SupraMan Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 I have an option to buy a very babied all it's life '92 SC400. Owner inherited it from deceased elderly aunt's estate (some dudes have all the luck!), and seemed equally fanatical in upkeep. Cosmetics and maintenance perfect. Heck, this is a 4th car for him; he only put a couple hundred miles on it this year. It's been garaged all it's life, probably never saw WOT from either of them! He just did a major dealership tune with timing belt, wp, plugs n wires, all fluids, BG fuel clean, align n balance, more ... EVERYTHING I would do, without the dealership and their $2k bill. Tires like new. It has a 'lifetime guaranteed' alternator; seems to me the power steering leak problem already happened, too. No CD player, but I have a Pioneer 6 from a 96 ES to slip in. (That's my present commuter, unreal reliability at 155k and still runs perfect). This looks like a dream car, but I did buy a never spanked, girlie owned 12 year old 10,000 mile Supra turbo with lots of aging problems in electronics after the purchase ongoing for my ownership. Am I asking for trouble with this 62k pampered beast, or is it a dream deal at $7500? I can go both ways on this, help me (get more confused!). Also, should I expect at least 17 mpg with a 400, with a hopeful 23 on the road cruising, or less? Thanks for your input guys, I'm unsure that this isn't anything more than a money pit with control arm bushings dried out, etc. Always wanted one, this seems like a dream deal to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1990LS400 Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 According the the car valuation web sites - for whatever they are worth - $7500 is very high for a 92 SC400 of that mileage and condition. It really comes down to whether you think it is a good deal and whether or not others in your area think this is a car that justifies the high price and would be willing to buy it at the same high price. Even low mileage cars age -- the biggest potential issue is corrosion in the electrical system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grnsc40095 Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 SupraMan, Kelly Blue Book has it listed for $6,575...Excellent Condition. This of course is for the state of MD. Have you test driven the car, looking for common problems that occur with these cars? This link will give you some ideas, if you see any problems describe in this site. Point them out to the seller and talk the price down. http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/PricingRep...QuizConditions= Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraMan Posted February 15, 2009 Author Share Posted February 15, 2009 Thank you for thoughtful comments, and nice links to reality checks. Sometimes reason is overcome by a dream. I appreciate smart people who reach out to help with good counsel quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eatingupblacktop Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 I have an option to buy a very babied all it's life '92 SC400. Owner inherited it from deceased elderly aunt's estate (some dudes have all the luck!), and seemed equally fanatical in upkeep. Cosmetics and maintenance perfect. Heck, this is a 4th car for him; he only put a couple hundred miles on it this year. It's been garaged all it's life, probably never saw WOT from either of them! He just did a major dealership tune with timing belt, wp, plugs n wires, all fluids, BG fuel clean, align n balance, more ... EVERYTHING I would do, without the dealership and their $2k bill. Tires like new. It has a 'lifetime guaranteed' alternator; seems to me the power steering leak problem already happened, too. No CD player, but I have a Pioneer 6 from a 96 ES to slip in. (That's my present commuter, unreal reliability at 155k and still runs perfect). This looks like a dream car, but I did buy a never spanked, girlie owned 12 year old 10,000 mile Supra turbo with lots of aging problems in electronics after the purchase ongoing for my ownership. Am I asking for trouble with this 62k pampered beast, or is it a dream deal at $7500? I can go both ways on this, help me (get more confused!). Also, should I expect at least 17 mpg with a 400, with a hopeful 23 on the road cruising, or less? Thanks for your input guys, I'm unsure that this isn't anything more than a money pit with control arm bushings dried out, etc. Always wanted one, this seems like a dream deal to me. Are there no dealer's service records? If not, why? Warranty would have been voided if service wasn't done! How much of the history for this SC is documented with receipts if there are no dealership service records? Can you verify the current owner's claims? Have you had an inspection done at either a Lexus or Toyota dealership? Lexus cars can look great for many years, especially one that has been protected from the elements. Do a carfax check, and run the vin through Toyota for all records they have on the vehicle. Have it thoroughly inspected and tested. Do an extended test drive in either really cold or really hot weather (well, can't really do that now). Put the car up and have it checked underneath. Not saying this can't be a great find, just "when things sound too good to be true ....", caveat emptor! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eds92sc Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 I have an option to buy a very babied all it's life '92 SC400. Owner inherited it from deceased elderly aunt's estate (some dudes have all the luck!), and seemed equally fanatical in upkeep. Cosmetics and maintenance perfect. Heck, this is a 4th car for him; he only put a couple hundred miles on it this year. It's been garaged all it's life, probably never saw WOT from either of them! He just did a major dealership tune with timing belt, wp, plugs n wires, all fluids, BG fuel clean, align n balance, more ... EVERYTHING I would do, without the dealership and their $2k bill. Tires like new. It has a 'lifetime guaranteed' alternator; seems to me the power steering leak problem already happened, too. No CD player, but I have a Pioneer 6 from a 96 ES to slip in. (That's my present commuter, unreal reliability at 155k and still runs perfect). This looks like a dream car, but I did buy a never spanked, girlie owned 12 year old 10,000 mile Supra turbo with lots of aging problems in electronics after the purchase ongoing for my ownership. Am I asking for trouble with this 62k pampered beast, or is it a dream deal at $7500? I can go both ways on this, help me (get more confused!). Also, should I expect at least 17 mpg with a 400, with a hopeful 23 on the road cruising, or less? Thanks for your input guys, I'm unsure that this isn't anything more than a money pit with control arm bushings dried out, etc. Always wanted one, this seems like a dream deal to me. I bought my neighbor's 92SC400 a year and a half ago. My situation was similar to yours. The car hardly got driven for five years. Wish they did what your potential seller did. Within two thousand miles of my driving it, the timing belt busted, and I spent $1500 getting it fixed (along with new plugs, wires, caps, water pump). Then right after that, the O2 sensor went bad and the back side of the engine block blew a freeze plug and started leaking coolant. Had to drop the tranny to get the plug replaced. Then I had an intermittent starting problem, couldn't really figure it out for a while. Changed the battery, and the fuel ECU and it seemed to help. but it came back. I (electronic spray cleaner) cleaned out the connectors that had to be disconnected from the timing belt job, and so far, I think that was my problem. The connectors (I think) go to the crankshaft sensor and the coil, I could be wrong. Driver's side window fell down, replaced the window regulator. Passenger side going bad. Third brake light on spoiler not working. Found the wires were cut from the wearing and pulling on the electrical wires when the trunk lid was opened, easy fix. But all in all, very nice car. Like you said, my bushings could get replaced, but I don't want to drop any more money into it. Don't regret it, but probably wouldn't buy a 92 next time, maybe a 97-00. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sc4sooner Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 ive got a 92 sc400 and absolutly love the thing, i strongly suggest taking the deal. if its been babied like you say it should be a great reliable ride for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraMan Posted February 16, 2009 Author Share Posted February 16, 2009 Thanks for the input. Hoe many miles did your SC400 have when you bought it? This is a car that inspires love, even with the warts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LexLutherSC4 Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 92 SC400 is a lovely vehicle. mine has a little over 200k and still rides excellent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eds92sc Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 Thanks for the input. Hoe many miles did your SC400 have when you bought it? This is a car that inspires love, even with the warts! Only 99,000 miles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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