Most Hated FAILED Sports Car! Lexus SC430
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
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I want to thank everyone who has had negative comments about Lexus SC 430 over the years. Thanks to you, I was able to purchase one of those with 30K original miles, a southern car, and in perfect condition for the price of a used Kia. It will last another 20 years!
It’s not a sports car. It’s a luxury convertible touring car.
Think GT would be a better description,but yeah it's not a " sports car by any means; just another variation of the RWD Toyota Crown and sold with a Toyota badge in most places of the world. Lexus is just a fake name like the Toyota cars it sells with that fake name. Every sucker that walks into a Lexus dealership unknowingly pays a huge Royalty to IT Law Firm Lexis-Nexis; the result of Toyota attempting to steal the likeness of that company. Lexus is a success in terms of fooling suckers.
I have a 2002 SC430, with 63k trouble free miles. Everything still works. I bought five years ago and the only thing I've needed to do is change the oil. I love driving it.
That 3UZ-FE engine is one of the finest engines ever built. FAA certified in its stock form and also featuring a 5 bolt main
My 2004 SC430 with 207,000 miles has no rattles, convertible and chassis are solid and quiet. Check the suspension. This guy sounds like the doppelganger Jeremy Clarkson. He's attributing a lot of his negatives on Lexus design when really it's the owners decades of neglect
I think top gear were the ones who made this car seem terrible but I don’t see how it isn’t reliable or fun to cruise in. Especially for it being under 10k now
I liked the "came out of the garage for it's annual trip to the repair facility"!
Yea 🙂
Unfortunately not driving a vehicle causes more damage than running it in a normal way. Keeping up with maintenance and getting it up to temp will make it last longer than ignoring it.
@@kenore4003true, but if you start them & drive them every few months, they are fine. I live up north in snow country, I have a sports car that stays in the garage through the winter. I start it & let it run awhile throughout the winter, & when spring & summer rolls around I get it out of the garage & drive it some. It doesn't get snowed on, & the only time it gets rained on is if I leave it out of the garage a couple days.
I do enjoy getting it out of the garage in the spring and summer & "stretch it's legs" 😂😂😂
Smart....
Indeed! Ray has some wonderful one liners.
Lol my ‘07 white sc430 is my DAILY- rain sleet or snow baby 🤙🏻 Best car and engine/transmission I’ve ever had. The top works perfect and it’s newer inside than the older 02-05 version. I handled everything genuine parts 158k miles and runs like a Swiss watch
2004 tech was just really starting and to much tech is probably to much like a car simple to fix and not breaking down all the time line the new cars😂
And people need to service their cars more often
I think using used parts is completely acceptable, as long as you're transparent with your customer about it and reason for it.
I truly enjoy watching your videos.
Starts right up after all these years. I’d say that’s not a failure.
The car launched in 2002. The iPhone launched in 2007.
“It’s behind because doesn’t have any USB connections.”
Thankfully, I watch because you are great at what you do and entertaining to boot, not because you’re a historian…
Glad you don't design cars. USB1 came out in January 1996.
The first car with a usb port was the Kia multi-s concept in 2007. Wireless chargers were not added until well after that. I have to wonder if Ray was low-key trolling.
Lexus runs behind in tech intentionally. Its fine. Car tech moves along so fast i really don't take it into account when buying anything. If i have to have it the aftermarket can fill in.
Usb was 1996 🎉
@@JimDibb Hrmm, correct me if I'm wrong but didn't the 2006 Honda Civic come with it? Anyways. Ray being wrong about that in no way detracts from what he is saying. He's probably speaking off the top of his head.
The SC430 uses real wood! There is no fake wood in these cars. I know this car gets a ton of hate, but I own one and it is a great second car to have for the weekends!
This was a great video.
Ray got so much wrong with his interior features critique of this '04 SC430 I don't even know where to start, so I won't. He probably also doesn't know that the all aluminum 3UZ-FE in that thing is one of the finest engines Toyota ever developed, rock solid reliable for hundreds of thousands of miles if you properly maintain it -- nice power band too, the one in my '06 LS430 is no slouch, despite being such a heavy sedan. Ray should have loosened one of the timing covers and sneaked a peek at the condition of the timing belt since it's an interference engine and the belt's been there since day one (recommended replacement is 90k, which is in another 25k for this SC430 owner, but it couldn't hurt to "sneak a peek.")
California loved the SC430. They were everywhere here, and we still see them, sans Northern Rust...
florida too, i see these all the time
You should have hit that repaired bracket with some paint to protect it a little
Ray I don't think you realize how good you have it! I've never had the luxury of working on a car that isn't covered in rust! I would consider that "Toyota" not really bad compared to what I usually see
Rust Belt goodness is something I don't miss. I grew up in northern Indiana with all the salt on the roads. Since moving away from that area, I no longer enjoy rust and other corrosion.
Corrosion just requires another level of patience and determination. That and wire brushes and your preferred brand of penetrant. It does scare me, it just knocks you back a bit when you have any work in the splash zone.
Same I’m in Rhode Island terrible
@@wromzick9457 you should try living here in the UK, just about every vehicle that's been on the road for more than 4 years has a rusty undercarriage! I brought a 2002 Mercedes SLK320 a couple of years ago real cheap and am doing it up as a practise project car to learn bodywork and welding on. I'm not a mechanic, but have just dabbled in cars since my first car in the mid 1980's, a Mk3 Ford Cortina 2.0L GXL (yes I realise by American standards a 2L 4 cylinder engine is tiny, but here int he UK in the mid 1980's as a new driver, lets just say all my friends were driving 1.1L or 1.3 L cars!). I have decided that I love the little roadster and have eliminated all the rust underneath by mainly cleaning it and replacing bits that were too far gone. Now I just have 4 rusty wheel arches and a touch of rust on the boot lid to fix.
Rust belt requires a lot more component replacements. Just replaced the tie rod sleeve, drag link, and ends on my WJ that were completely locked up. Shop couldn't do a proper alignment. Doubt you would get that in FLA
Been having my 2004 sc430 as a daily for about 3 years and it's great, basic fixes for older cars yeah but it's good and I haven't had any problems at 180k. The old 5 speed isn't the fastest by far but it's still good. I will say there's a knock sensor and the starter is under the 45lb metal intake, sports car placement cramming it all in the engine bay is no bueno. Also when I have to eventually service the rear suspension or the top mechanism that's gonna be terrible too. I love the car tho so 7.5/10. If you want to supercharge it supposedly it can hold 500hp easily too but i'm going to keep it stock mostly
also have to do the timing belt forgot to mention :(
@rainman rays repairs as a owner of a outdoor power equipment repair company the used parts question if new parts are not available used are are quite ok at the customers consent with there knowledge that used parts are not warrantied communication and full understanding with the customer is key
Yeah... they'll want to sue you to take your house!
That seat in the beginning sounds like my back and knees when I get out of bed in the morning. 😂
I feel you brother, hang in there.
that doesnt always creak like that, only time it does is when the front seats are completely touching the rear seats which will result rubbing together
My 2003 SC430 has 118K and everything works, no rattles, no noise, no issues in 3 years.
Watching I think every video Ray has done, I learned 1 thing. Toyota is king of reliability. I personally owned 3 Toyotas. A 97 Corolla that lasted 320k miles before someone hit me from behind, a 00 Corolla that is still have at 460k miles and runs beautifully, and a 16 Camry with 91k miles and runs like the first day I bought it.
I never seen a horrible Lexus or Toyota in his vids. I also had the bad luck to work on Honda’s from my wife and her family. They broke down so much and had so many problems.
I am of the same opinion. I have owned several Toyotas and Lexuses and liked them all. Great cars!
Agree. Toyotas may not do anything particularly brilliantly, but they do everything well. I am on my fourth Corolla (Australia)
Today, Toyota is garbage...
@@ginog5037 that is odd. How come a garbage brand is listed as 1 and 2 (Lexus and Toyota) for most reliable brand in the world? Why is a garbage brand the most sold car brand in the world?
How odd
@pokefan5022 Not today, Mazda (Japanese built) is in first place beating out Lexas again. Toyota is 3rd and Honda is 4th.
Hi Ray, Lexus uses real wood in the interior.
I notice you're not an "antiseize" guy. I guess being from the north I (we) tend to use it more frequently when reassembling nuts/bolts. Each of those reused fasteners on the ride height adjuster would have gotten a dab of antiseize before reassembly if I was doing it.
One word, FLORIDA, no rust 😂
@@ahmadghosheh3104 yes...but it makes it easier for the next mechanic.
I DIY my cars, and antisieze almost all of the fasteners I take out of my cars. That way, years later, they come out without a fight.
He touched on that a couple years ago on why it’s not good to use antiseize. Fasteners are designed to be installed dry. because antiseize acts as a lubricant when tightening and will cause fasteners to be over torqued and damage threads in a hole or break bolts. If you do use antiseize reduce the torque value by 20%
@justinferguson5451: Right on all counts. Just reduce your torque by 20-30%. On bolts bathed in oil anyway (e.g head bolts) don't bother. In 40 years of DIY car maintenance, I've only had problems if I didn't use it. Rust is the enemy. Pro mechanics need not bother either, as they rarely have to remove parts they've bolted to a car 5 years later.
I recently had to replace the blower motor resistor in my 93 Corvette. The only available, non Chinesium alternative was well over $200. I opted to try a used part for $40, and it works fine.
The blower motor resistor fails because A- not enough air flow over it- or B-the blower motor is pulling too many amps.There may be another failure.
Mine went too bought one for a jeep Cherokee for 26 bucks.same exact one works great
They were very expensive when they first came out for sale. Not exactly a sports anything but a kinda personal luxury coupe.
Some people must not be old enough to remember "ending transmission". I remember when television stations ended transmission for the day, and radio stations.
National anthem, military jets flying in formation, American flag in the wind, test pattern and solid sound tone that later transitions to the static of no signal.
I grew up near the Canadian border. The Vancouver CBC TV station listed all of its repeater stations at signoff on Saturday night. I learned the names of arctic towns in western Canada. Long before Ice Road Truckers.@@MonkeyJedi99
Remember this well, dating myself
@@TransAm-Jack Me too, though it was when a 2 year college's TV station would go off air just after 11pm, but that was in the late 80's.
I remember when transmissions were in in black & white.The tv had rabbit ears🐰🐰🐰😂 & aluminum foil to fine tune
That rust just needed a good soaking in ATF with spray bottle. Recyclable parts are my #1 go to when possible.
Fantastic video Ray..... I have used pre-owned parts on my 1988 BMW E30 325is. Couldn't find it new as the part was "NLA" at all the places and websites I tried.... So pre-owned it was and my car was happy, my wallet was happy and I was happy. Nothing wrong with used parts.
Always always notify the customer about using used parts …….before installing.
Those conversations typically happen when it first gets dropped off, especially when cars are rare. I wouldn’t assume that he didn’t.
Thanks ray!!! This was great! Thanks wife unit always a pleasure to see you again! Great video ray!!!
So, you refer warmly to those of us that grew up on a farm, poor, except in common sense and of practical utility. Thank you for the compliment and recognition sir. :)
I have a 2005 with 100,000 mi on it. 3rd owner. No creeks, no rattles, everything still works perfectly except for the power antenna. Don't see how it's behind 15 years technology-wise - it has bluetooth, voice command, color GPS (yes, I know that GPS is useless today - I've updated), electronic brake distribution, variable assist power steering, traction control, vehicle stability control. Has all the power features that you would expect. Yes, still has a cassette - hard to believe, but people were still using cassettes back in early 2000's. Of course it doesn't have wireless or USB charging - there was no such thing back then. But today there's plenty of aftermarket updates for this car. For me, it's been reliable as hell and fun to drive on the right days. Just service it regularly as you would any other car.
I bought a used 2006 with 80k miles on it for $18,500 and haven't had any issues at all. Had the original tires so I replaced them so now it rides and drives like your typical Lexus. Smooth and quiet although I agree about the seats if they rub up against the back seats. Also for a 18 year old car the top does not leak at all going through a car wash which is really surprising to me.
A bit of mandatory comedy from the wife unit. Excellent. Glad to hear it.
Hey, Mr. Ray hope you're having a a great day which will transition to a better tomorrow. Also, I would have liked to see how you got past all that rust while doing the fluid exchanges. But, I might be in the minority of people wanting to see that. Ok see ya tomorrow everyone at Rays' repairs.......😊
I would soak all plugs & bolts in penetration oil before I went home & hopefully the next day it woeked😅
I wonder how many of your customers watch the videos of your servicing the cars. Most people don't realize how important the fluid servicing is. I recently picked up a 2010 XKR convertible at a reasonable price that needed a full servicng. I figured I saved about $9500 in dealer service for about $1200 in parts and filters. Feels good to have fresh fluids everywhere, even in the hydrualic top system.
Nice, but do they need the head gaskets done? Heard that was an issue
They are great cars. But I'm happy not many people think so because I got mine and it's flawless and didn't pay too much for it.
First thing I do with rusted fasteners is hit them with penetrating oil, preferably a day before I try to loosen them.
Nine times from ten, the fastener then comes loose without major effort.
I concur, it amazes me that I watch quite a few channels with repair content and they don't follow that knowledge. Drives me batty when they see corroded work ahead then spray it and then just wrench away and snap off bolts and parts...I work on multitudes of work and will always spray them down a few times the day before I take a wrench out..Ray is a pretty awesome tech, but even when he uses a power socket and then hits power to find the nut home is very troubling to me.
Thankyou again for letting us watch you work
Unwavering dedication and humility set you apart. Congrats!
Bot
Obsess much?
The automotive press wasn't kind to these when new, and I often read complaints about squeaks and rattles due to poor overall structural rigidity. That being said, I know an older married couple with three of these, they love them so much. They do have their admirers.
Suggest you paint the welded lower bracket
Nice video Ray, as usual. I have restored many cars from the 60's on up. 20 years ago I began buying parts on Ebay and it was a life saver. There aren't junk yards full of vintage cars any more.
Went to junkyard with my son to get parts for my grand son didn't see any old cars😢
@@michaelpressman7203 I know that the local junkyard my dad goes to is owned by a scrapper these days 😮💨😢
Great Weld. Tell owner that scarcity required the install of a functional used part. NEXT: The vehicle should get New Struts. New (rebuilt?) Brake calipers. Roll bar bushings. Check all bushings on the suspension, esp. the rear. Install Amsoil fluid in rear diff. IT NEEDS new plugs and wires, or coils (depends on what it has, obviously). Remove and replace the radiator. Also, new brake rotors, pads, hydraulic lines. Check the wheel bearings....esp front. Only use Japanese bearings, if needed. The V-8 was designed to roll up, VERY QUICKLY, moving the car from 60 mph to 130 mph. Smooth and very powerful. NOT a Dodge Street racer/burnout design. Since no one wants to spend the monie to do the above, the vehicles, sadly, are ignored, and trade for little monie. Wife Unit should have one of these, to use on Saturdays to go to the asian nail salon, top down, in Florida sunshine. Get one. Fix it. U will not be sorry.
At the golf course …but you have to put the top down to get clubs in or out of fully reclined front seat, won’t fit in backseat or trunk. I know, I borrowed my girlfriend’s to go golfing, once 😎
My Titleist bag fits PERFECTLY in the back seat- you move the passenger forward a little and and use the fold down latch done deal. It’s even snug so it doesn’t move around… car is perfect
Enjoyed the video on the Lexus. I like the fact that your videoing repairs on all makes and models. I have a Lexus , not this year or model but it is enjoyable to hear your pros and cons on a brand I’m familiar with. Keep up the good work. And keep those Lexus videos coming.
I think Ray's early mechanic years were in Michigan, so is not unfamiliar with the rust situation and occasionally helps A-Rod out up at his shop periodically.
But we Love watching fluided transfer and exchange ... Thanks for another great Video ... Hello from Dallas ' Texas
Especially the struggling with rusted oil drain plugs, etc, etc.
2003, love mine. Will never get rid of it.
I've got one, same year / blue .
Runs like a dream .
No rust problem though .
Your question about used parts / unobtainable parts :-
Your customer will know what YOU are about ( professionally ) or he wouldn't have trusted his Lexus to you . Hence the used / new part won't be an issue . Plenty of Slim/Shady Back Street Billy's would have botched it up or not even mentioned it .
So rest easy on that score . ( if needs be - show him a clip from this vid so he can see the replacement part was kosher .)
Suggest he has some kind of rust treatment process done underneath maybe ? Top is lovely . Underneath is grim . And costly if left ? ? Your call . Not telling you how to suck eggs , dude .
Now , for all the Lexus hate - that's a whole different issue !!! 🤔...
Seriously though , top job . Good to see theres still some people around with i ) "know-how" and ii) good work ethic
Best Wishes from UK .
Oh Ray, the title of this video made me feel like you just called my baby ugly! Of course your video was much kinder. I have a 2002 SC430 that I picked up salvaged and revived back to service and is my favorite car I’ve ever owned. I get it that the styling and performance isn’t for everyone, but i friggen love this car. And given I only put about $12K between the title and repairs, it’s been an amazing car for me. I even have the same wheels.
i love my 2002
My 07 is my favorite car I’ve ever owned- I literally talk to her 🤙🏻
My 08 is absolutely beautiful, and I maintain it diy
I have one of those most hated sports cars and I love it. It does spend most of the time in the garage. It has a governor on it that cuts out at 150mph. New they were very expensive. It comes with a convertible hard top which Toyota sold the design to Pontiac. Has run flat tires and one of the first on board GPS. Its been easy to maintain and has been very reliable. Probably will never be a classic although they are rare. I was happy to see you work on a car I was familiar with. Nothing wrong with used parts if they are functional. Ask any rebuilder when parts are no longer made!
It is as much a sports car as a 1970s Thunderbird. Some times used parts are all that is available, Eric O uses them quite frequently. I can't believe people thought that "end of transmission" meant the trans was bad but then I am a techno geek - electronics, computers, IT systems management and computer forensics and I go back to the days of vacuum tubes.
Got my first color TV went to radio store tested tubes & fixed it😂
A used part is better than no part & it looked pretty new, also a testament to Toyota is how good the body looks at 20 years old after having spent some of it's life in the rustbelt area.
@23:20 As you were going on and on about northern cars and never once thought about using something like PB Blaster? lol
Here in Snowhio PB Blaster is the first tool out of the tool kit.
I grew up in Indiana. Our PB Blaster was called a torch.
Surprised you didn’t paint the replacement part.
You hear a lot of noises in your car because it's been neglected or maybe been abused. Look at those loose parts and massive corrosions, it looks like your car had never been taken care properly. My SC430 is an 18 year old car but never hear any noises and everything in and out, including under the chasse are all in mint conditions and still runs like new. Why? Because it's been taken care properly. Also it's not a sport car, as what everybody says it's a luxury touring car. Where can you find a sports car that has seat at back? Zero!!!
I totally agree my friend . I had a 1990 SC400 jap import , ran it for 12 yrs , sold it on in 2012. It’s still going strong with a friend of mine , I wish I’d held onto it they go for good money now ! Following that I bought a 2006 Merc CL500 , still got that and running sweet . In 2015 I got a 2002 SC430 , it’s now done 130,000 miles (barely run in 😊 ) It’s had a new timing belt and water pump , coil overs ( thanks to the shit roads in Uk ) and Bluetooth . It’s looked after and regularly serviced . It is absolutely reliable and a daily driver , as is the Merc . Neither are garaged and are out in all seasons . Buy a decent example and look after it , simple . . . Yours has obviously been neglected , but I’d bet with a bit of love and attention it would serve you better than most other brands . My 430 is definitely a keeper .
I think the word you were looking for to describe nut & bolt is symbiotic / 2 things that compliment as in work together, have a shared relationship or in most cases depend on each other.
Kudos to you for the awesome thorough job you did on the Pontiac.
Complementary also works :)
No that is not what he meant. Fastener would suffice.
As I recall Jeremy Clarkson absolutely "LOVED😅" the SC430 on Top Gear.
I was about to say, old school Top Gear was a huge fan of this car. Voted worst car of 2003 and if I remember correctly as a joke, they delivered the car to one of the presenters. Was it Jeremy?😆
Clarkson only had the r-sake because he couldn't fit his flabby whale body in it & Hammond couldn't see over the steering wheel ! !
I am glad you gave the little Lexus a pat and said sorry. A great little tourer not too many over the top accessories, there are quite a few in Australia and are real stayers.
The owner has to ok used part (No warranty). But as stated, part is on backorder so may or may not ever come. Good job on repair.
oxy acetylene is your best friend when working on rusty vehicles , the job is harder and sometimes you will fail without it ,the Lexus looked mint compared to some cars I. have worked on just needs a rust converter spraying around to keep it from getting rotten , nothing wrong with the sensor you fitted great job Ray
My '64 Ford Galaxy Convertible (yes I'm old) had an extra massive X cross-member on the central part of the frame for stiffening. It was a PITA for exhaust replacement because it routed thru cutouts in the X cross-member.
Had an 83 mustang glx convertible (v8/5speed). It did not creak like this. Doors even shut nice, no binding or issues lining up, even after making passes at the drag strip.
So my SC430 is very solid and I really enjoy it. I would not call it a sports car, but would say more of a luxury touring. I enjoy the silent cabine with the roof up and the roof down is still pretty quiet . I do not have any of these rattles and sounds coming from anywhere in my car. Mine is a 2004 and have a little over 220,000 klms. Worth mentioning these cars were really overpriced at the time but ahead of it's time in certain aspect.
Speaking as someone who runs a 50 year old car, also unloved in the USA (Triumph Stag), I find that second hand parts are often better quality than the modern Chinesium parts.
Hated everywhere.
Ray, I started watching your channel about a year before you got your own shop. I think your videos are awesome. I love wokring on cars and worked as a civil engineer for 37 years, and about 10 years before I retired I started a handyman business, which I'm still doing. I just wanted to say I really admire your patience when you work and your videos have helped me in my buisness because everytime I want to throw the hammer across the room because I dropped a nail or lost a screw or cut a tile backwards I think about how patient you are when you work and how you take things in stride and it calms me down so I don't quit right there. Keep up the great videos.
Looking good. I have no issue with used parts. At times you just can't get new ones, or the part is old enough that it is no longer produced.
33:15 Ray! You’re driving the car with used work gloves! That steering wheel is leather and wood! Clean hands are a good idea inside customers’ cars (I have learned). Turning a glove inside out over the glove on the other hand does work, too!
As someone who owns a car where even the manufacturer doesn't even make parts for it anymore, used parts are okay as long as I'm told about it before hand (in case I need to be prepared to buy the part again cuz the new-to-me-used-part is also busted on arrival, or to give me a chance to find the part myself)
I’m still used to luxury cars being known for their low end torque and smooth/floaty ride. By that definition I don’t think any real luxury cars have hit the market in at least the last decade or two.
I would fit (and have done to my 40 to 50 year old cars) giving the option to the owner of fitting used parts, fitting used as a temporary stopgap until new parts are available or charge vehicle storage fees until just new parts are available. The used parts give immediate driveability for the customer.
Nice work! When a new part is not available, you have no choice but to find a used one. If that is not available, you may be able to modify a different one designed for another vehicle. Other than that you are up a creek. Used is fine as long as it works. The one you had looked like a new part. The only other thing I would have done to the little braket you welded, is a shot of rustoleum. If I owned that car, I would get under it and wire brush all the rust I could get to, use that rustreversal stuff and paint or undercoat, before it gets too bad. I think it is salvageable at this point, don't ignore it.
I think you are a perfectionist and in the best way possible. Some constructive feedback though, if you’re repairing a metal bracket due to rust, paint the metal with at least some rustoleum and prevent/ slow down the process happening all over again. Also with the original part failing with a frozen ball joint, did you throw some grease in the joints of the used part to help extend its life?
@SupraSeth I’m not trying to be hypocritical of Ray’s work either, it’s just that your two recommendations are truly “best practices” for any DIYer out there to employ. I’d do this as second nature, almost reflex action, here in the rust-free environment of Austin Texas and as mandatory in any of the rustbelt regions. That freshly heated bracket is screaming, “oxidation accelerant alert!” 😮
I remember Mercedes came out with a print ad claiming their SLK55 was the only car in it's class with a standard V8. Lexus made them print a retraction. The SC was a little too Grand Tour and not sporty enough. They basically built a car for 70 year old's going to the golf course. The SLK appealed to a wider audience.
cabin filter, fuel filter, filter filter ?
Ask ‘em first about used parts. Point out that they may not live long enough to get a brand new Lexus part.
SLK is a different class, Mercedes was right.
@@johnt.848 2-door hardtop convertible is the class. "Don't compare my SLK to a lowly Lexus". Stahhhp.
@@aaronbritt2025 read my comment again, I said they are a different class.
Ray, all LS430s and probably all SC430s came with ride height sensors. And I don’t know why! They are only utilized in the electronic suspension cars. You should have just disconnected it, capped off the connector and thrown it away. As a LS430 owner who loves his car, and goes to pull-your-own-yards, I’ve seen all LSs whether they have coil or air springs with these sensors. (Thru 03 at least. Front and rear driver’s side only). I don’t know why Toyota did it! An assembly line thing?? By the way, the LS is built much better, and with better parts, other than the excellent shared powertrain. And the interior is very quiet. If you get a chance, look under the sedan, and you’ll see what I mean. I could go on forever raving about the car! Love the channel, keep up the good work.
Good morning Ray. I had a co worker that had bought that car. Loved how it rode but I remembered the car rattled a lot on the inside even new. Have fun fixing it up.
i here what your saying about fixing things most mechanics and body shop only want to replace not fix or straighten any part
I wanted one when I was a kid. If I could find a low mileage one. I would get one.
Using used part is okey as long as the customer gets informed/asked about it..
As for your comment about the lack of real mechanics, you are absolutely right, many mechanics are just "part changer" today sadly...
Thats why I love your channel.
Awesome video Ray. Rust is pretty common place here in Maryland, not like up north farther but still not pristine by any means. Oh and by the way nuts and bolts would be antonyms, technically opposites, but still need to work together, alike so synonyms too? Its the million dollar question?
Great job Ray! I can't believe you actually got your way through that corrosion, and got that welded together... You must be living right..
Seeing an Illinois plate guarantees rust if driven in the winter. Used parts are good as long as the customer is given the choice. Sometimes it’s the only option available.
"The Car Care Nut" channel is sprucing up an LS 4.3 with over 600,000 miles , car runs great, looks amazing for the age/miles.
@65,000 miles this car isn't broken in yet.
Hey Ray, I have an SC430. It is true that they are either loved or hated. I love mine. When you ride around with the top down, there is no better feeling. It doesn't rattle as much if the bottom is not rusted out, LOL. You nailed it about structure, convertibles do flex around. Looking at that Serpentine belt, the timing belt tensioner and water pump need replacement also. The 3UZ FE V8 ENGINE is one of the best ever made, but it is an interference engine and needs special care. My SC430 is my fun baby. And yes, 20 years old is scary...Clean oil is real important for the VVTi system.
Strange opinion here: I actually prefer the look of these to the LC500.
There is something fun and classy to the SC 430.
Nothing wrong with a used part. If you told me the dealer part was on backorder, id be happy to take the used ebay item.
I understand your comments on parts. After 60+ years repairing radios, antique radios & TV sets, fabricating parts is pretty common place. If the part is NLA, I let the customer know that a used part is the only thing available. Generally I won't warranty a used part. The exception are used tubes that I install. If the customer installs, no warranty.
With used parts, as long as the customer was informed and agreed, I see no problems at all. As far as warranty, I would say the install is warranted, such as your weld and anything not related to the part purchased such as the bolts, and the warranty from EBay should handle the part itself.
I seen a chicago il city sticker on the wind shield typical rusty car but for the year its very clean most cars dont survive that long here in the city before rusting away
Rainman Ray... Using used parts is totally acceptable as long as the customer is aware of it and agrees to using them. You can't really put a warranty used parts.
I owned a subaru forester and needed headlights, mirrors and computer. All were used due to Subaru charged a fortune for new and was 6 months out to ship. Mechanic asked me and i said sure. It all comes down to your relationship with your Mechanic. If you trust them, then they should never steer you wrong.
Hey Ray, My 2002 Lexus ES300 had the same problem. That ride height sensor broke loose from the lower control arm because the linkage seized up. I applied some heat to the linkage and broke loose the ball joints. Then I lubricated them and welded the lower bracket back in place. The sensor unit still worked. You might have done the same for your customer. Regarding used parts. EVERY OTHER PART ON THE CAR IS A USED PART! So, it matches, what's the big deal? On the plus side: The used part is tried and true and you know that it works (unlike new parts). Or presumably it works. Second, it, probably, is a factory original part and not an aftermarket part and that can be a plus. Third, it's cheaper and more available. BTW, the one you got looks great and will probably last another 20 years. Yeah, just tell the customer so he doesn't accuse you of cheating him.
It's a no-brainer. Communication is key. You tell the customer the situation. Obviously they've been driving with it broken for quite some time so just getting it to work properly is a bonus and they most likely will be OK with it. Again, it's what the customer wants. The new part says "back order" but that could mean one week , or never. You would probably order it and get a message back saying that the part is no longer available (discontinued). Trust me, one of my cars is a 2000 Accord and I have gone through this a few times, so I end up buying a used or aftermarket part.
Option for new or used should always be up to the customer. With supply issues these days sometimes the only option is used parts but the customer needs to know what they are getting.
It didn't spend much time up here!!!
Much love from the tip of the mitten state!!!!
What state is the top of the mitten?
@@patrickchavez3848 TIP of the mitten....Michigan....the one that looks like a mitten!!!
@@darrendomke5228 never noticed nor heard it called that. Ha
We always say if parts are unavailable, and as for using used parts, quite common here, mainly because of all the older vehicles still used .
You have to use what you can find on cars like this.. it was like trying to find 240Z parts back in the 2000s... You did good!
“Right here by the mouse toilet”. I’m dead 😂😂😂
Ray, scotti Kilmer has same care video with 700k miles on that car. This is a car that outlasted every competitor of its time and after 22 years plus, still good enough to go another 10😊
Using used parts is absolutely fine if that is what is obtainable, but definitely the customer should be informed and asked about it.
The wood trim was real on those cars. They weren’t well received but quick for its time. And the Navigation System was behind the center wood trim. The LS430 of its time had better tech and much better reliability than the S classes of its time (W220)
That Lexus is 20 years old and it’s in good shape for its age. Actually I’d love to have it here in Bradenton, FL.
Good call on the creative thought process. To prevent rust here in PA I sprayed my underbody with fluid film. Upon its annual inspection “at a place that rhymes with bep poys” I mentioned that I sprayed everything with fluid film, yet they still tried to charge me $4k saying all my suspension in leaking and need replacement. Made me furious that day and took it somewhere else where it passed. Such is the problem when state inspection and repair shops are allowed.
The insurance co. want body shops to use used parts to save money. So if you have exhausted all avenues to obtain a new part and that has failed due to unabtainium parts then you have other avenue but to get the best used part you can for your customer so that they can enjoy there atomobile quicker, as long as they are on board with the used part.
Ray, Wife Unit and Dave have a great weekend coming up.
8:00 a Land Cruiser with a 4.7 very interesting. Awesome engine they put in those.