Considering buying an SC400, asking the experts before jumping.
11-15-13, 01:55 PM
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Considering buying an SC400, asking the experts before jumping.
Went and looked at an SC400 today. Friend of mine owns a used car lot. Anyhow he's asking $1800 for the car.
It has 206k on it, motor runs like a champ, transmission shifts smoothly, doesn't leak anything, doesn't smoke, nothing. It is extremely comfortable to drive, it's been gone over and has new control arm bushings, brakes, brake lines and anything else that seemed to be in need of replacing. It's black and the clear coat, primarily on the hood is peeling so it needs a paint job, and the headlights are fogged, which should be a simple polishing. Body has no rot, undercarrige is in good shape. It was very fun to drive.
The negatives on the car are the cluster doesn't work and the readout for the heat and what not is 50% black, I'm not sure if that screen is replaceable by itself? And of course the miles. I just feel like those are going to be a pain in the ***, lol.
What would your opinions be? Is it worth this price? What might I be getting myself into? How hard is it to come by aftermarket support? I have some photos I can upload if that would help. This car will mainly be driven by my girlfriend however I'm already aquainted with working on Japanese cars as I have an SR20 240, a 3000 VR4 and a Dodge Stealth.
thanks,
Matt
It has 206k on it, motor runs like a champ, transmission shifts smoothly, doesn't leak anything, doesn't smoke, nothing. It is extremely comfortable to drive, it's been gone over and has new control arm bushings, brakes, brake lines and anything else that seemed to be in need of replacing. It's black and the clear coat, primarily on the hood is peeling so it needs a paint job, and the headlights are fogged, which should be a simple polishing. Body has no rot, undercarrige is in good shape. It was very fun to drive.
The negatives on the car are the cluster doesn't work and the readout for the heat and what not is 50% black, I'm not sure if that screen is replaceable by itself? And of course the miles. I just feel like those are going to be a pain in the ***, lol.
What would your opinions be? Is it worth this price? What might I be getting myself into? How hard is it to come by aftermarket support? I have some photos I can upload if that would help. This car will mainly be driven by my girlfriend however I'm already aquainted with working on Japanese cars as I have an SR20 240, a 3000 VR4 and a Dodge Stealth.
thanks,
Matt
11-15-13, 02:19 PM
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We love photos here on CL. I bought my 95 SC400 with 201K on it 2.5 months ago for $1800 and I love it. However take in consideration that this price is relatively low for the vehicle. There is more than likely some issues that will come up soon that will be quite expensive to replace. Post pictures and go from there. You'll get more people to chime in.
11-15-13, 02:31 PM
#3
yes we need piks, and what year is it? i bought my 92 sc4 a few months ago for 2k and it needed alota work. 250k miles. all sc's are worth at least 1,000 bucks. if you have the money i would say pay a little extra and get a cleaner one. the a/c unit screen is replaceable. its a common issue. im sending mine out for 75 plus shipping or if your good at soldering its 30 bucks for just the screen plus equipment. good luck!
11-15-13, 02:58 PM
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I'm extremely good at soldering, I actually work at a hobby shop and I have a side buisness making custom LED light kits for r/c cars as well as I've replaced capacitors on several 3000GT ecus.
The car is a 1993.
And again it's from a good friend of mine, he has a car lot and junkyard together and every year he lets me use a car for free to do a demolition derby. Really quite good friends.
Pictures in next post.
The car is a 1993.
And again it's from a good friend of mine, he has a car lot and junkyard together and every year he lets me use a car for free to do a demolition derby. Really quite good friends.
Pictures in next post.
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11-15-13, 03:23 PM
#8
Electric is given on most of these cars, you can usually get your hands on replacements online or junkyards if you have decent ones around. You are probably best off fixing the lcd and cluster and driving for another 100k.
If you really like it get it painted after a while of having it around.
If you really like it get it painted after a while of having it around.
11-15-13, 03:24 PM
#9
Looks good for the price, interior isn't shot, paint is really only bad on the front end, if it drives good I see no reason not to pick it up. Sure you could save more and get a better SC, or wait and wait and wait and try to find a great deal....you just really never know with these cars....but coming from your friend running good with recent work history done...I'd get it.
I got my 96 SC400 with 117K for $2600...mint black interior...for only $800 more then the car your looking at....but it needs body work.....
I got my 96 SC400 with 117K for $2600...mint black interior...for only $800 more then the car your looking at....but it needs body work.....
11-15-13, 03:45 PM
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Electric is given on most of these cars, you can usually get your hands on replacements online or junkyards if you have decent ones around. You are probably best off fixing the lcd and cluster and driving for another 100k.
If you really like it get it painted after a while of having it around.
If you really like it get it painted after a while of having it around.
If maintained how long should I expect a Lexus/Toyota V8 to last? Are these cars known for going 300k?
11-15-13, 04:12 PM
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Keep it maintained and it'll run forever. It's already made it 20 years. 
Also be careful with Maaco. You get what you pay for. I am sure the factory paint you'll have now will look better.
Also be careful with Maaco. You get what you pay for. I am sure the factory paint you'll have now will look better.
11-15-13, 04:39 PM
#13
I have seen a good number of people posting over 300k, motors pretty bullet proof if you keep up with maintenance. I would guess the weakest part is the trans because auto trans but im sure some sc400 guys can chime in soon.
