Hi, I have never actually posted here, but I have a question for all you sc400 owners out there. I currently own a 96 SC400 with about 90k of milage on there and was wondering how long does this car typicall last? I am thinking about buying a car in the new future and want an estimate of how long my car can last. It had all the regular oil changes and everything else Thanks

 

Though we have had a billion threads on this... i'll bite.

300,000 to 400,000 miles.

search for more indepth responses and welcome.

 

A search would have answered your question. Many engine mechanics estimate the motor will last about ~400,000 miles without a major overhaul, though no one has actually reached that milestone yet. There are at least a couple SC400s with 350,000 miles though, so I don't doubt the 400k mark... kccapt will probably be the first to hit 400,000...

 

I am at 210 000 miles and the car runs like a dream, no leaks. Needs a few things due to age, shocks e.t.c but overall I couldn't be happier. If an SC has been well taken care of as mine was then you will defenitely be happy.

 

Also worth noting is that there has never been a reported case of a 1UZ-FE engine-drivetrain failure (that I know of)... and I've seen some people abuse the hell out of their cars too!

 

Hmmm... I put on about 30K a year, that would mean I should be shopping for a new car around January 2013.

 

There are several SCs that have passed 400K miles... and Im sure a few with half a million miles also.

For comparative purposes, there are many LS400s from the early years that have passed 300-400K miles and still drive basically like new. I dont think it'll ever really be nessesary to replace your car.

 

I don't dispute the fact that Lexus has created a fantastic motor such as the one we have.

However, don't overlook the longevity of the other components such as hoses, belts, internal engine seals, and various pumps. They may fail long before your engine does and the long term repair bill can still be costly, even if you maintain your car well.

I usually compare cars to us humans. The older they get, the more they should be taken cared of. When cars get old, rubber components such as seals, belts, and hoses always deteriorate. If they're not replaced, your will still end up being stranded with a busted hose. Notice a lot of old people who passed away still had a strong, beating heart when they died.

With that said, I have more than 170k miles on my SC400. It still runs as good as, if not better than new.

Jon

 

My pops is at 220k miles. No huge issues.

 

I've got a '92 w/ 166,000, and still running strong. Have owned for since '97 w/ 89000 miles. The only things I have replaced are the power steering pump (approx $250 reman), an electrical component of the heating system ($300 at the dealer), drivers side door hinge ($400), 120k tuneup ($600 at the dealer), one set of brakes (OEM lexus, $?), rear speakers, and of course, a few sets of tires tires.. There are still some small cosmetic issues, and non-critical components that are failing, but over all, the car has been an excellent car to own and drive. I plan to keep it for some time to come. It's not the kind of car you can expect to have the head gasket or timing belt go bad after 60k-100k, as many vehicles do. You may want to do a search of this site to find common problems if you are concerned.

 

WHAAAAA?!?!?!

Why didnt you go to a junkyard or have the components from a junkyard sent to you? You can get a whole door with all the internal components and hinges, etc for about 500 from a good junkyard. And can i ask what went wrong with it? accident?

 

I was at the dealership recently looking into buying a gs (don't know why, I don't like sedans, the modding potential I guess). I only have 47660 miles on my 95sc. My salesman has the same car with lots more miles on his. He said, "the good thing about this car, you can't tell the difference in how it drives no matter how many miles it gets." I knew then I was going to keep this car as long as I can.
Every car needs maintenance. Only a few cars will last as long as an sc.

 

The problem with getting a door hinge from the junkyard is that it may be from an older sc which is probably suffering from the same problems as our current hinges.

 

wat if u get a tranny swap??? howd the life be then???

 

Dude, the A343E transmission (SC300, early 400 automatic) will last forever, given it's not abused.