Ended up buying 92 SC400...
01-02-11, 02:03 PM
#1
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Ended up buying 92 SC400...
Well, I posted about a month ago about a 92 SC400 with 87,000 miles. He was asking $3700 and after I found out the issues with the steering, radiator, etc., I returned the car with the report and told him I didn't want to insult him with an offer. I told the owner that if he needed to sell it before he moves across country, to call me. Well, on December 20, 2010 he called around 8pm and I offered him $500...we settled on $1000.
The car runs good, engine/transmission are good. The bad is basically three fold due to a previous owner running into something:
1) The radiator is off its mount and the mount has been bent into the rack/pinion steering.
2) Steering is horrible as rack and pinion is shot
3) Steering components were pushed into oil pan and caused a bad oil leak
It's definitely a project car. I've registered it on lexus.com and it was meticulously taken care of until 2007. I'll wait until I do my taxes to be sure I can put money into it to get it fixed. For now, I just take it to the grocery store and back. The car sat for 2 weeks while I was gone for the holidays, I checked the oil, and it cranked right up.
Don't get me wrong, there are other things that need to be fixed, but I couldn't pass up a low mileage SC for $1000. I gave her a quick bath and will clean interior, wheels, etc. next weekend. I look forward to your comments...
The car runs good, engine/transmission are good. The bad is basically three fold due to a previous owner running into something:
1) The radiator is off its mount and the mount has been bent into the rack/pinion steering.
2) Steering is horrible as rack and pinion is shot
3) Steering components were pushed into oil pan and caused a bad oil leak
It's definitely a project car. I've registered it on lexus.com and it was meticulously taken care of until 2007. I'll wait until I do my taxes to be sure I can put money into it to get it fixed. For now, I just take it to the grocery store and back. The car sat for 2 weeks while I was gone for the holidays, I checked the oil, and it cranked right up.
Don't get me wrong, there are other things that need to be fixed, but I couldn't pass up a low mileage SC for $1000. I gave her a quick bath and will clean interior, wheels, etc. next weekend. I look forward to your comments...
01-02-11, 05:27 PM
#3
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Thread Starter
Thanks! I'm excited about it. I took it out today for a quick spray down and it was fun. I can't wait till I get atleast the steering fixed so I can get on the gas a little more. I have a hard time believing this car is 19 years old.
I need to also thank Ashtray who helped me get it looked at. I'll try and take some more pictures of the engine bay, interior, etc. this weekend.
I need to also thank Ashtray who helped me get it looked at. I'll try and take some more pictures of the engine bay, interior, etc. this weekend.
01-02-11, 06:04 PM
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Awesome, congrats on picking up the SC 
I think it was a steal for a grand considering the low mileage, rest of the body/interior and most importantly the engine and trans are good too
I think it was a steal for a grand considering the low mileage, rest of the body/interior and most importantly the engine and trans are good too
Last edited by Joey-E; 01-02-11 at 06:07 PM.
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01-02-11, 07:12 PM
#10
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My guess is I probably need to put in about $2K in repairs. Then I'll fix the cosmetic things like the mirrors (loose, one is cracked), front bumper, the passenger door panel is seperating, one of the speakers is out, etc.
I have been looking for parts on E-Bay and run into some fairly reputable sellers. Any recommendations? I'm pretty sure I need a radiator (although car doesn't overheat, but it is dented), radiator mount (horizontal steel piece that is under radiator), rack and pinion steering system, splash guard for drivers side tire wheel well, and then a bumper, mirror's etc. I'd rather buy used than buy new.
Advice? Thanks for the comments and I'll take some more pictures this weekend of both the good and bad.
I have been looking for parts on E-Bay and run into some fairly reputable sellers. Any recommendations? I'm pretty sure I need a radiator (although car doesn't overheat, but it is dented), radiator mount (horizontal steel piece that is under radiator), rack and pinion steering system, splash guard for drivers side tire wheel well, and then a bumper, mirror's etc. I'd rather buy used than buy new.
Advice? Thanks for the comments and I'll take some more pictures this weekend of both the good and bad.
01-02-11, 09:43 PM
#14
My guess is I probably need to put in about $2K in repairs. Then I'll fix the cosmetic things like the mirrors (loose, one is cracked), front bumper, the passenger door panel is seperating, one of the speakers is out, etc.
I have been looking for parts on E-Bay and run into some fairly reputable sellers. Any recommendations? I'm pretty sure I need a radiator (although car doesn't overheat, but it is dented), radiator mount (horizontal steel piece that is under radiator), rack and pinion steering system, splash guard for drivers side tire wheel well, and then a bumper, mirror's etc. I'd rather buy used than buy new.
Advice? Thanks for the comments and I'll take some more pictures this weekend of both the good and bad.
I have been looking for parts on E-Bay and run into some fairly reputable sellers. Any recommendations? I'm pretty sure I need a radiator (although car doesn't overheat, but it is dented), radiator mount (horizontal steel piece that is under radiator), rack and pinion steering system, splash guard for drivers side tire wheel well, and then a bumper, mirror's etc. I'd rather buy used than buy new.
Advice? Thanks for the comments and I'll take some more pictures this weekend of both the good and bad.
