250K mile '97 Lexus LS400 with NO maintenance AND it's still running. What does the CAR WIZARD find?

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I had a LS 400 as a third car. I just couldn’t get rid of it because it always started, was an excellent highway cruiser and just wouldn’t die after 375k miles. Finally a construction truck took it out but I walked away without a scratch. Thing was a battle tank.

I had a 91 LS400, at 315k miles it had a misfire. Original spark plugs. How did I know they were original…they had Japanese writing. Unbelievable machines.

Even if it’s a $4,000 repair, I would say it’s worth it if it’s a long term keeper.

So, the winner here is the original owner who managed to spend near nothing on maintenance. Had he spent all of the dollars that he should have he really beat the odds! One could certainly argue that he threw the dice and won big time!

This is absolutely THE car to do a complete and full service on. To the owners, please maintain, and cherish it now that its yours. Lexus doesn't make cars of this caliber anymore. They still make great vehicles yes, but THIS ONE is worth bringing back to life. I am sure very good seats and an arm rest can be found and swapped. Please please let the Wizard and his crew do their magic. It'll be worth the cost.

That car is absolutely 100% worth fixing up everything and making it ride and drive like new again! I bet after you guys are done with all the work on it that the car will last another 250k or 26 years! They really are that great of a car all around!

Great video, I had two LS 400s '92 and '99 in the past 20 years until a truck totaled my last one. They are built like luxurious tanks. I would do the maintenance on this one in a heartbeat and go another 300K.

These early LS 400's of the 90's were the nameplate's (ie; Lexus) introduction to the lucrative American market. Toyota was steadfast in it's determination to go head to head with Mercedes-Benz. Therefore the 400 models were quite literally bulletproof in terms of durability and quality. The Japanese in essence succeeded way beyond expectations in BOTH categories. Truly a wonderful era of motor cars for this upscale nameplate. Many Thanks Yo ! 👉. 🇯🇵. 👌

I have a 2000 GS400 with 200K miles and its just clearing its throat. When I say this thing is built like a bank vault, its true. '90s and early-2000s Lexus were the pinnacle of the brand and I'll die on that hill.

Hi Wizard! The early 1UZ's are non-interference (stock), and the later ones (VVTi) are interference motors.

Do the maintenance he recommends, full detail, and new leather on the seats. Yes you’ll spend some money but now you have a classy car that will go a very long time. These cars are actually starting to appreciate in value as well.

I had an 89 Acura legend that had 487k miles. The only major maintenance was replacement of the wheel bearings at 375k,it was my grandfathers car, it took me as a punk 16 year old to finally destroy it, during the Fast and Furious craze in the early 2000’s. It was a formidable machine to be sure.

I’m willing to bet that after all the maintenance items are addressed that car will go another 250k no problem

this car is worth spending the money on for all the maintenance needs.great car!

Haha Mrs wizard I enjoy your interior reviews. I started using some of the way y’all do inspections in my videos for work inspections that we spend to customers. Keep it up y’all. It might take a few extra minutes but customers do enjoy to know about the vehicle the own and drive

We love your interior reviews Mrs. Wizard! 🎉❤🎉

We own a 1999 Lexus LS400 and it has 83735 miles. Have owned it since 2008 and 45645 miles. Have maintained and serviced this car regularly every 3000 thousand miles. Just bought new tires ($818). Also have had a new starter installed, new serpentine belt, heater hoses, coolant hoses, manifold gasket set. This was all done in 2018 at 75051 miles. My mechanic will be retiring soon and we will be searching for a new mechanic. Plan to continue driving this car.

It’s amazing how well that car held up with so little maintenance!

I just bought a 04 4Runner SR5 with the 1UZ FE 4.7 v8 with 225,000 miles. Original timing belt as well. Came from Tennessee so minimal rust. May 25th it gets a new timing belt. This beast will be saved and run for another 225,000 miles.

My family gave me a 04 accord that had minimal to no maintenance. Initially it was 3k to get it in road shape and then another 2k in the coming year, after the next couple years I spent maybe up to 5k fixing various things. It was a free car for me tho. What that experience told me, was to NEVER neglect maintenance, and I made a vow to take extremely good care of any car I get moving forward.

I'm a Toyota guy through and through. Wrenched at GM back in the day. I can say I've seen plenty of late 90's early 2000's Pontiac/Buicks with over 200k, and they were pretty neglected. Had an 01 Bonneville I bought in 2011 with 188k and ran to 250k before I sold it, but yes the Yota's almost always make it there in much better shape!!!

Hey Mrs Wizard, I never ever skip your interior reviews!!! I actually enjoy them!!! 👍👍🙂

Lol skip the interior review?! I really love them! I love to see how the interior pieces are kept and Mrs Wizards voice makes me feel comfortable 👌

It's definitely been serviced, not sure why the title states otherwise. That engine oil 6:34 and trans fluid look fine.

I have had a similar experience with my 99 LS400. I bought mine from my uncle who did not neglect the car at all but age finally caught up the moment it was in my hands. VVTi solenoid, shortages, diff fluid, timing belt, lateral arms, wheel bearings, tires, struts, strut bar, breaks, calipers, valve covers leaking, rights side of the stereo goes out sometimes, camshaft position sensor, exhaust leak so bad it wakes up neighbors starting it late and night and early morning, drums breaks disintegrated, dead battery,
This car cost me 2500 and after 2 years I'm past $10,000. The LS400 is a toxic relationship, in deep deep love when its working and complete hate and regret when it's broken. All I have to say is if you want to own one, take 2 hours to inspect every inch of the car because all of them are getting to 25 years old and older. Father time destroys all and non are safe.
My uncle sold this to me thinking it would be drove into the ground, I wish he knew I was willing to put money into it, and I wish I knew how much.

I wish Wizard would have put the prices with labor on the screen as he was going over it. I'd of been curious just how much all that was.

I'm the 3rd owner of a well kept 2003 LS430. Picked it up 7/19 with 185k miles. Took it from San Diego to Seattle. San Diego to Chicago. San diego to Seattle to Chicago and back. It is a blast to drive through Denver. It's never seen salt and hopefully never will. I figure this is the last car i will ever own. I change the oil at 4 to 5k and it is still on the full dot of the dipstick. Timing belt and waterpump and radiator at 200k. Currently has 220k mies

I bought a 97 ranger a year ago with 190k miles and the timing belt looked exactly like that. Amazed it lasted that long

Replace hose to power steering reservoir. They typically leak on the alternator eventually killing it.

I could never skip the interior reviews Mrs. Wizard! I loved the one in the old Caddy(?) with the silver gauge cluster. Good point about sitting diagonal from the kiddo, I do that with my cat when I’m taking him to the vet :)

My sisters Ford Escort had 250,000 miles with zero maintenance. Got 50 mpg. She sold it. A few owners down the road it is closing in on 500k miles.

My cherry! I'd buy for $800, spend $3K & still get another 300kmi forget the cheese like seats n such

Mrs Wizard sounds like she’s welcoming passengers aboard with her interior reviews. She rocks!

All the videos are great all the way through. The interior reviews are just as good as the mechanicals. It really shows me what I like and dislike in an interior of a model. As for the LS400, they look good and are easily one of the best cars ever made.

I have a kind of funny term I use in a case like this, it's called a "yabut". LOL 250k miles, never maintained, big bill to make it right. "Yabut", a brand new one, today, would be over $100,000! So lets say you buy the car for $5,000. You give the Car Wizz a $20,000 budget to make everything right under it and in the engine compartment. Including all replaceable wear parts on the engine, suspension, exhaust etc. Then give a body shop $5000 for a cut/buff and touch up. Last, on to the upholstery shop, $10,000 for new leather seats and interior. Now, you have an LS400 with all wear/replaceable parts replaced, including a like factory new suspension, and an all new leather interior, that except for the wear on the engine internals, is like new. For $40,000, 60,000 less than a 2023 factory new, you have a next to new car. That should go for another 250k miles. Just my way of looking at the big bill at the Car Wizz. For my $$ it's even a better car!!

Thank you for the interior reviews Misses Wizard. Every time you go thru the interiors it always amazes me how far technology and fabrics have come.

Dear Wizzard and Danielson: This is a great car. I would remove and replace the Radiator. Cheap. A/C must be discharged and recharged. REPLACE the front wheel bearings with Japanese made wheel bearings. Replace front shocks with Bilstein, when U do the Bearings. Needs new brake hoses. Service the brake pins. New rubber seals. Install Amsoil correct differential fluid. Transmission. Install new filter and Amsoil Trans Fluid, Signature series. Does it need a new Computer??? Rebuilt is maybe around $500. Check the cam sprockets. Are the gears kinda worn??? New tensioner and idler and water pump, etc. all NEW. Plugs use the platinum, like the originals. What about the two ingiters? Use the very best plug wires....they are thin. Check the bushings in rear, where the complex parts attach....sometimes these fail....can be a bit hard to detect....wiggle each part and pry, etc. SOMETIMES THE RADIO is sensitive to the (believe it on not) the FUSES, at kick panel on drivers side, and under the hood in the fuse box. Change them and see if the radio display works, again, like magic. The door inside the a/c heater resets, when the battery is disconnected. Replace the alternator and the battery. Check the grounds connections under the engine area, as related to the alternator. Remove and clean and re-connect. Get alignment, IF the tires make noises, upon full wheel chocking....Crank and cam position sensors, and engine coolant sensor....Replace them. This car will then be ready for another 150k miles, and another 150K miles, if they bring it in for CORRECT upadtes. This is one of the best cars ever made. They can not pay you guys enough to make it great, again. Check with the local upholstery experts.....the front seats should be taken care of....by real experts. It will be well worth it. Can you guys find a newer, better steering wheel. This car, when you finish, will roll all day and night at 90mph, better than any sedan they sell today. You guys are the BEST! The owner is very lucky to have this in your shop!!

Mrs Wizard's interior reviews are always good

People fantasize about these cars and they are great up to a point. The plug wires are like linguini when not changed after so many thousands of heat and cold cycles. The Q45 of this era was more responsive and fun to drive.

Who would skip past Mrs Wizard interior bit 🤷🏼‍♂️ sometimes it’s the best part of the video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼lol 😂

I have a ls400 from 2000. Today stearing wheel had a hick up. First faillure in years and I was schocked 😊

Just an excellent example of Japanese engineering. Hey Wizard, please do a mid-90s Land Cruiser. Those are the SUV version of the LS400, as far as being tanks and super reliable.

Another great video. Leaning more towards Lexus for my next car and thanks for the advice. Also nice to see Mrs. Wizard making an effort to show proper pics of the interior.

Amazing cars, that shows the quality of the parts they made back in the day.

WOW...Over 250,000 miles and never serviced! Amazing.

This, 1997 Lexus LS 400 has been an excellent vehicle since brand new, but it has never been maintained recently. Always have your vehicle checked out and maintained by a mechanic shop or the current vehicular dealer service department, when it is the correct time to do it. It is the same thing with all other kinds and types of vehicles. Thank you very much and have a great weekend.

My grandmother managed to kill a 2001 Corolla at 160k miles and barely 10 years old. She bought it certified used and shortly after it had a check engine light that the dealer and other mechanics said they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. The car drove fine so she just kept driving it but only put the bare minimum into its maintenance because she figured it was going to crap out at any moment because of the check engine light. I think she just did one conventional oil change per year and she put on 12-15k miles a year. She'd only change the brakes and tires when she absolutely had to as well. She finally got rid of it when I insisted that she fix it or trade it in after I drove it and realized how unsafe it was because at random it would lose all power and you would try to take off from a stop and nothing would happen.
I tried pulling out onto a busy road and when I was half way pulled out onto the road it just wouldn't accelerate. The engine was still running but nothing happened when I pressed the gas. I almost got hit multiple times on both sides as cars slammed on their brakes and swerved around me. A mechanic said it had zero compression on 2 of the 4 cylinders and quoted a new engine. She got $700 trade in value for it surprisingly.

I love my 97 with 305K. She's getting old now, bleeds out here and there, but she still runs great. if it weren't for the difficulty finding body parts, I'd fix her up. She's been a good ole girl.

I always enjoy Mrs. Wizard's interior reviews!👍

The 95-97 LS400 is easily one of the best years they made. Last year they made it with glass headlights, the 4-speed A340E trans before they switched to the weaker A650E, and switching over from the non interference 1UZFE to the interference VVTI 1UZFE.

Hi Mrs.Wizard, I’m the original owner of the 2015 Dodge Dart SXT with 2.4 litter with 6-speed auto overdrive it has 307,000 miles with I keep up with Maintenance

Mitsubishi belts were just real good.

Back in the 80’s and 90’s when I was a Tow Truck Driver people would always ask me what is the best car to own, Toyota Camry or Toyota Corolla. Remember it’s all in the details which Detroit never had until recently. Oops except for Marmon or Duesenberg!!!

Gas hood struts still work! That says it all

Love the blunt honesty Mrs.Wizard. ❤️keep doing the interiors!

Toyota doesn’t make cars like this anymore. Those were the glory days of Toyota

actually pre 2007 taurus are very reliable and strong

You said it perfectly: We can't go and buy another Toyota (car) for what it costs to do this ( repairs) . I did it with my 2005 Corolla at 199,000 in the year 2021, just when the dealers re- opened after the lockdown. I saw a new 2022 Toyota Corolla SE 6 speed manual transmission no CVT, and just like now the over MSRP price increase made it impossible. I had excellent maintenance records of my Toyota but the body and paint was the expense. But just like your client it was worth it. Now I am close to 270, 000 miles just paid for the recommended 4 tie rods repairs all o.e.m Toyota parts. Thanks for this video.

I’ve heard you say many times that no one listens to you when you tell them which cars to buy and which ones not to buy. That’s so interesting! You couldn’t be any more clear in your communication. Why do you think it is that most people ignore your advice, despite your being so clear and direct?

Very much appreciate your nod for Toyota/ Lexus/ Honda as your audience has benefitted by having your endorsement and many miles of trouble-free ownership. Your show is the best automotive show on KRplus.

That LS400 was probably the best Lexus LS400 made. Assembled at Toyota's Tahara plant in Japan. Built to compete with MB's S class and the Infinity Q45. The paint on every car was "wet sanded" at the factory. But the LEDs in the dash may go out on some cars. I've heard that there are places that can replace/rebuild them. Plus, if your Nakamichi audio goes out, Nak is no longer in business.

I’m a auto technician and I see so many Toyota that comes in and I see the neglect that these customers just neglect these cars and when I do write up the inspection they say it’s a scam it’s so sad smh

I enjoy seeing the interior and how there holding up. After all that's where you spend all off your driving time

I kind of disagree that the car wasn't maintained, it obviously got oil changes and transmission fluid changes. BUT, yea, the belts should have been changed. I had a timing belt changed on my daughter's 2003 Toyota Avalon, it cost over $1000. Sometimes, people just don't have that kind of money, so it doesn't get done.

The 1uz platform offers relatively affordable parts, with the timing belt kit typically costing under $200 and fluid-related expenses being minimal. Additionally, fluid flushing can be completed quickly. When I restored my right-hand drive LS400, I spent less than $5,000 on parts, which included removing the engine and transmission, dropping the subframe, resealing everything, and full assembly.
Though the parts were cost-effective, the labor was quite intensive. It took me nearly a year to conduct the necessary research for parts and repair manuals. One challenge I encountered was the brittle wiring harness on these older LS models. I invested hours in rewiring everything, including the main engine wiring harness.
While a full restoration might be feasible for a DIY enthusiast, the labor costs for someone else to undertake the project could result in a five-digit bill, making it less attractive for those seeking a daily driver. Nevertheless, this remains one of the most outstanding Lexus projects available, showcasing the pinnacle of Lexus engineering.

I had a 2001 Mustang that had 262,000 miles when a joyriding teen crashed into it and wrecked it. It literally looked like a car with under 100K on it. The interior, exterior and engine bay were in significantly better condition than this. This car was obviously not taken care of and the fact that it had no maintenance proves that. My car had oil change, tires, brakes, alternator, battery and a few minor items but nothing significant. If you take care of stuff it lasts.

I had a Ford Escort 1.6 Diesel with over 550K Km on only one oil change since 40K Km and 1 fifth gear repair....Car is from '87 and still runs...Sold it in 1994 with 550K Km...

I always watch the interior review Mrs. Wizard.

I like Mrs Wizards interior review good job as always 👍👍

I have no idea why but I feel like I was just given an sermon to by a southern baptist preacher who knows I have a SUV sitting outside with 190K miles and nothing but fluid changes 🤣

I Loooooove watching Wizard talking thousands of dollars in repairs....Love it!

Will likely be a steep bill but then the car is likely going to give the new owner many more miles.

I should've kept my 92 ls400 years ago. Loved it

I listened. I have a 2004 Lexus RX330 AWD with 41,400 on the clock. Great SUV. Got it 2 years ago with 22,500 on it!

A well maintained LS can last a really long time but even with no maintenance it's still made it to 250,000 miles. About the only other vehicles that could take this type of neglect and still be useable would be a Toyota Corolla or a Ford F-150 with the 300 straight six. Do this to a Chrysler 200 C and you'll be lucky to get to 50,000 miles before it's in the junkyard.

If that was bought right, even with the cost of parts+labor, you can't find anything better for the money. I would also suggest finding a more modern stereo with today's tech as it will likely cost about the same as trying to fix that old display.

90's cars are still better than the cars today. Simple to use, you don't have to go through the infotainment system to switch the AC on.

That food looks great, Mrs Wizard has a beautiful home. No we don’t skip the interior segment. We have been owning Toyota’s since the 70’s currently own three.

Had the same vintage camry with the same mileage and the same maintenance. It was perfect. The cockroach of cars. They will be here long after we are.

I changed an Ls430 transmission fluid and filter. 120k miles. Lexus told me they do not change the filter, they only flush. I changed it anyways and it was spotless new. The fluid was spotless.

1:16 WOW! Nice kitchen Mr and Mrs Wizard, I like seeing your beautiful home behind the scenes. Love you guys and the Omega crew.

I have had my lexus now for 9 years. Quite simply an extremely smooth, quiet and reliable car. I speak from experience. Negatives are its not that economical on fuel compared to newer cars. But it still drives and feels like new. Great video. I didnt fast forward mrs wizard bytheway!

Keep pushin it Wizard, we love Toyotas!

Keep pushing the Toyota/Lexus button please. Good advice is always welcome car wizard.

The shade from Mrs. Wizard about not watching the interior portion 🫢 love it lol

I had a 1996 Toyota Corolla when I was in high school. It was the best car I've ever had. It never broke down on me. When I sold it, it had over 500,000 miles on it, was still running strong.

I've taken a 250k belt off a 5VZFE that looked exactly like that one. Not as much of a gamble as you'd expect with those 90's engineered Toyotas.

I have a 96. I was in a similar situation where there was not maintenance done in awhile, perhaps since new. I had all the plugs and wires replaced, shocks, struts, timing belt and water pump kit, distributors and rotors, valve cover gaskets, radiator, serpentine belt, all fluids, all hoses. 6k in work all together and then I had the ECU rebuilt and replaced both coils (2). Cost me another $700 or so. But solid now, rides smooth. I love it. But very similar situation. Also, I believe the 95-00 1uz’s are interference. Especially 98-00, those ones have VVTI on the LS400’s.

Hey I liked the tag team format. Great work.

Great video guys!

This is awesome original timing belt!! Goes to show u after 25 years still going
This is not really bad just needs replacement and it will run another 250k with a blink of an eye

I've got a timing belt replacement to look forward to, as my 1994 Magna was being serviced by its warranty/service book and has the timing belt as a 200,000KM item. And it isn't far over 193,000KM. The only broken thing is the AC as the compressor (despite being serviced by its own separate service book) as it is completely seized.
Luckily parts are a lot cheaper for it than my grandmother's 2001 Camry or my friends 1996 Landcruiser.

Thank you so much for your videos !!! I learn so much and am so thankful Mr. Wizard !!!

I’d love to see this all get done!

Odds are the previous owner did his own maintenance and all that was was fluids. Definately the one Toyota built right.

Great interior reviews! Keep em' comin'!

Yesterday I saw a Fiat 2001 Punto mk2 (188), with 195k km on the clock, which had never been serviced... unbelievable!
And that's a small, budget city car...

Um… I sold my 99 Gran Prix Gen 2 3.8 with 130K miles on it to my nephew when he was 16. He beat the heck out of it for the next 12 years. Toyota and Lexus are great. But American cars will run badly as long or longer than the imports. It won’t be smooth, but it will move.

Nice kitchen there, Wizard family! Oh, and that Lexus is pretty amazing, but rest assured, if all this work gets done, it'll go another 250k as you said. (My '99 Saab, though not a Toyota, is proof of this.) So low-maintence luxurious, these cars barely require any comment either. Just literally goes (and goes and goes...) w/o saying.😂
Mrs. W, keep up the interior reviews b/c for most of us, this is the closest we'll get to sitting in some of these cars. It gives us an idea of the life of this car and the family who enjoyed it for >20 yrs prior. After the kids grew up, it probably got passed on to teen drivers maybe. As for the naysayers, if they're so mechanically disinclined they can't use the forward scroll (but can leave a negative comment?), pity them for being beyond help.🤷‍♀️