Anybody Know of Common SC400 Issues?

[jnow454]

Looking at a 95 SC400, 125K miles to replace my old/broken Celica. Yahoo Autos doesn't have anything bad to say. Does anybody know of common problems with this car which I can check before buying?

[Senna4ever]

-Oil leaks.
- The power steering pump will leak all over the alternator when it dies, killing both parts. Check to see when they were last replaced.

[Go4shoped]

not really a big deal but the connections to the gauges often fall apart and usually its the speedo that stops working or stays at zero then shoots up to your speed and goes back again.

[Toysrme]

Sometimes the windshield wipers wear out. When they do, you get water spots after a rain storm on your windshield.

[Razo-E]

the needles for the speedometer/tachometer seem to burn out, and can flicker...

[Toysrme]

^ ya almost all Lexi do that.

The little MCD needles are designed for a lower voltage system, but Toyota uses them in a higher votlage than they're rated for.
At about 6 years, they become prone to simply overheating. That's why you always drive with them about half way up the knob.


O-L-T, who is a super mod at ClubLexus.com does replacement needles for about 1/3 the cost lexus does.

He can do custom color dashes/match lighting also (including cliamate/ radio controls)


on top of that he's a hella nice guy.

[no2faber]

go to clublexus.com. they have a very comprehensive sc300/400 forum.
i have a 300, but i know for a fact that the lower control arm bushings are definitely something that is a problem with these older cars. i only had 40k on my car when i bought it, but it didn't stop the bushings from going bad. definitely get them looked at before you buy the car b/c it's at least a $400 job (parts and labor). also check for fog in the headlight.
good luck on searching. they're great cars.