jj17

Hey guys

I'm looking to buy my first lexus, and so far i really like the SC400. It will be used, so i'm looking to see if you guys can provide some information, as to what to look and ask for, from the owner, before i buy it. I see some 92-95's with avg 160k miles on them. How reliable are the Sc400's? What's a good price range?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I found my '97 SC300 from this site

http://www.vehix.com/

Edmunds price guide is very low, lower than the Kelley Blue Book. There are used car for sale search too.

http://www.edmunds.com/

I also paid to get Carfax reports, it's very useful.

http://www.carfax.com/

My vehicle has had 3 previous owners, and I don't have the full service history. It's a 97 sc300. I bought it with 100k miles on it and it seems to run great, but just to be on the safe side, I've been thinking about having the timing belt replaced this summer. It's got 110k miles on it now. Are there any symptoms, such as a characteristic noise from the engine, that I should be looking for?

It's one year later, have you replaced the timing belt? Did you notice any difference before and after?

About the symptoms, here is my experience. The SC300 which I have just bought has 120k miles and it had the original timing belt. Before I had the TB replaced, the engine ran fine except that it often hesitated when I stepped on gas. The automatic transmission gear shift was less than smooth especially when it was downshifting during acceleration. It felt like it did not respond to the initial push, then it would lurch forward like I was hot-rodding. After the TB replacement and a 120k mile service, the hesitation symptom went away. My friend told me that before the TB broke in his Camry, the engine ran rough at times, like the timing was off. If you think about it, it makes sense - the belt controls the timing, when it gives, the timing would be off.

My 97 SC300 has 62,500 miles and I am thinking of having the timing belt changed. Do I have to change the water pump also?

Is this a real tough job ? I would like to take it to a independent mechanic and not a dealership. Thanks

I just had my timing belt replaced by an independent shop. I asked the service advisor about the water pump when he wrote me up. He said they would inspect it and would only recommend replacing it if it looked bad. When I picked up the car thay said the pump was fine and does not need replacement. The advisor said something like the Lexus (Toyota) water pump seldom goes bad at 120k miles.

I just purchased a BEAUTIFUL 1997 SC300 (auto) with 103K on it. Wow. What a car. Here's my question: When does the timing belt need to be replaced on this car? What about tranny fluid? I am a newbie and don't have a manual!

I am a newbie also. I had the timing belt replaced on my 1997 SC300 just two days ago. I also had the 120k maintenance done at the same time. I can definitely feel the difference after these two big ticket items.

The SC300 which I have just bought has 120k miles and it had the original TB and spark plug wires. Before the job, the engine ran fine except that it often hesitated when I stepped on gas. The automatic transmission gear shift was less than smooth especially when it was downshifting during acceleration. It felt like it did not respond to the initial push, then it would lurch forward which can be mistaken for me being lead footed. All these problems are now gone.

I asked the shop to save the old TB. It looks surprisingly clean but "dry", and there are some visible small cracks. Considering it's 12 years old I can't help thinking how much longer would it had lasted. The 120k job replaced transmission fluid, coolant, thermostat, drive belt, and spark plugs. I got a call from the shop telling me that the spark plug wires were falling apart and must be replaced also, this was extra.

It hurts my wallet (~$970) to get these two jobs done. What it got me is now I have a peace of mind, and the car now drives like a Lexus.