Should I buy this 1992 sc400
12-07-05, 12:44 AM
#16
I wouldn't go for it.
The A/C uses R12 refrigerant. While dealers can still get this, it's more expensive than the R134a used in newer cars. I spent $2300 to repair the A/C system in my SC about two years ago. It was about $200 for the diagnosis (had to charge with R12 to find where it was leaking - expensive, plus one hour of labor), $1200 in parts (with a discount from Sewell Lexus), and $1100 in labor (Lexus dealership at $95 an hour, plus the cost of R12 refrigerant to charge up the system). I basically replaced the entire A/C system though at that price; your cost may be less depending on what's wrong. BTW, the A/C never has to be "recharged." It's a closed system so if the A/C has to be recharged, it means that there is a leak that will eventually need to be fixed.
As for the maintenance, you need to do the 90k mile maintenance if it hasn't been done already. It's quite labor-intensive from what i've heard on the SC400. I've heard estimates from the dealer in the ballpark of $2000 or so for parts and labor. Of course these are all dealer prices. You may find a local mechanic that will offer better prices.
You can do a search for common problems with the SC400 to assist you when checking out the car.
Otherwise, the car sounds great. I just wouldn't buy it at that price.
-Brian.
The A/C uses R12 refrigerant. While dealers can still get this, it's more expensive than the R134a used in newer cars. I spent $2300 to repair the A/C system in my SC about two years ago. It was about $200 for the diagnosis (had to charge with R12 to find where it was leaking - expensive, plus one hour of labor), $1200 in parts (with a discount from Sewell Lexus), and $1100 in labor (Lexus dealership at $95 an hour, plus the cost of R12 refrigerant to charge up the system). I basically replaced the entire A/C system though at that price; your cost may be less depending on what's wrong. BTW, the A/C never has to be "recharged." It's a closed system so if the A/C has to be recharged, it means that there is a leak that will eventually need to be fixed.
As for the maintenance, you need to do the 90k mile maintenance if it hasn't been done already. It's quite labor-intensive from what i've heard on the SC400. I've heard estimates from the dealer in the ballpark of $2000 or so for parts and labor. Of course these are all dealer prices. You may find a local mechanic that will offer better prices.
You can do a search for common problems with the SC400 to assist you when checking out the car.
Otherwise, the car sounds great. I just wouldn't buy it at that price.
-Brian.
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SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000)
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03-22-12 11:03 PM
