Buying an SC400 92'
04-03-23, 09:36 AM
#1
5th Gear
Thread Starter
Buying an SC400 92'
Looking at buying a 1992 SC400 with 189,000 miles for about 2 grand. Do you guys believe the deal is worth it? Any issues to look out for when looking at the vehicle?
04-03-23, 09:57 AM
#2
I'd start with the same issues you'd look out for with any old vehicle. A 92 SC is already >30 years old, it's certainly going to have some issues or history of issues to look out for.
Does the vehicle have a clean title and Carfax? Frame damage or messed up body panels would make it a no go for me.
What's the condition of the body? Any rust? Minor dents and dings are probably expected with the age but any rust is risk you're taking on.
Does the vehicle currently run? Does it get driven with some regularity or has it been sitting for an extended period of time? If it's been sitting, there's likely a lot of maintenance needed, e.g. new fluids, pump out the old tank of gas, check seals/gaskets
Does the current owner have its maintenance history? What has been its historic oil change frequency? Are its current tires recent (within the last 6 years) or very worn? I'd be wary if maintenance hasn't been kept up.
Has the timing belt + water pump been replaced within the last 60,000 miles? These are wear items that will cause complete failure if they break, but it's a labor intensive job that folks put off or sell the car before its needed. I would definitely not purchase if you can't confirm this maintenance has been done recently.
Has the suspension been refreshed? By 189k miles, the front control arms definitely need replacement and I'd wager the stock shocks/springs aren't in great shape either. Front LCAs are quite expensive, running at least $1,000 for a set of new OEM Supra Front LCAs. Bushings all over are probably worn and need replacement if they haven't been done yet.
If the above list checks out or if you're willing to throw in the extra dough to get major maintenance completed, I think the price is fair for the mileage. Anecdotally, it seems like high mileage isn't a major concern for any SC as long as regular maintenance has been done, especially for the timing belt and water pump.
Does the vehicle have a clean title and Carfax? Frame damage or messed up body panels would make it a no go for me.
What's the condition of the body? Any rust? Minor dents and dings are probably expected with the age but any rust is risk you're taking on.
Does the vehicle currently run? Does it get driven with some regularity or has it been sitting for an extended period of time? If it's been sitting, there's likely a lot of maintenance needed, e.g. new fluids, pump out the old tank of gas, check seals/gaskets
Does the current owner have its maintenance history? What has been its historic oil change frequency? Are its current tires recent (within the last 6 years) or very worn? I'd be wary if maintenance hasn't been kept up.
Has the timing belt + water pump been replaced within the last 60,000 miles? These are wear items that will cause complete failure if they break, but it's a labor intensive job that folks put off or sell the car before its needed. I would definitely not purchase if you can't confirm this maintenance has been done recently.
Has the suspension been refreshed? By 189k miles, the front control arms definitely need replacement and I'd wager the stock shocks/springs aren't in great shape either. Front LCAs are quite expensive, running at least $1,000 for a set of new OEM Supra Front LCAs. Bushings all over are probably worn and need replacement if they haven't been done yet.
If the above list checks out or if you're willing to throw in the extra dough to get major maintenance completed, I think the price is fair for the mileage. Anecdotally, it seems like high mileage isn't a major concern for any SC as long as regular maintenance has been done, especially for the timing belt and water pump.
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RudysSC (04-03-23)
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