The Most Reliable Luxury Sedan of it's Time - First Generation LS400
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- čas přidán 2. 09. 2022
- In this video I'll go over one of the most reliable Toyota cars ever made, the Lexus LS400. I'll go over the engine and transmissions on these cars, how they were made and how reliable they are but also will go over some common repairs for these LS400 like starter replacement, egr pipe replacement, power steering pump replacement, alternator replacement, will also go over which years had an interference engines and which were non interference engines so you make sure to replace the timing belts on time and much more.
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Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
The video title should say "of all time". The amount of time and money that went into designing this engine is incredible, and they still hold up amazing today.
I thought about that title actually ha
@Seba Tarth lol the LS1 is a wonderful engine that is reliable and makes the same/more power. There’s a reason they still make it. Does Lexus still make the 1UZ family v8s?
@@Mr3X7R3M3 the LS1 still won't out last the 1uzfe. They will be burning oil and coolant by the time the 1uzfe has completely broken in. The 1uzfe was built to wear out very, very slowly
@@Oliver2020. I’ve seen LS engines go many more miles than the 1UZ engines I’ve seen… the Toyota community likes to ignore problems lol at least the ls1 people own their faults and try to make it better
@@Mr3X7R3M3 to be fair, i do know the LS1 engine doesn't have many design flaws and i know it can take some mods without needing any significant upgrades. I seen one with 312k miles on a suburban but it was having issues with consuming coolant. It was a 2001 model
I remember back when. I was 24, I purchased a 1997 Lexus Ls400 Coach Edition off of Craigslist with 197,000 miles for $3,500. I am now 39 years old and have owned several luxury cars and the 1997 Lexus Ls400 is still 1 of the smoothest riding, smoothest acceleration cars I have ever driven. Even with 200k miles the thing was like sitting inside a vault
I'm in Oklahoma and in Oklahoma that's a $7995 asking price car and with the mileage it would probably bring $7000 to $7500. The first generation was the best on the LS400 because Toyota was trying to impress the world and they did. That's a really nice example and should bring top money. There's probably only a few with lower miles and those are probably in car collectors collections.
Loved the LS400. Love the next LS430 more.
I remember the super luxurious and minimalistic commercials they used to have on tv. Lexus: The pursuit of perfection. Then a stainless steel ball is rolling down the rails of the roof line while the v8 idles with stacks of champagne glasses.
So glad you’re back! Let’s get that garage paid for!
My 92LS has 190,000 and needs a new power steering pump and some front end tightening, but otherwise is absolutely reliable and a dream to drive.
190k is nothing.....
cool, hope it lasts you another 100k at least.
Nice car too, good buy👍🏽Question for ya, I was carrying my battery and the handle broke and dropped my battery on cement driveway, couldn’t see any damage other than a scuff on corner, could it have internal damage??
Has a 12.8 charge still
its possible and its not a guarantee but if the body of the battery isn't dented there is a good chance its ok. But still internal damage is possible. gl
@@myRatchets update on dropped batt*
Discovered that case did crack at corner and started leaking water while on trickle charge 😡 , just exchanged it.
this channel gave me spirit to inform others much love from africa bro
Awesome video R&W ! Seems like some of the older cars are made pretty well. & better to not have direct injection. I have a bunch of mid 90s cars. Easy to service. & work on. 👏👏
Gotta love Toyota ❤️
Good vid and a sweet looking garage! Nice work
Great informative video, thanks for sharing it. I intend on buying one!
I also have an old luxury sedan, an 05 Lincoln LS with the same size dohc v8. Decent power, tons of electrical gremlins, but really comfy ride
I like those cars too.
Interesting & thanks for explaining the function/purpose of certain technologies & parts used, nice looking car btw, thumbs up from me
Glad you liked it!
This is a legend, it will only go up in value 💰
I agree
Good video and nice car. I have a 1995 that I dearly love. It's old school with the Gold Package, chrome wheel arches and fully chromed factory wheels. You should get at least $7000 for it.
Hey, congratulations on your 1 M Subs and when are you getting your "gold play button"?🎉
That car looks to be in great shape. Good looking car. Clean the engine bay and it will look pristine.
with a clean engine bay and some wax on the paint it will look amazing.
Avocado man! I missed you!
thanx for the great info bro am watching u from dubai
I have to buy that car! It's a 93 the year I was born and it's my favorite color!
The LS 400 was way ahead of it’s time
I never noticed that Lexus had gold badges back then, its a nice little touch
yes it is.
It has the “GOLD PACKAGE” like Toyota and Hondas used to do back in the days
Fun fact, these are real 24k gold plated badges.
I’ve been subscribed to you for ages but non of your videos have shown up on my feed for about a year, just for your info.
thanks for letting me know. Have you clicked on the bell notification?
Finally an actual good car
Hey, I want that car!😁 I love your content buddy. Compliments!
Thanks! 👍
The 1UZ engine is an awesome engine. I had a friend long long ago retro fit one into a small Plane, they are 1 million mile engines!!
Wait, do tell us more! You know it was initially designed with that in mind?
How did your friends swap work out? Do you have any videos of it?
Thats pretty interesting, I still wouldn't put it in a plane though :)
It’s actually the only engine the FAA has certified to be used for aircraft use. They should tell anyone the precision and durability of this engine
@@myRatchets think of it like this. The 1UZFE *is* a plane's engine... why wouldn't you want to?
its approved for use in planes, but you probably have to mod it with turbos to give you the torque you need for a plane, otherwise it would be under powered, thats where it can get iffy ... but in the right hands its doable I guess.
Hella good cars I got 3 of them 😂🔥 y’all should cop one
If the LS is not within your budget, you can go with an Avalon. I have a 98 with the 1mz-fe engine. 225k miles and going strong. I'm about to change the valve cover gaskets and give it new plugs and coils as well. I use full synthetic and substitute one quart with marvel mystery oil.
Matt Farah’s famous “million mile Lexus” is a testament to how well engineered these were. What’s weird is Toyota had epic failures around this era and later. Oil control rings on Corollas that let them burn so much oil most ran out of oil and self destructed. Camry head bolts that only engaged a few threads and pulled out of the block also often causing catastrophic engine failures often at low miles and just out of warranty. There were also pickup and Forerunner V6’s with bad bearings and a variety of automatic transmissions that were famous for overheating and self destructing. Early Prius models with bad software that tried to kill their owners that Toyota tried to blame on the floor mats. The list goes on. Toyota is a weird company that just mostly doesn’t seem to get it but occasionally turns out some amazing engines and vehicles like the first LS, Supra 2JZ, etc.
4runner's with bad bearings? lol
PRODIGY Ratchet and Wrench
Thanks 👍
Take care and have a great weekend
PRODIGY Ratchet and Wrench
From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧
Good info. With people frowning on V8's these days I'd pick up one of these if I found a nice one. Those EGR pipes suck to replace. Had one go bad on a '95 Taco
Gas prices will probably go down some more, it is a good time to pick up V8 Luxury cars and Trucks
They don't get terrible mileage honestly -- especially on the highway.
Love it !
glad to hear
Nice!
LS400 used to be a easy 4-5K car all day long so many ppl have trashed the f out of these cars. Still have great memories with the LS, I’ve just moved on to the GX still with the UZ.
nice
Might want to work on your lighting in the garage next. Keep up the good work and glad to have you back on a regular basis.
The light coming in from the window behind you was playing with the auto-exposure.
waiting for power and new lights will come next. stay tuned.
When Toyota puts their max efforts into important products, they do an excellent job. This is an example and so it's the Prius. This is why i believe they don't really have much faith in electric cars, they did a half ass job with their first effort.
Why does the prius backseat feel like I'm sitting on a solid plastic bench. I swear it the most uncomfortable seat I've ever been in, in any kind of vehicle.
I worked at a furniture store and the Prius had such a big interior it could fit stuff most Maserati bmw and Tesla cars couldn’t.
Those electric rav4 were a nightmare.
They'd be correct not to have much faith in electric cars, they're a current fad that will pass
Great video sir. Do u happen to have any video or flip on a 2006 chrysler 300 hemi engine?
Quick flip 3500 to 4k long hold at 7. Lots of these with similar mileage on offer up
The GS, and for that matter the ES of this generation was just as reliable and built rock solid
Great car and great resale value! You can get $9,000 for it!
I ❤ TEQ
It's probably worth about $8000.00 or more, good video !
yup just about right.
I have a 96 LS400 and I love that car only paid 1500 bucks in my car because I know the person
Oh yeah, you'll have that in tip-top shape in no time.
I think $7900.00 is a great sale price!!
it's a Toyota essentially... will last 300k+
market it to the right demographic
I mean i have gottwn 300k out of fords, toyotas, hondas and subarus... helps when you drive 20-30k miles a year though
I take that everyday :)
1999 is the best of the best.I have owned.Only by 1999 even though 1996 went of 1 million miles.Big story behind this Kaizen quality!
Here in Honolulu it would fly at $8888.00 a steal with four wheels. Lexus Baby!
@R&W - U should be able to get near 10K for that nearly flawless LS. It would seem that ur costs should be labor, not really parts (knock wood). If memory serves - To get to that starter is a PITA!! And why is that LS still in demand, u ask?! Well... Toyota (as the story goes) spent $1-Billion (U.S$) in late 1980s dollars to research and develop their flagship LS. Toyota was going after BMW and Mercedes, and wanted to "make an entrance"... And what an entrance it was.... Toyota had a "five year plan" with the LS/Lexus brand: if they didn't make it in five years, then no luxury foot-hold in North America. But they scrapped that plan only after two years... Why? Because the LS/Lexus was such a run-away success. U could get 400-drive- HP from a stock 1UZ. That gen-1 1UZLS C-Rods were thicker than the three gens that came later. For what it was - it was 'RELIABLE luxury', it was indeed over-engineered: "The relentless pursuit of perfection" m.czcams.com/video/Ez_lCEEwSw4/video.html"
Isn't that starter between the V, under the plenum?
If detailed and paint corrected. Leather cracked fixed. I'd pay 8k.
I would pick it up myself if I can offload my 93 Acura Legend 6 spd type 2 engine.
The 1UZ is the next legend to the 2JZ.
Where do you plan to sell your cars at cause I would be interested in seeing or buying one.
Easily 7-8k. That is a super clean example.
Street Fighter vibes!
You meant 1993-my wife's 93 Lexus keeps going and going. My wife would not sell her car--she feels safe because it is a tank : )
haha yup, a very comfortable tank :)
The engine bay needs a thorough cleaning.Other than that excellent car
I know these things are tanks but I really really want one that's wrecked so I can pull the engine and put it in my shitbox.
that first generation 1UZ-FE is one of the best engines ever made. even better than the later VVT ones
yes its a rock solid engine for sure.
I have a second generation now 24 yrs. old. It's my daily driver, everything works and it's been VERY reliable. I hope never to part with it.
nice
I think it's worth about 5-6k. Awesome car.
thanks
American and German engineers laughed at Toyota when they set out to make out their V8. Toyota/Lexus did it right and did it very well. It’s the only automobile engine certified to be used on an aircraft. The Car Care Nut Channel agreed! 😘
The laughter was deafening in the 60s and 70s. Laughing stopped a long time ago! 😂
GM's LS3 is aircraft certified too
This
This car is a gem much better than American and European
Subaru EJ motors are also certified for aircraft use
1983? What?
I would love to buy that LS 400. How do i contact you????
It is nice car no guestion about it. You have anything you need in this car
yup, it was ahead of its time for sure
It's the only automobile engine certified to be used on an aircraft? Do you mean only recently @Jam Ram? The corvair engine was used in aircraft. That's probably not the only one either.
I am interested in buying a 90s LS400, or a second gen GS430. are there any major issues to look at with 430 engines?
They are just as reliable as the 400 engines. I’ve got a 2000 ls400 with 137,000 miles runs like new. Only thing you gotta worry about for the 430 is to change the starter motor, I believe it’s under the intake just like the 400 motor which kinda makes it a bitch to change. The 430 engine has a timing chain instead of a timing belt like the 400 engine so it’s even more reliable in that aspect. They’re both legendary engines and I’d definitely recommend getting one while they’re still fairly cheap.
@@SpoonMan94 Thank you for the response! It’s greatly appreciated.
Very nice car in rare great condition and low miles. To the right person, 10K. Everyday 6-7k
yup agreed
My Durango has 250k on it. Runs great, tows, 4wd. The Lexus is good, but has an easy life.
They copied the w124 at the time they built this so it was a very good point to start.
$9000 crazy, heard you talk about value, value is based on what a person would pay for it. i see someone realistically paying 5k for that car maybe 5500 if you clean it up ill be super surprised if you get 9000 for it
Title could very safely read "of all time" since it refers to luxury sedan. Yes, I know about the old Benzes (W126, W123, W124), but those had a lot less technology.
yup I thought about calling it that :)
Still driving mines 1992
So in Cali it’s 7~8k?
My 1991 LS400 has 265,000 mi, and it is still sitting in my garage, I will never sell it
Where's that starter in the engine bay? ;-) .........
lol
You might have mentioned that starter replacement is a BIG DEAL as far as labor is concerned.
Yep because THEY HAVE IT INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK!!!
Lexus good car
These were also going to be sold as aircraft engines, but Toyota thought it wasn’t worth the trouble because of the small market.
Still one of the only automotive engine that passed the aircraft test standards from the faa
How can we contact you?
I mean thats almost the same weight and hp as my 2011 subaru legacy.
I'd love to get one of these, but by now they have too many miles and those rare ones with low miles are super expensive. Too much money for a 30 yr old car.
you got to find one with high miles that was taken care of, problem fixed :)
@@myRatchets Most of the ones I see on Autotrader are about 800 or more miles away seems like nothing survives in Florida, despite the lack of snow.
The LS400 is spectacular but... the LS430 is the best car ever built.
Why do you say that? I have never driven a 430 but have owned a 1998 400 and it has been BULLET PROOF so far
@@kylebucy9541 Id say the ls430 is the same exact bullet proof machine as the ls400 is in regards to the drivetrain.
Ls430 improved on sound deadening, less wind noise, fit and finish.
I think the 98-00 are very special cars also. 04-06 are the best years. for the money it simply cant be beat.
I've owned my 2000 for 18 years currently at 355000 mile
Thanks Josh.. I don't like the way the drivers seat shows wear on all of the 430's I;ve looked at.. Did you ever notice that?
I really want a 2012 460.
@@kylebucy9541 For sure! The leather they used was really soft on the 430. need to try real hard to keep them looking good. Very comfortable but they sure didnt wear well. ive seen some in awful shape.
The ls400 seats hold up pretty well.
The 460 are nice cars too but they just dont have the same ride and feel as earlier cars and definitely more expensive to maintain.
@@kylebucy9541 well maybe you need to drive one ! 🤦♀️
Those transmissions are unreliable along with the ignition switch. I know, my friend had one. The air conditioning wires are the same color.
You think 3800 pounds is heavy for a premium V8 luxury sedan?
Many years ago I could have bought one of these for 500 bucks but I didn't because the paint was kind of bad😢😢😢😢
It's alright all cars have gone way up price.
Master P had the best one.
Beautiful ride $9500
I be very happy with that :)
EVERY manufacturer could have made vehicles just as reliable but they CHOSE not to.
You can be sure if it is made by Toyota it is good quality./
You should get a good price for it there is one big thing going for it its a Toyota product
$5k to $5.5k not more
But why not swap it with a 2jz gte
Do some paint correction and detailing, then sell it on carsandbids or bringatrailer. Clean car with pretty low mileage.
Over engineered at its time! All models 89-00. 89-94 230hp 4spd transmission/ 95-97 260hp 4spd transmission with lights and bumper refresh/ 98-00 last gen 290hp rounded bumper and lights refreshed vvti and 5spd transmission. Mechanical overengineered marvels
5 grand as is
5 G's
When are we gonna see you actually working on a car again?
as soon as the new shop is setup, hopefully in less than a month.
This car put Mercedes Benz on notice.
1/2022 =$10K today=5K
No somewhere in between those numbers
The starter is under the intake. Horrible design feature. Otherwise good engine.
Uh, wake me up when these cars and engines go 600 and 700,000 miles like the Jeep 4.0.
Yes, I'm an engineer.
The car is worth about 9000
thanks