Notices
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)

Hey everyone

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 08:11 PM
  #1  
JestersSC3's Avatar
JestersSC3
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Default Hey everyone

hey everyone, I don't own my lexus just yet, but I will be buying one within a week. I'm checking one out at a dealer tomorrow, except I've heard there may be some problems with the SC. Any recommendations on what I should check? I'll see if I can take it to a lexus dealership to get a certified check, but other than that, I'll check

-brakes
-tires
-transmission(shifting, sound, etc)
-power steering
-belts
-engine gaskets(look for oil with my friend's neat little light thing)
-exhaust
-catalytic converter(apparently someone got a car without a catalytic converter from him)

any more things are welcome to be added.

Any law people, please correct me if I'm wrong. If I manage to get him to sign a contract for a 30day moneyback gaurantee, I can argue that since it is in paper, it's basically a contract, right? And if he lies to me outright, that's not fluffing it, that's just misrepresenting the product, which is illegal, right?

I just want to make sure I can do the best for my first time buying a car.

Thanks!!!
Mike
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 08:18 PM
  #2  
BostonSC4's Avatar
BostonSC4
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 0
From: MA
Default

Tell us about this SC!

And welcome.
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2010 | 08:41 PM
  #3  
tmf2004's Avatar
tmf2004
5% Club. Killing it!!!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21,942
Likes: 64
From: FL
Default

Welcome to CL..
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 09:26 AM
  #4  
1JZPWRD's Avatar
1JZPWRD
1JZ Single SC400
iTrader: (59)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 17
From: Alabama, Roll Tide!
Default

Check for bushings both upper and lower control arms, burnt out needles, spongy brakes maybe normal for SC's, black climate control, noise in windows, leaking power steering resevoir, and for spongy struts. What year is this you are looking at? Let us know what you decide. Good luck and welcome to CL
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 10:29 AM
  #5  
rdubious23's Avatar
rdubious23
Rookie
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: NC
Default

Motor mount and power steering leaks were on the list for mine. Remember how old the car is and a number of things fall under the 'routine maintenance' that you may or may not want to factor in to the purchase. There are going to be some issues with most any car that's up in years, but I would venture to say that the SC is one strong car. Do some google searches on your year and I bet a number of kick-a$$ old reviews will pop up. Great freakin car!

I would check your state's lemon laws about your money back guarantee question.
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 10:31 AM
  #6  
rdubious23's Avatar
rdubious23
Rookie
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: NC
Default

Forgot one thing.........if you do take it to a stealer for inspection, Toyota may have a cheaper labor rate.

Good luck!
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 10:37 AM
  #7  
kez's Avatar
kez
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,518
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
Default

welcome t the BIG CL wat year is the car
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 10:46 AM
  #8  
jadu's Avatar
jadu
live.love.laugh.lexus
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (42)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 11,581
Likes: 90
From: CALI
Default

If everything looks good on your list, you're good to go. They are reliable cars. glws and welcome
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

 Brett Foote
story-7

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

 Brett Foote
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 08:34 PM
  #9  
JestersSC3's Avatar
JestersSC3
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Default

Thanks guys! It's a 1993 SC300, red, but that's about it. I have yet to make it over to the dealer, so I'm kinda SOL atm. Too much goin on with finals and moving with the family.

I've heard many many good things about these, and I've even seen one with upwards of 232k miles, but I just want to make sure the dealer himself didn't mess anything up.

What did you mean by black climate control? Like when I turn on the interior lights? And the needles I've heard lots about them giving out, but I guess it's too be expected, with age. I actually want to get an aftermarket set of gauges. Could I get opinions? Please and thank you!

Mike
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 09:00 PM
  #10  
BostonSC4's Avatar
BostonSC4
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 0
From: MA
Default

232k miles is the general break-in period for these engines.



Reply
Old Apr 27, 2010 | 09:13 PM
  #11  
JestersSC3's Avatar
JestersSC3
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Default

haha nice. I really would like to do a swap, but I'm still reading and researching info about that. Anybody got a good book or a link with some info on the engines? I've been wading through the useless posts, and reading the random oddball useful ones on the forum, but man, so many people posting random crap.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ccorogers
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
18
Sep 5, 2012 05:07 AM
ndk83
Car Chat
5
Dec 19, 2010 03:34 PM
billy boi
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
9
Jul 15, 2005 07:01 PM
TROM7185IC
IS - 1st Gen (2001-2005)
2
Aug 31, 2003 02:53 PM
IS3002K1
IS - 1st Gen (2001-2005)
8
Jun 10, 2002 12:17 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:49 AM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE