I'm so happy you all love this GS 400 as much as I do :). I love hearing your personal stories involving this wonderful JZ/UZS160 platform. Couple things: 1. I've returned the wipers back to their "normal" setting. Thanks to all of you that gave instructions on that! 2. Lower ball joints are happening next. Let's hope the wheels don't fall off in the next couple days. lol. More to come on this car.
Topher, you just bought yourself an underrated gem, man. These older Japanese luxury sedans are so underrated and solid for what they were. Lexus to Acura! They don't make them like they used to! Total throwback and nostalgia of a car, man. Some minor work done and she'll remain solid for a long time.
My dad custom ordered a 2000 GS 300 when my mother worked for Toyota back in the late 90's. It was gold over beige like this one. It was spec'd with the Nakamichi system as well as HID headlights. Finding a 300 with these options is ultra rare (go ahead and try!) but I will never forget riding home in it after the delivery. The fresh smell of Lexus interiors back in ~2000 is unmatched. It felt soo incredibly premium I still remember it to this day. Beautifuly built and engineered cars.
i have to disagree. The mazdas were not to the level of acura/lexus. My mx-5 has a lot of inconsistent gaps. Also that era of mazda shared some parts with the Ford supply chain@@NarcFreedom
I've had a 98 GS 300 since 2020. I often think about selling it because it's not the v8 and it's not really goodlooking, but I just can't bring myself to do it because this car has been so good to me. No other car has ever treated me as good as this car. Everything works, all the time. Engine and transmission are as smooth as it gets.The ride is comfortable, the AC is cold, the stereo is perfect. The car is so hassle free, it's crazy to think that it's already 26 years old.
FIRST: Drop the transmission pan and turn up the line pressure dial. That stupid old gearbox needs all the snap it can get. Source: I owned a 1998 GS400. Got hit two years ago, rest its soul.
There is no need to do this. The transmission is already at its limit with this engine anyway. It's a luxury car. You really want to chase .1 second differences in this?
@@MrCarGuy If it’s within the factory parameters of the transmission, it’s perfectly fine. They wouldn’t have added that adjustment if the transmission couldn’t handle it. Mine was all kinds of neglected and worn and ran with the dial maxed out with zero issue.
The wipers have 2 positions: winter and normal. Yours are in the winter position. You simply manually pushed them down by hand to go back into the normal position.
i have a middle eastern version of the car but a gs300, does it also have it? bcz i tried doing winter mode so i can clean the wipers and windshield etc but it wouldn't and i am scared to try hard enough to break it
I’m the original owner of a 1999 GS400 which is identical to what you acquired with the gold trim kit and sans the dealer-installed cellphone. The engine is amazing: so smooth and quiet yet endless power. With an intact exhaust system you only hear a whine as the engine spools up. No vibrations through the floor or gas pedal. Weak spots include the HVAC servos and the power door lock actuators. You have acquired a real gem which will provide years of enjoyment.
Congrats and good luck. Seems like it will be a keeper once you get the suspension fixed. Engine sounds great too! Very curious to hear how it sounds when you get the exhaust.
I also have a 98 GS400 in Cinnabar pearl, I've had it for 5 years and it's one of my favorite products from all of Lexus/Toyota (I worked at a Lexus dealership for 6 years and have driven almost everything they have made). Killer reliability and surprisingly fast for their time. Cam seals is probably the most expensive thing it will ever need. If you ever have a mystery front end shake that comes and goes, its the front calipers.
How much would your Lexus charge for cam seals for the vvti uz? Mine quoted me $2k - 2.3k even if I work in dealer industry with some discount. Wish I could have it fixed just as professionally much cheaper than that, hard to find and trust someone here in Cali for that
@@VietyF Honestly, I wouldn't trust a dealer with a service that is so involved and intricate. In my experience the vast majority of the techs in dealerships are very poor mechanics because the empty suits up in corporate keep cutting pay and benefits so they can't attract or keep real talent. Your best bet is probably finding an independent Lexus/Toyota shop with a good reputation. They are more likely to do a better job and it will most certainly be less expensive. Even if you have to drive 100 miles away to find the right shop it would be worth it for such a big repair that could easily go very wrong in inept hands.
@@UZForLife I work in dealer industry in service, that’s why I don’t buy the $2k quote. Unless you’re lucky enough to fall in the hands of the foreman, but even that can be an issue. It’s gravy as CP for adviser and tech and opportunity to forcefully sell more.
@@VietyF A local Lexus/Toyota shop here in DFW charges $700. He's crazy cheap and puts out great work, I've never seen anyone that can get close to his prices especially for the quality of his work. As you can imagine he's always swamped with work.
Beautiful specimen right there. You hardly see them ... hell, you hardly saw them when they were new. And this one's a beauty. I tried hard to get my hands on one, ended up "settling" for a '95 LS. And by the way, you have what is probably THE best tape deck ever installed in a vehicle. Go educate yourself on NAK and what that name means in the cassette world. Damn fine sound system in general, you'll get fine sound through one of those little cassette adapters (and the CD player of course). Not much needs to be said about the drivetrain you have there. If you don't know already ... ;)
That is an excellent car. Had one for 15 years - no problems expect for 1 starter at 160,000 miles. Megan rear sway bar was my only add on and it changed the car into a different better handling performer. I own a ISF with the 5.0 now and I like the gs400 better. 1998-1999 only since those had the steering wheel shifters. I think 2000 had the buttons too. I think you'll enjoy this the most from your collection.
Woah woah. you like the GS better than the ISF? Let me know lol I have a 430 at 234k miles and I like my IS300 better overall. Interior quality is tighter and much more fun to drive, but definitely way slower.
This is a gorgeous ole gs400 I remember the host of my wedding engagement party in 1998 had a brand new one in the garage at the time. He gave me a full tour. I thought it was soooo futuristic with the front and rear tail lamps as well as the sunken gauges on the dash. It was super cool back then! Nice repair and I love the newer wheels ! Great job!
A good friend of mine had the same car when it was new. Back then it was one of the fastest 4 door sedans around. I couldn't afford it at the time and instead opted for the more reasonably priced ES 300. I eventually was able to afford a new 2005 GS 300 a few years later. To this day, that was one of my favorite cars. Best of luck with it.
I COULD not believe how fast this car is when I first drove one. The engine feels like it’s wants to leap out of the engine bay when you hit the gas. So a great car man with timeless looks
aww man thats soo cool i wish you the best on your road trip, i want a GS so badd lol but here in the middle east its hard to find one that in good condition
@@subhanbutt1827 im in the uae , u are right ls and gs are popular here even though they are available they wont be cheap if they are in good condition
This was my second Lexus. It was 99. I drove it for 8 years. Picked it up in 2009. It ended up going to scrap yard with 450k miles. Had severe rust, and several cracks in the frame. To this day, it’s the greatest car I’ve ever owned. I actually have several promotional materials framed from when it released, including the famous ad where it says “something wicked it coming. The fastest sedan in the world” …. Which is actually true. Lexus held that record for 5 months until BMW introduced the M5 for that particular year. Also, make sure get the ball joints changed and make sure they’re OEM, for some reason they’re very finicky. My 400 ball joint snapped, and so did the one of my wife’s 300. Infact, everyone I ever knew with that gen GS had they’re wheel break off😅
Issues like this are typical of Asian cars. They’ll be very reliable, but durability, build quality, comfort and driving dynamics will never be as good as most European cars. They’re made for people who want cheap, reliable transportation... and see cars as disposable objects
Before I even watch this video: I've been recently thinking a lot about your GS300 from many moons ago, and it has made me want to pick up a GS400. It's getting to a point where it's easier to find an E39 540i, though... Excited to watch this one! Edit: I really didn't realize that was only 3 years ago. Everything post-2020 has felt so weird...
When I went from a UZ series engine to the UR in my two LS all purpose highway cars, I was surprised at the change in engine character. The 3UZ like the 1UZ felt torquey. With the 6 speed in the LS 430, it felt like Lexus had actually achieved what Rolls always promised - adequate power - even if it wasn't something designed to wring out. The 1UR matched with the sportier version of the 8 speed was much happier to run up the rev range. Having also had a supercharged 5.0 Jaguar between those two cars, and having driven a range of other NA V8s, I still think Toyota made the best NA V8s I've driven. The 1UZ was certified for aircraft, which is probably what the person was referring to. I'd say that 3UZ is the one I wish I still had. Hope this car treats you right. I would recommend that you put an LS430 with the 6 speed and an LS460 with the regular 8 speed (not the Sport Edition of the 2010-2012 range) side by side with this and compare. Really good powertrains on the whole.
welcome to the 1uz family! bought my 96 sc400 last year for 3500 with 193k miles and its the best car ive ever driven. ill never sell it so manual swap and widebody coming soon.
I miss that engine. I had a 98 LS400 and that engine was so great! Also, it's one of the few car engines that could actually be certified for use in an airplane too.
I had a 400 and recently ended up with a 430, similarly from copart with a dent in the fender, with a winning $300 bid. You're clearly knowledgeable on these and you got a nice one with the Nakamichi, loved that sound system.
Loved the comparison you made about how car guys differentiate between a leaky exhaust and a proper exhaust when terrorizing the neighbors ;) Great video all around!
Wipers have two settings, a winter and summer. In winter, you physically shift the wiper so they sit higher. In summer, you push them back down to hide them, best feature lol
Yeah the late 90's and early 2000's was a very memorable time for enthusiasts. Cars were rapidly getting better and some exciting rivalries began to emerge. The fast sedan is commonplace now but was a novelty then. I very much remember getting my monthly Road and Track in the mail and comparing stats of the GS400, 540i, E420, S4 etc. The GS400 was a real street fighter and not a car to be messed with. 300hp was a big number in those days. Sometimes I wish I could go back to 2002 and live there forever. Enjoy!
Dude, I WOULD go back there & live there forever. Not just for cars, but yes that was certainly the beginning of the end. Everyone had something great & interesting to offer back then. I'll never own anything newer than 2010 until I'm completely forced to, & I may just stop driving by then.
Lexus really hit a series of home runs in the 90s - LS400, GS400, SC400, RX300, ES300, etc. Kind of insane, really. They offered everything you needed, and nothing you didn’t.
I picked up a Lexus 2004 RX330 AWD I use for the same purpose. I take it to places I don’t take my good cars to. It only has 44,789 miles on it maintained by an older woman at a Lexus dealer. It has become the family favorite! Lol
thanks I really loved that tour ! I have an aussie toyota avalon 2005 (1mz-fe) v6. don't know if same as here (australia) but tyres are generally considered throw away items if more than 8 years old. Might be worth checking the tyre age (on your lexus) via the tyre codes including the spare. The engine on your car sounds in very good condition. I do 6 month oil changes myself but then the 1mz-fe I have is known to produce a bit of engine sludge. happy driving !
The paint on yours is mint! Just picked up my second GS 400, but unfortunately the paint has seen better days. Got two in the garage now so I can drive one while I work on the other. I love these cars. Also, '98 babies!
Now this is the type of review that you will see me watching, compared when you review high in cars. Btw your sub acct went up fast, from 3k when I start watching you to almost 30k. And we want to see at all, road trips/modifications/cleaning/cost of living with a 25 years old car/gas money...everything
My father had a somewhat similar '01 GS 430! His being a black on black, and it looked slick. He retains the opinion that it was the best car he's ever owned, as (according to him) it felt like a little luxurious rocket. Had to get rid of it as the previous owner didn't take care of it too well, but he loved it for the time it was his daily. Hope you get great use out of that GS, man!
Great video. Brings back great memories…. I had a white pearl ‘98 gs400 w/ navigation back in the year 2000. I added a cold air intake & it sounded amazing. I loved it….
Fantastic car, I remember driving one back in the day and being blown away at how smooth, powerful and responsive it was. It wasn't as fast as the similar MB or BMW, but damn if it didn't glide down the smoothly and have a sweet sonorous V8. Great pick.
I drove a 1998 GS400 for 208,000 miles having just replaced the struts, timing belt and brakes, as well as tires over many years. Cheap to keep and nothing ever really needed to be fixed other than routine wear. Shocks/ball joints and timing belt were replaced after 200,000 miles. Never needed to add oil between 6,000 mile oil changes with mobil 1. Car was totaled by a young lady who was looking backwards and talking with her son in the rear seat and drove into me going about 40 MPH while I was at a stop light. Bent the frame and pushed me into the car in front of me. I drove the car to the auto-body shop but insurance company informed me that it was not worth it to fix the car and wrote it off. I had planned on keeping the vehicle for about another 4 years in 2009, bought a 2009 Accord coupe, and then went back to a 2020 RC350 F-sport which is a terrific vehicle, with no problems after 4 years of ownership. The Honda was repaired many times due to mechanical problems, and burned significant oil way before I donated it at 178,000 miles. Same maintenance schedule as the Lexus, but not the same outcome. You get what you pay for IMO.
The wipers are in snow mode or winter mode or ser ice mode. This is so your wipers will not freeze to your windshield. All you need to do is pull down on the wipers to bring it down to summer position.
You are to be admired for having a gopro on your head and having two hands free. Rattling ride means that your suspension bushings are worn out, links need tightening. Jack up the car, wiggle the wheels back and forth. Everything sounds loose. Fixable.
I had this car 1998 in “02 very reliable… fast all you need is coil overs .. can’t handle curves at high speed .. problems : ball joints weak ..and control arms .. that’s it
The 1uz was aircraft certified and i came so close to buying one several years ago but it had 250k or so on it and had a laundry list of suspension problems my younger self was not equilped for or finalcislly able to deal with so I passed unfortunately
I have a friend who’s got a 2002 GS300 and it’s a little beat up now (he’s a little careless and he’s had a few accidents) but ever since he got it I’ve always liked it. When it was clean and undamaged, it was a sweet car. Really wish I could get one. Still, I’m really happy with my 05 E320, a competitor of these cars!
This was in Co-Part ? seriously ???? You must have some great connections at Co-part because a very clean car like this would never reach auction bidding time.
I’ve got a lot of cars from copart that I made my daily, and almost all of them were such good cars and ran flawlessly. I did get screwed over once where I had to part out a Cobalt SS Turbo to make up the money I spent on it. Had 40k miles but they stuck the bumper back on and listed as front end damage when it was destroyed on the undercarriage. Took a chunk out the LSD trans
l used to own a GS 430. I loved that car. I used to commute in it. Regrettably, I got rid of it because I put a lot of miles on it and it needed a lot of work. You bought a gem.
get that front end suspension work done soon, ball joints love to go out on 2nd gen gs's and destroys your fender in the process lol beautiful car though. and your wipers might be in "snow mode" you manually grab them and force up or down to hide in the cowl
Other than the tires and rims this is an exact copy of the one I had new. The factory rims would bend easily and they had problems with balance weights falling off. I also had a problem with the bulb falling out on one of the trunk mounted tail lights. Other than those issues it was a great car to own and drive.
I like these cars. Very well balanced so they drift good. You didnt once use the shift buttons on the steering wheel. They really make the car fun and are unique to the gs400.
I had a GS 400 sold it and made plenty profit. I still have my GS 300 with the Mark Levinson sound system, Make sure the key hole where the truck pop is isn’t locked.
Sold my all original 1998 GS300 about a year ago with 107K. Same Cinnabar Pearl color with tan interior. Miss that car but simply wasn't being driven and sat in the garage too much. Great cars! Enjoy yours.
Congratulations Topher on your new purchase! I wouldn’t mod the car too much. Keep us updated on the progress of the updates! Hopefully it will be a decent car and experience for you! She’s the same age as you. That’s decent! Happy New Year from the Heartland! Mark in Iowa.
The dealer I work for was sending a 99 to auction and I was so tempted. Prob could've gotten it for 1500-2000, just don't have the room sadly. Even had the Nakamichi sound system and HID headlights.
My friend had one of these back when new. His was a 98 and had the wooden steering wheel but he also had navigation,maybe it came as a package because I remember seeing a two other GS400s that my friend group had and both were 98 with navigation and wooden steering wheel. They looked so good but I was to love in with the E39 540i so I had two of those then two e60 550i’s
Beautiful color I work at an Auction and got my friend a 98 gs400 for $1200 has been her baby for 3 years now actually got too ride in it a few months ago it's quick and only has 240k miles.
Vanity plate: “NTABOMR” (not a boomer); big congrats on this one … wanted one so badly as a 16yo when it came out in ‘98 … still have the MT, C&D, R&T, Automobile articles, especially the black 400 spec with the upgraded stock 5-spoke chrome wheels.
These are one of the best cars ever built and 300K miles for these cars are nothing. I laughed when you spoke about the back faded lenses, actually what it is is the light bulb that is a colored bulb and the color comes off and becomes clear.. Great video.
I have an sc400 and experimented with a few setups. I recommend removing the 2 mufflers and 2 resonators and installing a Flowmaster 15150S 2.5”resonator. It isn’t a muffler like the stock resonators but more like a 1/8 wave resonator(J pipe). Sounds like straight pipe but quieter and without any drone.
I owned a 98 GS300 and did the Aristo 2JZGTE swap. Kept the motor stock and just ran exhaust and intake. It wasn't crazy fast, but I had enough power to gap a buddy's e36 m3. Don't really miss it but it was nice for the time.
Hot dang! This car has aged like fine wine! How is this a TWENTY-SIX year old car?! How can something that looks this modern possibly qualify for a Michigan "Historical" plate?
My dad let me keep his LS430 during my senior year of college. Oh how i miss having a tank V8 and RWD. Ill never forgive the reckless driver for totaling it while it was parked out on the street
I'm so happy you all love this GS 400 as much as I do :). I love hearing your personal stories involving this wonderful JZ/UZS160 platform.
Couple things:
1. I've returned the wipers back to their "normal" setting. Thanks to all of you that gave instructions on that!
2. Lower ball joints are happening next. Let's hope the wheels don't fall off in the next couple days. lol. More to come on this car.
2jz gte swap, single turbo.
⁵) l❤
@@alvingeroy3242nah KEEP THE V8
Topher, you just bought yourself an underrated gem, man. These older Japanese luxury sedans are so underrated and solid for what they were. Lexus to Acura! They don't make them like they used to! Total throwback and nostalgia of a car, man. Some minor work done and she'll remain solid for a long time.
Eh could care less about Acura. v8 and RWD this is better the anything Acura offers
i miss my 1999 LS400. sadly even v6's are becoming obsolete@@Toyota4Life
I think he knows what he bought which is why he bought it. lol
I have one of these as well. Always a dream car and the same year I was born, 98’.
Topher’s voice really sounds different in this video. Congrats on the 98’ GS400
@@2004cyrusThat’s because it’s not Topher.
My dad custom ordered a 2000 GS 300 when my mother worked for Toyota back in the late 90's. It was gold over beige like this one. It was spec'd with the Nakamichi system as well as HID headlights. Finding a 300 with these options is ultra rare (go ahead and try!) but I will never forget riding home in it after the delivery. The fresh smell of Lexus interiors back in ~2000 is unmatched. It felt soo incredibly premium I still remember it to this day. Beautifuly built and engineered cars.
The closest thing to the exacting build quality of 90’s very early 2000’s Lexus or Acura is Mazda, and it’s beyond both of those now.
There are so many other Aristos lying around in Japan that came with all of those options you mentioned as stock
Lexus officially died in the mid to late-2000s. I've owned 3 GSs an SC300 and an LS400. Nothing today Lexus makes even compares
@@petero958 umm lc500?
i have to disagree. The mazdas were not to the level of acura/lexus. My mx-5 has a lot of inconsistent gaps. Also that era of mazda shared some parts with the Ford supply chain@@NarcFreedom
I've had a 98 GS 300 since 2020. I often think about selling it because it's not the v8 and it's not really goodlooking, but I just can't bring myself to do it because this car has been so good to me. No other car has ever treated me as good as this car. Everything works, all the time. Engine and transmission are as smooth as it gets.The ride is comfortable, the AC is cold, the stereo is perfect. The car is so hassle free, it's crazy to think that it's already 26 years old.
Keep it in the meantime and save up to sell and buy the v8 or another car. Or you can just keep it and save money for other things :)
That Lexus is better than almost all the new cars of 2024 . Expensive over complicated GARBAGE. I wouldn't get rid of it
The reason i dont wanna sell my is300. Its so well put together. Perfection.
That inline 6 you could put a supercharger on it
that 98 gs300 has a strong 2jz-ge six inline its better than these new cars
FIRST: Drop the transmission pan and turn up the line pressure dial. That stupid old gearbox needs all the snap it can get. Source: I owned a 1998 GS400. Got hit two years ago, rest its soul.
sorry to hear about that. Great car!
Change the filter and fluid while your at it
There is no need to do this. The transmission is already at its limit with this engine anyway. It's a luxury car.
You really want to chase .1 second differences in this?
@@MrCarGuy If it’s within the factory parameters of the transmission, it’s perfectly fine. They wouldn’t have added that adjustment if the transmission couldn’t handle it. Mine was all kinds of neglected and worn and ran with the dial maxed out with zero issue.
@@dawnpointima do this when I drop my pan for the 3rd time due to the shift solenoid c giving me problems even after being replaced
These give you a smoother ride than hundreds of 2023 sedans, let alone the luxurious interior for its time.. timeless gems. I miss mine.
The wipers have 2 positions: winter and normal. Yours are in the winter position. You simply manually pushed them down by hand to go back into the normal position.
Service position, not winter
@@andrewb71 Service position, and also winter position
i have a middle eastern version of the car but a gs300, does it also have it? bcz i tried doing winter mode so i can clean the wipers and windshield etc but it wouldn't and i am scared to try hard enough to break it
@@lexiconmango6280 You have to give it a good yank
my 2002 Lexus ES300 have the same wiper positions. Japanese quality and they think of everything
I’m the original owner of a 1999 GS400 which is identical to what you acquired with the gold trim kit and sans the dealer-installed cellphone. The engine is amazing: so smooth and quiet yet endless power. With an intact exhaust system you only hear a whine as the engine spools up. No vibrations through the floor or gas pedal. Weak spots include the HVAC servos and the power door lock actuators. You have acquired a real gem which will provide years of enjoyment.
Congrats and good luck. Seems like it will be a keeper once you get the suspension fixed. Engine sounds great too! Very curious to hear how it sounds when you get the exhaust.
I also have a 98 GS400 in Cinnabar pearl, I've had it for 5 years and it's one of my favorite products from all of Lexus/Toyota (I worked at a Lexus dealership for 6 years and have driven almost everything they have made). Killer reliability and surprisingly fast for their time. Cam seals is probably the most expensive thing it will ever need. If you ever have a mystery front end shake that comes and goes, its the front calipers.
How much would your Lexus charge for cam seals for the vvti uz? Mine quoted me $2k - 2.3k even if I work in dealer industry with some discount. Wish I could have it fixed just as professionally much cheaper than that, hard to find and trust someone here in Cali for that
@@VietyF Honestly, I wouldn't trust a dealer with a service that is so involved and intricate. In my experience the vast majority of the techs in dealerships are very poor mechanics because the empty suits up in corporate keep cutting pay and benefits so they can't attract or keep real talent. Your best bet is probably finding an independent Lexus/Toyota shop with a good reputation. They are more likely to do a better job and it will most certainly be less expensive. Even if you have to drive 100 miles away to find the right shop it would be worth it for such a big repair that could easily go very wrong in inept hands.
@@UZForLife I work in dealer industry in service, that’s why I don’t buy the $2k quote. Unless you’re lucky enough to fall in the hands of the foreman, but even that can be an issue. It’s gravy as CP for adviser and tech and opportunity to forcefully sell more.
@@VietyF A local Lexus/Toyota shop here in DFW charges $700. He's crazy cheap and puts out great work, I've never seen anyone that can get close to his prices especially for the quality of his work. As you can imagine he's always swamped with work.
@@UZForLife unfortunately I’m in Cali and I called a local Toyota/Lexus shop and they still said $2k lmao
Just bought a ‘99 gs400 with 110,000 miles 2 weeks ago. Stoked to see this video. Love mine so far! Hope you enjoy yours
Great Job!!!!!!!!
2jz is better and lighter #GS300
@@Boogieman_1989Garbage It's not as powerful, though... Wish the rest of the world also got the turbo 2JZ, not just Japan
Beautiful specimen right there. You hardly see them ... hell, you hardly saw them when they were new. And this one's a beauty.
I tried hard to get my hands on one, ended up "settling" for a '95 LS. And by the way, you have what is probably THE best tape deck ever installed in a vehicle. Go educate yourself on NAK and what that name means in the cassette world. Damn fine sound system in general, you'll get fine sound through one of those little cassette adapters (and the CD player of course).
Not much needs to be said about the drivetrain you have there. If you don't know already ... ;)
That is an excellent car. Had one for 15 years - no problems expect for 1 starter at 160,000 miles. Megan rear sway bar was my only add on and it changed the car into a different better handling performer. I own a ISF with the 5.0 now and I like the gs400 better. 1998-1999 only since those had the steering wheel shifters. I think 2000 had the buttons too. I think you'll enjoy this the most from your collection.
Woah woah. you like the GS better than the ISF? Let me know lol I have a 430 at 234k miles and I like my IS300 better overall. Interior quality is tighter and much more fun to drive, but definitely way slower.
@@AlexSchwartzATVwhich feels slower? The IS or the GS?
@@moogies3754 The GS is faster because it’s a v8 for sure.
What year is your 430 @@AlexSchwartzATV?
@@JonathanLittle001 2003 but 230k miles.
This is a gorgeous ole gs400 I remember the host of my wedding engagement party in 1998 had a brand new one in the garage at the time. He gave me a full tour. I thought it was soooo futuristic with the front and rear tail lamps as well as the sunken gauges on the dash. It was super cool back then! Nice repair and I love the newer wheels ! Great job!
A good friend of mine had the same car when it was new. Back then it was one of the fastest 4 door sedans around. I couldn't afford it at the time and instead opted for the more reasonably priced ES 300. I eventually was able to afford a new 2005 GS 300 a few years later. To this day, that was one of my favorite cars. Best of luck with it.
It was the world's fastest 4 door car in 1998
I COULD not believe how fast this car is when I first drove one. The engine feels like it’s wants to leap out of the engine bay when you hit the gas. So a great car man with timeless looks
Always loved the timeless styling! Definitely take it on a long road trip since that's what the GS was built for. Congrats!
aww man thats soo cool i wish you the best on your road trip, i want a GS so badd lol but here in the middle east its hard to find one that in good condition
@@isaamvibez8913where are you in the middle east? The united arab emirates and Oman are full of good condition gs and ls400/430
@@subhanbutt1827 im in the uae , u are right ls and gs are popular here even though they are available they wont be cheap if they are in good condition
This was my second Lexus. It was 99. I drove it for 8 years. Picked it up in 2009. It ended up going to scrap yard with 450k miles. Had severe rust, and several cracks in the frame.
To this day, it’s the greatest car I’ve ever owned.
I actually have several promotional materials framed from when it released, including the famous ad where it says “something wicked it coming. The fastest sedan in the world” …. Which is actually true. Lexus held that record for 5 months until BMW introduced the M5 for that particular year.
Also, make sure get the ball joints changed and make sure they’re OEM, for some reason they’re very finicky. My 400 ball joint snapped, and so did the one of my wife’s 300. Infact, everyone I ever knew with that gen GS had they’re wheel break off😅
Issues like this are typical of Asian cars. They’ll be very reliable, but durability, build quality, comfort and driving dynamics will never be as good as most European cars. They’re made for people who want cheap, reliable transportation... and see cars as disposable objects
tell that to all the asian cars that drive around in africa and the Middle East with 1 million km lol@@the8419
@@the8419L take
Goofy reward of the day goes to you @@the8419
@@the8419if by “most European cars” you mean high end Porsches, sure. Otherwise, you are clueless.
Before I even watch this video: I've been recently thinking a lot about your GS300 from many moons ago, and it has made me want to pick up a GS400. It's getting to a point where it's easier to find an E39 540i, though...
Excited to watch this one!
Edit: I really didn't realize that was only 3 years ago. Everything post-2020 has felt so weird...
When I went from a UZ series engine to the UR in my two LS all purpose highway cars, I was surprised at the change in engine character. The 3UZ like the 1UZ felt torquey. With the 6 speed in the LS 430, it felt like Lexus had actually achieved what Rolls always promised - adequate power - even if it wasn't something designed to wring out. The 1UR matched with the sportier version of the 8 speed was much happier to run up the rev range. Having also had a supercharged 5.0 Jaguar between those two cars, and having driven a range of other NA V8s, I still think Toyota made the best NA V8s I've driven. The 1UZ was certified for aircraft, which is probably what the person was referring to. I'd say that 3UZ is the one I wish I still had. Hope this car treats you right. I would recommend that you put an LS430 with the 6 speed and an LS460 with the regular 8 speed (not the Sport Edition of the 2010-2012 range) side by side with this and compare. Really good powertrains on the whole.
My friend in high school had one! So many good memories in that car! Pretty quick, reliable, and roomy!
The unanimously agreed upon maintenance thing for the 2gs platform is to get the front lower ball joints replaced!!!
This. I had mine replaced at 120k mi but I recommend doing them sooner as a precaution.
Absolutely, any RWD Lexus/Toyota from this era should have those lower ball joints replaced/checked regularly!!
welcome to the 1uz family!
bought my 96 sc400 last year for 3500 with 193k miles and its the best car ive ever driven. ill never sell it so manual swap and widebody coming soon.
2/3uz actually the 1uz was in the Ls and Sc
@@TopDogDankSmoker the gs430 had the 3uz. along with the sc430, and ls430. the gs400 had the 1uz.
I miss that engine. I had a 98 LS400 and that engine was so great! Also, it's one of the few car engines that could actually be certified for use in an airplane too.
400 98-2000 the best
I had a 400 and recently ended up with a 430, similarly from copart with a dent in the fender, with a winning $300 bid. You're clearly knowledgeable on these and you got a nice one with the Nakamichi, loved that sound system.
Lexus are such classics especially the 90’s ones, so quiet, comfortable, smooth, quick, and ultimately refined
Loved the comparison you made about how car guys differentiate between a leaky exhaust and a proper exhaust when terrorizing the neighbors ;) Great video all around!
you crack me up. "An ashtray for..... ashes".. And a "nakamichi" stereo... haha
Wipers have two settings, a winter and summer. In winter, you physically shift the wiper so they sit higher. In summer, you push them back down to hide them, best feature lol
Yeah the late 90's and early 2000's was a very memorable time for enthusiasts. Cars were rapidly getting better and some exciting rivalries began to emerge. The fast sedan is commonplace now but was a novelty then. I very much remember getting my monthly Road and Track in the mail and comparing stats of the GS400, 540i, E420, S4 etc. The GS400 was a real street fighter and not a car to be messed with. 300hp was a big number in those days. Sometimes I wish I could go back to 2002 and live there forever. Enjoy!
Dude, I WOULD go back there & live there forever. Not just for cars, but yes that was certainly the beginning of the end. Everyone had something great & interesting to offer back then.
I'll never own anything newer than 2010 until I'm completely forced to, & I may just stop driving by then.
Yep, that era was the glory days of the sports sedan. The G35! The TL! E46! We were spoiled.
Your 2002 comment is so underrated. Add me to list of wanting to go back.
That cluster is bringing back some SERIOUS memories man...🔥
Lexus really hit a series of home runs in the 90s - LS400, GS400, SC400, RX300, ES300, etc. Kind of insane, really. They offered everything you needed, and nothing you didn’t.
I picked up a Lexus 2004 RX330 AWD I use for the same purpose. I take it to places I don’t take my good cars to. It only has 44,789 miles on it maintained by an older woman at a Lexus dealer. It has become the family favorite! Lol
thanks I really loved that tour ! I have an aussie toyota avalon 2005 (1mz-fe) v6. don't know if same as here (australia) but tyres are generally considered throw away items if more than 8 years old. Might be worth checking the tyre age (on your lexus) via the tyre codes including the spare. The engine on your car sounds in very good condition. I do 6 month oil changes myself but then the 1mz-fe I have is known to produce a bit of engine sludge. happy driving !
Спасибо большое за видео! Ракурс съёмки просто шикарный! Чётко виден и спидометр, и тахометр. У других обзорщиков вечно панель приборов не видно.
The paint on yours is mint! Just picked up my second GS 400, but unfortunately the paint has seen better days. Got two in the garage now so I can drive one while I work on the other. I love these cars.
Also, '98 babies!
This exact year and Lexus model has always been one of my favorites! I was born in 98’ ! Great choice! Congrats.
Now this is the type of review that you will see me watching, compared when you review high in cars.
Btw your sub acct went up fast, from 3k when I start watching you to almost 30k.
And we want to see at all, road trips/modifications/cleaning/cost of living with a 25 years old car/gas money...everything
My father had a somewhat similar '01 GS 430! His being a black on black, and it looked slick. He retains the opinion that it was the best car he's ever owned, as (according to him) it felt like a little luxurious rocket. Had to get rid of it as the previous owner didn't take care of it too well, but he loved it for the time it was his daily. Hope you get great use out of that GS, man!
Dude. This is cool!
yes! my man! happy new year and welcome to club GS! you scored big time with this one take care of it on these awful MI roads 🤙
Love the gauge cluster!. My classmates mom has a black model when I was in 9th grade. I was obsessed!
9:24 People with the IS300 do entire steering wheel swaps from later Lexus models too. It was going to be my next project before I sold my 01
The wipers are on snow setting you can just push them down and they’ll go back in place :)
Great video. Brings back great memories…. I had a white pearl ‘98 gs400 w/ navigation back in the year 2000. I added a cold air intake & it sounded amazing. I loved it….
God I love this timeless Lexus design
Fantastic car, I remember driving one back in the day and being blown away at how smooth, powerful and responsive it was. It wasn't as fast as the similar MB or BMW, but damn if it didn't glide down the smoothly and have a sweet sonorous V8. Great pick.
I drove a 1998 GS400 for 208,000 miles having just replaced the struts, timing belt and brakes, as well as tires over many years. Cheap to keep and nothing ever really needed to be fixed other than routine wear. Shocks/ball joints and timing belt were replaced after 200,000 miles. Never needed to add oil between 6,000 mile oil changes with mobil 1. Car was totaled by a young lady who was looking backwards and talking with her son in the rear seat and drove into me going about 40 MPH while I was at a stop light. Bent the frame and pushed me into the car in front of me. I drove the car to the auto-body shop but insurance company informed me that it was not worth it to fix the car and wrote it off. I had planned on keeping the vehicle for about another 4 years in 2009, bought a 2009 Accord coupe, and then went back to a 2020 RC350 F-sport which is a terrific vehicle, with no problems after 4 years of ownership. The Honda was repaired many times due to mechanical problems, and burned significant oil way before I donated it at 178,000 miles. Same maintenance schedule as the Lexus, but not the same outcome. You get what you pay for IMO.
I always love GS instrument cluster ..... just love it
some light 40% tint would look good on this! Nothing too dark, just enough to compliment the paint and provide some shade!
I'm sucker for 1uz sound, man got an awesome car.
The wipers are in snow mode or winter mode or ser ice mode. This is so your wipers will not freeze to your windshield. All you need to do is pull down on the wipers to bring it down to summer position.
You are to be admired for having a gopro on your head and having two hands free. Rattling ride means that your suspension bushings are worn out, links need tightening. Jack up the car, wiggle the wheels back and forth. Everything sounds loose. Fixable.
The wipers are in “snow’ position so the defog vents can heat them. Just push down on them and they’ll pop into normal position.
I had this car 1998 in “02 very reliable… fast all you need is coil overs .. can’t handle curves at high speed .. problems : ball joints weak ..and control arms .. that’s it
The 1uz was aircraft certified and i came so close to buying one several years ago but it had 250k or so on it and had a laundry list of suspension problems my younger self was not equilped for or finalcislly able to deal with so I passed unfortunately
The 1uz was FAA certified to be put in aircrafts, truely a remarkable engine
I have a friend who’s got a 2002 GS300 and it’s a little beat up now (he’s a little careless and he’s had a few accidents) but ever since he got it I’ve always liked it. When it was clean and undamaged, it was a sweet car. Really wish I could get one. Still, I’m really happy with my 05 E320, a competitor of these cars!
Buys a RWD - "I'm all setup for winter with this thing" 💀
This was in Co-Part ? seriously ???? You must have some great connections at Co-part because a very clean car like this would never reach auction bidding time.
Love the glow on the dials
I personally own a GS430 myself. Awesome car but you should really replace the lower ball joints on yours ASAP. Its a very common problem with these
Just ordered them!
What about the brake booster/master cylinder? I’ve heard those were common to go bad and cost like $4,000 to replace if you do it at Lexus
@@MaximumDIYGarageWhen brake fluid is changed on time they last longer
@@MrCarGuy Thought it was something to do with the nitrogen accumulator
@@MaximumDIYGarage that's another common failure that early cars had, I believe 98-00
Damn i miss mines. Really thinking about getting another one
I’ve got a lot of cars from copart that I made my daily, and almost all of them were such good cars and ran flawlessly. I did get screwed over once where I had to part out a Cobalt SS Turbo to make up the money I spent on it. Had 40k miles but they stuck the bumper back on and listed as front end damage when it was destroyed on the undercarriage. Took a chunk out the LSD trans
I still drive my 04 GS430. Love this car
If you ever want to see it I live in South Jersey 😊
RWD car for winter certainly is interesting!
7:45 so glad that wasn't edited out. That was too funny.
I used to have some Lexus and I really missed that one !
Congratulations!!! VERY VERY RELIABLE CAR
Great car I own two but why a semi rare pretty iconic rwd v8 vehicle for a winter driver?
One of my favorite Lexus models
Honda, Toyota, and Lexus. Some of the top 3 best reliable and well lasting vehicles
This was almost my 1st car in the late 2000s. 14-15 years later it still looks great and it was a decade old already back then
That is a nice ride. Rear wheel drive. No traction control. Perfect drivers car.
l used to own a GS 430. I loved that car. I used to commute in it. Regrettably, I got rid of it because I put a lot of miles on it and it needed a lot of work. You bought a gem.
get that front end suspension work done soon, ball joints love to go out on 2nd gen gs's and destroys your fender in the process lol beautiful car though. and your wipers might be in "snow mode" you manually grab them and force up or down to hide in the cowl
Other than the tires and rims this is an exact copy of the one I had new. The factory rims would bend easily and they had problems with balance weights falling off. I also had a problem with the bulb falling out on one of the trunk mounted tail lights. Other than those issues it was a great car to own and drive.
The wipers are in service position. You just have to manually punch them down and they will click into the normal position.
I like these cars. Very well balanced so they drift good. You didnt once use the shift buttons on the steering wheel. They really make the car fun and are unique to the gs400.
I had a GS 400 sold it and made plenty profit. I still have my GS 300 with the Mark Levinson sound system, Make sure the key hole where the truck pop is isn’t locked.
Sold my all original 1998 GS300 about a year ago with 107K. Same Cinnabar Pearl color with tan interior. Miss that car but simply wasn't being driven and sat in the garage too much. Great cars! Enjoy yours.
Congratulations Topher on your new purchase! I wouldn’t mod the car too much. Keep us updated on the progress of the updates! Hopefully it will be a decent car and experience for you! She’s the same age as you. That’s decent! Happy New Year from the Heartland! Mark in Iowa.
Happy new year!
Awesome car, I used to love the GS400 and especially the SC400 and SC300 with the manual. Nice find.
Nice find. We kept my wife's 2000 Jaguar S Type for 16 years, had 116,000 miles. Got rid of it for a mid size Lexus SUV.
The dealer I work for was sending a 99 to auction and I was so tempted. Prob could've gotten it for 1500-2000, just don't have the room sadly. Even had the Nakamichi sound system and HID headlights.
My friend had one of these back when new. His was a 98 and had the wooden steering wheel but he also had navigation,maybe it came as a package because I remember seeing a two other GS400s that my friend group had and both were 98 with navigation and wooden steering wheel. They looked so good but I was to love in with the E39 540i so I had two of those then two e60 550i’s
Beautiful color I work at an Auction and got my friend a 98 gs400 for $1200 has been her baby for 3 years now actually got too ride in it a few months ago it's quick and only has 240k miles.
Vanity plate: “NTABOMR” (not a boomer); big congrats on this one … wanted one so badly as a 16yo when it came out in ‘98 … still have the MT, C&D, R&T, Automobile articles, especially the black 400 spec with the upgraded stock 5-spoke chrome wheels.
These are one of the best cars ever built and 300K miles for these cars are nothing. I laughed when you spoke about the back faded lenses, actually what it is is the light bulb that is a colored bulb and the color comes off and becomes clear.. Great video.
I have an sc400 and experimented with a few setups. I recommend removing the 2 mufflers and 2 resonators and installing a Flowmaster 15150S 2.5”resonator. It isn’t a muffler like the stock resonators but more like a 1/8 wave resonator(J pipe). Sounds like straight pipe but quieter and without any drone.
Those rims look amazing!
Yes, except they’re not the best choice as a set of winter wheels. That chrome will be destroyed after two winters. Ask me how I know.
i'm imagining that color with the gold badges.... i want one now
I owned a 98 GS300 and did the Aristo 2JZGTE swap. Kept the motor stock and just ran exhaust and intake. It wasn't crazy fast, but I had enough power to gap a buddy's e36 m3. Don't really miss it but it was nice for the time.
Just bought at 98 gs400 with 112,000 miles no rust or anything car spent most of its life in California this car is amazing
Hot dang! This car has aged like fine wine! How is this a TWENTY-SIX year old car?! How can something that looks this modern possibly qualify for a Michigan "Historical" plate?
Upgrades? I would say new seats or custom front seat upholstery. Maybe swap radio for a Carplay screen unless you like the stock radio.
My dad let me keep his LS430 during my senior year of college. Oh how i miss having a tank V8 and RWD. Ill never forgive the reckless driver for totaling it while it was parked out on the street
It's the front lower ball joints that go on these gs300/400/430.. that cause wheel to fall off.. not a bushing
Push the wiper down with your hand did you try that?
thank you so much for pushing down the headrest i wouldn’t have been able to finish the video if you didn’t 😭
One of the best cars ever made and the 1UZ-FE motor was one of the only car engines approved for aviation use.