M5Power
For the record, a vehicle manufactured in 1992 is now fifteen years old. When counting car ages, you're supposed to count both the model year of the car (1992) and the current model year, which, beginning January 16, 2005, is 2006.
I though July 1st was the turnaround year for model years, unless the automaker wants to introduce an all-new model to generate a little attention. (Don't mention the Chevy Beretta that came out in December 1986 as an '88 model.)
Otherwise, my birthday actually meaningful in some sort of way.
As for saving your Lexus, here's some things to bear in mind:
1) I see a lot of old Lexuses, and they aren't any more difficult to maintain, it's just that certain parts tend to go once the car's over 10 years old and over 120,000 miles. However, the parts are pretty much shared whether you have the inline-6 or the V-8 with other Lexus/Toyota cars, so they won't exactly cost you an arm and a leg. Camshaft and crankshaft seals are common in humid temps, and we see front seal leakage all the time on 100k+ cars, especially on the 400's. But otherwise, few drivability issues, except for idle air control motors (350-400 bucks) that tend to go on 100k+ cars, and otherwise, no major constant concerns.
2) As for convienence and luxury items (ones that don't affect safety, diveability, or climate controls), they can be very expensive, as they aren't shared from car to car, and even the model year will affect pricing of what appear to be similar parts. The trim items on interior tend to be of poorer quality than other Lexuses (meaning that they won't last 15-20 years!). The door panels have that long pull that comes apart on nearly every 120K and above SC I see, and they're not cheap. Door handles are a common problem and the oldies, as well. The middle A/C vent trim has a "stress crack" on
every SC over 50k I've ever seen. These parts ain't cheap, and they are problematic. Trouble is, Lexus hadn't seen these things coming until 8+ years after the car debuted, so there's no hope of the dealer comping you on these issues. Windows are "iffy" on these older SC cars, they go though window regulators, runs, and motors since it's such a big darn door; thus, they tend to get slammed a lot.
3) Outer trim: The outer headlight assemblies yellow over time. They aren't cheap for the SC, and they don't get any cheaper on later Lexus cars. The inner lenses are glass, and don't seem to fade. Polishing the outer headlamps may return a little bit more luster to them; just don't use too much force, or you'll crack the lens or seals, which will turn the whole assembly into an aquarium, or at least, it will fog up internally. Front and rear bumpers fade on the 1992-1996 models, and even peel (!) on the rear clip right on the curve below the "SC 300" or "400" emblem.
Basically, my rule of thumb is to never spend more than $3000-5000 a year (depending on income, of course) repairing your car, unless it's the last car you ever want to own, or if the car saved your life back when you were in the army.
On the other hand, the old coupes go for a surprising amount of money in private-party trades, there is always some sort of new-found demand for them down in South Florida. There's a few customers of mine that baby them and care for them with many miles on them 150,000 and up; one guest of mine has 220,000 on his SC400 (he bought it new in '92). He's had the interior re-upholstered, new wheels, new paint job...the works. He'll keep that car for a long time. Another of mine brings her '95 SC in for routine maintenance constantly, the car looks like brand new, despite 125k+ on the odometer.
In a nutshell, SC300-400s can get expensive to keep up in like-new condition, but you get a unique car in return...that's what the long-time owners tell me.
