Newbie to Lexus - 1st Purchase Yesterday (Red Flags or "Blue")
08-01-10, 05:23 AM
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Newbie to Lexus - 1st Purchase Yesterday (Red Flags or "Blue")
Purchased my very first Lexus today at 47 years young and already wondering if maybe I made a mistake. 
Ran the carfax, is a one owner SC400 with 180K miles (you can eat off the engine compartment) the drivers seat seems to be the only thing used (bad cracks) the rest of the car is really nice (little paint fade). Ok, here is my concern - no smoke at all on test drive even had my wife follow me when I stomped on it - BUY IT and get it home, park in the garage, come back a few hours later to cold engine start = blue smoke. Last about 15 seconds and gone... Stump on it little smoke all goes away in a minute or two = I KNOW valve stem seals!
My question original owner says he has run synthetic oil since about 140K - should I switch to Castrol "High-Mileage" or stay with Synthetic? And should I use Bardahl No Smoke to help for awhile? (thing is if I tell my wife even after running a car fax and checking it out I bought a car that she said "too many miles will be a problem" and "is" a problem that will cost us big money... well let's just say the dog house is where I will be staying)
Also he "said" he had timing belt replaced (twice) - like I said engine is super clean and no leaks or other issues (at least after first day of ownership).
New to forum looking forward to adding Lexus to my existing watch and motorcycle obsession and joining this forum family!
Cyclenby
Oh, and I forgot to mention the "Airbag" light stays on owners says not problem bags still works dealer said nothing to worry about... I do love the car only worry I made a mistake with 180K miles
Ran the carfax, is a one owner SC400 with 180K miles (you can eat off the engine compartment) the drivers seat seems to be the only thing used (bad cracks) the rest of the car is really nice (little paint fade). Ok, here is my concern - no smoke at all on test drive even had my wife follow me when I stomped on it - BUY IT and get it home, park in the garage, come back a few hours later to cold engine start = blue smoke. Last about 15 seconds and gone... Stump on it little smoke all goes away in a minute or two = I KNOW valve stem seals!
My question original owner says he has run synthetic oil since about 140K - should I switch to Castrol "High-Mileage" or stay with Synthetic? And should I use Bardahl No Smoke to help for awhile? (thing is if I tell my wife even after running a car fax and checking it out I bought a car that she said "too many miles will be a problem" and "is" a problem that will cost us big money... well let's just say the dog house is where I will be staying)
Also he "said" he had timing belt replaced (twice) - like I said engine is super clean and no leaks or other issues (at least after first day of ownership).
New to forum looking forward to adding Lexus to my existing watch and motorcycle obsession and joining this forum family!
Cyclenby
Oh, and I forgot to mention the "Airbag" light stays on owners says not problem bags still works dealer said nothing to worry about... I do love the car only worry I made a mistake with 180K miles
08-01-10, 05:59 AM
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Ok, will do thanks! And BTW how and where can I get a "second key" I don't have a spare and the remote you pretty much have to push the button through the case to make work. I don't need remote feature just a case in the event I loose. Should I buy a blank off of eBay for $14? 
08-01-10, 06:00 AM
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08-01-10, 09:18 AM
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How could they possibly know that for sure. The car could have been in an accident before (YES, no matter WHAT Carfax says) and, although cosmetically fixed, could have crash sensors that were never replaced, rendering the airbag system compromised and hence the light. I can't imagine a reputable dealer wouldn't know this and would tell it's nothing to worry about.
08-01-10, 09:28 AM
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It's almost scary how blindly people seem to rely on Carfax these days though, and down right unconscionable the way Carfax promotes themselves as being the ultimate "authentication" of a clean car.
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08-01-10, 09:40 AM
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I have to totally agree on this situation to about carfax...
If the smoke continues after the warm up period, I would then worry about it. Right now, I wouldnt, unless it started to use alot of oil, like a quart every 1000k miles or something.
I would also double check the airbag light with someone else besides the dealer or take it to your dealer.
Welcome to CL, and you should find anything and everything on here.
How about some pictures?
If the smoke continues after the warm up period, I would then worry about it. Right now, I wouldnt, unless it started to use alot of oil, like a quart every 1000k miles or something.
I would also double check the airbag light with someone else besides the dealer or take it to your dealer.
Welcome to CL, and you should find anything and everything on here.
How about some pictures?
08-01-10, 12:35 PM
#9
Mortgage Slave
Congrats on the purchase 
There is a procedure to reset the airbag light. I had done it on one of my Soarers after stupidly switching on the ignition while the combo cluster was out.
The valve stems I'd only do if I was going to pull the head off. Otherwise as long as the rest of the engine is fine (no other signs of premature wear) I wouldn't worry too much.
EDIT: Oh yeah, a reprogrammed key from the stealership is gonna cost you. Here in Oz we used to do replacement keys (remote type master) for about $400... EACH.
There is a procedure to reset the airbag light. I had done it on one of my Soarers after stupidly switching on the ignition while the combo cluster was out.
The valve stems I'd only do if I was going to pull the head off. Otherwise as long as the rest of the engine is fine (no other signs of premature wear) I wouldn't worry too much.
EDIT: Oh yeah, a reprogrammed key from the stealership is gonna cost you. Here in Oz we used to do replacement keys (remote type master) for about $400... EACH.
08-01-10, 03:29 PM
#10
Or maybe i should ask... how to i get rid of the airbag light, now that i have a Nardi steering wheel installed and completely eliminated my stock steering wheel/airbag?
Can't i just disconnect the airbag ecu under the armrest console?
08-01-10, 03:55 PM
#11
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I had that problem with my 1jz swap! GO HERE CHECK THIS OUT! https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...ml#post2444289
Hope it helps!
Hope it helps!
08-01-10, 06:33 PM
#12
This should help
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...ght-reset.html
Good luck,
Jonny
