Greetings,

I just purchased a 92 sc400 with 165k miles for 3600.

I drove the car for a week and a half, did a tune-up (new plugs/wires/cap/rotor).I knew about and researched the common problems with sc400s prior to the purchase, I was ok with replacing control arms, re-doing oil pan gaskets, and sending the cluster/climate control off to get rebuilt, I have a back up car so no big deal for a week of downtime here or there.

So far I've replaced the radiator as it developed a crack and blew up on me, and done a simple tune up with new plugs/wires/cap/rotor.

What needs to be addressed:

1) very slight mis-fire when cruising and when the engine is idling down from a cold start, the misfire when cruising is seriously so subtle I can barely tell it's there, this is possibly related to the power steering
2) white smoke on startup (60 degree day) appears to be idle-up valve for the power steering.
3) oil leak (upper and lower oil pan gaskets??)
4) smoke/steam from back of engine compartment, near heater control valve. (i believe this to be related to either one of the hoses back there, or the heater control valve itself. I've yet to lock down the source, but my heat works fine)
5) lower control arm bushings are shot

From what I can tell these seem to be common problems with well - documented fixes. I do not have a garage, or access to a lift. I do have some mechanical skill and a set of hand - tools. I will do what I can myself and farm the rest of the work out to a shop.

Please spare me the "but you should have had a mechanic check it out before purchasing" I go to school part time and work full time, my schedule is pretty busy, and my emotions got the best of me when buying this car. It has a pretty complete maintenance record up to a couple years ago, timing belt and water pump were swapped out 30k miles ago.

Guys I really love this car but every time I look at there seems to be a new problem every time I pop the hood. Would you, if you were in my spot; cut losses, sell the car and save for a newer / better condition model or bite the bullet and fix all these issues?

also: if anyone knows of a good indy shop in memphis, tn please let me know. Most shops i've visited pop the hood and freak out, then refuse to work on it.

 

You sound like you like the 400...so keep it. Most if not every used car will develop problems. Just stay on top of everything small, cause those generally lead to bigger problems. If youre looking for a decent shop to means that you have the funds to pay someone to work on the car? Most people here work on their own cars, but if you are unable due to lack of space, time, knowledge....try the local dealer. They know these cars better than anyone, and they won't freak out. Might pay a bit more than a local garage on an hourly basis, but you will get their years of knowledge on SC's. Once the small stuff is fixed, you will be happy with a great used car that will last you for years to come.

Don't know Memphis too well (shop speaking), but know a grerat place for lunch on the south side...Uncle Lou's! LOL

 

Yeah, I would love to keep it, I guess im just worried that problems will keep cropping up.

 

the lower and upper oil pan gaskets are a pain to get too,
you can either pull out the motor

or

put the engine on the engine brace
remove the steering rack, lower control arms, upper control arms, then the cross member bar behind the subrframe, oil pan sensor,
disconnect the motor mounts from the subframe,
then remove the subframe itself,
then unscrew all like 30 or 40 screws holding the oil pan to the engine,
then beat the pan off with a rubber mallet.
Which took me two days to do
then clean and add the rtv and let it cure for 24 hours,
then another day or two to put everything back together,
then alignment

 

I love my sc, but they are money pits. Apparently "lexus" build quality is **** compared to toyotas. If you are ok with driving your sc for 2 weeks at a time until something else lets go, then keep it. if not sell it