Hello everyone, I am planning on purchasing a 1992 Lexus SC 400 . It has 320K KM on it . I have a couple questions. The alternator on this car is seized, and I am trying to figure out how I can get the vehicle back here,and also I want to make sure its running. The guy says the alternator is completely seized and the belt will not move. How can I get this car started so that I can drive it home? Can I just drop a good battery in it? I have ordered a new alternator already, but I want to take this car into my possession ASAP, as the price is really good, and he has other buyers ready to take it. Its about 45KM away from me. Looking forward to owning my first luxury vehicle, no more ****ty hondas for me

 

just get a tow truck, or a rent truck and trailer.. welcome to CL

 

Well the thing is also I want to make sure its running.

 

What is the asking price??

You can prob counter offer -500 dollars because its not running and you have to tow it.

Goodluck on your first sc buy Welcome to CL

 

Hes asking 650(talked him down already). The car needs a new alternator and tires/ minor body work. The thing is i dont want to buy the car then have to do too many extensive repairs,and I need to make sure its running. Simply put, can I just drop a charged battery in the car to drive it and confirm its functional?

 

Anyone? Im new to these cars and I really dont want to get jipped, cause its an as-is sale.

 

alternator means maybe PS pump? Tires are not the biggest problem...How much body work are you talking about? The things to look at are Power steering pump, radiator, timing belt(when was it changed), door hinges, and vehicle history(receipts of purchasing parts, oil changes, and etc)...Honestly, alternator is very easy fix...
Hope this helps...


Steve

 

Best advice, if your looking for a project car then this is your best bet..but if you looking for one in good (decent)driving condition than I would save up at least 3500 for one.

Im almost positive that there is more wrong with the car than he is telling you..offer him $500 cash and if he says no, then walk away...if he really wants to sell it then he will call you back..

 

Well, since the water pump is driven by the timing belt, you can pull the serpentine belt, drop a good battery in it and start it..... You would not be able to drive it home like this, but you would be able to drive it around the block to see if the trans is shifting decently... You won't have power steering either this way, nor will the hydraulic fan.

 

You should take these guys advices. Or get a Machanic to check out it for you. Ether way best of luck to you

 

Either pay the tow bill or don't buy it. If you already ordered an alternator, yet haven't bought the car and don't want to pay to tow it home then IDK what you are trying to do here....... You're paying 1/3 the price of the car for an Alt and are already committed if it's true you already bought the alt. None of this makes any sense. It doesn't sound to me like there is any money here and in which case the best advice is don't buy the car. I dunno bro..... anyone would just tow it if the funds were there and they were $150+ committed in a new alt.