AaronE

Hi, I'm new to this board, and possibly new to an SC400. I've test driven two SC400's in the past two days, and they represent the polar opposites of what this car can be.

One is a '93 w/96k and is in near impeccable condition, but with a price of just over $10k.

The other is a '92 w/121k and is a salvage title that needs a right front fender (the current one is dented) and could use a paint job, new seat leather, new steering wheel, new rear bushings (I think, it rattled badly and trolling through the forum, that seems to be the cause), all the gauge lights are out, and the engine has this slight ticking sound. Oddly enough, it seemed to be livelier than the '93, though that may have been my imagination. The upside is that it's $3500.

Am I opening myself up for a world of hurt attempting to restore the '92? Should I just bite the bullet and pay three times the amount for a near mint '93 instead?

Thanks in advance!
-Aaron

PS. they're both black over tan, moonroof, spoiler, chrome stock wheels, etc.

One HoT

iTrader: (5)

Go with the salvaged 92, check if it has any maintence done and anything else other than those you have listed..If its really in the condition you have discribed then it would be a great deal..

SC400-V8

iTrader: (1)

I woudl take the 92, thats the most collectible year (the first year) not to mention with the 7K you'll save you could have a brand new paint job for about 2,500 to 3,000 (that will buy you an excellent paint job) have the leather redone if you want to for an 2,000, and then have the engine completely tuned up for about 1,000. (A lexus 60K mile service from an independent garage goes about 600, or 1200 at a lexus dealer) 7,000 dollars can turn a total piece into a true work of art. Dont forget a nice new set of chromes stock 1992 wheels for about 800, and sell the old ones for about 200, and then new emblems and exhaust baffles for 250.

AaronE

Note that all those things were things it needs not things is has. Also, I neglected to mention that the engine seemed slightly skewed in the engine bay, so I'm assuming slightly bent frame too...

EmeraldLexuSC3

If you can negotiate the price, my choice would be to go with the ‘93
A liitle over $10k is a little high for the asking!
Good luck!

rushgator

IMO, I would go with the 93. Now, if you like to work on cars, or want to heavily mod one, and this will not be your only/primary ride, go for the 92 if you have the patience/ability/money it will take to put it back in shape. Bear in mind the problems with the 92 that you listed are just the obvious ones. You may find it's like opening up a "can of worms" once you get into the restoration process. Just my .02.

jgbnm

Personally I'd be very wary of a bent frame. Some states have issues with Salvage titles as well.

I'd barter for the '93 personally. I'd also take it to a trustworthy mechanic and have it looked over. You can even put that into the purchase price, ie. have the owner pay for the mechanical check with the caveat that you'll buy the car unless anything significant shows up (excluding tune-up items and very minor things).

If you decide on the '92, find out what you're getting into first. Have it checked out and figure out what it will cost you to get it in good shape.

Good luck!
Jon

legendary

I would stay away from the salvage unit.

You will be surprised at how much costs will add up. I seriously doubt 1k will fix a neglected motor...you mentioned it looks skewed in the bay....yep, it is possible that car has a bent frame. HAve fun trying to get that fixed....and the rattling sound you hear, I would say that needs to be looked at by a pro, as well as the frame. Get prices on those first, and report it here. Last but not least, you said the interior is shot.

Leather install/parts - 700 - 1100 (aftermarket parts+ install - depends on who does it, you or them)
Frame repair - $$$$ (estimate in the thousands)
Engine - 1200 - 2500 ( 60k/90k, misc)
Steering wheel - 150 -300
suspension components - 800 - 1500
fender - 200
paint - 2,500 to 4,000 (to be done right....you did say the 93 was mint, right?)

so, we are looking at a minimum estimate of about 5,500 (hoping frame damage is only 500.00) in just repairs to maybe smewhere over 10,000 on the high end.


Cry once. Get the mint car.

Even with all those repairs, the car will never be right.....hence the reason carmax doesn't sell salvage vehicles made good.

www.CarMax.com

legendary

BTW - you cannot eever recoup the money you drop in a salvage vehicle, no matter how much you spend...hence the reason folks do a CARFAX.com report...you may also have issues with insuring the car as well....forget full coverage

aliga

iTrader: (147)

92 salvage, bring it back to life

AaronE

So, after test driving 4 black SC400's, I've finally bought one! It's neither of the above two (the mint one was too expensive, and the salvage was a bit scary). It's a black & tan '92 w/ 107k on it, in great condition except a couple minor things, and I got it for $7000. I'm sure I'll be frequenting the forum in the near future! Now I just have to figure out what to do with my '79 Porsche 928 with only reverse working...

-Aaron

legendary

congrats. I am pleased that you stayed away from the money pit

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

928? (ears spring to life)

I would be interested mildly in it depending on whether or not i can practically steal it (hey, porsche trannies aren't cheap, and '79? well....)

I am restoring a porsche right now and wouldn't mind a second project. P.M. me if you have a small price im mind