RockfordFile Posted December 28, 2005 Share Posted December 28, 2005 (edited) Hello all. I am currently car shopping, and one of my targets is the SC400. I have driven one SC300, and was not impressed, though this is because it was not in particularly good shape. I have since driven 2 SC400s, both 1993 models. Both were nicer than the SC300 (again, because of upkeep) and were generally better-feeling. I drove one last night that I almost bought on the spot because it has been a 1 owner car until very recently, and all services have been performed at Lexus dealerships. It is completely stock, and has 134k miles on it. The owner is asking $8950 for it. The only issues it appears to have are: - A few of the dash lights on the center console are out (common issue) - The heater does not blow hot Other than that, it is in unbelievable shape. The leather has only one tear (driver's window sill), but is generally in VERY good shape considering its age. It also shifts very smoothly, and did not evince any hard kickdowns when I hit the gas. Does $8950 sound fair to you all? Would the heater and dash lighting issues be a real concern in the future, and something I should haggle over? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Edited December 28, 2005 by RockfordFile Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockfordFile Posted December 29, 2005 Author Share Posted December 29, 2005 Anybody? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jono Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 That deal sounds average based on the info provided. I suggest closely looking at the records to determine what work has been done since if some of the typical problems that occur with these vehicles haven't happened yet with the car, then you may wish to prepare for those. For example, power steering pump and condensating headlamps. It's also very worthwhile finding out when the timing belt was last changed - that's a big ticket item. If you are serious about this purchase, the Lexus dealership could check it out for a few bucks. Although they are more expensive than most shops, they will know the car and presumably will know what to look for - especially that problem with the heat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockfordFile Posted December 30, 2005 Author Share Posted December 30, 2005 That deal sounds average based on the info provided. I suggest closely looking at the records to determine what work has been done since if some of the typical problems that occur with these vehicles haven't happened yet with the car, then you may wish to prepare for those. For example, power steering pump and condensating headlamps. It's also very worthwhile finding out when the timing belt was last changed - that's a big ticket item. If you are serious about this purchase, the Lexus dealership could check it out for a few bucks. Although they are more expensive than most shops, they will know the car and presumably will know what to look for - especially that problem with the heat. The current owner printed a list of all the services done to the car since it was new. There were a lot of entries on the 5-page-long list compiled since the car was new, but nothing that I recalled looking bad. The description column had a lot of "Unknown" entries listed though. I'm not sure if this is common on other dealer-serviced Lexus cars, and it may even be that the tech was too lazy to spend time typing out what he did on the car. Many of these could be oil changes and tranny fluid changes, but the I am not sure. These "Unknown" entries were the only "cause of concern" I had. the current owner did not have any hard receipts because he said everything was documented electronically. He said one of the important areas that needs fixing around 120k miles were the valves, which he said had definitely been done. As far as the timing belt goes, isn't it a chain? Usually chains do not need checking until around 180k, or at least that is what I've known from past experience with other DOHC engines. I will ask the owner about this. Based on my experience testing the car, I would say it is in solid, reliable shape; it really felt tight while driving it, and was significantly better than any previous SC I drove. The paint quality, the fact that there are almost no external blemishes, and the generally perfect state of the leather interior suggests to me that this car has been pampered as much as has been suggested by the owner. I have called a Lexus dealership about inspecting the car. They are asking $122 to look at it. I haven't decided to buy the car yet, so spending $122 on a car I may not buy is not overly appealing. But I understand what you are saying, and I realize that you can never really know the whole story with used cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jono Posted January 1, 2006 Share Posted January 1, 2006 It is a belt. The dealership can provide you with more specific info but I believe they generally recommend replacing every 60,000 - 80,000 miles at a cost of about $1,200, which includes a new water pump, gaskets, etc. In terms of getting more info on that SC at no cost, your other option is to visit or phone the dealership that serviced the car. Chances are good that they know the car and could tell you what has been done to it and what work may be needed. I took that approach when looking at several SC's and got some very useful info from the service department. Since it seems difficult to find a SC that is in good shape and at a reasonable price, this could be the right buy for you. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCdriver Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 I would have lexus do a certification check for $90-100 and run the lexus service history as well as getting the carfax history before buying any used lexus. The SC400 has power steering pump failures at 75-100,000 mi which require rebuiding it with new seals or replacement. The timing belt is expensive at $1200. The 1993 has R12 AC and if it leaks or needs recharging or switching to R34a it can also be expensive. I suggest getting a 1994, 1996 or 1998+ SC400 and skipping this one. Check Yahoo used cars, Ebay etc and remember it is cheaper to ship or pick up a good car than trying to do a lot of repairs on a local one. Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b3_hammondman Posted January 21, 2006 Share Posted January 21, 2006 SCdriver, Per your reply to this thread i had a question for you. I know it's been a couple weeks since you wrote this but i'm actually brand new to this forum as i have just posted a thread of my own a few minutes ago entitled... "Is this a good deal"? It's a 95 SC-400 w/ 101k miles in A1; great condition! Anyway you were saying that you would suggest getting a 94/96/or 98... why did you not include the '95's? I'm just curious. I don't know much about Lexus and especially the different models but i'm needing a knock around car to keep mileage off my 05TL and came across this one and thought it would be the ideal car for me. I haven't heard many people complain about the 95's. Should i be worried about this model? And if so, then why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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