mscan Posted March 11, 2004 Posted March 11, 2004 I am looking at a 92 SC300 with 160,000 miles on it. The timing belt was changed a 125,000 and it seems to be in pretty good shape, but it's also been detailed to the max. So my long winded question is , how many miles is too many on this vehicle...do these things go 200 + regularly, or should I be looking for a new motor soon? Oh yeah...the guy wants 6 grand...seems fair..
joedoc Posted March 11, 2004 Posted March 11, 2004 can you confirm that it has had all of the other typical services---fluids, water pump, PS pump, etc? that price seems a bit stiff for that kind of mileage.
mscan Posted March 11, 2004 Author Posted March 11, 2004 Can't prove it on paper, the guy says its had all regular servicing done..it is clean though...looks brand new inside and out..the only flaw is the antenna doesn't work...feels pretty tight too
joedoc Posted March 11, 2004 Posted March 11, 2004 the other item that worries me as i get up in mileage is the starter. you can see several posts relating what a pain it is to switch it out. to answer your question, the engine itself is strong, but it the wear items like PS pump, starter etc that you should budget for. good luck
mscan Posted March 11, 2004 Author Posted March 11, 2004 I can deal with starters and pumps...unless its a $500 part...*gulp* sure looks like its been well taken care of...and he did buy the 430....think I'll offer 45...thanks
jzz30 Posted March 11, 2004 Posted March 11, 2004 with that many miles it probably already went out and has been changed bit if not then well be ready for a aching back and hands
mscan Posted March 11, 2004 Author Posted March 11, 2004 Ah hell...little bailing wire and duct tape..she'll be right as rain..
jzz30 Posted March 11, 2004 Posted March 11, 2004 well if you can get it for 4500 then thats a steal so go for it
Bandit Posted March 11, 2004 Posted March 11, 2004 What is the Blue Book of a 92 SC300 with 160,000? I purchased an immaculate 93 SC400 with 180,000 for $4,500. Don't want to know what I paid for the SC430. The SC400 is my daily driver and all service had been done. The previous owner had all the recommended repairs and replacements that the Dealer suggested to a tone of about $14,000. I have all the records. I've replaced a few items for preventive maintenance, but I am very satisfied with my purchase and I drove it 350 mile to Tunica, MS two weeks ago and I will drive it to a golf trip in Pensacola, FL, about 450 miles. I would drive it anywhere. Good luck with your purchase.
slidermike Posted March 11, 2004 Posted March 11, 2004 Be aware of the other little things that wear out with age and miles. drive it on a road with some dips and bumps (not smooth). Listen for creaks and how it handles. If its noisy or jumps a little, it may need bushings and or shock mount cushions. Bear in mind that nothing on a Lexus is cheap to replace or repair. Also, the insurance is going to likely be higher than a same age non lexus. As an example, i had a 2 year old saturn and the lexus insurance is MORE. The lexus is a 93 sc400. They are good cars but they still are getting older like every thing else, not just the motor. Good luck ;)
jzz30 Posted March 12, 2004 Posted March 12, 2004 was your saturn a two door with a v8? may be a two door but a i4 at that point the insurance will be higher. yea most parts arent cheap but the shocks from the factory are cheap they are like 65 bucks. hell the trunk struts cost more how is that?
eXo Posted March 12, 2004 Posted March 12, 2004 as slidermike said: Check for squeeking from the rear to see whether the bushes have been changed as it's guarenteed for car with the mileage it should be changed by now, unfortunately hard to spot just by looking under the car, it's more a bounce it hard or even just rock the rear from the outside for a good few minutes incase they have greased it up you can still mak it rub the grease out so it starts sqeeking again. (i caught out a workshop who tried to charge me for it) Additionally check for diff whine. It can whine just a little but see if it gets really loud when going up the speed range.
UCF3 Posted March 12, 2004 Posted March 12, 2004 I don't think it's a bad car to buy. Replacing parts is part of the fun, and it all depends on where you get the parts from. I have a 95 with 202,000miles, and so far my engine runs pretty well. My advise, is look for some crutial problems, oil leaks of any kind, electronics, physical damage, and so on. Also look if the car was damaged before, carfax, missing stickers, spray on body paint and so on. Take your to the dealer and pay them for the Pre-Certification Inspection and insist on getting a through job on the engine and electronics. If you have your own mechanic take him/her with you, and rip apart the block and every part involved with the engine and tranny, differential, wheels and tires, undercarriage and so on. Use your best judgement, and do a through job.
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