TriniLex

I am buying 1995 SC400 for my Father.

It only has 50,000 miles on it!
I ran the vin and there are no issues.

Can anyone tell me what I should look out for with these cars when shopping for one.

The only problem I see so far is:
1. the trunk lid does not open with the button
2. the trunk does not stay open (can I get replacement shocks?)
3. The car shakes (back and forth? up and down?) when its slowing down (The tires looked bad, i am guessing there is some tire seperation?)

I am still grateful for you guys when I bought my 1991 LS400 (thanks for the heads up on the Powersteering pump leaking in the LS)

SC_coupe

The SC400 uses the same 1UZFE V8 as the LS400 so the same power steering leak issue applies, so watch for that. Check that all of the gauge cluster lighting works, same with the stereo and climate control backlighting. The control arm bushings and motor transmission mounts tend to need replacing after 100,000 miles on these cars so they should be okay for a while.

You can get replacement shocks for the truck off of eBay for around $30.00. They're easy to access and replace.

I would say the shake can be attributed to warped brake rotors if its shaking while braking. If that's the case the existing rotors can be machined so they're correct (possibly), or replaced with new ones.

MIGS

iTrader: (15)

if the cars shakes only during breaking, warped rotors is most likely the culprit. if the tires look "bad" as u say, most likely an alignment is past due, or the tires are either under or overinflated.

TriniLex

Wow thanks guys.

The shaking which I am more concerned about is not during braking.
it is at low speeds.

An older couple owns it now.
It shakes (wiggles) only at slow speeds.

The rim does not look bent.

okbobbo

Take it to a mechanic you trust for evaluation. It saved me from sleepless nights knowing the extent of work to bring it up to snuff. What is the asking price and overall condition of interior and paint? Does the seller have all the repair/ maintenance records? Timely service of these cars is the key to happy motoring. Good luck

TriniLex

The car is a 1995
50,000 miles
for 6,000

is this the cd changer?

FireCode

iTrader: (1)

Yep that is the Changer

TriniLex

Also no records of any maintenance.

I will do my own spark plugs with the help of club lexus of course

I am changing the brakes myself along with some new tires.

I am guessing because it sat for 3 months and dry rotted. The tire must have separated causing this wobbly ride?

Is it possible for an axle to be bent?

So far I have noted
1. Shocks ok
2. Sunroof works (open close tilt)
3. Ac cold
4. Both windows open and close flawless
5. Seat moves back and forth (I saw some people had some problems with this on the driver's seat)
6. Those huge doors open and close fine.
7. Even the antennae goes up and down.
8. Back seat looks like it has never bee used.
9. Passenger seat is about the same as back.
10. Driver's seat looks more worn than a car with 50,000? see pic what do you think
11. Trunk button is not working (anyone have that problem?)
12. Gas tank button works
13. Gauge lights up (I will have to double check because it was mentioned)
14. Stereo lights up (I will have to double check because it was mentioned)
15. THERE IS NO GLOVE BOX?? :-) I didn't investigate more but I am assuming there is none
16. Hood stays open
17. No oil leaks (shouldn't it only has 50,000 miles on it right?)
18. No Power steering leaks
19. Didn't check air cabin filter (is it behind the dash? or is there one at all?)
20. Cats sound ok (I didnt hear any vibration)
21. Rear wheels making a noise (possibly from sitting for a while may also need new brakes)


Thats what I got so far

TriniLex

Did the changer come with every model?
I dont remember seeing this in the trunk.
I will check again on Friday.

I got this pic from ebay

TriniLex

Here is the engine shot. Looks like it has never been cleaned

SC_coupe

There is. Find the button for the release and you'll find the glove box.

FireCode

iTrader: (1)

]Also no records of any maintenance.For a car of 50k miles, the old folks should remember something that was done to the car

I will do my own spark plugs with the help of club lexus of courseEasy to do

I am changing the brakes myself along with some new tires.
again, easy job

I am guessing because it sat for 3 months and dry rotted. The tire must have separated causing this wobbly ride? Before you buy, swap your tires/from you lex to confirm

Is it possible for an axle to be bent?if the axel is bent, something is messed up too. Axels aren't easy to just bend

So far I have noted
1. Shocks ok
2. Sunroof works (open close tilt)
3. Ac cold
4. Both windows open and close flawless
5. Seat moves back and forth (I saw some people had some problems with this on the driver's seat)
6. Those huge doors open and close fine.
7. Even the antennae goes up and down.
8. Back seat looks like it has never bee used.
9. Passenger seat is about the same as back.
10. Driver's seat looks more worn than a car with 50,000? see pic what do you thinkehh a good cleaning and that seat will look excellent
11. Trunk button is not working (anyone have that problem?)
12. Gas tank button works
13. Gauge lights up (I will have to double check because it was mentioned)
14. Stereo lights up (I will have to double check because it was mentioned)
15. THERE IS NO GLOVE BOX?? :-) I didn't investigate more but I am assuming there is none there is a glove box. button to open it is just north of your A/C control unit tied in with the black plastic of the A/C vent
16. Hood stays open
17. No oil leaks (shouldn't it only has 50,000 miles on it right?)
18. No Power steering leaks
19. Didn't check air cabin filter (is it behind the dash? or is there one at all?)
20. Cats sound ok (I didnt hear any vibration)
21. Rear wheels making a noise (possibly from sitting for a while may also need new brakes) Again, please swap your LS wheels or any 5x114 wheels to see what the problem is first

0435

Probably the tires due to shaking, unveven wear.

TriniLex

WOW ok thanks for the great responses.
Also thanks Fire Code for the detailed response it is very much appreciated.

1. Any suggestion on seat cleaning I was doubtful about the driver seat to be restored. But if its possible I will try it.


2. I have some extra Honda accord wheels I am going to try to see if they fit? they are 5x114.3..... does the .3 make a difference? :-)


Thanks again guys

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

those seats look like they have had alot more than just 50 000 miles of use.