More to the point, if you were going to buy a used SC400, what's the limit of miles it would have on it before that would stop you from buying it?

I realize that it also depends on how it was driven and maintained in its lifetime.

I ask because I plan to buy a used 400, have heard that these cars are EXTREMELY durable and reliable besides from a few faults like the power steering pump, gauges, etc. I've seen some nice looking ones pop up with around 160k on them, and that would normally turn me off from buying a car, but with these, I'm not so sure.

Opinions?

 

Anything under 200k and I wouldn't hesitate. The thing will need to be checked over regardless of mileage.

 

Where you at in CO? I just got a 95 sc3 and I love it. Im a mechanic so I can check it out for you.

 

I wouldn't buy one with more than 140,00 miles on it. If you buy a low mileaged one, keep in mind that you will most likely have to do the 90k service. That usually on SC's with 80,000-110,000 miles. The same is true if you get one in the 170,000-190,000 mile range.

Your best bet would be to get a lower mileage SC with all of major maintenace already done.

 

Also, the 90k/180k service includes the timing belt, water pump, power steering pump. There is more stuff involved, I can't remember exactly what else there is.

 

I'll most likely be driving to the denver area when I find one that I like, but that could change.

 

Me personally, Im weary about mileage and used cars.

Gasoline- no higher than 115k
Diesel- no higher than 250k

I might make exceptions provided they have ALL maintenance records, any receipts for new parts, or upgrades/mods. Anything other than that, 115k miles is the max.

 

Thats cool. Let me now if you want a 2nd opinion.

 

If I can find one like that, anyway. Sometimes that isn't possible, but thank you.

 

Probably no more than 125k. I bought an old 1998 E Class Mercedes a few years back with 150k, worst mistake ever. It cost me a small fortune to keep that car running and finally in the end the fan clutch was toast and blew the HG. It was a slow leak at first and just grew behind the shadows. Then of course everything electrical failed each week and finding those gremlins drove me insane. Needless to say, I'll never buy a Mercedes again, or a car with 125+.

My SC had 117k miles at the time of purchase, but the timing belt/WP was changed at 45k? Strange I know, so I'm due very soon since I'm at 125k (but the thought of a swap has crossed my mind).

 

1UZ's are dirt cheap
literally, hundreds of dollars for a motor/tranny/harness etc.
don't be scared.

mine, that i just sold had 215K with zero issues and no CEL's

 

I would buy any car with any miles if the price matched it and maintenance records were kept

 

agreed, as long as the maintenance records are there. you just dont want to be stuck with someone elses problem

 

I bought my '93 7 years ago with 150,000 miles on it and then traded it in 2.5 years ago with 254,000 miles.

Overall, it was pretty reliable for that 100K. But there were a number of expensive repairs needed. Since I paid $8K and got 100K out of it, the repairs didn't bother me too much.

- snapped timing belt /water pump = $1,000
- new radiator = $600
- new struts = about $500
- 2 brake jobs = $700
- new coil pack(s) about $600
- tune-up $150
- changed serpentine belt myself

That was the bulk of it. Mainly did these necessary fixes to keep it in decent running shape. Smaller, non essential issues went unfixed.

 

definitely depends on the car, and the buyer. my car has 180+k on the clock, and was severely not taken care of. but the price reflected that. I can do any work needed to get it where I want (aside from possible ecu tuning and paint, which I am willing to learn).
if you are looking for a maintenance free car, with no issues, you might wanna consider a new car.
regardless, any car can be a nightmare regardless of mileage. regardless of whatever records are kept, it doesn't mean the seller's son stole it for a joy ride, and burned up the the transmission, or fried the rear end, etc. A 10 minute test drive may not show any symptoms until later.

edit:
also should mention the 88 supra I just picked up. previous owner wrecked it (hit a curb, messed up the front suspension pretty good). about 10 hours of work will get it all fixed, and nothing will show on any records.
car has 90k on the odo.