Naive First Time Lexus Owner
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 14
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From: California
Naive First Time Lexus Owner
I HAVE NEVER TAKEN PART IN A FORUM BEFORE, ANYWHERE, ON ANY SUBJECT, SO PLEASE BARE WITH ME, (I DON'T HAVE A CLUE ON HOW TO DO THIS) AND HELP IF YOU CAN, OR WILL, BUT RECENTLY (ACTUALLY A YEAR AGO) THROUGH HAPPENSTANCE (?) BECAME THE OWNER OF A '92 SC400 THAT I HAD FALLEN IN LOVE WITH THE FIRST TIME I SAW IT. I PURCHASED IT FROM MY SISTER-IN-LAW. FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF HER HUSBAND, SHE BASICALLY LET IT SET IN HER GARAGE FOR A YEAR, OPTING TO DRIVE HER LITTLE HONDA, BECAUSE THE SC "WAS JUST TOO MUCH CAR" FOR HER. I TOOK HER'S AND THE FAMILIES' WORD THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN "METICULOUSLY" TAKEN CARE OF, AND WOULD GET ALL THE RECORDS TO PROVE IT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, BUT THAT NEVER HAPPENED. (THEY WERE STORED AT THE OFFICE, WHERE A NEW OWNER REMOVED AND DESTROYED THEM)
THE "HELP" I AM SEEKING IS IN THE AREA OF TRYING TO DETERMINE IF: (1) I PURCHASED THE CAR OF MY DREAMS AND BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED, (2) DID I PURCHASE A "LEMON", OR (3) AM I JUST GETTING RAPED EVERY TIME I TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER THAT I DECIDED TO USE?
IF SOMEONE KNOWLEDGEABLE OUT THERE IS WILLING TO HAVE AN OPEN DISCUSSION WITH ME TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS A CAR I SHOULD TRY TO KEEP FOR A LONG TIME, (I LOVE IT ENOUGH TO KEEP IT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE I THINK, I'M 62 AND NOT A RICH MAN) OR CUT MY LOSSES, I WILL CONTINUE WITH MORE DETAILS. (MILEAGE, MAINT RECORD, CONDITION, ETC.)
THE "HELP" I AM SEEKING IS IN THE AREA OF TRYING TO DETERMINE IF: (1) I PURCHASED THE CAR OF MY DREAMS AND BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED, (2) DID I PURCHASE A "LEMON", OR (3) AM I JUST GETTING RAPED EVERY TIME I TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER THAT I DECIDED TO USE?
IF SOMEONE KNOWLEDGEABLE OUT THERE IS WILLING TO HAVE AN OPEN DISCUSSION WITH ME TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS A CAR I SHOULD TRY TO KEEP FOR A LONG TIME, (I LOVE IT ENOUGH TO KEEP IT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE I THINK, I'M 62 AND NOT A RICH MAN) OR CUT MY LOSSES, I WILL CONTINUE WITH MORE DETAILS. (MILEAGE, MAINT RECORD, CONDITION, ETC.)
first off, typing in all caps may be taken as yelling, so please hit your cap lock button on your keyboard.
2nd, any Lexus dealer can run the VIN and provide you with a listing of maintenance that was done by Lexus shops. This is a national registry so it doesn't matter what Lexus dealer does this.
A carfax (www.carfax.com) will tell you of any damage or accidents that may have been reported on the car. Being it is family, you may not need this.
Lastly, check out the SC forum as well as this entire web site and ask lots of questions. Before you ask any question, use the search function in the upper left corner to see if the questions you are going to ask have already been covered. In the "search" box, type a few words pertinent to your question and then hit search.
This forum has an incredible amount of knowledgable and friendly members that are more than willing to answer any questions and provide some pointers.
enjoy your new ride.
steviej
2nd, any Lexus dealer can run the VIN and provide you with a listing of maintenance that was done by Lexus shops. This is a national registry so it doesn't matter what Lexus dealer does this.
A carfax (www.carfax.com) will tell you of any damage or accidents that may have been reported on the car. Being it is family, you may not need this.
Lastly, check out the SC forum as well as this entire web site and ask lots of questions. Before you ask any question, use the search function in the upper left corner to see if the questions you are going to ask have already been covered. In the "search" box, type a few words pertinent to your question and then hit search.
This forum has an incredible amount of knowledgable and friendly members that are more than willing to answer any questions and provide some pointers.
enjoy your new ride.
steviej
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 1
From: Glued to my desk.
Here's a link to the most informative site I know of on the SC's. www.intellexual.net. click on cars and then SC300/400 FAQ. There is also a list of common problems you can check out. Most of your questions will be answered on that link. If you have any others, feel free to PM me.
I made the mistake of taking someone's word for it when they told me the SC I was buying had been meticulously maintained. The car ran fine but I took it to a client of mine who owned a repair shop that specializes in Toyota vehicles just for a check up. Turns out none of the major services had been done. Cost me some bucks but the car runs so well now it feels like new. These cars can take some major abuse and with a little TLC can recover nicely. I've never heard of an SC that was a lemon.
I made the mistake of taking someone's word for it when they told me the SC I was buying had been meticulously maintained. The car ran fine but I took it to a client of mine who owned a repair shop that specializes in Toyota vehicles just for a check up. Turns out none of the major services had been done. Cost me some bucks but the car runs so well now it feels like new. These cars can take some major abuse and with a little TLC can recover nicely. I've never heard of an SC that was a lemon.
Last edited by Vegassc400; Sep 9, 2003 at 04:34 AM.
Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Fargo:
I'm new to Lexus ownership myself and I must echo the above comments that there really is lots and lots of information and personal experiences on this site that can be mighty useful.
You'll find that with few exceptions, Lexus owners go on and on about the virtues of the Lexus brand. I'm only 2 weeks into this game and I feel the same way.
I don't expect that I will be let down in the future.
As far as the cost of ownership, you have to factor in the fact that being an imported and premium/prestige brand, you will have to expect to pay higher costs for service and parts. And while my experience with Lexus service departments is nil at this point, I suspect that same as most other dealership and many independent garages, the owner is generally at a fundamental disadvantage when it comes to deciding whether suggested repaira/maintenance is really necessary. Compared to German luxury brands, I suspect that you'll find the upkeep on Lexus is more affordable.
If you are interested in a Carfax report, I do have an active account--just let me know the VIN and I'll forward a copy of the report to you.
Good luck
Mike
I'm new to Lexus ownership myself and I must echo the above comments that there really is lots and lots of information and personal experiences on this site that can be mighty useful.
You'll find that with few exceptions, Lexus owners go on and on about the virtues of the Lexus brand. I'm only 2 weeks into this game and I feel the same way.
I don't expect that I will be let down in the future. As far as the cost of ownership, you have to factor in the fact that being an imported and premium/prestige brand, you will have to expect to pay higher costs for service and parts. And while my experience with Lexus service departments is nil at this point, I suspect that same as most other dealership and many independent garages, the owner is generally at a fundamental disadvantage when it comes to deciding whether suggested repaira/maintenance is really necessary. Compared to German luxury brands, I suspect that you'll find the upkeep on Lexus is more affordable.
If you are interested in a Carfax report, I do have an active account--just let me know the VIN and I'll forward a copy of the report to you.
Good luck
Mike
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: California
Thanks “stievej” for your response, and for informing me about the “all caps” thing. I’ve used all caps for many years in e-mail and other correspondence and that’s the first time I’ve ever been told that. Sorry. I won’t yell unless I have good reason.
I was aware of the information available through the Dealer, and I now have that information in hand, but it took three request and three Service Consultants to obtain it. The first request was met by “It’s too lengthy, and would take too long to print out”. The second time I got a one page summary with no details. The third time I said “If I’m going to spend One to Three Thousand Dollars every time I bring my car in, I don’t think it’s too much to ask!” I had the print-out before I left.
I did run a “Carfax”. It came out clean, with the exception of “Possible Odometer Roll-back”. They said their info indicated a difference of 18,110 miles between 1996 and 1998. Knowing the previous owner (Brother-in-Law by marriage) I don’t think he would have done it, BUT he was dying, and trying to sell the car at one point, so who knows? I talked to the Dealer’s Service Rep and his response was “Carfax” is a joke, and that I shouldn’t place any confidence in their information. He said he thought probably some mechanic had just entered the odometer reading wrong on a previous smog check. I just dropped it, thinking 18K miles wouldn’t make that much difference.
As for your last comments, I have been on the computer constantly since my purchase and have visited just about every site, and read just about every FAQ section available. We both know that no one can tell me if I can indeed trust that technician that we’ve never met, who gets paid extra commission on all the work he is able to generate from an unsuspecting client by telling me I need an expensive fix that I don’t really need. I work in a mechanical arena, although not automotive, so I am not a complete dummy. I am a firm believer in preventive maintenance, and am willing to pay an added premium for Lexus technology, experience, and convenience of a dealership. I just don’t know how to keep from feeling that I’m being sold on services that are not needed. i.e. a timing belt and water pump on a car of this caliber @ 80K miles ($1425), complete alignment when the tire wear is perfect and the car drives like new ($170), rear main seal ($715) coolant bottle ($350), etc. etc. Believe me, I don’t think this car was abused. In fact driven pretty normal.
So, here’s my story. The car is in beautiful condition, inside and out. It was the day I bought it, and it is now. And I want to keep it that way. It was purchased at Lexus Carlsbad, (Ca), and as best I can determine, was religiously serviced and maintained there up until the Owner got too sick to drive it. (1998) It had 76,500 miles showing on the odometer when I purchased it in July of 2002, and only has 84,500 miles on it now. Silver Spruce Metallic, with tan/taupe interior. It hasn’t been modified in any way, and I don’t intend to do so. At some point (mid 90’s), according to family, it encountered a “minor” fender bender. I don’t know who did the repair, but it was “top notch”, and the entire car was repainted to factory specs. (original color)
The only thing I could find amiss at time of purchase was (1) Speedometer needle had gone black, which in my dumbness, thought would be an easy and inexpensive fix. Ha! ($1200 quoted, with the suggestion that I wait till the others go out). (2) Trunk lifts bad (3) Windshield washer hose cracked, and (4) small 2-3 inch tear in leather seam on top of rear seat.
At 78,000 miles I took it in for a complete Type “1” inspection and had all of the “must do” stuff, which included complete brake system, and water pump replacement, etc. so I’m on my way. I still think I have a great car, and a beautiful car. Unfortunately I live 100 miles from the nearest dealer and have NO reliable service where I am. So if anyone has any advise or comments, throw them in.
I apologize for the length of the post, but these things just can’t be said in a few words.
I was aware of the information available through the Dealer, and I now have that information in hand, but it took three request and three Service Consultants to obtain it. The first request was met by “It’s too lengthy, and would take too long to print out”. The second time I got a one page summary with no details. The third time I said “If I’m going to spend One to Three Thousand Dollars every time I bring my car in, I don’t think it’s too much to ask!” I had the print-out before I left.
I did run a “Carfax”. It came out clean, with the exception of “Possible Odometer Roll-back”. They said their info indicated a difference of 18,110 miles between 1996 and 1998. Knowing the previous owner (Brother-in-Law by marriage) I don’t think he would have done it, BUT he was dying, and trying to sell the car at one point, so who knows? I talked to the Dealer’s Service Rep and his response was “Carfax” is a joke, and that I shouldn’t place any confidence in their information. He said he thought probably some mechanic had just entered the odometer reading wrong on a previous smog check. I just dropped it, thinking 18K miles wouldn’t make that much difference.
As for your last comments, I have been on the computer constantly since my purchase and have visited just about every site, and read just about every FAQ section available. We both know that no one can tell me if I can indeed trust that technician that we’ve never met, who gets paid extra commission on all the work he is able to generate from an unsuspecting client by telling me I need an expensive fix that I don’t really need. I work in a mechanical arena, although not automotive, so I am not a complete dummy. I am a firm believer in preventive maintenance, and am willing to pay an added premium for Lexus technology, experience, and convenience of a dealership. I just don’t know how to keep from feeling that I’m being sold on services that are not needed. i.e. a timing belt and water pump on a car of this caliber @ 80K miles ($1425), complete alignment when the tire wear is perfect and the car drives like new ($170), rear main seal ($715) coolant bottle ($350), etc. etc. Believe me, I don’t think this car was abused. In fact driven pretty normal.
So, here’s my story. The car is in beautiful condition, inside and out. It was the day I bought it, and it is now. And I want to keep it that way. It was purchased at Lexus Carlsbad, (Ca), and as best I can determine, was religiously serviced and maintained there up until the Owner got too sick to drive it. (1998) It had 76,500 miles showing on the odometer when I purchased it in July of 2002, and only has 84,500 miles on it now. Silver Spruce Metallic, with tan/taupe interior. It hasn’t been modified in any way, and I don’t intend to do so. At some point (mid 90’s), according to family, it encountered a “minor” fender bender. I don’t know who did the repair, but it was “top notch”, and the entire car was repainted to factory specs. (original color)
The only thing I could find amiss at time of purchase was (1) Speedometer needle had gone black, which in my dumbness, thought would be an easy and inexpensive fix. Ha! ($1200 quoted, with the suggestion that I wait till the others go out). (2) Trunk lifts bad (3) Windshield washer hose cracked, and (4) small 2-3 inch tear in leather seam on top of rear seat.
At 78,000 miles I took it in for a complete Type “1” inspection and had all of the “must do” stuff, which included complete brake system, and water pump replacement, etc. so I’m on my way. I still think I have a great car, and a beautiful car. Unfortunately I live 100 miles from the nearest dealer and have NO reliable service where I am. So if anyone has any advise or comments, throw them in.
I apologize for the length of the post, but these things just can’t be said in a few words.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 1
From: Glued to my desk.
1) don't worry about the length of your post as long as you convey all info.
2) Carfax is not as reliable as some might hope. If I totalled my SC tomorrow and didn't notify my insurance and repaired it myself, Carfax would never know. Visual inspection by an independent mechanic is the best indicator.
3) $1425 is way too much for a tune up. I paid that much and got waaayyyyy more stuff done. Try going to an independent Toyota mechanic.
4) Try PMing ONELASTTRY, the SC forum moderator, about the speedo needle. He can either do a custom job or repair the needles for a lot less than $1200. Worse comes to worse, just buy a new cluster off EBAY. I picked up one for $230. Pretty easy to swap.
5)$725 for a main rear seal is too high. See #3
6) Use the search function for the "trunk shocks". Easy do it yourself repair.
7) Not much you can do about the leather tear. If it really bothers you try some simple seat covers or if you really want to go overboard try www.autoleathers.com. Replacement leather for the SC.
BTW, if my spelling is off please forgive. me. 7 shots of Crown Royal don't help much.
2) Carfax is not as reliable as some might hope. If I totalled my SC tomorrow and didn't notify my insurance and repaired it myself, Carfax would never know. Visual inspection by an independent mechanic is the best indicator.
3) $1425 is way too much for a tune up. I paid that much and got waaayyyyy more stuff done. Try going to an independent Toyota mechanic.
4) Try PMing ONELASTTRY, the SC forum moderator, about the speedo needle. He can either do a custom job or repair the needles for a lot less than $1200. Worse comes to worse, just buy a new cluster off EBAY. I picked up one for $230. Pretty easy to swap.
5)$725 for a main rear seal is too high. See #3
6) Use the search function for the "trunk shocks". Easy do it yourself repair.
7) Not much you can do about the leather tear. If it really bothers you try some simple seat covers or if you really want to go overboard try www.autoleathers.com. Replacement leather for the SC.
BTW, if my spelling is off please forgive. me. 7 shots of Crown Royal don't help much.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: California
Thanks for responding to this "Newbie"
I appreciate the sincerity in your responses. Being a "Newbie" I was afraid of the responses I might get. I guess negatives are still possible though. The $1425 I mentioned wasn't for a tune-up, that is yet to come when needed. The $1425 was what I have been quoted for timing belt and water pump, which I will probably have done around 90K miles. I state that I had replaced the water pump, but I meant power steering pump.
Anyway I don't think I will go back to the dealer that so far has about $4,000 of my hard earned dollars. I could use some good recomendations. I need to get a second opinion on the lower arm bushings that they said I need. As I said I'm at least 100 miles from the nearest dealer or shop. There is a Toyota Dealer nearby but I won't trust them with my baby. Although I did have to let them put a window regulator in for me in an emergency. I think my choices are going to be in San Diego or Escondido.
Just had new tires installed last week, and noticed a few days later that I have a "Center Cap" missing. I've been unable to find one on the internet. Anyone know of a source?
Anyway I don't think I will go back to the dealer that so far has about $4,000 of my hard earned dollars. I could use some good recomendations. I need to get a second opinion on the lower arm bushings that they said I need. As I said I'm at least 100 miles from the nearest dealer or shop. There is a Toyota Dealer nearby but I won't trust them with my baby. Although I did have to let them put a window regulator in for me in an emergency. I think my choices are going to be in San Diego or Escondido.
Just had new tires installed last week, and noticed a few days later that I have a "Center Cap" missing. I've been unable to find one on the internet. Anyone know of a source?
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 1
From: Glued to my desk.
I guess "tune up" was a bad choice of words. When I had my water pump replaced last month they also did the timing belt, tensioner, cam seals, Denso iridium plugs, factory wires, thermostat and housing, flushed all fluids, fixed my power antenna and replaced the burned out bulbs in the gauge cluster. All that for $1500 by a private garage. For $1425 you're not even getting half that done. Might be worth a drive to drop off the car for a day at a different dealership.
Carfax is never reliable. Original owner told me his wife rear ended someone and there was minor damage. It was replaced and looks new, but carfax never had any info about it.
Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Re: Thanks for responding to this "Newbie"
Fargo, try this url for your center cap:
http://lexus-parts.com/partdetail.as...bCategoryID=86
It's pricy, but at least it does exist. My suggestion would be to call a few Lexus parts departments...
Mike
http://lexus-parts.com/partdetail.as...bCategoryID=86
It's pricy, but at least it does exist. My suggestion would be to call a few Lexus parts departments...
Mike
Last edited by mtsao; Sep 11, 2003 at 01:04 PM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: California
Center Caps
Tried Sewell's site, and several others. No luck. They say they are discontinued and no longer available. HELP! Anyone! Chrome w/ Gold "SC" Logo, for 16" 10 Spoke !992 Stock Wheels. 
Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Re: Center Caps
Originally posted by Fargo
Tried Sewell's site, and several others. No luck. They say they are discontinued and no longer available. HELP! Anyone! Chrome w/ Gold "SC" Logo, for 16" 10 Spoke !992 Stock Wheels.
Tried Sewell's site, and several others. No luck. They say they are discontinued and no longer available. HELP! Anyone! Chrome w/ Gold "SC" Logo, for 16" 10 Spoke !992 Stock Wheels.
Also, maybe you can post a Want to Buy add in the Marketplace forum on this site...
Good luck,
Mike
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 1
From: Glued to my desk.
Try these guys. http://www.taprecycling.com/
Pretty big used Toyota/Lexus parts dealer in CA. They might be able to help.
Pretty big used Toyota/Lexus parts dealer in CA. They might be able to help.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: California
....and another thing?
It just seems to go on and on....On my last visit to my price goughing(?) Dealer, the "Tech" recommends "Lower Arm Bushings" on my next visit, at a cost of $ 895. Why would this car need this fix at 84K miles. I swear, this car hasn't been abused, and at present drives with no hint of a problem.
On another note, just in the past week the trunk latch release stopped working, and the remote door locks won't function (yes I put new batteries in the key/remote). Is there a fuse for these? What should I look forward to?
On another note, just in the past week the trunk latch release stopped working, and the remote door locks won't function (yes I put new batteries in the key/remote). Is there a fuse for these? What should I look forward to?