The growth of Mrs. Wizard has been awesome. I remember when she was just an occasional voice that came out of nowhere and now she got her own youtube channel. You have officially caught the youtube content creator bug and there's no cure. Congratulations!!!!!
I love your wife saying "I feel like it wants to do something" while all sounds coming of the car are scraping sounds as if the transmission is a coffee grinder 😂
Well might be wrong here but I think it probably wanted to complete turning the old tranny into glitter. But if you are a half way decent mechanic, or if you are certainly a master like Mr. Wizard, then replacing the transmission is not a bad deal. Ends up making a complete Lexus for 2000 dollars :}
Mrs Wizard scored big time... and has found an untapped niche, cause TH-cam's lacking some real world 'mummy wagon' low cost car content. Well done to both of you.
@@walnutsandbeastiality866 I think it was based on the Mk5/XV30 Camry, but with nicer interior, lights, etc. I'm in England and Camrys of that age are rare here (I have one of the three dozen or so - they are literally that scarce) and the ES300 was never sold here as far as I know.
Yup got one my friends got one all with 300k+ miles and they still drive like new literally the v6 version if the LS in reliability and better handling
My dad had a 1997 white ES300, bought new. Put 229,000 miles on it. Driver’s seat was worn because he commuted 62 miles each way to work. The radio display either didn’t work or pixelated, but the radio itself did work. He wasn’t spending $500 at the time to replace it. He replaced it in 2005 with a ES330.
He’s a brilliant man. I have both haha. My first car was and IS my 05 ES330. Bought with 180k miles 6 years ago, now at 314k. Still perfect. And I just picked up a 2001 ES300 for $3k, almost flawless , runs and drives perfect , 190k mi, gray / gray.
had 98 es300 my radio did same got alpine for 150 bucks with mount kit from crutchfield, did same in my 03 camry when multi disc jbl decided to keep one disc in and only played it and radio LOL
Agreed. So satisfying to get a really nice older car brought back to life for not a ton of money. I'm guessing less than $3k all in and this will be a very nice ride.
Given how nice the condition of the rest of the car is, it really deserves a remanufactured transmission with all the durability upgrades available done to it, as these slushboxes are not particularly famous for their longevity: a used one might not last you long. And you are always so adamant about not having to do the same disassembly and reassembly work over and again to fix the same issue.
03 camry v6 with same engine trans from lexus 300 330k and is fine had older 98 es300 bought it with 350k drove for 2 yrs never had a moments trouble ot of it and sold it a almost 400k for what I paid for it 2 yrs before.
Mrs wizard is right .A great car that needs to be kept on the road.an English channel called High Peak Autos on TH-cam does this kind of thing and it's great to see cars being kept from scrapyard. The epitome of sustainability. Its so nice to see a couple working so well together and being rewarded for their hard work. Stay safe
I owned these, bought it in 2018 with 125k miles, $2,600. It was immaculate! Great car, too! I hit a buck driving to work one day, insurance gave me $5,000 and I bought the car back from them with a salvage title. Fixed all the smashed in panels and new windshield later it was back to almost immaculate!! Probably one of the better cars over ever owned. Only needed a couple coil packs changed.
Wow what a deal, sucks though what happened. But I appreciate your value on the car, no one understands how good these 90’s Lexus are. All made in Japan from the finest craftsman that have honed their skills to gain the title of Lexus takumi which is a high rank, built by the finest Toyota craftsman’s who will make sure no panel gaps, no creaking, no rattles and no mistakes even if it’s Friday and almost time to clock out these Lexus are built with care
9:31 a rule of thumb when older Toyota/Lexus radiators turn light brown like that, replace them ASAP. The discoloration means the plastic is getting weak and will start cracking and creating leaks. The new ones are pretty cheap and easy to replace
I noticed that too.., That’s probably means it’s an original Lexus radiator. Great to se it has lasted that long. But I think the moment your try & remove the radiator hose, the outlet to the radiator will break up.
Wizard I’ve taken a ton of your advice when looking for a car, and I picked up a ‘97 ES last summer and have zero regrets! Kind of fun seeing my car on here!
That radiator should be replaced also when the plastic tanks start turning that color. It would also be good preventative maintenance for the transmission as well since the cooler for the trans is in the radiator.
Tyler's fallen in love with making super car videos that no one wants to watch. He hasn't made a video like the Lincoln Towncar Nicolaus Edition or the Isuzu Vehicross in a long time. It's almost like the Wizard is taking over that niche.
Men unannouncedly buy cars. Women unannouncedly buy everything else. Plot twist: Wizard comes home from work the following day with a thousand bucks work of stuff from Bed Bath and Beyond.
Woah, I just bought the exact same car, it's even pearl White! (1998, CLEAN, 190k miles, amazing Nakamichi stereo, and it runs and drives beautiful without a single light on the dash!) And I paid $1300 😜
What a shame, these are such great cars. I would just put in a new radiator since that upper tank is getting the patina of death. They seem to start failing when the plastic on the tank starts to turn brown. Rock auto has a Denso replacement radiator for around $120 and you would get a clean trans cooler in the deal.I have a '01 Camry V6 which is basically the same car mechanically with only 89k on the clock, plan on keeping it forever.
That's a really good point.. why flush out an old trans cooler and still need a new radiator soon anyway. Likely save time and (normally) money in the long run
Good point, Jeff! The brown patina on the radiator is the early warning sign of the dreaded strawberry milkshake of coolant/trans fluid mixture that older Toyotas can develop. I'm sure the Wizard is on top of that!
Yes this car is basically a V6 Camry.....I have had two Camry's.....with maintenance it will easily exceed 300K miles I have the 4 cylinder 5SFE slow but very reliable
I always treat radiators, particularly if they have a heat exchanger built in, as consumables & replace them after 10 years. As you note, they aren't expensive, and replacing them is an easy DIY job, it's worth the insurance.
Gave my daughter the old 2003 ES 330...now has 300K. Spent very little money but timing belts and oil changes. Best car we ever owned!!! Interior and body is mint.
Love this direction that you’re going down. Working for a Toyota dealer.. this makes my heart happy seeing these old workhorses getting the love that they deserve!
This brings back memories when I worked at a rental car, and had a few of these in the lot. My favorite were the two-tone gold with beige interior. Hope this car can be fixed. Loves the '97-'01 design (especially the 2000 and 2001).
I don’t hate EVs but this is so much harder with them at least right now, sure you can usually put in a new battery if you can find but you almost always need the factory software to get everything to work with it again.
I've always wanted one of these. Competition to buy them is fierce. I once saw a new ad for a low-mileage one appear on Craigslist and called immediately, but someone had beat me to it. Later the lady called me to say the sale had fell through and I was next in line. Before I could get there 2 hours later, she'd already sold it to someone else.
My parents used to have a 2001 Camry V6 that was basically the same car. It was a tank. Over the years it was wrecked three times, two of them fairly significant. It finally died of road salt cancer after 20 years and only 140k - the rear subframe and its mounting points just weren't safe anymore. It still looked good (except for the Toyota dealer replaced door rusting out after being hit in a parking lot) and the interior was mint, but it was time. Wish it was as clean as this one is! The only things wrong with it at the end other than losing structural integrity were a leaky trunk seal (only sometimes, weird lol) and the backlight on the radio didn't light up anymore. If the unibody were sound I would have put a rear subframe in it and it'd still be kicking today...it could probably take another stop sign runner or two 🤣 The V6 was pretty punchy for its day.
I'm trying to figure out what hellish abuse that transmission suffered in the past, to end up in that state ... was the previous owner using the car for tractor pulling contests? Apart from the dead box, it's in remarkable shape. Also glad to know I wasn't the only one thinking "toxic chocolate fondue" when that transmission fluid was released :)
Im close to buying one, i hope the trans is not anywhere near as bad as this one, just under 200k miles, seller says no major nor minor issues at all. The whole point im buying it is because of it's reliability & million mile reputation.
Great purchase Mrs Wizard!!! These are very good cars, my uncle had one just like this & he drove it for years!!! My sister & brother in law both drive a Lexus!!! I'm definitely going to check out your new channel!!! 👍👍🙂
i think the whole process of this should be documented in the 2nd channel , like dropping the transmission , flushing the cooler , programming the ecu , and breakin in the new used transmission. this could be a really good car for one of their kids. i love cheap luxury cars , kind of have any obsession with used e class cdi's
just wanted to say i love your videos car wizard and took your advive from your buy this not that video and bought a 2007 mustang with the 6 cylinder engine and it had some small problems i fixed it myself and was wrecked and fixed the body now have a great fun car i hope this car works out for you and mrs wizard
She stole it for a $1000. Great buy ! I have a 2002 ES300 (4th Gen) which has the same mileage 177k miles. I’m the second owner and it’s in great condition. I had to change out the front coil packs after I got a misfire code, I had my repair shop change out the rear ones, just too hard to get to without removing the intake
I still have it. 200k 23yr and still on original starter & fuel pump (Hi Germans). Problem i'm currently having is from rust (east coast here). Had my brake line underbody cracked and leaked. Brake pedal to the metal and it's not safe to drive to the shop. Today I just bought a few inches bought 3/16 line, inverted (double) flaring tool & unions. will be DIYing once they arrived.
Had a transmission problem around 120k not shifting into O/D 4th gear. Googled up and I DIY replaced a solenoid, change filter and fluid inside and it fixed! IMO, the transmission oil should be replaced at least once every 100k miles. (even in some Germans who said it is a "lifetime" fluid, (their lifetime means 100k) people found to have been helped replacing them around 80-1000k.
I bought one of these for $1,200. After I fixed all the neglect it was the most reliable, comfortable car I've ever owned. It's at just over 250,000 miles now I would not hesitate to drive it across the country.
Wizard, once you install a good transmission in that car, I think it would be cool to see the headlights get restored on video & get some tips on headlight restorations as well! Nice score!
Nice purchase! *Every Lexus from the 20th Century should be saved.* They are good, beautiful and quite reliable. I hope this one returns to a good condition. At 175,000, it still has a long way to go. *Mrs. Wizard, congrats for your new channel!*
I own the regular Toyota version of this (2003 Avalon). My uncle bought it new the year I graduated high school and my aunt gave it to me. I have been been helping with the maintenance on it since new; still drive like a new car. I do a drain and fill on the transmission every 5th oil change. Currently sitting at 107k miles; they didn't drive much and I currently do not either. Like Mrs. Wizard, I am also a former teacher that now works from home. It is a very nice and reliable car.
Man I still miss Hoovie's Red ES300 with the Manual transmission. Apparently it was only 1 of 2 cars sold in that specific configuration. Definitely a car worth keeping for a lifetime!
Love the concept, saving cars on the brink of the breakers, great timing, and how true the cost of used cars these days, a rusted out mazda 3 is 3000, here in Canada, nuts
That’s a nice ride! I had a 2001 Toyota Avalon that shares a lot with the ES300. I drove it hard until someone pushed me into a guard rail at 213k miles. I only had to replace a door handle (ice storm + caveman hands), the rear struts, and a brake caliper. I loved that Toyota made Buick! Comfy, spacious, reliable, quick enough, efficient enough, and it loved redline during full throttle acceleration! Good score Mrs. Wizard!
She did good. I bought my son a 1999 es300 for 1K six years ago from the original owner it had 145k miles. I did all preventative maintenance based off of what I figured a car that old was going to need soon once teenagers starting driving it. Replaced VTT oil control valves, the filters on the inside get clogged and the seals leak oil, valve cover gaskets, intake gasket, coil packs, spark plugs, beef up ground wires and cleaned contact area from rust. Timing belt and all seals on the front of the engine. Power steering hoses and flushed all fluids, brake, power steering, transmission, radiator. This year 2023, back struts, back sway bar end links and constant velocity joints. We have 4 cars in our family and the es300 is the most reliable car in our fleet. I have looked and looked for another one and you are right, all I find is overpriced roaches, which should be listed as donor cars for their parts. I can't wait for the video series on this car. Sorry for llloooonnnng comment, I just know this car inside and out.
That's a good looking car. It looks so comfy. I had an 2000 Olds Intrigue GL that had upgrades. It was basically a GLS. That thing was so comfortable to drive. I had to let it go @ 225K miles due to an overheating issue ("Shortstar" engine). I hated to give up on it because it handled so well and was comfortable, but it wasn't worth the $$ it would take to fix it.
I bought a 2000 ES300 in college for a gas saver. It was a beautiful black and grey two tone but unfortunately it had a couple of problems including the transmission. It started slipping and eventually wouldn’t go into OD. Great car but unfortunately I just didn’t have the time or money to fix it up.
It is a Toyota, it will run forever... good on you for a completely different video... it adds to the range of videos.. Well done Mrs Wizard, good on you! Question- should the ES300 be on the backlight?
Best of luck with new channel I hope to still see Mrs wizard on your channel.She adds a touch of Glamour and an interesting point of view. Thanks Guy's
My dad has a 99, and he got it with a sluggish transmission. Did a service and it drove 40,000 miles issue free. Transmission went shortly after that, and we scored a good one for $300 and performed the very unpleasant job of changing one without a lift in our driveway lol. Its all sorted for the most part, just having some parts needing replaced here and there due to age. Edit: he paid $1250 back in late 2016 when it had 170,000 miles, now around 220,000.
Those Lexus es300 are well built cars. I had a 1997 that went 341k before it blew a head gasket. I did a TB and WP replacement myself at 250k Bought it with 200k with no history for 1500 bucks. Everything worked. That was in 2012. Now I drive a 2000 Lexus GS 300. Just did a TB/WP myself at 266K. Hoping this one will go 350k.
2:13 my mechanic drove me to work one time in a similar ES300 after i dropped off my car for service one time, and wow those cars are really comfortable from what I remembered
@@wolfeadventures Re-clearing is not the same as polishing. Putting a new clear coat after sanding the assembly is more of a permanent solution than buffing the headlamp out which is temporary.
Not a bad find! I picked up a 2000 Camry 4 cylinder for $400 recently. Had a seized ac compressor. So I put on a belt from one without ac. 4 new plugs, 2 tires, and an oil change. Runs awesome and gets 30+ mpg.
The previous owner most likely had been quoted $6,000 to replace the transmission (book or computer generated price for most shop if they use the same software). I know as I was helping my daughter's Toyota Camry to replace the dead transmission until I found a guy to do it only $1,750 (most shops quoted me 5k to 6k)
The growth of Mrs. Wizard has been awesome. I remember when she was just an occasional voice that came out of nowhere and now she got her own youtube channel. You have officially caught the youtube content creator bug and there's no cure. Congratulations!!!!!
i remember that voice of no where, never seen a face like jamy of joe rogan
I can easily do without her comments. The Wizard is who I want to hear not his wife's piggybacking.
I love your wife saying "I feel like it wants to do something" while all sounds coming of the car are scraping sounds as if the transmission is a coffee grinder 😂
Well, she's right. It wants to do something. It's just not accomplishing it. If it didn't want to do something, there would be no sounds at all.
Well might be wrong here but I think it probably wanted to complete turning the old tranny into glitter. But if you are a half way decent mechanic, or if you are certainly a master like Mr. Wizard, then replacing the transmission is not a bad deal. Ends up making a complete Lexus for 2000 dollars :}
Good idea Mrs Wizard. A "how much can we make if we fix it up" or "Wizard flips" series, will be fun to watch.👍
I would love that!
The Wizard can fix anything.
And more importantly the channel should make money, too!
Only possible if you have a spouse who's a car wizard.
Mrs Wizard scored big time... and has found an untapped niche, cause TH-cam's lacking some real world 'mummy wagon' low cost car content. Well done to both of you.
Is the ES300 a U.S. only model? I'm from Europe and never heard/seen one
Heard about the LS400, the IS300 but not this model
@@walnutsandbeastiality866 must be the junk version, you can find these all day at junk yards but an LS good luck
@@walnutsandbeastiality866 I think it was based on the Mk5/XV30 Camry, but with nicer interior, lights, etc. I'm in England and Camrys of that age are rare here (I have one of the three dozen or so - they are literally that scarce) and the ES300 was never sold here as far as I know.
@@laurieharper1526 YEP, it is a rebadged Camry but it has every option that a Camry could have.
@@jimberry3159these definitely aren't junk
these cars are one of many Toyota best designed! Great platform that runs forever! Nice score Mrs Wizard!
Yup got one my friends got one all with 300k+ miles and they still drive like new literally the v6 version if the LS in reliability and better handling
What is nice about Toyota's is they are so dependable the used parts aren't expensive because the demand for the parts are low
Runs forever but doesn't drive forever!
Does it usually have transmission problems?
My dad had a 1997 white ES300, bought new. Put 229,000 miles on it. Driver’s seat was worn because he commuted 62 miles each way to work. The radio display either didn’t work or pixelated, but the radio itself did work. He wasn’t spending $500 at the time to replace it. He replaced it in 2005 with a ES330.
He’s a brilliant man. I have both haha. My first car was and IS my 05 ES330. Bought with 180k miles 6 years ago, now at 314k. Still perfect.
And I just picked up a 2001 ES300 for $3k, almost flawless , runs and drives perfect , 190k mi, gray / gray.
had 98 es300 my radio did same got alpine for 150 bucks with mount kit from crutchfield, did same in my 03 camry when multi disc jbl decided to keep one disc in and only played it and radio LOL
Hi. You never had any transmission problems?@@805NAVE
This is a cool idea, a series where you're taking regular cars that are right at the edge and bringing them back.
Agreed. So satisfying to get a really nice older car brought back to life for not a ton of money. I'm guessing less than $3k all in and this will be a very nice ride.
Like someone else’s channel used to do…
Hey that’s my schtick! 😂
Search for uk salvage rebuilds
I guess you have never seen a car at the edge. This is a really nice car that will definitely have a 2nd, 3rd and 4th life ahead of it.
Definitely worth fixing and keeping!!!! Don't sell it you guys!!!! Way to go!!!!
I'm a transmission shop mechanic myself sir...
Given how nice the condition of the rest of the car is, it really deserves a remanufactured transmission with all the durability upgrades available done to it, as these slushboxes are not particularly famous for their longevity: a used one might not last you long. And you are always so adamant about not having to do the same disassembly and reassembly work over and again to fix the same issue.
The transmission in this car is very durable. You just don't see many in this condition. Agood used one is a safe bet
03 camry v6 with same engine trans from lexus 300 330k and is fine had older 98 es300 bought it with 350k drove for 2 yrs never had a moments trouble ot of it and sold it a almost 400k for what I paid for it 2 yrs before.
As the owner of a 98 ES with almost 400k, love seeing more content being made on this generation of ES
Same here 😌 ‘98 with 270k
Hi. How long did your transmission last?
@@JakeforJesus Do you know at what mileage the gearbox was rebuilt?
@@jabriel580698 with 198k miles.
@@jerry6711do you take it on road trips recently and what kind of maintenance have you had?
Mrs wizard is right .A great car that needs to be kept on the road.an English channel called High Peak Autos on TH-cam does this kind of thing and it's great to see cars being kept from scrapyard. The epitome of sustainability. Its so nice to see a couple working so well together and being rewarded for their hard work. Stay safe
I owned these, bought it in 2018 with 125k miles, $2,600. It was immaculate! Great car, too! I hit a buck driving to work one day, insurance gave me $5,000 and I bought the car back from them with a salvage title. Fixed all the smashed in panels and new windshield later it was back to almost immaculate!! Probably one of the better cars over ever owned. Only needed a couple coil packs changed.
How much they charge you to buy it back?
@@wolfeadventures less than $200
Wow what a deal, sucks though what happened. But I appreciate your value on the car, no one understands how good these 90’s Lexus are. All made in Japan from the finest craftsman that have honed their skills to gain the title of Lexus takumi which is a high rank, built by the finest Toyota craftsman’s who will make sure no panel gaps, no creaking, no rattles and no mistakes even if it’s Friday and almost time to clock out these Lexus are built with care
Insurance sells for scrap value
@@eVerProductions1 it was a fantastic ride. A step up from the Camry.
9:31 a rule of thumb when older Toyota/Lexus radiators turn light brown like that, replace them ASAP.
The discoloration means the plastic is getting weak and will start cracking and creating leaks. The new ones are pretty cheap and easy to replace
I noticed that too.., That’s probably means it’s an original Lexus radiator. Great to se it has lasted that long. But I think the moment your try & remove the radiator hose, the outlet to the radiator will break up.
The fact that Mrs. Wizard is helping with your videos and making her own. It's a great thing, not many wives want To help work or do anything.
Wizard I’ve taken a ton of your advice when looking for a car, and I picked up a ‘97 ES last summer and have zero regrets! Kind of fun seeing my car on here!
That radiator should be replaced also when the plastic tanks start turning that color. It would also be good preventative maintenance for the transmission as well since the cooler for the trans is in the radiator.
Sounds like something Tyler would do. Too bad he can't charge her for his services
Tyler's fallen in love with making super car videos that no one wants to watch. He hasn't made a video like the Lincoln Towncar Nicolaus Edition or the Isuzu Vehicross in a long time. It's almost like the Wizard is taking over that niche.
He surely can ;)
Men unannouncedly buy cars.
Women unannouncedly buy everything else.
Plot twist:
Wizard comes home from work the following day with a thousand bucks work of stuff from Bed Bath and Beyond.
Tyler would just buy the cheapest one possible. This car seems to be in very good shape other than a totally useless transmission
@@jmorris023 Didn't he just do one on an HHR panel? Seems pretty regular, even if rare.
Woah, I just bought the exact same car, it's even pearl White! (1998, CLEAN, 190k miles, amazing Nakamichi stereo, and it runs and drives beautiful without a single light on the dash!) And I paid $1300 😜
Which state?
What a shame, these are such great cars. I would just put in a new radiator since that upper tank is getting the patina of death. They seem to start failing when the plastic on the tank starts to turn brown. Rock auto has a Denso replacement radiator for around $120 and you would get a clean trans cooler in the deal.I have a '01 Camry V6 which is basically the same car mechanically with only 89k on the clock, plan on keeping it forever.
That's a really good point.. why flush out an old trans cooler and still need a new radiator soon anyway. Likely save time and (normally) money in the long run
@@Peaches-N-Mango best to replaced the cheap parts and it will run for another 23 yers
Good point, Jeff! The brown patina on the radiator is the early warning sign of the dreaded strawberry milkshake of coolant/trans fluid mixture that older Toyotas can develop. I'm sure the Wizard is on top of that!
Yes this car is basically a V6 Camry.....I have had two Camry's.....with maintenance it will easily exceed 300K miles I have the 4 cylinder 5SFE slow but very reliable
I always treat radiators, particularly if they have a heat exchanger built in, as consumables & replace them after 10 years. As you note, they aren't expensive, and replacing them is an easy DIY job, it's worth the insurance.
I'm weak for Lexus'. Good to hear about your plan to breathe new life into this wonderful ES.
Gave my daughter the old 2003 ES 330...now has 300K. Spent very little money but timing belts and oil changes. Best car we ever owned!!! Interior and body is mint.
I enjoy the banter that the Car & Mrs. Wizard have been having lately. Makes it more realistic
Love this direction that you’re going down. Working for a Toyota dealer.. this makes my heart happy seeing these old workhorses getting the love that they deserve!
Boy what a score! That's one of my All-Time-Favorite cars Lexus ever made! 100% Bullet-proof, it's basically a fancier V6 Toyota Camry.
Congrats Mrs Wizards! 👏 I like those rear end on the ES and can't wait the next episode!
ES300s are great, Good Luck to Mrs. Wizard new channel!
Awesome!! 🎉 I have the exact model of ES300, and still drive it daily. I will definitely follow all the videos!
Oh man, huge fan of the Toyota 3.0 V6. Love seeing this on your channel
Love older Lexus's. Great choice. I want an IS300 Sportwagon myself 😀
Proud Lexus owner here! and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my 2005 ES330!!! Amazing!
This brings back memories when I worked at a rental car, and had a few of these in the lot. My favorite were the two-tone gold with beige interior.
Hope this car can be fixed. Loves the '97-'01 design (especially the 2000 and 2001).
Thank you car wizard for keeping the spirit of bucit repair and car club alive by saving automobiles from the salvage yard.
I don’t hate EVs but this is so much harder with them at least right now, sure you can usually put in a new battery if you can find but you almost always need the factory software to get everything to work with it again.
We owned this EXACT car at one time. It was a great car. My wife loved it and it drove wonderfully.
Wow the second generation face lifted ES300 is timeless 😍 I gonna keep watching and see how it can be rescued
Had a few of those 90s Es300 camry platform. So reliable, non interference engines also 😊
Correct.....the 4 cylinder (Camry) and the V6 (Lexus and Camry) are non interference so a broken timing belt does suck....but does not ruin the car
You two are the best couple on TH-cam. I hope for huge success for Mrs. Wizard’s channel.
I've always wanted one of these. Competition to buy them is fierce. I once saw a new ad for a low-mileage one appear on Craigslist and called immediately, but someone had beat me to it. Later the lady called me to say the sale had fell through and I was next in line. Before I could get there 2 hours later, she'd already sold it to someone else.
It'd be fun to see Mrs. Wizard do a full detail and paint restoration on this on her channel. I bet you could get this thing looking close to new.
My parents used to have a 2001 Camry V6 that was basically the same car. It was a tank. Over the years it was wrecked three times, two of them fairly significant. It finally died of road salt cancer after 20 years and only 140k - the rear subframe and its mounting points just weren't safe anymore. It still looked good (except for the Toyota dealer replaced door rusting out after being hit in a parking lot) and the interior was mint, but it was time. Wish it was as clean as this one is!
The only things wrong with it at the end other than losing structural integrity were a leaky trunk seal (only sometimes, weird lol) and the backlight on the radio didn't light up anymore. If the unibody were sound I would have put a rear subframe in it and it'd still be kicking today...it could probably take another stop sign runner or two 🤣 The V6 was pretty punchy for its day.
I'm trying to figure out what hellish abuse that transmission suffered in the past, to end up in that state ... was the previous owner using the car for tractor pulling contests?
Apart from the dead box, it's in remarkable shape.
Also glad to know I wasn't the only one thinking "toxic chocolate fondue" when that transmission fluid was released :)
Original trans fluid
Im close to buying one, i hope the trans is not anywhere near as bad as this one, just under 200k miles, seller says no major nor minor issues at all. The whole point im buying it is because of it's reliability & million mile reputation.
It's amazing how many youtubers have started from the influence of Hoovie and now Wizard!
Great purchase. Love those body style ES300, just picked up a mint Coach edition 99 for my dad, video of it on my channel.
Love these kind of videos! Can’t wait to see this thing all cleaned up and driving!! Good job mrs wizard!!
I'm not surprised that Mrs Wizard finally got her channel. Way to go. I'll be checking it out after this
Great purchase Mrs Wizard!!! These are very good cars, my uncle had one just like this & he drove it for years!!! My sister & brother in law both drive a Lexus!!! I'm definitely going to check out your new channel!!! 👍👍🙂
i think the whole process of this should be documented in the 2nd channel , like dropping the transmission , flushing the cooler , programming the ecu , and breakin in the new used transmission.
this could be a really good car for one of their kids. i love cheap luxury cars , kind of have any obsession with used e class cdi's
just wanted to say i love your videos car wizard and took your advive from your buy this not that video and bought a 2007 mustang with the 6 cylinder engine and it had some small problems i fixed it myself and was wrecked and fixed the body now have a great fun car i hope this car works out for you and mrs wizard
She stole it for a $1000. Great buy !
I have a 2002 ES300 (4th Gen) which has the same mileage 177k miles. I’m the second owner and it’s in great condition. I had to change out the front coil packs after I got a misfire code, I had my repair shop change out the rear ones, just too hard to get to without removing the intake
Mrs. Wizard looks refreshed.
You guys are too adorable!!! I’m glad you have gotten to this point where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.
I didn't want a timing belt, so I got the ES350. But you certainly can't get one for a thousand bucks. Nice car!
I still have it. 200k 23yr and still on original starter & fuel pump (Hi Germans). Problem i'm currently having is from rust (east coast here). Had my brake line underbody cracked and leaked. Brake pedal to the metal and it's not safe to drive to the shop. Today I just bought a few inches bought 3/16 line, inverted (double) flaring tool & unions. will be DIYing once they arrived.
Had a transmission problem around 120k not shifting into O/D 4th gear. Googled up and I DIY replaced a solenoid, change filter and fluid inside and it fixed! IMO, the transmission oil should be replaced at least once every 100k miles. (even in some Germans who said it is a "lifetime" fluid, (their lifetime means 100k) people found to have been helped replacing them around 80-1000k.
Congrats Mr. Wizard ! One of the most important decisions in life is the woman you choose ❤️ its awesome she's so supportive ❤️
I bought one of these for $1,200. After I fixed all the neglect it was the most reliable, comfortable car I've ever owned. It's at just over 250,000 miles now I would not hesitate to drive it across the country.
Wizard, once you install a good transmission in that car, I think it would be cool to see the headlights get restored on video & get some tips on headlight restorations as well! Nice score!
Love these kinds of videos. New cars are stupid expensive, so keeping older ones on the road makes a ton of sense.
Nice purchase!
*Every Lexus from the 20th Century should be saved.* They are good, beautiful and quite reliable. I hope this one returns to a good condition. At 175,000, it still has a long way to go.
*Mrs. Wizard, congrats for your new channel!*
I own the regular Toyota version of this (2003 Avalon). My uncle bought it new the year I graduated high school and my aunt gave it to me. I have been been helping with the maintenance on it since new; still drive like a new car. I do a drain and fill on the transmission every 5th oil change. Currently sitting at 107k miles; they didn't drive much and I currently do not either. Like Mrs. Wizard, I am also a former teacher that now works from home. It is a very nice and reliable car.
Man I still miss Hoovie's Red ES300 with the Manual transmission. Apparently it was only 1 of 2 cars sold in that specific configuration. Definitely a car worth keeping for a lifetime!
Just because it's rare doesn't mean it's worth anything.
Toyota has yet to create anything worth anything
@@Welcometofacsistube The Toyota 2000gt begs to differ.
@@WelcometofacsistubeDomestics are known for their longevity due to their high quality electronics and engineering. 😊
@@sanman1188junk.
Next
@@WelcometofacsistubeYou must be fun at parties.
Love the concept, saving cars on the brink of the breakers, great timing, and how true the cost of used cars these days, a rusted out mazda 3 is 3000, here in Canada, nuts
That’s a nice ride! I had a 2001 Toyota Avalon that shares a lot with the ES300. I drove it hard until someone pushed me into a guard rail at 213k miles. I only had to replace a door handle (ice storm + caveman hands), the rear struts, and a brake caliper. I loved that Toyota made Buick! Comfy, spacious, reliable, quick enough, efficient enough, and it loved redline during full throttle acceleration! Good score Mrs. Wizard!
Hi. You've never had any transmission problems?
She did good. I bought my son a 1999 es300 for 1K six years ago from the original owner it had 145k miles. I did all preventative maintenance based off of what I figured a car that old was going to need soon once teenagers starting driving it.
Replaced VTT oil control valves, the filters on the inside get clogged and the seals leak oil, valve cover gaskets, intake gasket, coil packs, spark plugs, beef up ground wires and cleaned contact area from rust. Timing belt and all seals on the front of the engine. Power steering hoses and flushed all fluids, brake, power steering, transmission, radiator.
This year 2023, back struts, back sway bar end links and constant velocity joints. We have 4 cars in our family and the es300 is the most reliable car in our fleet.
I have looked and looked for another one and you are right, all I find is overpriced roaches, which should be listed as donor cars for their parts.
I can't wait for the video series on this car. Sorry for llloooonnnng comment, I just know this car inside and out.
Great idea, looking forward to more of this type of thing!
Great choice, Mrs. Wizard! The very best of luck on your new channel. Thanks for the video.
In a age where others are having shall we say relationship issues..
Ots lovely to see Mr and Mrs Wizard work so well together.
Smart buy as always! Great cars!!! Better than buying a new car
Agreed
This is a refreshing video! Not too far from the norm but something a little more hands-on and different. I like it!
That's a good looking car. It looks so comfy. I had an 2000 Olds Intrigue GL that had upgrades. It was basically a GLS. That thing was so comfortable to drive. I had to let it go @ 225K miles due to an overheating issue ("Shortstar" engine). I hated to give up on it because it handled so well and was comfortable, but it wasn't worth the $$ it would take to fix it.
If you'd had the 3800 (which was available in that car) you might still have it.
So cool Mrs. Wizard is able to use her teaching skills on TH-cam!!
Strange how they opted the put the es300 badge on the tail light and not the trunk.
They did that in 2000 and 2001 models only. 1997-1999 had it on trunk
@dariodjakovic1600 Thanks for explaining. I'm from England so not familiar with the ES.
Mrs. Wizard, you add so much to this channel. So glad you are starting your own channel too 😊
Mrs. Wizard: I'll have videos on "how to frame your shots"
Mr. Wizard: top of head cut off in frame
😂
That was intentional ... cuts down on the glare...😁
I bought a 2000 ES300 in college for a gas saver. It was a beautiful black and grey two tone but unfortunately it had a couple of problems including the transmission. It started slipping and eventually wouldn’t go into OD. Great car but unfortunately I just didn’t have the time or money to fix it up.
That amount of mileage is nothing for a Lexus. Great job, Mrs Wizard! 👍👍
Honest mechanic info is why there is a huge draw/interest on the Car Wizard, top shelf.
It is a Toyota, it will run forever... good on you for a completely different video... it adds to the range of videos.. Well done Mrs Wizard, good on you! Question- should the ES300 be on the backlight?
Yes that's factory
it will run forever except... the transmission is ruined?
Best of luck with new channel
I hope to still see Mrs wizard on your channel.She adds a touch of Glamour and an interesting point of view.
Thanks
Guy's
Lol. Mrs.Wizard coming into her own now that she's a retiree.
Not a retiree, but Life Adjusted Schedule person now.
LoL
My dad has a 99, and he got it with a sluggish transmission. Did a service and it drove 40,000 miles issue free. Transmission went shortly after that, and we scored a good one for $300 and performed the very unpleasant job of changing one without a lift in our driveway lol. Its all sorted for the most part, just having some parts needing replaced here and there due to age. Edit: he paid $1250 back in late 2016 when it had 170,000 miles, now around 220,000.
Real cars for real people, good concept!
Love the ES300! Ours looks just like it and just passed 315000 miles. Looking forward to this!
I have always wanted a late 90's early 2000 Lexus like that with the same 2 tone color white and grey
Thanks for your information, you seem like an honest mechanic. We need more people like you in my area
Would a trans-fluid drain and fill every 50 or 60K would have prevented this failure? I'm sure Car Wizard will let us know in the next video.
Would love to know too
15:40 there is no metal in the cooler because the fluid passed through the filter first. Techs like to say that so they can sell you a new radiator.
Isn’t there magnets also or is that just in some vehicles?
Those Lexus es300 are well built cars. I had a 1997 that went 341k before it blew a head gasket. I did a TB and WP replacement myself at 250k Bought it with 200k with no history for 1500 bucks. Everything worked. That was in 2012. Now I drive a 2000 Lexus GS 300. Just did a TB/WP myself at 266K. Hoping this one will go 350k.
2:13 my mechanic drove me to work one time in a similar ES300 after i dropped off my car for service one time, and wow those cars are really comfortable from what I remembered
Looking forward to seeing more videos of the process
1MZ-FE! this was the staple V6 from Toyota before the 2GR. Toyota was so fun back then they even made a TRD Supercharger for it.
It's a pretty good deal, honestly I thought it may had more issues deep inside rather than just transmission. Very lucky deal
I almost forgot. From what I can tell from your video, you are very fortunate to have Mrs. Wizard as your partner 😊
That thing is actually really nice. A little time and money, and that’ll be a really nice daily driver.
Excited about the restoring / repairing cars series on this channel! Great idea!!
I’d also have the headlamps sanded and re cleared as well while you’re at it.
Or if they're not too expensive, just get new ones.
Replace. Otherwise redoing them each year.
@@wolfeadventures not if you use the same clearcoat used to refinish the exterrior.
@@wolfeadventures Re-clearing is not the same as polishing. Putting a new clear coat after sanding the assembly is more of a permanent solution than buffing the headlamp out which is temporary.
@@raybasulto622 even with a good clear it will yellow unless parked inside.
Great opportunity to d o a video adding lucas transmission fluid see if it even moves
So cool that you and your Mom does these videos together.
About 2:30
"It will, that's what you're here for!"
🤯😳😂🤣😅
"Know your place"
Not a bad find! I picked up a 2000 Camry 4 cylinder for $400 recently. Had a seized ac compressor. So I put on a belt from one without ac. 4 new plugs, 2 tires, and an oil change. Runs awesome and gets 30+ mpg.
Should get Mrs. Wizard a Toyota Solara convertible
The previous owner most likely had been quoted $6,000 to replace the transmission (book or computer generated price for most shop if they use the same software). I know as I was helping my daughter's Toyota Camry to replace the dead transmission until I found a guy to do it only $1,750 (most shops quoted me 5k to 6k)