So sad you can't do this job. This is why we all should support the right to repair. It should be illegal for manufacturers to lock down their computers like this.
Yes your right, the CAN bus system originally came about for engines to help comply with environmental issues but things have gone a long way since then. The premise keep it simple has definitely not happened here. If anything the manufacturers have stepped up securing more modules to stop work being done away from dealer networks.
they dont lock it down....just have to pay for the information like what the wizard said lol they're just making it harder (ie:special tools etc) but they do sell you what you need. big difference.
@@herewegoagain7403 That's true, but if they refused to sell you access to information plus tools, that would leave them open to litigation, especially in the USA.
Im a Lexus tech and have done several of these, its a pretty common issue. There was a class action lawsuit and a warranty enhancement for it and some are still covered, but alot aren't. You arent missing much not doing this repair, it doesn't pay well for what it is. BUT the procedure you do when you're done with this isn't programming the brake actuator to the car, its a involved bleed procedure through the tech stream and is definitely a 2 person job and can be alittle finicky ive had a few where I had to do it twice. I honestly would have thought that aftermarket scan tools like the autel would have the ability to do this bleed procedure since its not like writing the module to the car or anything.
@@emeyer6963 so far so good! I had an idler pulley go out on one and an alternator on another but those were both fluke things and covered under warranty. Like the wizard says, no such thing as a perfect auto maker and lexus is no exception, but I do agree that they tend to hold up better than other manufacturers for sure. Other than those little fluke things i have only really done maintenance on them. There was a recall on the tires at some early on but those are pretty much taken care of and then there are some with the fuel pump recall but thats covered and not really a big deal to have done. All the vehicles with the updated fuel pumps havent had any issues so far from my experience. With any manufacturer id say its a bit early to tell for any major issues with the new LS500 but given the lexus track record and how good the Lexus CPO warranty is, you can't really go wrong getting one CPO. They are INCREDIBLY comfortable and I think the interior is beautiful. They drive like a dream, id say overall a good buy!
@@shakenbake330 Just took delivery of a 2017 LS 460 CPO with less than 5k miles and really love it. Are brake actuator problems still an issue with the last of these 4th gen beasts?
@@groberts1780 its mainly the early ones that this was an issue so like 07-09ish roughly off the top of my head, I feel like I've done one 12 model but its pretty consistent with the early versions of this platform. I would assume they updated it when they realized there was an issue. Congratulations on taking delivery of your LS460! Im sure you will love it, they are incredibly comfortable cars!
I’m sure Scotty would love to heap praise on Chevys and Chryslers but he just gives his honest opinion. demand better from some of these other car companies instead of throwing shade at Toyota.
I am an automotive locksmith and we are starting to get into programming some of these things. We have found that with some of these brands you are able to purchase a one time use of their software or a day long pass instead of a yearly subscription. Might be worth looking into
I had this fail on my LS460 and 4Runner. I took them apart afterward and it ended up being worn out commutator on the electrical motor used to build pressure. It machined itself right down to the shaft or insulator underneath it. I was able to send the motors out to be rebuilt with no programming required.
Honestly the new lexus's front ends have grown on me, specifically the ES's and the newest LS and the LC500, But ive also had the pleasure of driving them and when you're in a car that nice you almost forget about how it looks, But im OCD about cars too so ill keep it clean every week like a finatic
I really like the new lexus designs, they're just a totally different design concept than the old school conservative understated lexus luxury and def cater to a different crowd
Exactly people say Bmws are good cars because they accept the many flaws they have just because it drives good. Man listen I can't do it. This is 1 issue that once fixed its over for that issue. These cars are bullet proof and this is a flaw that actually does not matter because the overall car is spectacular. I have a gs f sport and I'm trying to figure out if I'm gonna get a 2018 gsf or a 2018 ls. I can't figure it out yet if I want a true sports sedan or a flag ship lux. Decisions Decisions 🤔
@@timesup6302 you just have to check on the oil regularly, but they key is maintenance. Buy a good quality oil like aimsoil, change you spark plugs, pcv valve and do 5k interval oil changes and you’ll be good. Most oil burning issues come from lack of maintenance and prolonging their oil changes too far.
There's a service here in Europe whereby you can plug in your scan tool and it connects to a server, you then deal with a person and they get the software you need and after a few minutes it's done. You pay a small fee per use of the service. Which would, if available in America, solve the huge fees you're talking about as you'd be looking at the cost of doing the job plus maybe 50 bucks to program the components online.
This does exist but isn't very common in America. Shops have it. Also there are mobile mechanics that travel just doing module programming, code reading, writing, etc. They are popular with body shops after the shop replaces crash sensors, radar, airbag modules etc.
I changed the oil on my 2012 Toyota Sienna two weeks ago. The oil had nearly 5,000 miles on it and it still looked new. The van has 162,000 miles on it. Our previous Sienna was a 2000 with 250,000 miles on it. We would still be driving it except we were rear ended and it was totalled. Toyota makes fantastic vehicles. I'm thoroughly impressed with the quality and the longevity of their vehicles.
Man, 5000 miles is too much for a oil. Consider 3500-4000 miles and your car will be thankful to you even more. And check under the valve cover. If the oil don't gets dirty, then maybe it's all inside the motor
I don’t think that this will be the case with newer Toyotas, they have increase the complexity of the engines so only specialist will be able to do anything medium to major. The old style ones were easy to service and repair.
@@intraxx88 Frequent oil change is useless. Americans are duped into it to spend precious $$$. Modern synthetic oil can be changed at 8000 miles easily. When I had my BMW e46 330d, I did 10000miles/15000km intervals and I sold the car with 400 000 km on odometer running like a clock.
@@UMORIEGA longlife oils are not so longlife anyways. Frequent oil change helps the engine last longer than prescribed 150K miles. The more you throttle, the frequenter got to be change
I wish I lived close to your shop so I could bring my cars there for services. You are so professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and most importantly honest. I wish there were more mechanics like you outthere. Thank you very much Car Wizzard for being who you are!
@@miguelvega7769 I did my research before I bought my 08 LS460. The most expensive repairs are for the brake actuator (about $3k at the dealership) and replacing the front control arms (as @CarWizard showed). Lexus will charge an average of $500 PER CONTROL ARM and $5,000+ for the whole job! I followed another UA-camr who recommended RockAuto and Mevotech control arms. I got all EIGHT control arms for $700 (including the shipping) and was charged about 6 hours worth of labor by my local mechanic to do it (along with some other stuff). Just got to be smart about it and do your research - like Hoovie does.
No, they're not that bad to fix. The abs actuator and the control arms are really all that go wrong with them. The engines eat oil at about 150k miles and the valley needs to be resealed. Thats it. Cheaper to fix than buy new.
The hydraulic portions do not need to be vin coded, used works just fine. You will have to run the reset procedures and calibrate the linear valve of the used on to the vehicle's vsc computer.
yeah. the pump section and electronic section should be separated. been wondering why not just buy the new actuator assembly, swap the module, and do calibration?
@@kruleworld yup. It's not an effient means to material use. Alot of people buy used cars because they need work. Like me... I'm good at fixing things myself and now alot of these cars will be junked.
Not just that, but it has slowly crept up to be over almost every function of a car to the point a computer is going to be deciding whether you get to drive or not, from one moment to the next. I see Technocracy coming from a mile away, and it ain't pretty.
I’d just drive it as is. As long as the master cylinder is working the manual brakes will work perfectly fine. You don’t need ABS, VSC, TC, proportioning, or vacuum assist to stop safety if your legs are strong.
Yes. It would be nice to have a lift at home. Getting up and down and then crawling under a car becomes a chore when one is older. I guess it would be easier if one is smaller than average. I'm 6' @ 190lbs and 66 years old. I do remember it being easier to get under a car a few decades ago.
When I saw the title of the video, I knew it has to be the ABS module. It was a recall for it. I almost bought one with this problem. What prevent me for doing it was the dealer price to fix the car. In the same time I'm amazed how Lexus allowed such a mistake on a major system, like the braking system. Beside that, there's not much else that can go wrong with those cars. I love them! It's unbelievable the quality they put into these brands!! And to prove it, I replaced the transmission fluid and filter on a 2004 Lexus GX470 at 133,000 miles, according to the owner manual, and the fluid was still clean and red!!! 133,000 miles!!! Great video, as usual! Thank you, wizard!
@@Rhaspun Yes, except now instead of $150 to $300 to license a copy of Windows, now it's $20,000 to $40,000 to "license" a luxury automobile or farm equipment. All that money and you "own" nothing... Software licensing is their business model and it makes sense in that regard. With cars for example it's just excess greed plain and simple. And John Deere is trying to make our food producer's slim profit margins even slimmer.
"....You don't just dump this car"....who the heck would ever "dump" a Lexus? Maybe if there was a huge car fire, or car falls off a cliff? Lexus cars are engineered to be owned a long time, or re-sold at a premium price.
@@derekquinones8614 I just bought an 08 GS350 awd too! 1 owner, extensive dealerships maintenance. I had to get it shipped to me and it arrives tomorrow. I feel like a kid on Christmas
I had to dump my ls460 cuz it got a transmission solenoid code and a trans rebuild was like 12k and the car had 185k miles on it. Wish I didn’t have to but it wasn’t worth putting that money into. Also had stuff like worn air suspension all the way around, trunk didn’t work etc. shame but great car while I had it
Last year I bought a 2017 Lexus LS460 with 69,500 miles. A big part of the decision was the large number of invariably favorable posts (by Car Wizard, Car care nut, scotty Kilmer and several others) on the Toyota brand in general and Lexus in particular. I worked in automotive for 40 years, (which I mention in passing only to say, I know who knows what they are talking about and who doesn't). And when that many experienced and qualified are all saying how good a car is, I listen to what they say. Turned out to be the best car I ever owned (out of a dozen cars I've owned over the years) and most LS owners will tell you the same thing.
@Kris Nicholson that "safety check" by a professional after a self would just still allow them to charge outrageous prices making it basically not worth it to repair your own vehicle just say you are anti consumer and go
@@whollymindless Yes, exactly . A few states are starting to pass laws about it. Hopefully it will lead to a better accessibility to diagnostic software.
What I found with the toyota brake actuator is that it can rust inside from the brake fluid absorbing moisture. When i took apart the brake actuator which could be cleaned up to function again, but the key is to change the brake fluid more often than the manufacturer recommends. Also make sure it's synthetic fluid.
I remember when Mrs. Wizard was too shy to come on camera. Now she's a natural! I hope that's because we talked her up to it, if so, I'm proud of the comment-section for once.
I have a 2005 LX470 with a similar brake booster set up. I hate that system so much and am fearful for it to fail ($$$$). Luckily it's lasted 400,000 miles so far and still works perfectly. I must say they do know how to make a quality vehicle. Mine has only required timing belts and basic maintenance.
My thoughts exactly. Since cars are now run by computers, manufacturers can copyright the software used to program the ECM and other computers. They can then refuse to sell that software to anyone but a dealer, making it impossible for an independent garage to service the vehicle. The market solution is to refuse to buy from that manufacturer, no matter how good their cars are. If new car buyers don't care because they have service plans, they will care about the zero resale value when it comes to trading in. That said, I agree with the Wizard that Toyotas are excellent cars, so owning one probably won't mean a lot of trips to any service center, dealer or otherwise. But Apple used to make great products, then started making a lot of money on their Genius Bar system and the quality of their gear went down. The Genius Bar is plenty busy telling loyal Mac owners to throw away their 3 or 4-year-old Macbook because it's cheaper to buy a new one, while Apple sues any shop that fixes it by replacing a cheap component on the mother board. Now that Toyota is trying to make their own Genius Bar system, will the quality of future Toyotas suffer?
Right to repair is really an issue of ownership. You really don’t own something if someone else can forbid you from repairing or modifying it. They even claim the right to sue you if you try. Corporate greed is gripping the world tighter with these proprietary parts and service policies.
By far one of the most comfortable “affordable” luxury cars to drive. Would own one of these over a bmw or Benz any day of the week (unless we’re talking about the super high end ones)
If you live near an MB dealer an S is good, but if you live more than 1hr from a dealership Toyota gets the nod. Both are good at accomplishing their mission. Mercedes provides outstanding warranty and service experience.
@@AnnaKuznetzova88 it is better but not THAT much better. Also, its luxurious enough. The ease of mind you have with these is worth the fact that its not as luxurious as an S class
Right to Repair is huge. If people cannot repair their own stuff, they don't truly 'own' it. Louis Rossmann does a great job of explaining why R2R is important, and also why OEMs don't want us to have that right.
@@johnoberst1045 it was almost offensive the way she said it. I was thinking of all the "van life" videos I've seen on UA-cam, how many of these must be keeping people from being fully homeless and out of the cold right this moment, and then she called it "creepy". Then I got to thinking, there's an issue there.
@@HAL-dm1eh as someone who has owned custom vans since the 70's, I'm offended by this stereotype. It's a vehicle that comes as close to universal as possible. You can haul stuff, haul your family, camp in it and as Hoovie says, you get a level of luxury you cannot find anywhere else.
Most reliable car.i ever owned? Currently it's a 06 Pontiac vibe (Toyota, I know) before that I had a 94 Camaro for 13 years and it went to the grave with 239k.
What can I say have 3 editions of this fine car . 2007,2009 and then my current 2013, I had all 3 big germans merc s65 was a basket case of cost bimmer 750il was a oil trap and the vanos gave me heartburn then Audi A8 4.2 was brilliant but depreciated like a submarine with a hatch open. This module was a issue on my 2009 as well and yes it has to go to the local lexus dealer to fix but what I saved on the vehicles over my ownership till now it is worth it. I drive the 2013 the tech is amazing. Will definitely buy another maybe get a LS600H 👌🏻
@The Forsaken One You have to use the luxurious Lexus “tool”(software) which you can only rent for an extreme price. Otherwise you don’t have the right to fix certain things in their eyes. Basically extortion.
Well the Lexus software is just Techstream, which can be had very easily online nowadays, and that Autel has the capabilities to do the bleeding and calibration. What it and the non legit versions of techsteam can't do do is actual module programming or software loading you could say. They have to actually connect to Toyota servers and download the programming from there. Which only dealers or paying shops have the ability to do.
Have owned an 07 for 12 years and put 105k on it. So far just basic maintenance and replaced the radiator at 70k. No brake actuator needed yet, but if it costs $2000- $3000 to repair it's worth it vs buying the cost of a similar car that's 3 years old.
Um... THIS Lexus has a faulty brake controller. Technically, it hasn't "broken down", though who WANTS to drive a car with a brake system that is beginning to malfunction? The reason Wizard can't fix this all the way is the replacement part has to be VIN coded by a dealer, (and it's not practical for him to pay the different manufacturer's fees to gain this capability).
lloydrmc I drove mine with that problem for 2 years until I realized I could get it fixed for FREE at the dealer. Perfect now. Never had any issue stopping even when it was malfunctioning.
What has been the most reliable car that I've ever owned? That must have been that blue Matchbox car from my childhood. It never broke down, it never left me stranded, I could always rely on it being in my pocket...
You have the right to do mechanical part, and you can buy OEM programm for 2000$ a year. They are not for free because it's the programm complex that does much more than a calibrating ABS/DSC and should be used by dedicated shop. Buuuuuut, i pretty much sure, there's some software that can do that in kinda illegal way (that i consider okay for personal use, not doing profit of it), so it cannot be used by Wizard.
@@intraxx88 so you feel like Farmers shouldn't be able to fix their John Deere tractors? That's what's happening. They have to pay 1000's to some technician to come with their special computer and do an update.
@@aleks2912 farmers should find some hackers too. They can support pirates' society once or keep paying to "trained personell". Feel free to watch the video again, then read my comment again. Do i say that i *support* Service software overpricing politics? Keep in mind that some systems getting more and more complex as time goes and newer acts going out, and it needs sometimes to say to ECU that there is some new variables in adaptation. So for personal use, particular for Farm technic there *must be* software to do calibrations of hydraulic, steering, sensors available for people on the fields. As long as they know what to do. Regarding fluids change there must be not a single software obstacle
You're totally right. The LS460 isn't even close to what the best Lexus has put out. Lots of issues and I still can't believe they let it come off the factory assembly line like that for sale. My dad had one lemon lawed back in the day for brake actuator issues, horrendous wind noise, and also the control arm rubber ate themselves after 13k miles off the dealership lot. His LS430 was far better made.
I have an 05! Black on black. Got it in October. I'm gonna keep this thing forever. So comfortable. Just did the timing belt and other maintenance. Getting the adaptive headlights working again this week. Gonna be sick.
Had an 01 Volvo S80. The film on the rearview mirror was peeling off so we just dumpstered the whole mirror and pulled one from the junkyard.... Turns out there's a one time programmable chip in the mirror that controls the sunroof, the dome light, the alarm, the keyless entry.... Good thing the sunroof was closed when we did that.
I think this is going to be my next car (although I prefer the look of the facelifted models about 3 years newer. Not the ones with the predator-mouth grille). As an adult, I've driven nothing but Hondas and Acuras, so reliability should be on par with this LS.
You can get a 2 Day TIS subscription for ~ 65 $ in the US, and a one day subscription for ~ 20 € in Europe. Maybe this could be the solution for such occasional Toyota/Lexus repairs.
@@calindor19 You are incorrect ❌ where did you get your sources from 🤔 I've owned a bmw and audi both brands are garbage, it's all about reliability and quality and that's where lexus wins every time ✔no debate about that lol
@@envisionelectronics It will when you need a new battery @ the cost of anywhere of $3000-$7000 and your break job that will probably cost $1600.00 lol Tesla still requires maintenance, no car is designed not to go into a shop that's just silly, here's a list for you if you didn't know already Cabin air filter: Replace every two years.High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter: Replace every three years.Tire rotation, balance, and wheel alignment: Have tires serviced every 6,250 miles.Brake fluid test: Test brake fluid for contamination every two years.Air conditioning service: Get air conditioning serviced every two years for the Model S, every four years for the Model X and Model Y, and every six years for the Model 3.Winter care: Clean and lubricate all brake calipers each year or every 12,500 miles for cars in
The Lexus’ are absolutely amazing. I’ve had 6 altogether, all older ones and all only £2,000 - £3000 each. I owned both the LS400 and LS430 and they are simple stunning. I looked into all the other luxury rivals, and the owners reviews on them, before buying the Lexus. They so rarely go wrong that they simply blow the competition into the weeds for reliability. My favourite model of all the Lexus’ I owned was an RX400h. It did everything I needed with the extra benefit of a good AWD system and a huge boot.
Years after these came out, I still find them to be gorgeous. This design hit a sweet spot for me. Better than the 430s, but the version after was too much. I certainly hope designers take cues from this car in the future.
This is a spectacular car! I currently have 145k on my 07 LS460. Most comfortable and reliable car myself or anyone that I know has ever owned. Around 120k I changed both the brake actuator for $1,500 at an independent shop owed by a former Lexus master tech (so he had a access to Techstream which is needed to do this job) and I payed $250 for aftermarket lower control arms that I changed myself. Literally, those are all the issues this car has given me. $1,750 in repairs over 14 years is pretty amazing. I don't plan on selling this car soon, I just put winter tires on it and drive it year round here in the northeast :)
I have a 2018 Lexus ES300H. The only thing I hate it about it is the damned cartridge oil filter. What a joke. Otherwise the car is great. I average 37-38 mpg
I have a 2006 ES330 as my daily with 247k miles. And it’s absolutely flawless and still looks gorgeous. I also have this LS460 but the gas mileage is not as great
I have 2013 es300h and it does 180k on it. I have got the car brand new. Until now, I didn’t get an small problem. It runs like horse. It is meaning of a bulletproof words to me. Incredible.
I have a 2015 Scion tC and the cartridge oil filter isn't much different to replace than a normal oil filter...other than I had to shell out $20 for a good metal tool but it's less waste, and the cartridge is a few bucks cheaper than a normal filter too ($8 ad opposed to $11 at Napa)
I have a 2011 sienna with over 380k miles and I do my oil change every 10k-15k miles. The cartridge oil filter is very simple to change as no different than a normal can filter but just more clean ups to do.
I'm so glad to see you do a video on Lexus, Wizard! My ES has been the most reliable, comfortable, cheapest-to-maintain car I've ever owned. 30 MPG, enough power to scoot when I need it, even corners well. After 15 years, I'm shopping for the next one now.
I actually helped my buddys replace the abs actuator on his 2008 ls460. It was fairly simple and not hard just a lot of steps, you have to take out a lot of things that are in the way. That thing bled itself and we didn’t have to do anything else, but we still bled it like a normal car and it was fine all the lights turned off automatically.
To answer the wizard's question at the end; the most reliable car I owned was a 2006 Mazda 6 touring with a 6 speed manual. The only problem I had was the clutch plate needed changing and that's it.
from experience the actuator and accumulator go bad only they dont need to be vin coded and there is a superseded part number on those and they are interchangeable with couple of toyotas
I love my 96 LS400. By far the best purchase I’ve ever made. Black/charcoal 2 tone. Black interior. Heated seats. Paid $3800 for it last month with 162k miles. I added some BC coil overs, and some wheels and tires, full 3” stainless exhaust with electric cutouts. Car is just fantastic. Easy to work on, rides fantastic. I haven’t driven my Park Avenue since I bought it! Ole Buick will be on the chopping block soon. And I’ve already put 4200 miles on it. I love to just drive the damn thing. Im a v8 guy, so it’s awesome to open the cut outs and just let it eat.
Those big Lexus 460's almost never break down. One thing on them that does cause trouble however is those control arms you were looking at on the front. The rubber used to make the bushings on the control arms tends to wear prematurely. Lexus gets about 7 to 8 k for new control arms and won't sell the bushings separate. You can get new non OEM bushings to press in for about 800
I have that same car but in the last update model they made 2011 for that gen. I love it. All the bells and whistles that new cars are barley getting now lol
Lexus may build the fastest or the best looking but they're still damn fine automobiles that will be on the road long after many Audi's, Merc's and BMW's have been laid to rest. Sorry if anyone is offended by that, my opinion
It's not your opinion, it's a fact. I get so much hate mail when I tell people that BMW, MB, Porsche, Audi are money pits, horribly engineered and poorly designed... They refuse to believe it's in the face of evidence.
Yes, Lexus cars are more reliable than German cars and the reason is they use OUTDATED technology that has improved and been proven stable thanks to the German counterparts. A new Lexus will never be as good as a comparable Audi, Mercedes-Benz or BMW. The Germans look more sofisticated, they have advanced features, the tech is found nowhere else. It is normal for new tech to have glitches here and there. You have the right to choose: Big excitement that comes with its downsides OR Reliability that comes with no excitement. Life is a choice 😁
I believe that if you jump TE1 and E1 at the obd2 connector for one hour, it will program all the ECU’s to talk with each other on Lexus and Toyotas. That doesn’t cover zero point calibrations though
My local Lexus dealership service department prices are actually very reasonable. My friend had an Ls460 2007 and they would price match to independent shops.
I've only had mine for 4 months but every time I drive it is like nothing I've driven in my 50yrs behind the wheel of many makes and models..it's crazy luxury
This is the number #1 reason why I decided to bail on my 2008 LS460 with 100K before brake booster failed. I was able to get a high kbb private sale value for it since it was mint. I did most of the repairs myself such as the upper control arms, struts and radiator. It was very well behaved over the 2 1/2 years that I owned it. I just did not want a $3000-$4000 bill hanging over my head and once I paid the bill , I'd have to be locked into to keeping it longer or sell at a higher asking price to recoup losses. I do regret letting it go. It drove perfect and looked great with the 19 inch 5 spoke wheels.
@@nyccollin a lot more than an brake actuator that goes wrong on these. Definitely the worst used lexus someone could buy, unless they have a big wallet
@@nyccollin besides the brake actuator which is nearly $4,000 to fix. Everything suspension wise is really weak on these vehicles. There's the control arms, all 8 will fail, and are extremely expensive to replace. Air suspension will fail, which either leaves you out close to $10,000 or you convert to regular coilovers. They had issues with the valve springs, which was covered under warranty, but not everyone did this. Few other things as well, but I stopped looking at these a while back after discovering how expensive they are to maintain. It's not worth it. Just look at a GS350 or GS450h instead (if you can ever find one)
@@rubbertoe. It’s mainly the front suspension because of the engine weight though right? Already replaced lower control arms. No air suspension on mine. I think you’re referring to the LS430.
I have one, I have an 08 LS460 burgundy metallic gorgeous car. They drive like tanks. I have 120k on mine and no issues but it’s not my daily. I have a 2006 ES330 which is also flawless and drives like a buttery smooth tank, with 247k miles. My land cruiser 2005 is still the king tho with 288,000 miles
Very similar stable to mine, My family owns a 2006 ES330 with 267k miles, daily beater, quiet and smooth not to mention reliable as nails. My 08 LS 460 is in Mercury Metallic with 174k and a practically brand new interior under Lexus ZLZ replacement program that replaced the dash, door panels, glove box and other bits for free. We also have an08 RX350 that's also a gem with 130k. Best cars ever owned hands down.
@@noelmanget7446 agree the ES330 is an amazing car. Built better than our 2011 GS350 which has had a lot more issues with 100K than the 2004 ES330 with 275K.
bought a e46 bmw with 70k miles on it. one year later literally everything start breaking on it. window regulators. brake lines. suspension parts. hydraulic tappets. key fob. subframe went aswel. bought lexus ct200h with 150k miles on it. 2 years later. nothing changed. still feels same car. amazing
You are right sir. Work at a Lexus dealer and those LS460 Brake actuators are common. Once you get that accumulator code, you know good and well that the brake actuator is done. Sometimes both need to be replaced but if the Accumulator voltage stays at about 3v-3.5v its good to be reused and the Actuator just needs to be replaced. Then you have to have the Toyota/Lexus techstream software to bleed the brakes and initialize the system to get it back to working order. Not a fun job considering that it's all one unit and bolted underneath the drivers fender liner hahaha
Holy Cow Wizard! I almost took my LS to you a week ago for some front suspension check. I still may after the holidays. Lucky my Break system got replaced just before i bought it 5 years ago. MIne is a 07.
2:15 "very classy very elegant" ..I wish I can say the same after that stupid grille they start putting on all Lexus vehicles now. And when people complained that it looks unsightly, Lexus decided to make it BIGGER!! ☹️☹️
Wizard ...I need a van !! Hanging out in front of elementary schools handing out free candy from a Geo Metro is not cutting it....A nice big conversion van would be a very nice upgrade for me....I can pick it up next week....thanks Wizard in advance 😉
@@30minforasn this video is on the ls460 if your talking about the orginal ls the 400 that still doesn't add up to why the ford CEO would wait to 2005 to make a crappy ford version to 2007 funny think is I own 2 cars a 2011 ls460 and a 2005 ford 500
I believe they corrected many 460 problems which were the worst in 07. The wind noise and melting interior parts and the suspension. Seems 2010 is much improved and 11 about the best along with 12-13. I’m considering a nice low mileage (50,000 miles) 2010 right now. I already own a 06 430 and it’s been very reliable.
I think you may have skipped an option, and lots of posters here who are complaining about Right to Repair may not even know this is an option. You only mentioned the annual fee. All of the manufacturers I am familiar with offer: Daily, Three Day, Weekly, Monthly and Yearly as options for access. Why couldn't you just get a three day subscription. I'm sure you already have a $2000 J-Box (short for J2534 pass-through tool) and a laptop. So you have all the hardware to support any car made in the last 20 years. It's a fee and a download, and once you have downloaded it then you have it from then on, barring updates of course. As an IT guy I once setup a laptop with multiple hard drives, one for each manufacturer for a shop. Not absolutely neccessary but saved any potential cross conflicts between software or OS requirments. love your content your demeanor and your approach, you da man!
“I don’t really get a lot of Toyota’s in the shop” music to my ears. Thats the greatest sentiment to reliability. It costs a bit more, there are even prettier cheaper vehicles , but it breaks way less.
So sad you can't do this job. This is why we all should support the right to repair. It should be illegal for manufacturers to lock down their computers like this.
Fully agree. This is beyond ridiculous.
Yes your right, the CAN bus system originally came about for engines to help comply with environmental issues but things have gone a long way since then. The premise keep it simple has definitely not happened here. If anything the manufacturers have stepped up securing more modules to stop work being done away from dealer networks.
they dont lock it down....just have to pay for the information like what the wizard said lol they're just making it harder (ie:special tools etc) but they do sell you what you need. big difference.
That's how cars are made today they make them harder to work on so they can make you bring it to a dealership
@@herewegoagain7403 That's true, but if they refused to sell you access to information plus tools, that would leave them open to litigation, especially in the USA.
You are one of the rare breed of honest mechanics, hats off to you.
Im a Lexus tech and have done several of these, its a pretty common issue. There was a class action lawsuit and a warranty enhancement for it and some are still covered, but alot aren't. You arent missing much not doing this repair, it doesn't pay well for what it is. BUT the procedure you do when you're done with this isn't programming the brake actuator to the car, its a involved bleed procedure through the tech stream and is definitely a 2 person job and can be alittle finicky ive had a few where I had to do it twice. I honestly would have thought that aftermarket scan tools like the autel would have the ability to do this bleed procedure since its not like writing the module to the car or anything.
How are the new LS's holding up with the V6 Turbo?They are on my radar screen as a CPO purchase next year.
@@emeyer6963 so far so good! I had an idler pulley go out on one and an alternator on another but those were both fluke things and covered under warranty. Like the wizard says, no such thing as a perfect auto maker and lexus is no exception, but I do agree that they tend to hold up better than other manufacturers for sure. Other than those little fluke things i have only really done maintenance on them. There was a recall on the tires at some early on but those are pretty much taken care of and then there are some with the fuel pump recall but thats covered and not really a big deal to have done. All the vehicles with the updated fuel pumps havent had any issues so far from my experience. With any manufacturer id say its a bit early to tell for any major issues with the new LS500 but given the lexus track record and how good the Lexus CPO warranty is, you can't really go wrong getting one CPO. They are INCREDIBLY comfortable and I think the interior is beautiful. They drive like a dream, id say overall a good buy!
Hi, Matt! Is it possible to send you a PM by email or anything else?
@@shakenbake330 Just took delivery of a 2017 LS 460 CPO with less than 5k miles and really love it. Are brake actuator problems still an issue with the last of these 4th gen beasts?
@@groberts1780 its mainly the early ones that this was an issue so like 07-09ish roughly off the top of my head, I feel like I've done one 12 model but its pretty consistent with the early versions of this platform. I would assume they updated it when they realized there was an issue. Congratulations on taking delivery of your LS460! Im sure you will love it, they are incredibly comfortable cars!
“I don’t get these very often, their Toyota’s, Lexus, their really that good”!!
Music to Scott’s ears!!
they’re*
they’re*
there
I’m sure Scotty would love to heap praise on Chevys and Chryslers but he just gives his honest opinion. demand better from some of these other car companies instead of throwing shade at Toyota.
I am an automotive locksmith and we are starting to get into programming some of these things. We have found that with some of these brands you are able to purchase a one time use of their software or a day long pass instead of a yearly subscription. Might be worth looking into
Automotive Locksmith. sounds like a cool job!
that actually sounds pretty nice instead of paying a hefty yearly expense.
We need Scotty Kilmer to yell at Toyota for this injustice!
REV UP YOUR ENGINESSSS!!!!
I was just gonna post "Because you're not Scotty" when I saw the headline why can't i fix this
Scotty the misleading YT title guy.
@Gene Wright 3rd party vendors make these parts for almost all manufacturers.
And boy he can YELL
I had this fail on my LS460 and 4Runner. I took them apart afterward and it ended up being worn out commutator on the electrical motor used to build pressure. It machined itself right down to the shaft or insulator underneath it. I was able to send the motors out to be rebuilt with no programming required.
Where
Probably the manufacturer of the part itself, which may or may not be able to be contacted through the distributor.
They should have used a brushless motor then. The cost is astronomical anyway.
At a local electrical shop that rebuilds motors. I fully disassembled them
I like the way you think, There's always more then 1 way to repair most problems, Just as long as the end result ends up in a completed repair. 👍🇺🇸
That model was back when the front end was still very attractive and understated, before the designers turned it into a hideous grill on wheels.
Honestly the new lexus's front ends have grown on me, specifically the ES's and the newest LS and the LC500, But ive also had the pleasure of driving them and when you're in a car that nice you almost forget about how it looks, But im OCD about cars too so ill keep it clean every week like a finatic
I really like the new lexus designs, they're just a totally different design concept than the old school conservative understated lexus luxury and def cater to a different crowd
Have to agree! Toyota did the same thing with the Camry. Our 2nd car 2011 Camry may look boring, but at least it's not ugly like the newest ones.
Best looking gen of the LS IMHO.
No space monster grill here.
Scotty admitted that the abs module was an expensive problem, but I think it's worth every penny. What a good car.
Exactly people say Bmws are good cars because they accept the many flaws they have just because it drives good. Man listen I can't do it. This is 1 issue that once fixed its over for that issue. These cars are bullet proof and this is a flaw that actually does not matter because the overall car is spectacular. I have a gs f sport and I'm trying to figure out if I'm gonna get a 2018 gsf or a 2018 ls. I can't figure it out yet if I want a true sports sedan or a flag ship lux. Decisions Decisions 🤔
@@therealsyxx i would get the gsf and I would get an older ls430 as those are bullet proof too and very comfortable.
They burn oil like crazy
@@timesup6302 you just have to check on the oil regularly, but they key is maintenance. Buy a good quality oil like aimsoil, change you spark plugs, pcv valve and do 5k interval oil changes and you’ll be good. Most oil burning issues come from lack of maintenance and prolonging their oil changes too far.
@@junior17medval That's pretty much any car. Diligent maintenance
Love it! I drive an ‘07 LS460 and was worried when I saw the title but relieved when I found out why. Keep up the good work!
That’s my old car Wizard, sold at at 146,000. Best one I ever owned.
The original actuator lasted that long? I have one 80k miles.
@@BasedSwaghoe, Yes Lexus replaced mine at 110,000. I downsized to the IS after driving the LS for 25 years.
you Kept it well. Great Job! nice one.
So you screwed them over.nice job
This exact one ?
There's a service here in Europe whereby you can plug in your scan tool and it connects to a server, you then deal with a person and they get the software you need and after a few minutes it's done. You pay a small fee per use of the service. Which would, if available in America, solve the huge fees you're talking about as you'd be looking at the cost of doing the job plus maybe 50 bucks to program the components online.
Obdline
It should work everywhere aroung the world if its online🤔
@fingerz024 you mean like toyota does?
But why would car companies here want to save us money? They overcharge for everything else.
This does exist but isn't very common in America. Shops have it. Also there are mobile mechanics that travel just doing module programming, code reading, writing, etc. They are popular with body shops after the shop replaces crash sensors, radar, airbag modules etc.
I changed the oil on my 2012 Toyota Sienna two weeks ago. The oil had nearly 5,000 miles on it and it still looked new. The van has 162,000 miles on it. Our previous Sienna was a 2000 with 250,000 miles on it. We would still be driving it except we were rear ended and it was totalled. Toyota makes fantastic vehicles. I'm thoroughly impressed with the quality and the longevity of their vehicles.
I would agree I drove a toyota sienna van, the only thing I replaced was the brake pads and the water pump and timing belt service at 145k miles.
Man, 5000 miles is too much for a oil. Consider 3500-4000 miles and your car will be thankful to you even more. And check under the valve cover. If the oil don't gets dirty, then maybe it's all inside the motor
I don’t think that this will be the case with newer Toyotas, they have increase the complexity of the engines so only specialist will be able to do anything medium to major. The old style ones were easy to service and repair.
@@intraxx88 Frequent oil change is useless. Americans are duped into it to spend precious $$$. Modern synthetic oil can be changed at 8000 miles easily. When I had my BMW e46 330d, I did 10000miles/15000km intervals and I sold the car with 400 000 km on odometer running like a clock.
@@UMORIEGA longlife oils are not so longlife anyways. Frequent oil change helps the engine last longer than prescribed 150K miles. The more you throttle, the frequenter got to be change
I wish I lived close to your shop so I could bring my cars there for services. You are so professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and most importantly honest. I wish there were more mechanics like you outthere. Thank you very much Car Wizzard for being who you are!
There are a lot of car wizard-like mechanics out there
It's really awesome how the design still fits in and doesn't look one bit dated over a decade later.
Japanese style ages so well. Think Acura NSX, Nissan R34 etc still eye candy over a decade later
I just picked up a 2008 Honda Odyssey with 77000 miles for $7000 Canadian (like 5500 USA) certified ... looks just as good as the 2021 models
@@shawnpepin7890 ok shawn calm down its a mini van
@@Cynshamcalm down??? I was nothing but calm.. how about you get some passions instead of knocking someone else’s comments...
@beast boy yes
I loooove this generation of Lexus.
Beautiful & elegant.
And expensive if something like what he does breaks 😂😂
@@miguelvega7769 I did my research before I bought my 08 LS460. The most expensive repairs are for the brake actuator (about $3k at the dealership) and replacing the front control arms (as @CarWizard showed). Lexus will charge an average of $500 PER CONTROL ARM and $5,000+ for the whole job!
I followed another UA-camr who recommended RockAuto and Mevotech control arms. I got all EIGHT control arms for $700 (including the shipping) and was charged about 6 hours worth of labor by my local mechanic to do it (along with some other stuff).
Just got to be smart about it and do your research - like Hoovie does.
No, they're not that bad to fix. The abs actuator and the control arms are really all that go wrong with them. The engines eat oil at about 150k miles and the valley needs to be resealed. Thats it. Cheaper to fix than buy new.
The brake actuator really only affects the LS models from 07-09
Lexuses of this era were my dream car. Now they look like space alien vehicles.
The hydraulic portions do not need to be vin coded, used works just fine. You will have to run the reset procedures and calibrate the linear valve of the used on to the vehicle's vsc computer.
Was thinking this was quite odd as well. Never have heard anything of the sort on another lexus. Glad someone said something hopefully wizard will see
This. Never heard of this and seen lots of people swap them on the GS460.
upvote so wizard sees for the future
yeah. the pump section and electronic section should be separated. been wondering why not just buy the new actuator assembly, swap the module, and do calibration?
@@motivvt k
Programing is just an anti repair tool that keeps people going back to the dealer.
@@kruleworld yup. It's not an effient means to material use.
Alot of people buy used cars because they need work. Like me... I'm good at fixing things myself and now alot of these cars will be junked.
Not just that, but it has slowly crept up to be over almost every function of a car to the point a computer is going to be deciding whether you get to drive or not, from one moment to the next. I see Technocracy coming from a mile away, and it ain't pretty.
I’d just drive it as is. As long as the master cylinder is working the manual brakes will work perfectly fine. You don’t need ABS, VSC, TC, proportioning, or vacuum assist to stop safety if your legs are strong.
@@user-tb7rn1il3q You can always drag your foot! LOL
@@garys9694 HaHa, that doesn’t even work when trying to stop a bicycle.
I'll never get tired watching your posts,I'm a 63 yr old diy'er unfortunately my joints are not cooperating anymore!
Yes. It would be nice to have a lift at home. Getting up and down and then crawling under a car becomes a chore when one is older. I guess it would be easier if one is smaller than average. I'm 6' @ 190lbs and 66 years old. I do remember it being easier to get under a car a few decades ago.
When I saw the title of the video, I knew it has to be the ABS module. It was a recall for it. I almost bought one with this problem. What prevent me for doing it was the dealer price to fix the car. In the same time I'm amazed how Lexus allowed such a mistake on a major system, like the braking system. Beside that, there's not much else that can go wrong with those cars. I love them! It's unbelievable the quality they put into these brands!! And to prove it, I replaced the transmission fluid and filter on a 2004 Lexus GX470 at 133,000 miles, according to the owner manual, and the fluid was still clean and red!!! 133,000 miles!!!
Great video, as usual! Thank you, wizard!
Scotty: I CAN'T FIX IT BECAUSE THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, IT'S A LEXUS!
What's the scotty?
@@beezertwelvewashingbeard8703 OHHH!! PUL...LEES
@@coaltarp IKR!? I looked him up he's some UA-cam car expert guy.
@@beezertwelvewashingbeard8703 He's been a mechanic now for 52 years. He's more than a youtube car expert guy.
Rev Up Your Lexuseseseses!!
Louis Rossman - right to repair. From phones to cars we're being robbed, as are independent businesses.
I watch Louis as well. And stuff like this makes me furious whenever I'm reminded of it.
@@tqbf Many companies trying to be like a software company. You don't own the software. You subscribe to use their software.
@@Rhaspun Yes, except now instead of $150 to $300 to license a copy of Windows, now it's $20,000 to $40,000 to "license" a luxury automobile or farm equipment. All that money and you "own" nothing... Software licensing is their business model and it makes sense in that regard. With cars for example it's just excess greed plain and simple. And John Deere is trying to make our food producer's slim profit margins even slimmer.
@@tqbf These manufacturers will tell us that it is this way to ensure the quality control is maintained after the sale.
@@Rhaspun Assuming of course they actually care what happens after the sale. LOL
"....You don't just dump this car"....who the heck would ever "dump" a Lexus? Maybe if there was a huge car fire, or car falls off a cliff? Lexus cars are engineered to be owned a long time, or re-sold at a premium price.
Yep I just bought a 08 gs 350 awd for a 6k 1 owner this thing drives like a new car and still looks like it inside crazy!!
I did dump a GS300 when it failed to stop in the freeway and involved in a massive accident! Toyota/Lexus ABS system is a joke!
@@derekquinones8614 I just bought an 08 GS350 awd too! 1 owner, extensive dealerships maintenance. I had to get it shipped to me and it arrives tomorrow. I feel like a kid on Christmas
I had to dump my ls460 cuz it got a transmission solenoid code and a trans rebuild was like 12k and the car had 185k miles on it. Wish I didn’t have to but it wasn’t worth putting that money into. Also had stuff like worn air suspension all the way around, trunk didn’t work etc. shame but great car while I had it
Exporado M it’s a flagship car you want to cheap out get a corolla not a lexus
Last year I bought a 2017 Lexus LS460 with 69,500 miles. A big part of the decision was the large number of invariably favorable posts (by Car Wizard, Car care nut, scotty Kilmer and several others) on the Toyota brand in general and Lexus in particular.
I worked in automotive for 40 years, (which I mention in passing only to say, I know who knows what they are talking about and who doesn't). And when that many experienced and qualified are all saying how good a car is, I listen to what they say.
Turned out to be the best car I ever owned (out of a dozen cars I've owned over the years) and most LS owners will tell you the same thing.
My '02 LS 430 is still going strong. I finally had the factory rear control arms finally replaced in the summer.
Support right to repair!
@Kris Nicholson that "safety check" by a professional after a self would just still allow them to charge outrageous prices making it basically not worth it to repair your own vehicle just say you are anti consumer and go
I've had 4 Toyotas and one Lexus. Only maintenance and used up parts but never any failures.
Support right to repair. Should be able for any mecanic to replace any part
That's why I miss the old days when you could do any work to a car
And without huge expense...
@@whollymindless Yes, exactly . A few states are starting to pass laws about it. Hopefully it will lead to a better accessibility to diagnostic software.
I believe there are dealer lobby groups also. They would prevent this from going mainstream because no one would ever use dealer service Depts!
@@Nordic_Mechanic The feds want to make it a federal law.
What I found with the toyota brake actuator is that it can rust inside from the brake fluid absorbing moisture. When i took apart the brake actuator which could be cleaned up to function again, but the key is to change the brake fluid more often than the manufacturer recommends. Also make sure it's synthetic fluid.
Thank u
I remember when Mrs. Wizard was too shy to come on camera. Now she's a natural! I hope that's because we talked her up to it, if so, I'm proud of the comment-section for once.
I have a 2005 LX470 with a similar brake booster set up. I hate that system so much and am fearful for it to fail ($$$$). Luckily it's lasted 400,000 miles so far and still works perfectly. I must say they do know how to make a quality vehicle. Mine has only required timing belts and basic maintenance.
"Right to.Repair" is important for reasons like this.
He has got the right to repair it...if hes prepared to pay the right amount of money !
@@kruleworld Yeah, and they're so pissed off with John Deere right now. I'm not even a farmer and I know about it.
My thoughts exactly. Since cars are now run by computers, manufacturers can copyright the software used to program the ECM and other computers. They can then refuse to sell that software to anyone but a dealer, making it impossible for an independent garage to service the vehicle. The market solution is to refuse to buy from that manufacturer, no matter how good their cars are. If new car buyers don't care because they have service plans, they will care about the zero resale value when it comes to trading in.
That said, I agree with the Wizard that Toyotas are excellent cars, so owning one probably won't mean a lot of trips to any service center, dealer or otherwise. But Apple used to make great products, then started making a lot of money on their Genius Bar system and the quality of their gear went down. The Genius Bar is plenty busy telling loyal Mac owners to throw away their 3 or 4-year-old Macbook because it's cheaper to buy a new one, while Apple sues any shop that fixes it by replacing a cheap component on the mother board. Now that Toyota is trying to make their own Genius Bar system, will the quality of future Toyotas suffer?
Yes, right to repair includes having a “reasonable” fee. Several thousand dollars isn't reasonable.
Right to repair is really an issue of ownership.
You really don’t own something if someone else can forbid you from repairing or modifying it. They even claim the right to sue you if you try.
Corporate greed is gripping the world tighter with these proprietary parts and service policies.
By far one of the most comfortable “affordable” luxury cars to drive. Would own one of these over a bmw or Benz any day of the week (unless we’re talking about the super high end ones)
The S class is MUCH nicer than The LS460. Tho I love them both
These cars are amazing. I owned one until recently and wow; amazing!
If you live near an MB dealer an S is good, but if you live more than 1hr from a dealership Toyota gets the nod. Both are good at accomplishing their mission. Mercedes provides outstanding warranty and service experience.
@@bigslick8224 new Ls500 is meh imho. Lexus went the wrong way getting rid of the v8 and making it overly sporty.
@@AnnaKuznetzova88 it is better but not THAT much better.
Also, its luxurious enough. The ease of mind you have with these is worth the fact that its not as luxurious as an S class
Hope this LS460 will become a Million Mile Lexus one day! Scotty Kilmer approved!
Scotty Kilmer is a nut job
Right to Repair is huge. If people cannot repair their own stuff, they don't truly 'own' it. Louis Rossmann does a great job of explaining why R2R is important, and also why OEMs don't want us to have that right.
The LS460 is a timeless design. Beautiful car.
I would do a brake flush before taking it to a dealer. I had the same problem with my car and the guy who did my brake job did not flush it properly.
What was the system saying?
Car Wizard and Mrs Wizard seem like such wonderful people.
Maybe. Maybe Not. Who doesn't see a little Freddy Krueger in them?
Fixing early electric cars are going to be a nightmare 😬
Your good people keep paying it forward please! Love what you do!
Mrs. Wiz: I DO NOT need a passenger van!
There's a backstory there...
Yeah. She really did seem to want him on the record saying he'd get rid of it :D
When she called it "creepy", yep something going on there!
@@johnoberst1045 it was almost offensive the way she said it. I was thinking of all the "van life" videos I've seen on UA-cam, how many of these must be keeping people from being fully homeless and out of the cold right this moment, and then she called it "creepy".
Then I got to thinking, there's an issue there.
@@HAL-dm1eh as someone who has owned custom vans since the 70's, I'm offended by this stereotype. It's a vehicle that comes as close to universal as possible. You can haul stuff, haul your family, camp in it and as Hoovie says, you get a level of luxury you cannot find anywhere else.
Most reliable car.i ever owned? Currently it's a 06 Pontiac vibe (Toyota, I know) before that I had a 94 Camaro for 13 years and it went to the grave with 239k.
What can I say have 3 editions of this fine car . 2007,2009 and then my current 2013, I had all 3 big germans merc s65 was a basket case of cost bimmer 750il was a oil trap and the vanos gave me heartburn then Audi A8 4.2 was brilliant but depreciated like a submarine with a hatch open. This module was a issue on my 2009 as well and yes it has to go to the local lexus dealer to fix but what I saved on the vehicles over my ownership till now it is worth it. I drive the 2013 the tech is amazing. Will definitely buy another maybe get a LS600H 👌🏻
Nice bro I own a 2006 Lexus LS430 and never getting rid of mines she is a keeper 😎
I have a 2008 LS600HL with the executive seating package plus massage. The amount of tech in this car for 2008 still amazes me every time I drive it.
Avalandiel 😎
Yes I own the LS 600hl .. the best car I ever had !!!!
@@avalandiel yes I own the same one ... I love it
I've personally changed those ebcm modules and never had to do Vin coding, now the bleeding and zero point calibration was a royal pain in the ass.
@The Forsaken One You have to use the luxurious Lexus “tool”(software) which you can only rent for an extreme price. Otherwise you don’t have the right to fix certain things in their eyes. Basically extortion.
Well the Lexus software is just Techstream, which can be had very easily online nowadays, and that Autel has the capabilities to do the bleeding and calibration. What it and the non legit versions of techsteam can't do do is actual module programming or software loading you could say. They have to actually connect to Toyota servers and download the programming from there. Which only dealers or paying shops have the ability to do.
This is the first Lexus in wizards 🧙 shop. In his area there can’t be that manny the Ls has a very comfortable luxurious ride
Absolutely beautiful car, the build quality is nicer on these then on the newer LS’s.
Have owned an 07 for 12 years and put 105k on it. So far just basic maintenance and replaced the radiator at 70k. No brake actuator needed yet, but if it costs $2000- $3000 to repair it's worth it vs buying the cost of a similar car that's 3 years old.
Thumbnail: “why I can’t fix this Lexus?”
Me: haha cuz it’s a Lexus and Lexus don’t break down.
Um... THIS Lexus has a faulty brake controller. Technically, it hasn't "broken down", though who WANTS to drive a car with a brake system that is beginning to malfunction?
The reason Wizard can't fix this all the way is the replacement part has to be VIN coded by a dealer, (and it's not practical for him to pay the different manufacturer's fees to gain this capability).
@@lloydrmc it's a joke
lloydrmc I drove mine with that problem for 2 years until I realized I could get it fixed for FREE at the dealer. Perfect now. Never had any issue stopping even when it was malfunctioning.
What has been the most reliable car that I've ever owned? That must have been that blue Matchbox car from my childhood. It never broke down, it never left me stranded, I could always rely on it being in my pocket...
My current car, 2011 Honda Accord, just rolled over 122,000 miles
@@Mavis308
Mine is my 1992 740 Volvo with 497K miles. I drive it daily.
@@Mavis308
My 08 accord is at 188k miles
I literally believe everyone here has been whooshed
@@-ac-8296
Nahh, we know, we just wanna say our most reliable car
Another illegal, "got to take it to an authorized dealer to work" item. Support right to repair! 😠
You have the right to do mechanical part, and you can buy OEM programm for 2000$ a year. They are not for free because it's the programm complex that does much more than a calibrating ABS/DSC and should be used by dedicated shop. Buuuuuut, i pretty much sure, there's some software that can do that in kinda illegal way (that i consider okay for personal use, not doing profit of it), so it cannot be used by Wizard.
"you're rights are directly proportional to your income"
@@intraxx88 so you feel like Farmers shouldn't be able to fix their John Deere tractors? That's what's happening. They have to pay 1000's to some technician to come with their special computer and do an update.
@@aleks2912 farmers should find some hackers too. They can support pirates' society once or keep paying to "trained personell". Feel free to watch the video again, then read my comment again. Do i say that i *support* Service software overpricing politics? Keep in mind that some systems getting more and more complex as time goes and newer acts going out, and it needs sometimes to say to ECU that there is some new variables in adaptation. So for personal use, particular for Farm technic there *must be* software to do calibrations of hydraulic, steering, sensors available for people on the fields. As long as they know what to do. Regarding fluids change there must be not a single software obstacle
Rent a programming unit for a day from a clever business that rents them out ? Or some clever software guys to clone the programming unit ?
The LS430 was the pinnacle of the LS. I love my ‘05!
Timeless design! I got my 05 almost 2 years ago and it still feels like a brand new car to me. One of the most well built cars ever!
Agree esp 04-06
I've always wanted one. I found a 80yr old lady that had one with 50k miles on it but she wanted 12k for it.
You're totally right. The LS460 isn't even close to what the best Lexus has put out. Lots of issues and I still can't believe they let it come off the factory assembly line like that for sale. My dad had one lemon lawed back in the day for brake actuator issues, horrendous wind noise, and also the control arm rubber ate themselves after 13k miles off the dealership lot. His LS430 was far better made.
I have an 05! Black on black. Got it in October. I'm gonna keep this thing forever. So comfortable. Just did the timing belt and other maintenance. Getting the adaptive headlights working again this week. Gonna be sick.
Had an 01 Volvo S80. The film on the rearview mirror was peeling off so we just dumpstered the whole mirror and pulled one from the junkyard.... Turns out there's a one time programmable chip in the mirror that controls the sunroof, the dome light, the alarm, the keyless entry.... Good thing the sunroof was closed when we did that.
I think this is going to be my next car (although I prefer the look of the facelifted models about 3 years newer. Not the ones with the predator-mouth grille). As an adult, I've driven nothing but Hondas and Acuras, so reliability should be on par with this LS.
You can get a 2 Day TIS subscription for ~ 65 $ in the US, and a one day subscription for ~ 20 € in Europe.
Maybe this could be the solution for such occasional Toyota/Lexus repairs.
You can get a bootleg module and software for $39.99 if you know where to look on the internet...
I just love the cheesy Mrs. Wizard acting xD
Right, feels like a porn.
I'd buy a Lexus over any other luxury brand every time. If you're going to spend that kind of money, you don't expect it to be in and out of the shop.
Most lexus owner can’t buy euro car is social media eyes but in reality there are in love with euro car
@@calindor19 You are incorrect ❌ where did you get your sources from 🤔 I've owned a bmw and audi both brands are garbage, it's all about reliability and quality and that's where lexus wins every time ✔no debate about that lol
Which is why I bought a Tesla so it never goes into the shop. LOL
@@envisionelectronics It will when you need a new battery @ the cost of anywhere of $3000-$7000 and your break job that will probably cost $1600.00 lol Tesla still requires maintenance, no car is designed not to go into a shop that's just silly, here's a list for you if you didn't know already Cabin air filter: Replace every two years.High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter: Replace every three years.Tire rotation, balance, and wheel alignment: Have tires serviced every 6,250 miles.Brake fluid test: Test brake fluid for contamination every two years.Air conditioning service: Get air conditioning serviced every two years for the Model S, every four years for the Model X and Model Y, and every six years for the Model 3.Winter care: Clean and lubricate all brake calipers each year or every 12,500 miles for cars in
Just bought a Lexus last month.
The Lexus’ are absolutely amazing. I’ve had 6 altogether, all older ones and all only £2,000 - £3000 each. I owned both the LS400 and LS430 and they are simple stunning. I looked into all the other luxury rivals, and the owners reviews on them, before buying the Lexus. They so rarely go wrong that they simply blow the competition into the weeds for reliability. My favourite model of all the Lexus’ I owned was an RX400h. It did everything I needed with the extra benefit of a good AWD system and a huge boot.
I think the original models of the LS400 still look AMAZING
Same, bit I do ride sharing so I'm required to find something newer than 2005
I enjoy your videos and adding Mrs Wizard makes them even more fun.
Wizard , wish you merry christmas and succesful year, one of the best videos on the UA-cam!
Years after these came out, I still find them to be gorgeous. This design hit a sweet spot for me. Better than the 430s, but the version after was too much. I certainly hope designers take cues from this car in the future.
it's bland and looks like a sonata
@@-ac-8296 Also a good looking car.
Agree partially but the 430 interior esp the UL feels more lux than 460
Holy smokes your channel got HUGE. I remember when you where at 5k subs
This is a spectacular car! I currently have 145k on my 07 LS460. Most comfortable and reliable car myself or anyone that I know has ever owned. Around 120k I changed both the brake actuator for $1,500 at an independent shop owed by a former Lexus master tech (so he had a access to Techstream which is needed to do this job) and I payed $250 for aftermarket lower control arms that I changed myself. Literally, those are all the issues this car has given me. $1,750 in repairs over 14 years is pretty amazing. I don't plan on selling this car soon, I just put winter tires on it and drive it year round here in the northeast :)
One of the cars I’d love to own
I have a 2018 Lexus ES300H. The only thing I hate it about it is the damned cartridge oil filter. What a joke. Otherwise the car is great. I average 37-38 mpg
I have a 2006 ES330 as my daily with 247k miles. And it’s absolutely flawless and still looks gorgeous. I also have this LS460 but the gas mileage is not as great
I have 2013 es300h and it does 180k on it. I have got the car brand new. Until now, I didn’t get an small problem. It runs like horse. It is meaning of a bulletproof words to me. Incredible.
I have a 2015 Scion tC and the cartridge oil filter isn't much different to replace than a normal oil filter...other than I had to shell out $20 for a good metal tool but it's less waste, and the cartridge is a few bucks cheaper than a normal filter too ($8 ad opposed to $11 at Napa)
I have a 2011 sienna with over 380k miles and I do my oil change every 10k-15k miles. The cartridge oil filter is very simple to change as no different than a normal can filter but just more clean ups to do.
Most Lexus owners don't change their own oil.
I'm so glad to see you do a video on Lexus, Wizard! My ES has been the most reliable, comfortable, cheapest-to-maintain car I've ever owned. 30 MPG, enough power to scoot when I need it, even corners well. After 15 years, I'm shopping for the next one now.
I actually helped my buddys replace the abs actuator on his 2008 ls460. It was fairly simple and not hard just a lot of steps, you have to take out a lot of things that are in the way. That thing bled itself and we didn’t have to do anything else, but we still bled it like a normal car and it was fine all the lights turned off automatically.
This man is right it’s not worth it. A very honest man. Stay blessed.
That’s a beautiful vehicle.
To answer the wizard's question at the end; the most reliable car I owned was a 2006 Mazda 6 touring with a 6 speed manual. The only problem I had was the clutch plate needed changing and that's it.
Miles?
@@waverunner7063 I don't really remember but I think it was close to 100k, I think.
They’re rust buckets though.
@shaun Japanese cars in general have bad paint compared to Europeans.
@shaun well that's your opinion. For me Mazda is great.
from experience the actuator and accumulator go bad only they dont need to be vin coded and there is a superseded part number on those and they are interchangeable with couple of toyotas
Car Wizard, you're a gentleman and a scholar.
And a sexual tyrannosaurs
I love my 96 LS400. By far the best purchase I’ve ever made. Black/charcoal 2 tone. Black interior. Heated seats. Paid $3800 for it last month with 162k miles. I added some BC coil overs, and some wheels and tires, full 3” stainless exhaust with electric cutouts. Car is just fantastic. Easy to work on, rides fantastic. I haven’t driven my Park Avenue since I bought it! Ole Buick will be on the chopping block soon. And I’ve already put 4200 miles on it. I love to just drive the damn thing. Im a v8 guy, so it’s awesome to open the cut outs and just let it eat.
The Lexus LS is such a beautiful car.
I have the 07 version of this car. They’re a joy to drive.
I would dump it. Because of their policies.
@@classiccarszone3769 nah, Lexus IS very reliable
@@classiccarszone3769 if you think this is bad then don’t go near a German car
@@johnfrantz5885 right!
Those big Lexus 460's almost never break down. One thing on them that does cause trouble however is those control arms you were looking at on the front. The rubber used to make the bushings on the control arms tends to wear prematurely. Lexus gets about 7 to 8 k for new control arms and won't sell the bushings separate. You can get new non OEM bushings to press in for about 800
Not in the country where I live. I had to sell mine as all bushes wore out very quickly. Also needed new shocks. I cried the day I sold mine
these conversion vans are love here in Estonia because its a nice way to travel around the country and enjoy outdoor events.
I have that same car but in the last update model they made 2011 for that gen. I love it. All the bells and whistles that new cars are barley getting now lol
Problems like this affect everything, from phones to refrigerators to cars. Support Right To Repair!
Mr. Wizard, Thanks for the tour. This is as close to a Lexus LS as I am every likely to get. ;)
Pretty normal for Toyota and Lexus stuff I still love them it’s all I drive
Lexus may build the fastest or the best looking but they're still damn fine automobiles that will be on the road long after many Audi's, Merc's and BMW's have been laid to rest. Sorry if anyone is offended by that, my opinion
Thats why I just bought a new GX 460. THANKS!!
It's not your opinion, it's a fact.
I get so much hate mail when I tell people that BMW, MB, Porsche, Audi are money pits, horribly engineered and poorly designed... They refuse to believe it's in the face of evidence.
Somebody tell him about shitty 80s Lexus
@@luisvilla799 lexus came out in 1990 friend🤔
Yes, Lexus cars are more reliable than German cars and the reason is they use OUTDATED technology that has improved and been proven stable thanks to the German counterparts. A new Lexus will never be as good as a comparable Audi, Mercedes-Benz or BMW. The Germans look more sofisticated, they have advanced features, the tech is found nowhere else. It is normal for new tech to have glitches here and there. You have the right to choose: Big excitement that comes with its downsides OR Reliability that comes with no excitement. Life is a choice 😁
I believe that if you jump TE1 and E1 at the obd2 connector for one hour, it will program all the ECU’s to talk with each other on Lexus and Toyotas. That doesn’t cover zero point calibrations though
I had two of these cars. Loved them, but traded the last one I owned on a smaller Lexus hybrid.
I've always been a Lexus fan. Very reliable. Great video😊
My local Lexus dealership service department prices are actually very reasonable. My friend had an Ls460 2007 and they would price match to independent shops.
I always take my 4runner to the dealership found independent shops had same hourly rate but put on cheap parts.
I see these cars in my area with 150k miles selling for 8 to 10 grand. I'm so tempted to get one. I love these cars, they're beautiful and reliable.
150 K is just broken in
I've only had mine for 4 months but every time I drive it is like nothing I've driven in my 50yrs behind the wheel of many makes and models..it's crazy luxury
If you like corners, get the GS.
Also be aware the LS uses suspension bushings as consumables...
Mine has 220k miles and drives great
get 2012 or later LS460, they are even more reliable.
This is the number #1 reason why I decided to bail on my 2008 LS460 with 100K before brake booster failed. I was able to get a high kbb private sale value for it since it was mint. I did most of the repairs myself such as the upper control arms, struts and radiator. It was very well behaved over the 2 1/2 years that I owned it. I just did not want a $3000-$4000 bill hanging over my head and once I paid the bill , I'd have to be locked into to keeping it longer or sell at a higher asking price to recoup losses. I do regret letting it go. It drove perfect and looked great with the 19 inch 5 spoke wheels.
This repair cost 3-4k usd, seriously?
One of my dream sedans!
I had thought that these things were built to last a million miles!
They are. They just happen to have this one issue. Dealer fixed mine for free. Had the same problem with an '11 LS460
@@nyccollin a lot more than an brake actuator that goes wrong on these. Definitely the worst used lexus someone could buy, unless they have a big wallet
@@rubbertoe. Really? What else goes wrong from your experience?
@@nyccollin besides the brake actuator which is nearly $4,000 to fix. Everything suspension wise is really weak on these vehicles. There's the control arms, all 8 will fail, and are extremely expensive to replace. Air suspension will fail, which either leaves you out close to $10,000 or you convert to regular coilovers. They had issues with the valve springs, which was covered under warranty, but not everyone did this.
Few other things as well, but I stopped looking at these a while back after discovering how expensive they are to maintain. It's not worth it. Just look at a GS350 or GS450h instead (if you can ever find one)
@@rubbertoe. It’s mainly the front suspension because of the engine weight though right? Already replaced lower control arms. No air suspension on mine. I think you’re referring to the LS430.
As Alan Partridge once said...
"Lexus is the Japanese Mercedes"
Merry Christmas, Mr/Mrs Wizard.
I have one, I have an 08 LS460 burgundy metallic gorgeous car. They drive like tanks. I have 120k on mine and no issues but it’s not my daily. I have a 2006 ES330 which is also flawless and drives like a buttery smooth tank, with 247k miles. My land cruiser 2005 is still the king tho with 288,000 miles
Very similar stable to mine, My family owns a 2006 ES330 with 267k miles, daily beater, quiet and smooth not to mention reliable as nails. My 08 LS 460 is in Mercury Metallic with 174k and a practically brand new interior under Lexus ZLZ replacement program that replaced the dash, door panels, glove box and other bits for free. We also have an08 RX350 that's also a gem with 130k. Best cars ever owned hands down.
@@noelmanget7446 agree the ES330 is an amazing car. Built better than our 2011 GS350 which has had a lot more issues with 100K than the 2004 ES330 with 275K.
bought a e46 bmw with 70k miles on it. one year later literally everything start breaking on it. window regulators. brake lines. suspension parts. hydraulic tappets. key fob. subframe went aswel. bought lexus ct200h with 150k miles on it. 2 years later. nothing changed. still feels same car. amazing
You are right sir. Work at a Lexus dealer and those LS460 Brake actuators are common. Once you get that accumulator code, you know good and well that the brake actuator is done. Sometimes both need to be replaced but if the Accumulator voltage stays at about 3v-3.5v its good to be reused and the Actuator just needs to be replaced. Then you have to have the Toyota/Lexus techstream software to bleed the brakes and initialize the system to get it back to working order. Not a fun job considering that it's all one unit and bolted underneath the drivers fender liner hahaha
God bless you for donating that van .
Holy Cow Wizard! I almost took my LS to you a week ago for some front suspension check. I still may after the holidays. Lucky my Break system got replaced just before i bought it 5 years ago. MIne is a 07.
Brake booster consensus is they die due to high under-hood temps... reduce that and you might save yourself a hassle.
Gotta love Lexus. My ls400 is at 260,000 miles going strong
Whoopi, my GMC has 265k miles and still strong. Just changed the original water pump at 265k.
Those LS400s can last pretty much forever
2:15 "very classy very elegant" ..I wish I can say the same after that stupid grille they start putting on all Lexus vehicles now. And when people complained that it looks unsightly, Lexus decided to make it BIGGER!! ☹️☹️
Wizard ...I need a van !! Hanging out in front of elementary schools handing out free candy from a Geo Metro is not cutting it....A nice big conversion van would be a very nice upgrade for me....I can pick it up next week....thanks Wizard in advance 😉
You mean handing out candy to the MILFS and GMILFS you meet, right??
@@markh.6687 They are more than welcome to hard candy ....my speciality 😀
When he said Gucci leather , I thought he said something else, lol 😂
I could sniff Gucci all day!
😂💀
Fun fact: a Ford CEO drove one and loved it. Hence the Ford 500.
But the ls460 came out in 2007 and the ford 500 was made from 2005 to 2007 so that would be impossible.
@@Theoracleman50 theres a thing call google. Use it.
I dont care what google says the dates dont add up
@@Theoracleman50 now you’re really ignorant and refusing to look at facts. The original lexus ls400 debut 1990. What are you talking about?!
@@30minforasn this video is on the ls460 if your talking about the orginal ls the 400 that still doesn't add up to why the ford CEO would wait to 2005 to make a crappy ford version to 2007 funny think is I own 2 cars a 2011 ls460 and a 2005 ford 500
I believe they corrected many 460 problems which were the worst in 07. The wind noise and melting interior parts and the suspension. Seems 2010 is much improved and 11 about the best along with 12-13. I’m considering a nice low mileage (50,000 miles) 2010 right now. I already own a 06 430 and it’s been very reliable.
I'm looking at an 09 right now, 10k$ for 90k miles. I'm hoping the melting interior isn't gonna be a problem
what’s different form 10 to 11
I would go for a low mileage LS 430 years 2004 - 2006. They are better than these 460s.
I think you may have skipped an option, and lots of posters here who are complaining about Right to Repair may not even know this is an option. You only mentioned the annual fee. All of the manufacturers I am familiar with offer: Daily, Three Day, Weekly, Monthly and Yearly as options for access. Why couldn't you just get a three day subscription. I'm sure you already have a $2000 J-Box (short for J2534 pass-through tool) and a laptop. So you have all the hardware to support any car made in the last 20 years. It's a fee and a download, and once you have downloaded it then you have it from then on, barring updates of course. As an IT guy I once setup a laptop with multiple hard drives, one for each manufacturer for a shop. Not absolutely neccessary but saved any potential cross conflicts between software or OS requirments. love your content your demeanor and your approach, you da man!
“I don’t really get a lot of Toyota’s in the shop” music to my ears. Thats the greatest sentiment to reliability. It costs a bit more, there are even prettier cheaper vehicles , but it breaks way less.