Hey guys... new SC 400 owner (almost) and mechanic tells me that there is a oil leak from the rear main seal and a powersteering leak from the pump and from the front right. Trying to close the deal with the dealership to sign the deal and use this as negotiating. My mechanic tells me that these things are not that big of a deal and they are actually pretty minor leaking.... the timing belt has been recently replaced, brakes and rotors as well, and the suspension is in great condition... just the above stuff... how much discount do you guys think I should ask for on the negotiating price to close the deal... what do you guys think about going through with the deal... 97 SC 400 with 87000 miles... are these just common problems or something I should worry about long term...

 

The power steering pump leak is very common.. The rear main seal isn't as common, but it can happen to any car. Just bring the car in to get an estimate on the repairs and use that number to drop the price or make the dealer do the repairs before you buy it. Just make sure that the work is warrantied. How much are they asking for the car??

 

I will do 12000 max without reqair....depend on condition as well

 

That power steering leak can turn into a nightmare if it leaks onto your alternator. Get these done asap! Also, I would come to a finalised price, before I brought up the problems. That way you know exactly how much they are taking off for the problems.

Peace,
Jonny

 

I know I shouldnt have... but the car was in otherwise good condition with new timing belt, tires, brakes and rotors... so I decided to purchase at 12,500... infiniti pulled the car up and took a look at it with me, and they say from the visual that they can't find any oil leaks besides very little perspiration from main seal and power steering... nothing like a major leak, though... what you guys think... thanks for your help...all of my fam...

 

what year?? with those problems I hope that it is a newer model, 97-up. and if it is, how many miles are on it?

Josh

 

Read his initial post (I bolded the text)

 

thanks hammed, I am on these pain killers and sometimes the text looks all jarbled and runs together.


Josh

 

pain killers uhuh... thats ok fellow SCer... I had to purchase it... that bright red color was too much for me to resist... i'm gonna take it in to lexus and see if the leaks are still there and see if it needs the fixin....

 

Congratulations on the new ride. At least you got it checked out. Just keep an eye on the suspected leaks and hopefully they don't get worse for some time. It's really important to make sure that the PS pump isn't leaking any fluid on to the alternator or else you could end up replacing that too. It sounds to me that you paid a fair price for the car. For your area Kelley Blue Book lists retail around $16,900, private party @ $12,800 and trade in @ $9,900. NEVER pay anywhere near KBB retail! God only knows where the heck they get those numbers from!

Post up some pics too.