jpv7774

Hello all......I have located a 2002 SC that has over 200k on it.....I have always wanted one of these cars just for fun but not bad enough to pay proper $$$ for one. I had an 04 LS430 and a 2016 ES350.....now I want a summer toy. So I can pick up this dirty ole run down SC for around $3k. It has the typical lights on the dash and is pretty darn dirty inside but I am a wizard at cleaning and restoring the aesthetics of a car so its worth it to me to pick up one for cheap then do the dirty work.

What should I expect at over 200k miles??? Will the rubber boots and bushings still be holding or will most of them be spent? I am assuming it will need some kind of suspension work. I am assuming it will have a leaking valve cover gasket or two..........but how long will this ole tranny and engine keep gettin down the road? I mean I will prob put about 5k miles on it then sell it.

Thanks all.........ps.....Im gunna hop on the thread that lists what to look for when buying a SC.....but this is a very high mileage SC

Harold57

All of your questions have an answer of it all depends on how well the previous owner took care of it. If it is as dirty as you describe, then expect that all the maintenance items need to be addressed. Remember, this is a 20 year old car with 200kmiles on it. If the engine was taken care of properly, then it should do well for a long time. The engine and transmission in these cars has been very solid when properly taken care of. Again, just keep in mind that it is 20 years old and has over 200,000 miles on it. If components haven't been replaced in the last 10 years, you can expect that most rubber and plastic items to be on their last legs, along with the suspension components. Be sure to find out when the timing belt and water pump were last replaced also. If longer than 90,000 miles or 9 years, they need replacing now also. Good chance that the valve gasket is due (like you suggested), along with power steering hoses. Look for leaks around the radiator. For spending only $3k on the car, you can put a lot of parts and sweat equity into the car and come out ahead and wind up with a nice car. Keep us up on your saga.

jpv7774

Thank you......I see another one listed for $5500 in much better condition but the top doesnt work. I have restored several boats and I learned its better to just buy a boat that is in good condition because a 2k boat that becomes a 10k boat after a year of labor just isnt worth it when u can just buy a 10k boat that is ready to go. So same thing here....I would need to buy for a song to win ........$2500 and I wont be able to turn away.......but the same car at $5500 has no dash lights on ...looks mint inside......and most likely as u said was better cared for........hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Harold57

Keep in mind that top issues can be quite costly and difficult to diagnose. This car has been out of production for 12 years now so the number of mechanics who know how to work on this top are limited. The convertible top mechanisms are quite complicated, so be very aware before jumping on a car with top issues, unless you don't care about having a convertible. The repair is not likely to be cheap if done by a dealership or mechanic.

jpv7774

Bummer......I have watched a couple of vids to resolve the top issue.........One resolved it by doing a manual open to reset or calibrate and the other resolved the issue with replacing a motor under the boot cover...........To be honest I love the top and the way it works but I am not a real convertible lover. I just like the way this car looks and have always wanted to own one........my ownership will be brief.....Just want to check a box

Harold57

There are several reasons why a top won't open that aren't problems: The cover in the trunk is not in position or properly in position, the valet button is pressed in the glove box and it seems like there is another one that escapes me right now. I suspect that someone else will chime in here. So check those out before ruling out the car.