This Lexus Model Has a Heritage That's Unknown to Most! Be Careful Buying One!
A Toyota\Lexus Specialist Discuses a Lexus Model that has quite the heritage in Japan that you should actually be careful buying in the US as they could have some terminal issues.
The Lexus GS! This Lexus model was one of the original Lexus models that unfortunately left us due to the shift of demand to SUVs. It was always a model that's very popular and loved by it's owner.
The Lexus GS has a heritage that is unknown to many in the US. It actually shares a platform with many popular models in Japan like the Toyota Chaser, Toyota Cresta and Toyota Mark II.
However rust is really not kind to these models, be very careful when buying one. Everyone tends to say Lexus is the best. While they are very good cars the older models did rust pretty bad and if neglected can accumulate pretty large repair bills.
TCCN Automotive Inc.
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#thecarcarenut #tccnautomotive #lexus #lexusgs300 #lexusgs430
0:00 Intro
0:13 Lexus GS Heritage
1:10 GS430 Issues
5:47 Under Car Tour
13:49 Engine Start
14:20 Owner Improvements
15:34 More Common Issues and Interior Tour
17:56 Be Careful With This Model!
I just watched a little bit of the video. It really bothers me when other techs who don’t care touch these awesome cars. I’m a retired toyota technician and I know what goes on in the shop. I never made a bunch of hours but I treated the cars like I owned them. I have made mistakes also and paid for it. I’m happy that Car Care Nut technician has his own shop because he is too honest to work for others
M
Did you like working on these Lexus’?
@@WarriorsPhoto yes they are put together very well and they are one of the most durable cars out there. I recently purchased a customer’s 95 sc 400 and besides a few oil and power steering leaks it was great
@@Jlb-fz7nl What kind of plans do you have for that SC400?
@@WarriorsPhoto I ended up selling it but I did shifter bushings- tires and alignment- valve cover gaskets- plugs and plug tube seals- water pump was seeping and I let the new owner know. That old 4 liter v8 is super reliable and pretty quick
I had a 2001 GS 300. I purchased the car with 40,000 and drove it until 480,000. Other than routine maintenance, I blew a water pump. I am currently driving a 2013 GS 350 and am about to hit 300,000 miles.
you drive A LOT!
Beautiful car sir. I have 2010 350gs. 🤌🏽
@@FJNLLCas we all should! Explore the world my friend, life is short…. ✊🏽
G-Spot
480!!! LEGEND
small correction, the 3UZ is the 4.3 while 1UZ is the 4.0. in japan the aristo can be had with the 2JZ-GTE (3.0) while other simular models (chaser, mark II) can be had with the 1JZ-GTE (2.5). great video as always!
Thank you and either way. That era of Toyota V8 engines are legendary!
I didn't know the Chaser had a 1J! One of my friends -- when I lived in Japan -- had one. Man, I have such good memories of sticking my head and chest out the sunroof, while he took the car up to ludicrous speeds on the Japanese highway, back in the 90s! hahaha
@@Maplecook correction it can, some had the naturally aspirated 2jz-ge or 1jz-ge
@@SofiaSclafani Wait, I've seen your username somewhere before, I swear. Do we know each other from before?
@@Maplecook 🤷♂️ nope I don't think so but who knows, I do comment on a lot of videos though 🤔
This GS was the first Lexus that I've seen up close and personal back in the 2000's. It was my friend's mom's car and I made a promise to myself that my first car would be a Lexus GS. Fast forward 2016, I purchase the 2015 Lexus GS350 F-Sport as my first car
I've never seen a Toyota/Lexus I didn't like. From the Yaris to the LFA, I love and appreciate what each one offers in its market.
I had a Yaris manual that i got 300,000 out of. I totally renovated two 4 plex rental buildings including garbage removal with a small trailer. Best car i ever had.
Prius?
Yaris is Actually a Mazda 2……
@@alejandroochoa3541 the newer ones at least, older ones weren’t based on a mazda platform
Some of the late 90's/early 2000's base model Corollas I've driven and ridden in are pretty nasty tin boxes - but reliable nasty tin boxes.
The design of the GS is timeless. It is one of a handful of automobiles whose beautiful shines forever.
I bought my 2000 Lexus GS400, built entirely in Japan. Presently, it has 142,341 miles and I can proudly say I keep it in EXCELLENT condition; engine, chassis, interior and exterior. I always take it for an overall check (60 point inspection check) and whatever repair it needs i.e.: Alternator replacement, I do it myself; I purchase factory and/or OEM parts, always new and do the job myself because since new I also bought the Shop Manuals ($300 for two books) and follow all the recommended repairs and specifications. I also use detailing items from ADAMS Products.
Thanks for watching⬆️⬆️ Reach out with the number above
Your American car was built in Japan? And the car runs in miles not kms? Hmm idk about that buddy.
@@MrEcortez16 you do realize that Lexus does, in fact, build some car models entirely in Japan for sale later in the USA. You must be a little kid.
@@MrEcortez16 it's not “American car” LOL
My experience with mechanics has shown me to evaluate the shop first. A clean, organized shop tells me the mechanic(s) are methodical, don’t take short cuts, respect your vehicle, and are dedicated to their profession. Also, every clean shop mechanic I’ve met has either brought me to the vehicle and shown me what needs done AND what to watch for in the future OR has offered to. Respect and honesty, the hallmarks of professionalism.
Glad you did this. My channel is currently dedicated to the GS platform. I like my GS400 so much, in fact, that I manual-swapped and supercharged it. Thanks for the vid! 😎
i have watched your channel. awesome gs. my 430 is stock. so it's nice to see what it could be lol
Love your channel as well. Kept my GS430 completely stock except the ProXS mufflers which I decided would be a nice touch. No rust on my girl. She has a permanent home in my garage.
GS gang!
That's the best car ever my have over 290k still running
I've got a 98 gs400 that I swapped a 3uz into this last winter, and this car is my baby
One of the first 300 HP midsize sedan for its time before E39 M5 and W210 E55 came into the picture and officially started the HP wars.
the gs 400 was the fastest sport sedan when it came out
i had this exact same spec in the 1998 gs 400
it's a shame lexus and toyota never kept up that performance excellence at an accessible price
You failed to mention the lower ball joints is a common issue especially on earlier models 98-00 double check those folks or asap get them replaced with 01+ lower ball joints. Other than door lock actuators and valve cover, power steering leaks its a solid car.
That is a 3UZ. Great video. I love that generation of GS. My mom bought a 2006 GS430 brand new back in 06. It’s still in the family with almost 200k miles and still runs like it did the day she bought it.
I have a gs430 with about the same mileage and something went wrong with the transmission and its been sitting for a few years now and I'm looking into fixing it up and driving it again. I absolutely loved it when I was driving it.
Great job. I have a 03 GS430 with 392k. I love the car. Plus insurance is cheap and no car payment.
Thanks CCN for honoring this car. I’ve owned three including my current 03 GS430. Bought mine from the original owner and went through every inch of the car myself. All preventive maintenance done. Replaced all the door actuators with aftermarket but otherwise use only genuine OEM parts. I wish all owners spent their money on maintenance first and not performance parts. There aren’t very many clean copies left. Take care of them folks!
@Deric Haessler Hi, how are you
I have a clean 01 GS 430 resting in my garage, I absolutely love this car.
@@daved3948 Hi how are you?
do you have any place where you would get the weather stripping ? thanks
@@HOTRODRICO none that I know of. Junk yard likely best place.
my lexus gs 300 is 25 years old still performing like new absolutely no oil leak no rust replaced starter,vc gaskets spark plugs &timming belt
And this is why I do my own automotive work. I taught myself and continue learning since I was a young man. If I have the tools and knowledge, I DIY. Shops generally don’t take the time to clean, follow all required procedures and torque every single fastener. Thanks CCN
My mom had three Lexuses, her second one was a 1998 GS400. Absolutely way ahead of its time. I picked up a pristine 2008 SC430 this year. 36k miles and the same V8 as the car in your video. Thanks for posting
I was thinking the title was click bait, but it's not. As someone who's had 6 GSs, both the GS3 and GS4, these cars are one of the most reliable cars to ever exist. The only known issues are lower ball joints which give out at about 90K miles, and door actuators which typically only have to be replaced once. The only reason why I've had so many is because people keep driving into me. I highly recommend this car to anyone.
I have lexus ls430 2001 with 360,000 miles and counting. Original engine and transmission and original starter and alternator. I have had the timing belt pulleys serpentine belt thermostat spark plugs waterpump replaced every 100,000 miles. These cars are bullet proof. I also have a 2007 ls460L it has 170,000 miles original engine and transmission. Just replaced fluids and brakes pads. No major issues. I will always buy Toyota and lexus vehicles no other brands.
Benefit of an oil leak when driving at highway speeds is : instant undercarriage rust proof / undercoating.
Always a pleasure to watch your show
I love Lexus so dang much. Lexus has the best engines and platforms ever.
Thanks for watching⬆️⬆️ Reach out with the number above
My greatest car. Thanks for featuring. I baby my 430. Lucky for me my son is a Toyota Tech. So service is by the book. Pristine car and stock.
Great looking car AMD, TY Sir for the video as always I enjoyed the in depth chat about it and issues they can have. Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘👍👍
Great content as always!
Have had my 2000 GS400 for 13-years, the best car I will ever own. Still drives like new, still reliable, interior still looks new. The 1UZFE is really special. But i have rust :( at the top of the windshield, breaks my heart.
Love the GS I’m on my second one I had an 06 300 and now I have a 13 GS 350❤
One of my all time favourite cars! I remember when it first came out in the US in this body, I was completely enamoured!
I love how clean your shop is
I see you've added a video drone to your toolbox. Good stuff and keep up the good work!
You had me at the outtro, 100% the reason I subscribed.
Always wondered why my mechanic refuses to turn a car over to a customer without washing and cleaning under the hood. It’s not just a courtesy, it’s to show that you performed the work they paid for. This guy is an honest dude.
Definitely helpful and informative. Thanks a lot!
He does such a nice blessing at the end of all his videos. You get the same good feeling after watching his videos that you get from going to church on Sunday.
430 has 3UZ, not 1UZ. Both amazing engines tho
Right. Only the GS400 has the 1UZ. The GS430 had the 3UZ. With that said, the 3UZ is a 1UZ, but with an increased displacement by .3 liters, updated throttle body, and updated coolant port. The blocks are the same, but obviously there are differences between the ISS(inner sleeve space) to make up for the larger displacement. Both engines have the same sleeve thickness, and are known to be very robust and trustworthy. They are both sweet engines!
@@iggibars for sure, it's a good thing they are so similar. If it ain't broke don't fix it
Got myself one of these last February with 214k on the clock and I gotta it is SO comfortable. The powertrain, suspension and comfy seats really makes the car an amazing highway cruiser. I also went to a Toyota dealership to get my timing belt, water pump and valve cover gaskets and it’s still leaking so it is concerning but I will get to the bottom of it. Thanks for the video! ❤️
Here’s a list of things that will leak oil on this car due to old age: your power steering pump, valve covers, spark plug tube seals, cam seals, crank seal, engine oil pan, transmission oil pan and on rare occasions rear differentials & both camshaft timing gears. They are good cars but with old age they require maintenance. Good luck !
I need a power steering cooler pipe,lexus wants £1000 I said go jump. These pipes can not be found,even took to Japan non in stock refunded my money. Best car I've ever owned but its becoming expensive and hard to source genuine parts not at lexus prices.
Most of the time it’s the rear main seal that causes the leaking for gs
I got mines last February @ 199k miles.. control arm up next i got that front cam seal leak too..im @ 226k miles now.. besides that leak its been dependable ..did rotors and tie rods..gotta pay for fhat seal water pump timing belt change soon though.. oil messing up my alternator/starter.
@@dbheffnerofficialofficial2454 I understand your position. I went through 3 alternators before I fixed my leaky cam seals & power steering pump. Good luck on your Lexus journey and may the car serve you well !
I love cars, including Lexus, this is the video that has educated me on Lexus tonight. Thank you for doing it!
Great videos as always !
Loved my 1Uz GS400. I had over 300,000 when I removed it to swap in an Aristo 2jzgte. I did all the major services twice over it's life including all seals.
Can't say enough good things about "The Car Care Nut" and his attention to details. Wish I lived closer so I can bring all my vehicles to you my friend. Thank you for the education.
I actually own 3 Gs300's. One daily one Vip and one parts car. I've always owned Toyota Supra's just about my whole driving years. But these Lexus cars are pretty amazing and only a few issues that come with them. Reliability is great. 98-2005 GS models if you find one that's been taken good care of with service records you better not sleep on it I'd recommend buying it fast. Thanks your channel speaks the truth. God Bless 🙏💯🌟
Had a 99 gs300 with 155k. 1 owner before me and it was a bmw tech. In over a year all I had to replace was a ball joint. Got totaled cus of a careless lady in an altima. Had over 10k into the build
I have a 99 GS with over 202,000 miles on it. I love it, I drive it every other week or so. Alternate it with a Tacoma and an LS460. Every time I get in it and crank it up I smile and think, old reliable never fails me. I still get people who stop me and ask if I’d be willing to sell it. I couldn’t bare to part with it.
@@willr6173 never part with it. I miss driving mine everyday. Best daily ive had. The 4.5k insurance gave me will never rebuy one
I am actually looking for one right now. Gs300 2002 going to check on Sunday. Is there anything you guys can suggest I need to check before buying? Thanks in advance
always informative :) helpful, not really as I dont own most the cars, but always a pleasure to watch
Nice car. Love the looks of the interior with the wood. After buying my Venza back in '17, I discovered the GS300, which at the time, were going for about $5k, with 80k - 120k miles on them. I considered switching over, but wanted the bigger size of the Venza.
@UCan CallMeRay Hi how are you
what year GS300's were going for that price?
Thanks for the tips and warnings especially on checking the rust underneath in the north
Another small correction. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen GS were based on the Crown. The trio, Mark II (Cressida)/Chaser/Cresta were on an X platform which is a rework of the A chassis.
Beautiful car. Excellent presentation. Thank you AMD
Am working on one with 2jz twin turbo. Good review with lots of info. Thanks a lot
I own a 2007 Lexus GS 350 AWD. 240,000 original miles.still runs like a dream
I have a 2008 with 156k on it still going strong
I absolutely love my 03 GS300 I have a very nice Mustang but nothing compares to the comfort of the GS!!!
I specialize is engine swapping and manual converting these cars I love them there so much fun
Another phenomenal video
I own a 2011 IS 350 but I certainly appreciate the GS models! They are one of a kind
Great video, I had to look out the window and glance at GS400 🔥🔥
One of my favorite KZheadrs.
Well explained.Well paced presentation.
I've always loved this generation GS, my mother had a 00' platinum edition GS 300 in a metallic gold paint with low mileage and well maintained, it was such a great car and in beautiful condition, in 2009 it was hit at the rear wheel/ quarter panel back, such ashame as I was to buy the car but just couldn't afford to have it repaired correctly since insurance considered it a "total loss" based on extent of damages/ cost of repair, these cars still look great, I'm sure I'd still have it today if it wasn't for that incident.
Super sweet to see a GS that the owner appreciates. No joke man you need to point the owner of that car to KZhead AMMO NYC, that paint looks terrible (yes clean) but Larry could make that paint look close to show room new, except for damage of course! I truly appreciate your honesty and transparency bud, I was a service writer for 18 years as a first career. Mostly with Honda and all the tips and tricks you share are the absolute TRUTH! Well done sir, we’ll done!
I have a 2000 GS400 and yes you are 100% correct the rust issue is #1.
when I had to have a shop work on a motor I always check the shops cleanliness Your shop my friend would get all my work
Thank you AMD for educating us 🙏 I think you've sorted out the hissing problem on the microphone 🎤 might be an idea to have a go-pro to film in the hard to film areas .....
Now that you've covered GS, looking forward your video on the same year ES300.
My first lexus I ever had was a 99 GS, silver on black and that thing was super clean. Sold it with 230k and saw the guy I sold it to driving it for quite a while after that
Ahmed, it is every time the master piece, thank you very much! Hope to see you one day in California. Best!
Thanks for watching⬆️⬆️ Reach out with the number above
Thank you very much!
Great Video! Learned something new about overseas models. I have only dealt with the USA models. Thanks. 🔥
Thank you AMD for another awesome videos. 😎😎👍👍God bless you and your family
I love my '15 GS350!!!!! Favorite car I've ever owned.
It was a pleasure to meet you and the Mrs. last week when I drove up from Peoria with my black 14 RX. I have an 18 GS F-Sport RWD that I bought new that is my baby and will never be driven in the winter. I'm looking forward to having you service it next spring. I'm totally OCD about it and keep it all factory original since I'm not a fan of aftermarket. It has been such a wonderful car and I specifically bought it cause I knew end of production was coming soon. I really liked the GSF V8 but just didn't feel it was enough bang for the $$ at $90k. Anyone interested in owning one of the later models and can find a nice used one I highly recommend this model. I'm just as in love with it as the day I bought it! Great vid. Amd!
I second this! I bought a used '13 F Sport it's such a great car.
If and when my beloved 2is dies, a GS 350 will be my next car.
I would wirebrush off the surface rust underneath and use Noxudol to stop any further rust from spreading. It will stop rust in its tracks. Toyota specifies using it on replacement truck frames as part of the rusty frame recall.
That's a GS I would love to have and maintain! Looks fantastic!
i had a 98 gs 200, same spec except for i had the gold package. it was a tank and was super cheap to maintain
Amazed by that air deflector on breakes
Great video as always can do a one for the Lexus IS200/300 2003 year model.
Watching this video as I sit in my GS-F. Wish they didn't discontinue the GS line.
Great video
Valve cover gaskets, cam seals, crank seal, spark plug tube seals are mandatory. Use correct black RTV by Toyota, make sure the mating service is clean. I recommend changing the bolts too. Timing belt and water pump should be done before 100k miles but previous owner pushed it till 141k miles on mine
Love your work 👍
I am a car mechanic I can get a job
I love your videos, very informative, thank you. I use to have a GS, it was a great car. I now have a 2006 GX 470 and a 2007 SC 430. I love both cars. Anything on the SC 430 to worry about?
I like details your explains every video…
love your workshop , so clean and bright :)
I am a car mechanic I can get a job
Great review . I own the 03 GS300 sport design and love the timeless design . I sold my 04 GS300 for pretty penny . This is the Supra engine which you forgot to mention .
This is not the Supra engine. This is a GS400, with a 1UZ
Good video I drive a toyota aristo as a daily car. I can say that it is one of the nicest cars I have driven. That with rust is a common thing when it comes to Japanese cars as Japanese cars have hardly any rust protection under the car and in the beams. The best way to avoid rust in those places under the car is to spray on thicker rust protection spray in beams thresholds and other spaces where rust can come. if you keep the car fairly clean under the car of road dust and salt and use good rust protection under the car it will hold up well from rust. Very good advice on the video 👍
I freakin love these cars!! I have several - 430s, 300 sport designs, etc. solid as a rock and drive so very well!
Likewise love this platform it used to be so affordable until covid and tiktok, ig, stance and takeovers slowly creep into this platform.
Thank you sir!
Seems like the oil leaks would prevent the frame corrosion... Keep making great videos brother!
I just purchased an '02 GS300 a week ago today from an auction. $930 with fees & taxes!! I was thinking about messaging you to maybe get some insight on this model. Lo and behold, here's this video. I do have my work cut out for me though! Plenty of leaks to go around. It seems to be leaking both oil and coolant. Nonetheless, a great addition to accompany my "01 Avalon XLS I just finished fixing as well. (Also from auction I bought along with an '11 Hyundai Accent I also fixed and a '93 VW Cabriolet Classic Wolfsburg edition that's a long term project)
I bought a 1 owner gs300 02 from an older couple. Garaged kept and i wqs blessed that it doesnt have those issues. There are some gems out there just have to be patient.
great info, as always, Thank you. quick question, why are Lexus LX570/LC200 OEM batteries so expensive, are they better than say Optima.. my 2020 LX seems to need a battery soon Thanks
These things are solid, every bit as the LS400/430. Seems like the problems in this vid are self inflicted or over blown and not common. With Bilstein shocks and Megan sway bars, 2nd Gen GS cars handle amazing.
@Greg Graham Hi, how are you
The oil leaks though are an age thing. Damn near every GS400 & LS400 has a few oil leaks.
I wish more people would do the lanolin based sprays on the underside.. they do work. Great video and your shop looks SO clean AMD !!
I sprayed my car a couple months ago. It took a little over one can and a total cost of only about $20.00
@G. Fortin Hi how are you
Is it recommended to spray other things too? I was thinking on my 2022 of spraying brake caliper bolts and bleeder valves and such, anything I might need to remove or loosen in the far future might benefit from it.
@@danwake4431 Carefully maybe dont get any on the rotors or pads. generally dont have issues loosening the bolts every 4-5 years or so for brakes... do the cross-members parts and front end radiator support, ect.
@@danwake4431 I would be careful if you want to spray your calipers. The spray was rather direct but there was some spray drift which might get on your brakes.. If you do it I would hand paint it on using a small paint brush
My used 96 infinity had leaks for ten years.. never failed me or left me stranded...my used Toyota Camry had leaks for the 8 yrs I had it ..the valve cover was leaking my mechanic just tightened it up and that stoped the leak...also the thing with cars from the 90s early 2000s generation of Japanese cars a little issue won't stop u from driving I remember one time my steering whee started l locking up everyone I brought it two said a lot of different things that would cost me over five hundred dollars but my regular mechanic looked under it got some WD-40 sprayed down the steering linkage banged on it with a rubber hammer.. brought the car down told me to go buy him a six pack and some dinner..the.car drove like it was brand new...a good mechanic is like a good doctor.....
Such amazing cars I have a 2003 LS 430.
I bought a 2001 GS 300. I am also experiencing a slight oil leak from the valve cover. Addressing it now before it gets worse. Appreciate the vid, always great info!
Lol just replace it like you supposed to
@@alex4088 did it about 2 months ago! Appreciate your opinion!
I’ve owned honestly like 6-7 of these cars 99 GS400, 02 GS300, Three 04 GS430, 03 GS300, 99 GS300. Amazing platform for everyone getting rarer by the day as kids are turning this car into stance/drift/vip missiles combination of 3 is destroying the remaining good ones out there.
For the door actuators you can find the motors for 5 bucks a piece and crack the existing open and replace.
so happy I live in the no rust belt! my 1999 Land Cruiser with 180k miles still has zero rust. The 2UZ-FE engines (similar to the one in this Lexus) is such a smooth power plant. Just wish the Car Care Nut lived close enough to keep my LC running another 100k+
That truly is a beautiful car.
Love my GS my friend also loves his GS
Thanks
Here in Ontario we have Krown rust protection company. It WORKS.
This was a pretty fast car Motor trend gave it much praise.
The floor in this particular automotive shop is just that clean
Beautiful car