Lexus ES300 Mrs. Wizard bought for $1K is alive! Tranny was an absolute disaster. You have to see it 

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My mom had that same car in green. There's a rubber 'boot' seal on the steering shaft at the lower firewall that you can spray with something to lube it and get rid of the moaning sound. At age 88 she rolled hers one and one half times, ended up on the roof and got out upside-down (with help), and walked away from the scene. She credited the car with saving her life. All the air bags worked. To see crash pics of the car you'd be surprised that anyone in it could have lived.

Owned one and used it for 60 mile rt commute for maybe 8 years. No problems… luxurious, comfortable, cheap to keep. Nice ride!

I purchased one of these with 248,000 miles on the clock from a local car dealership ac worked ride was smooth etc only needed struts which was original from 2001 dad had the 96 version and now has a gs350 this car has never let me down five years later i replaced vvti sensors which were also factory knock sensor and normal maintenance we now have 14 lexus in our family ranging from 2001 to 2014 they literally spoil you and will never let you down

That noise in the steering is the rubber grommet the steering shaft goes through on the firewall. Lithiam grease spray into it and fixed for a year. It may need it yearly but that usually fixes it on the 4th gen Camrys.

That Lexus power steering noise is a very simple fix. Silicone grease on the rubber boot/steering shaft at the firewall.... you grease it up in the driver footwell. The rubber vibration noise when turning steering wheel.

WELL DONE Mrs. Wizard! Along with Chief Videographer, this should earn her the title of Head of Acquisitions at Omega!

I’d suggest polishing the headlights now that it’s mechanically sorted! That would be something I’d like to see next! Great job on the car tho! Lexus and Toyotas are KILLER cars! Have an 08 Camry LE with a V6 with only 18,000 original miles! It was a family pass down & it’s AMAZING! Keep preaching Toyota Wizard!

You are a wise man and experienced tradesman Wizard. I'm an old school motor mechanic and admire your professionalism. Keep up the good work, do the job once, do it properly is what I had hammered into me some 48 years ago as an apprentice. If the customer doesn't take your word on what needs to be done, you don't want them.

The color on that radiator is considered a warning sign in the NA Miata world. When they turn that color it means it's time to replace.

Enjoyed Video, however it would be nice to know what the outlay was for the replacement transmission (cost, miles on Tranny) and the number of hours to pull old and replace and cost. Left us hanging on these items.

Make air conditioners cold again.

We had an Avalon with that transmission. It started making noise, then skipping second at around 190k miles. Cracked it open, replaced the fluid and totally plugged filter, and that transmission still shifted like new when it was sold at 340k. You really, really, REALLY, have to go out of your way to kill one.

You’re starting to turn into Tyler with all these cars. That’s when his content was the best with the cheaper Gamble cars

I had a 98 camry with that 3.0 v6. One of the nicest engines I've ever driven.

I found one of these a few years ago, for $2,000 (a 1999, with 170,000 miles), rebuilt the transmission for $3,300 (parts, labor, tax and a 3 year, 36k warranty). All of which was well worth the money. These are luxury cars, without the luxury price. Mrs. Wizard now has an excellent ride.

SO nice to see a Lexus/Toyota recouperated. Thats a sweet ride. I wonder if they ever changed fluid/ filter. Didnt Toyota have tranny problems? I had a used 97 Camry that I changed every 60,000 miles. It was 21 yrs old/265,000 miles & ran like a top. Rusted out in the rust belt.

The steering noise is is fixed by using a lubricant down at the firewall where the steering shaft goes thru a rubber grommet. Quite common on early 90s Toyota and Lexus automobiles.

The 2 tone body is so clean. I miss that stuff on cars, black packages i guess is the modern equivalent but it aint the same.

The invincible Lexus got a second life! It almost brought me tears. *I love those Lexus’es.* Great job, Wizard! Congrats.

You can polish those lights out with plastic polish in minutes, then clear coat with a UV protectant to keep them from yellowing. Will look like new.

I had a 1998 I bought certified in 2000 with 48k miles. I put 50k miles on it never needed a thing except oil changes. One of the best cars I ever had.

I bought a 2000 Lexus ES300 with 103k miles back in February from the original owners estate. Been dead-nuts reliable. My steering wheel made the exact same sound! I've put 8000 miles on it by now & the sound went away.

a family member of mine has an old toyota camry wagon with the V6. they have had that thing as long as I can remember and it was at 300k miles last i knew. found out today it hit 407,000 miles and still going strong only parts replaced are the fuel pump, radiator 2 alternators and 1 motor mount and it still keeps trucking as quiet as a sewing machine

-2 celcius here in New Zealand this morning - that's about 28 degrees in 'Merican. Definitely a car worth saving, that interior is amazing for the miles.

I had this exact car with the v6 engine many years ago. What a great car, someone t-boned me and totaled it otherwise I'd probably still have it lol

Good job Wizard! I think you chose wisely with Grimes. Seems like you found a very good mechanic which are hard to find these days.

Those ES300’s were prone to thrust bearings exploding in those transmissions. Essentially destroying the transmission, it’s actually pretty common but not talked about for some odd reason. Also heavy engine oil sludge as well as worn piston rings. I should know, as I have one, 2000 to be exact. The 1997 and 1998 are far more reliable than the 99-01 counterparts but other than that, besides alternators as well, they are alright, annoying sometimes but ok

Lets hope that transmission is a long life ahead after reusing the actual metal in some new product. Maybe even automotive part. So that gearbox is a valuable source of material and should be recycled properly to turn it into another metal bar or sheet for the next cycle.

I can only imagine that the transmission fluid had never been changed or the filter either. Also the driver could had been abusive toward driving it.

I have a 2001 ES with 110k miles. The car feels brand new, it's pretty crazy how the car rides for its age

Here in Denmark the summer has been cold, wet and miserable. So it all balances out. Share the warmth, please!

Yes! It is cold down here in Australia. But it's getting warmer soon. Love to see you two down here...

What a great find. I have a 2000 RX300 and the steering wheel also moans from time to time. I can live with it. Great car. That old Lexus you have should be great...just new headlights. It's a comfy ride. Oh, the pleats/wrinkles on the doors inside are intentional. My RX300 has the same thing.

My friend had one of these for a 1st car. 270k miles, passenger front brake pad was so worn it fell out, transmission clunking, headlight full of water, power steering pump groaned in agony by it got him to work everyday. Can’t kill a Toyota lol

My dad use to have this car when I was younger… I remember how comfortable n smooth it drive.. man I miss it!

Just sold my ES300 in January of this year, but you guys are making me miss it. May go ahead and purchase me another one. Great Cars !!!

Grimes seems very comfortable in front of the camera… way more so then some of the other techs who seem nervous.

All that's left is to polish the headlamps and put some UV protection film on them. :)

Bout that life. Got my son an 06 Camry 4cyl 117k new inspection including emissions. Shifts good, changed 80% of fluid anyway. 4k later so far runs perfect. 1700 bucks, needed a headlight💪

I do hear alternator whine coming from the stereo.

I currently drive 99 ES300 with 267k and still rolling strong.

Now that is a Lexus. So smooth and fast.

8:30 Grandma gave her sweet ride to new teenaged driver who destroyed the transmission.

Had one for years,the build quality is unbelievable,did all my own work,all Toyota genuine parts,3 cambelts and water pumps,one fuel pump,then my daughter got it and drove it hard,until she got hit at the lights,solid as well...

That squeek noise from steering wheel is from the steering wheel rack. Spray or put some grease on the rack located next to brake foot pedal. I had same issue on 2016 lexus es. I drove almost 10k thinking its actual steering wheel. 2 min quick fix.

❤ GRIMES IS A STUD!!!! love watching him talk and teach on camera!

From 2000-2004 I sold transmission parts from a company located in Pittsburgh, PA. Loved the job, learned a lot about what shops go through. I was making a delivery at a particularly busy transmission shop. Checking in the delivery, I was a fly on the wall, I overheard a tech who was on the phone with the customer explaining what happened to her car. This woman was so upset the repair was going to be over $2000, needing a whole new transmission. The builder did the best he could, explaining what had to happen but she wouldn't hear it. She demanded the transmission be put back into the car and she would have the car sent to another shop down the road. I made sure to warn the next shop when I made the delivery to their place. And the owner said, "yeah the other shop already called and warned me. I told the lady we couldn't help her. And, that the other shop should continue doing the work and finish the job because I charge more than they did." 😂😂😂😂 That was awesome lol

I have a 2001 Lexus es300. I bought it from a client when I was in the security business. I paid 6500 for it when it had 60k on the clock. I put 60k more on it and now 7 years later, it still runs great. I had the timing belt changed at around 80k because the previous owner did timing belt at 40k. He stupidly did not change the water pump, tensioners, and drive belts so I had the whole kitten caboodle done. I was smart enough to have it done at a Toyota dealer and saved hundreds. The same work done at a Lexus dealer would be twice the price. The only thing Wizard should have done with his white one is clean up the head lights. The Mother's treatment works.

Looking good. It just needs the headlights restored.

Good job on saving the car. Maybe car care nut will reach out to you again about what causes the steering wheel noise, like he did with the truck you were working on

New headlight lenses and 90% of people would be perfectly happy to drive that car!! Looking forward to the upcoming plans!!

Silicone spray with the long tube nozzle to get behind steering wheel for the squeaking 👍

Wow! You hear the supercharger on that thing! 😂😂😂

About 10 years ago my mom returned a lease to the Lexus dealer and the guy sold her a 2000 es300. Still rockin that bad boy today and she says she’ll never get rid of it. Just a fantastic car! Not the fastest, prettiest, or coolest. It is just a darn good car that works like a champion at 200k

I have had similar problems to Mrs Wizard while trying to buy a used car. Thankfully I found a good one. Although I dread eventually having to buy another car!

Had a ES300 exactly like this one same color same year drove it 250k only sold it because the suspension was going bad and bought another used Es330 Lexus and we also bought a Rx 350 Excellent cars folks highly recommend buying one

Reminds me of my RX300. Drives like a new hyundai. As a matter of fact, we tested that with my brothers new Sonata. At 60mph, my 03 RX was quieter

A restoration on the headlights would now be good, it would transform the look of the car. Go over with 1000 grade wet/dry paper with lots of water for about 15mins, then 2500 grade for another 15mins. Finally polish with a machine polisher and some compound for another 15mins per headlight. They will come out as good as new.

Great find by Mrs Wizard. Good work by new mechanic Grimes! The Lexus looks good apart from those cloudy headlights. Perhaps another clip could look at cleaning the headlights?

Nice Lexus . Pretty car. Good deal

Did you change out the timing belt, water pump and tensioner when you dropped out the power train ?

This design of the ES300 was always my favorite.

Toledo Ohio hasn’t been very hot at all this summer. Only a couple 90* days. We have been very fortunate this summer. Even the humidity hasn’t been bad. We have been very lucky because it can get miserable here too.

How much was the replacement transmission? And how much u think u will get for it if u re sell it?

perfect timing. thinking about a 97 for $500

If anyone has that Lexus steering squeak when turning, coming from the steering shaft, it's the boot. Attach a straw to the spray head and inject a shot under the boot. I recommend white lithium grease for longevity. WD would just wear away.

My son's 2001 RX300 suffered the same failure at 191k miles. Trans shop said it was the planetary failure.

This is the car Scotty Kilmer's wife has. He says it will last 300k+ miles if you take care of it. I have one too, it really is a great car.

First the Million Mile Lexus, now we have the Thousand Dollar Lexus. They can't keep getting away with this 😆 I must say my 05 ES is the best car ive driven so far 👌

I brought a 1996 Lexus LS 400 for $1200. The problem is that it would drive forward in reverse, neutral, and park. Thought it needed a trans,but all that was wrong was a burnt up torque converter. Got that fixed for $2300 and added a transmission cooler and still drive that car today. This was a good year and a half ago. 😌

It's killing me to see those foggy headlights and fog lights. I wish you treated them clear before the video. It's a magnificent car.

What did it cost to repair and what if you had to pay for shop hours?

That weird wine noise while driving is a bad radio ground. If it’s coming through the speakers, and it has an aftermarket radio and aftermarket amp, it’s going to for sure be a bad ground for the radio, or amp, or audio signal wires. Sir Wizard.

Fascinating. Wizard please show more dismantled component failure stuff - love it

The only thing that would drive me nuts is the continuous high pitched noise as it's being driven (not the wheel).

I had this car as a 1999 model year. I bought it in 2001 the year my son was born and donated it in 2020 the year he graduated high school. As Wizard indicated this car’s engine and interior/ exterior integrity are solid but it’s transmission seems to be its weakness. My transmission didn’t explode but it started to whine and my mechanic said it would eventually fail. I donated the car and it sold for $1200 to hopefully some like Wizard.

Proud Lexus owner here! and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my 2005 ES330!!! Amazing

The "oh yeah" compliment with the gear shifting and the questionable squeaking noise can really turn this video to another level LOL, it is how amazing that with the proper care and fix an old car can run for a lot longer. amazing!

Hi I’m here!!! I love Lexus unfortunately I had to let my guy as the underneath rusted out 😞

Will you detail the inside/out and clean those headlights?

Thanks for the transmission tear-down lesson. Wow, that puppy was lunched! Thanks for the episode, Mr. and Mrs. Wizard! ✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

If anyone had a doubt that Mrs Wizard is a keeper, this video solves that

Wizard, your new mechanic needs "Grimey" for a nickname -- ironically, of course, because it looks like cleans up really well after working on cars.

Thank you for saving a perfect car 😊

I recently lost my 2007 Toyota Camry LE from getting rear ended at a stop light. That car also made the steering wheel squeak and sometimes the break pedal when it gets cold. I actually miss it hearing it sometimes.

It would be interesting to know, what did it cost honestly for a costumer to fix this car, I mean with the samen usted gearbox, work etc.

Looks like an upgraded Camry 😮

It hasn't been that hot in the Charlotte NC so far this summer.

I live in CT, and I have a 2000 Chrysler Concorde LXI, that needs a motor. Timing belt went. According to the mechanic, he said the rods are bent, and the engine is shot. I put over 4k into this car, from new A/C, to EVAP system, right down to the purge valve. I want $1,200.00. Motor swap, and it would be a great car again. No dents or rust. Too many parts to list here, of what I put into this car.

You'll reach 300k miles on that lexus easily

Kudos to Mrs. Wizard, at the end what was the cost of the car with parts and repair?

That's the kinda "mechanic special" I've been looking for to fix & flip, I'm always checking CL and local ads

My wife and I both drive ES300's as our commuters, mine is a 1992 5speed and hers is a 1995 automatic that needs a transmission LOL.

I didn't finish the video yet so maybe my question was answered, but can you get a Camry transmission for this car? Or Avalon

Excellent job. Quick question - do you ever get your engine bays detailed? I like to keep mine so clean you can eat off of them. Nothing drives me crazy like a dirty engine bay. Keeo up the great work.

Hi CarWizard , you can buff out those head lights to make them look like new, maybe make a video. I did it with my 2000 honda accord.

I bought an RX300 many years ago that would not go into overdrive. It was sold as a bad transmission to me. I bought cheap and took home and changed both knock sensors for less than $300 and it fixed it. Wee drove it several more years and over 150,000 miles before trading it in

$1k for the car. $4k for replacement tranny. Unless you are a mechanic its barely worth it cuz now the OTHER issues show up, like the jet whine noise from the engine. Whats that?

What are you planning to do with the steering squeak and headlight fog?