I have a '97 SC400 that has been in storage 7 of the last 10 years. In August I brought it back on the road after it had sat for 3 years (I have lived outside of the country a couple times). I notice an oil smell at stop signs sometimes and see oil spots on the drive way.

Where's it likely to be leaking from? Which gaskets go bad first on this fine car? Anything else I should get fixed before it goes bad? I've had this car since 2000, it has 109,000 miles on it and I've had no major problems at all (knock on wood - birdseye maple if you have it).

 

Valvecover gaskets. Cam seals. Front main seal. Rear main seal. Those are the problem areas.
Also, sometimes the oil pan can leak, but that's not a seal but Toyota FIPG (form in place gasket).

 

^This and sometimes the VVT-i Gear Seals leak as well. Might as well buckle down and replace all of the seals and gaskets in one go. It save alot of headache later.

 

He says he has a 97 SC400 so he doesn't have to worry about VVTI. That's only on 98+ cars

 

Yikes. I think I'll just get some stop leak at the local auto parts store...

Just kidding. I imagine cam seals and main seals require a trip to the dealer to do the work... I've not gotten work done at the dealer in over a decade. Will I still get a loaner car while they rape my wallet?

Correct about VVT-i and it's added horsepower - it came in 1998 along with the wood grained, gated shifted. I think just about everything else stayed the same.