner3347]

its even hotter in the Caribbean Mrs. Wizard. love your content guys. rory from Jamaica

[@cooldude5611]

perfect timing. thinking about a 97 for $500

[@WhittyPics]

It hasn't been that hot in the Charlotte NC so far this summer.

[@Dansk55]

Reminds me of my RX300. Drives like a new hyundai. As a matter of fact, we tested that with my brothers new Sonata. At 60mph, my 03 RX was quieter

[@paulsz6194]

Drives like a new Hyundai- not like a Lexus ?! Is that saying Lexus Quality has fallen to the level of a Hyundai,not have Hyundai’s Quality come up to the level of a Lexus from the early 2000’s ? 🤔🤓

[@zakmoon7065]

Proud Lexus owner here! and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my 2005 ES330!!! Amazing

[@gertstolk]

Thank you for saving a perfect car 😊

[@randomthomas2947]

Hi I’m here!!! I love Lexus unfortunately I had to let my guy as the underneath rusted out 😞

[@robdrag7762]

Hi CarWizard , you can buff out those head lights to make them look like new, maybe make a video. I did it with my 2000 honda accord.

[@jimsmith1579]

This is the car Scotty Kilmer's wife has. He says it will last 300k+ miles if you take care of it. I have one too, it really is a great car.

[@nordicpride9708]

ACTUALLY no she has a Lexus ES300 Gen 2 2002-06 and it’s the completely different car. Engine is similar, but body, drivetrain including transmission is different.

[@agrippa1234]

Its nice here in the PNW (at least in the western PNW).....what a great car for a giveaway......

[@thomaslandin8888]

Excellent job. Quick question - do you ever get your engine bays detailed? I like to keep mine so clean you can eat off of them. Nothing drives me crazy like a dirty engine bay. Keeo up the great work.

[@riceburner4747]

I agree. Its like frying an egg w/all that grease/dirt

[@thomaslandin8888]

Plus my VW indie mechanic is very appreciative of his customers that take care of their cars and keep the squeaky clean.

[@ianmontgomery7534]

Mrs Wizard - it is even a bit warm here in Melbourne Australia. We have a top temp today of 19C (66F) which is warm for early August.

[@jayjaynella4539]

We are being lined up for the sucker punch coming this weekend.

[@qvilorio]

Kudos to Mrs. Wizard, at the end what was the cost of the car with parts and repair?

[@joshpinchuk7061]

I didn't finish the video yet so maybe my question was answered, but can you get a Camry transmission for this car? Or Avalon

[@markbeeman6894]

Come to Michigan. Perfect weather. Just head to Florida in Oct. To May

[@JohnDoe-le8fy]

So how much did you end up putting into it? Price of the trans?

[@rjnation5042]

Most definitely bring Mrs Wizard down to Australia, but where I live it was 21 Celsius today, quite mild, Rj in Oz

[@bracedgod4505]

First the Million Mile Lexus, now we have the Thousand Dollar Lexus. They can't keep getting away with this 😆 I must say my 05 ES is the best car ive driven so far 👌