rennwerkes

Yup, carfax was pretty boring with nothing bad showing up.
There was pretty much only one owner and the guy ONLY used Lexus for everything because after the regular warranty expired he extended it with Lexus. The guy even took in his own oil for oil changes at Lexus.
Trans seemed to have started slipping and then eventually wouldn't shift. so Lexus ended up changing it out.

rennwerkes

Alrighty! Bought the SC!
I'll try to post up pics as soon as I can.
But had one question at the moment. Do you folks think it'd be fairly safe for my wife to drive the car around for a week or two before doing the timing belt or should we rush and get the belt done ASAP given that car has 85k on it?
Thanks!

Sapherynth

Yay! Congrats ! As long as she doesn't plan on breaking any land speed records and since you live in HI, I figure she isn't planing a cross country road trip either so IMO the belt should be ok. You also want to find out if there is anything else that needs to be looked at.

rennwerkes

Thanks.
As we're driving the car finding out some things that will need changing and also rattles.
The most immediate other than the timing belt is probably the shocks. Seems to be a little mushy all around and there's this rattling sound coming from the right rear trunk/interior area.

wbrewster

I recently bought an 02 w/108K miles. It had great service over it's life including a timing belt at 97K. The car runs perfectly and I can't imagine how it could perform any better. I had the hood and front bumper repainted. I am having the 3M clear protection film installed in 2 weeks (need the paint to cure). I also bought a gizmo that adds 2 "aux" inputs to the radio so I have XM and iPod now. Really works great. Also had all 4 wheels straightened (the car has 06 IS250 chrome wheels which look great). Changed to non-runflat tires and bought a spare. In summary, the build quality on these cars is amazing so I expect it to have a long life. I did buy a very, very expensive 3rd party warranty (2 years/25k miles) that covers most everything. I actually hope my transmission and engine go out so I can have the big stuff replaced!! Good luck to you..... you will love the car!!!

rennwerkes

Glad you're enjoying your car.
Honestly, I think I have to get used to this car.
The more I tinker with it the more I'm just not feeling too much love for it right now.
The idle is kinda weird, seems to idle a bit too high but not sure if 750 rpm is normal. Did a search and didn't come up with much. But seems kinda high.
Also, the trans seems to rev a bit when I'm accelerating from a stop. Doesn't seem to be in sync with how fast the car is moving. Hope the trans isn't crapping out on me. But it does shift very smoothly.
And the suspension definitely needs to be changed.
The previous owner did a lot of work and seemed to be very finicky but I don't think he/she could tell much about how the car drove, good or bad. They were more concerned about noises and things that broke down.
The run flats are pretty brutal. Probably need to change them soon.
I just changed the cabin filter which looked like it had never been changed.
Got the car tinted which makes a nice difference in the way the car looks and really cools down the interior.
The next big upgrades will be coilovers, adapters, and the timing belt job.

Poqman

Do a search on cleaning the mass air flow sensor and cleaning the throttle body. Then disconnect the battery for a half hour. This cured my idle problems.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

Try the ECU reset and tell us how you feel after that.

rennwerkes

Roger that!
Was going to do that today.
Thanks!

rennwerkes

Did a search and most were suggesting that the battery be disconnected.
But there was another post:

If you want to reset the ECU without losing your seat and stereo settings, perform the following procedure:


1. Get in your car and insert key. (It doesn't matter if you close the door or not.)

2. Turn the key to the on (not start) position.

3. Press the gas pedal to the floor.

4. Hold the pedal to the floor for five seconds, then turn the key back to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.

5. Wait 2 minutes.

6. Remove key.

7. Done

Yes it works. Done it many times. Works on all years, 2002-2009.

VERY interesting! This is how I used to reset my Mercedes' trans also!
Thanks again!

rennwerkes

Did the battery disconnect.
Also cleaned maf. Very dirty. But ultimately no difference I can feel.
Going to service trans this weekend. Will see how that goes

DiscoSC430

I just bought a 2002 SC430 at an Estate Auction for 13,100. HAs 93,00 miles on it, gargage kept. CArfax came back clean... 2 owners, no wrecks, etc. CArfax was a 92 which was above avg. also. Took it to the Lexus dealer for a check. Came out smelling like a rose. He told me I stole the car. Good luck with your purchase. Thay are alot of FUN to drive.!!