FormosaSC

i actually think its not a bad if you plan to modify the car.. its just that some of the things you would have to replace right away, such as the suspension, but i mean im moding my car right now and im putting alot of the good working stock parts in the storage room and ill probably never see them again.

things such as the front bumper, leather seats, steering wheel dont bother me at all, leather seats are around 500 on ebay from leatherseats.com, steering wheel will cost you if you decide to upgrade to a 3-spoke, and the front bumper, well you will be getting a kit or upgrading to a 97 wont you?

As long as the car has never been in an accident, and that the engines are running fine (if not get it checked before you buy it, find out what needs to be replaced in the near future, then your fine), then i say go for it! i think the part that kills me is people would buy a car with beat up exterior and spend clost to 3g on repainting the car...

Solsykness

I'd say just to be patient. It's the smart thing to do. Don't rush something like this. I've lived and learned this lesson a few times over. You'll be much happier with the end result. You'll regret the headaches of having to fix so many things in the begining. You're only 19 too. I don't know a lot about sc's, but they don't seem to be so cheap to work on and buy mods for as hondas are

Lsportline43

I think I'll have to wait... even though I have been waiting for sometime now.

I realize that I cannot afford the maintence on the SC 400. I called up a Lexus specialist and they said that to bring the 1996 up to date would cost some around $2,500! This total includes parts and labor for: tune up (spark plugs, wires, engine seals, water pump, etc), engine and transmission mounts, and transmission flush and filter replacement.

These are the essentials that would need to be done. I just don't have that kind of money to throw at the car. Also after all those particulars are taken care there's the suspension to look at and minor body work. This doesn't even include modifications!

I'm looking at the Toyota Cressida now. I was actually looking at these before, but then tried to find a SC 400. I saw that the SC 400s were not that much more than the Cressidas were going for, so I thought that I would try and get the Lexus. But after talking to the Lexus specialist I realize that I would not be doing myself any good by purchasing such a demanding car.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

Wow, $2500? wholly ****...

any old car is going to need maintenance and stuff... $2500 is ridiculous... unless of course you don't know how to turn a wrench or two... in which case, any old car you shouldn't even consider, as they will ALL need maintenance...

Lsportline43

How much of that maintence can be diy? I don't have a garage to work in and don't have tools...

If I were to do some of the things how much could I save?

JohnEd

iTrader: (1)

L,

The most impressive car I ever owned was a Cressida. I didn't say the fastest or best handling....impressive. It was the quintessential sleeper and it did handle pretty darn well. The Cres also has the inline six that is pumped up to awsome HP. I think the 88 is the year of the 4 valve per cyl head and it also has a lot more HP and gets better mpg. The trans is the same as a SC400.....I think. My trans guy said it must be good as he has never had one come in the shop for anything.

Cressidas are selling for less than 2 K so I think your price was very high. 88 thru 92

They came with a cloth seat that was a marvel. You COULD NOT slide in the seat cause it treated you loke velcro. Sleeper 4 door sedan that kicked butt and gave me 27 mpg on nthe Highway and 22 around town. Did I mention it was a sleeper?

Have fun.

John

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

well, really, how much would need to be done right this second?

I'm sure the mounts aren't so bad that they can't be driven on - this is something that can be done relatively cheaply, even almost free if you search some of the DIY stuff....

plugs are cheap (you ~can~ use copper plugs for $1.89 each, however many CL members will say to use platinum - performance wise, it doesn't matter, it's all about longevity), caps and rotors are cheap too about $40 for both rotors and caps, plug wires can get pricey, but still only about $90 for the set... and all can be done in your driveway with a $20 set of sockets (maybe less) and about 2 hours time...

engine seals, water pump, etc - can get pricey, but not horrible... parts aren't bad, but realistically, does it need or have to be done? that would be alot to spend for preventative maintenance...

Lsportline43

The truth is the $2,600 for maintence is the worst case scenario. But the thing is I would be pushing it with this car. My finances could barely cover the gas. I honestly was just hyped up on getting it.

If I were to get a Lexus I don't want it to be another one that looks like it belongs in a junkyard. I've been on Clublexus since I was 14 and the one thing I've learnt here is that do it right or don't do it at all. I've seen Lexuses with 20s and a bodykit, but they have handled the bare essential maintence.

Mitsuguy, you said it yourself that I would eventually have to put more money into the car than I paid for it. And like I said I barely have enough for the car and the gas for it.

Also I am a Clublexus member... that can only mean that I just might catch the "mod bug." Then all $%^# would break loose... credit cards would be maxxed. My financial life would be effectively destroyed.

And one thing that I have to say after driving several SC 400s ('93, '96, and '98) is that it is MUCH different than what I expected the car to be. I guess before driving it I didn't really think about it, but the car's weight is very noticeable. Also the suspension is incredibly soft. (I probably notice the weight of SC 400 because I am use to driving a 2005 Honda Accord with a V6.)

Right after driving the '98 (the best condition and most improved version) I was disappointed in the fact that the driving characteristics were so "numb." Like many Lexus owners have said the ride is like riding on a cloud. While driving I thought "I can't believe it! I don't like driving this car!"

But after some more thinking, I realized that this isn't a sports car. It is a luxury cruiser first and then some sporty aspects were incorporated into it.

I once rode in my friend's Infiniti G35 Coupe and I have to say that if I were to make a quick decision and hadn't known about the incredible reliablity and durablity of the SCs I would buy a G35 Coupe over a 98-2000 SC 400.

But after years of reading up on the SC I know it is a great car. It just doesn't seem like a "fun" daily driver to me. To me it is a car that you break out for long trips/highway driving. That was the one aspect that I think was the best about the SC. I couldn't tell road noise/quality difference between 45 mph and 75-80 mph.

If possible the '98-2000 SC 400/LS 400 will be my second car. But until I can get everything on the car perfect after buying it, I will wait and TRY and be patient.

P.S. Sorry for the rambling...

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

true the car, in stock form, is very comfortable... too comfortable for me even - but a set of shocks and springs and a decent set of wheels is all they need to transform them...

Lsportline43

Yeah that's the same thing I was thinking, Mitsuguy. The car seems so disconnected with the stock set up. Although I would like to see how the stock SC 400 would do on a long road trip. When driving the '98 SC 400 I don't even recall feeling the gears change. And the seats were probably the most comfortable I've ever sat in. It is truly meant to be a highway cruiser. I don't think there are many cars that can beat it in that category.

So I guess once I get enough money to buy a SC400 and do the maintence I will be back. Hopefully that day won't be too far away...