divyaharave

Hmmm.....

Gonna be a bit difficult.

The timing belt is covered by that shiny cover plate on the front of the engine (in the SC300) so there is no way to look at it.

Best bet is to ask the guy you're buying from for all maintenance records.

Even if they are not available, ask when the last tune-up was done, whether and when the timing belt has been changed, how often the engine and tranny oils have been changed. Standard reply for engine oil is "Every 3,000 miles" and if so ask for some record of at least a few of these oil changes so you know they're not bullbleepting you.

Obviously check the car for any leaks before and after the test drive.

Once underneath the hood, ask the guy to rev the engine a few times and makes sure it runs smooth and does not jerk too much at start of acceleration.

Next, turn off the engine, remove the engine oil dipstick. (Should have yellow handle) Wipe off whatever's on it(handy to have a towel), re-insert it completely, and take it out once again. Check that the oil is in the "OK" range and look closely to see if there are any clear bubbles in the oil. You might see some bubbles initially that disappear within 20-30 seconds. Those are ok (air). If there are any bubbles that do not go away, you're looking at some major work as the headgasket is leaking. If no bubbles, make sure the oil is nice and transparent with no particles in it.

Take off the oil cap (located somewhere at the top of the engine) and check the inside for coolant residue (whitish)...another check of headgasket.

If I think of anything else, I'll post......otherwise, good luck, and remember....no matter how much you think you want that car, consider whether or not you could benefit by walking away and finding another car. Some things, like for example unidentified jerks while changing gears, are not worth the trouble.

Thanks a lot! That is amazing help. I will let you know if I found the car good enough or not. If I do, I think I will get it over the coming week.

I'd be wary if the VIN number on the dashboard on the driver's side is ripped off.

The only reason someone would do that is if the car is stolen.

Make sure you get a valid, recent pink slip and that the car is not salvaged due to theft recovery or the like.

Hi Bubbles and SPORTcoupe300, wow that is some name to call someone!!

Thanks for all the great advice, I am going to be there Saturday to check on the car so I am gathering all possible information about what to look out for. These replies have certainly helped a lot. The VIN number on the car, I will look for, the number was not listed in the posted ad for the vehicle. I am sure it will be there on the car. My problem is that this is going to be the first car I am going to look at under the bonnet, yes, I drove my Dad's car for five years and never looked under the hood:( So I have to know what each part means and where I must look for it. Can you let me know where roughly the timing belt and the coolant reservoir are located. And what would be the costs involved if these looked bad and need replacement. Also, I don't know where the transmission fluid is stored. It looks black, I know it is bad. Timing belt has cracks..bad. Coolant reservoir looks leaky..bad. But I don't know where exactly these are located and how they look like. These sound stupid?! Well I would call it ignorance!!!

Please help! Thanks

:o Hi, I am planning to buy a 1992 Lexus SC400 with 98000 miles on it. I am going to see the car this weekend. I would like to know some stuff I must be careful about. Does a CARFAX Report help? because this vehicle does not have a VIN number. I am going to get it for about 7000. I think that is a good deal but I would like some expert advise before I proceed. Thanks

Divya