rear sub frame rot

[Petrocelli]

Just been reading up on this.Never gave it a thought when looking for the last SC430  ( about 10 years ago )but will definitely be on the look out for the next one.

Is it easy to see when looking under the car or do you need to get the car up on a ramp to see it ?

Given a lot of these cars  have now  gone through  20 English winters I suppose it's not surprising .

Anyone got any ideas on frequency for RSF  rotting out?

Thanks 

  

[Malc1]

probably only the once in the lifetime of the car ...  after another 20 years, 40 in total, there might just be a handful left which will be cossetted in aspic somewhere and rarely used

Malc

[Petrocelli]

Thanks Malc.

When I referred to 'frequency' I wasn't thinking of one particular car but how many SC430's  across the board suffer this problem.  

It could be a very small % in which case I am being unduly pessimistic.

I will be looking into this further and will post up anything of interest I find.

[Lexiguy]

Hi Petrocelli

When I bought my car about 2 years ago, a 57 plate I was petrified that I had bought a lemon and was not happy until Lexus had done a check over and serviced it.

Although corrosion is not a concern we commonly hear about it is always possible depending how it has been treated and kept, salt corrosion etc etc.

It is impossible to check it all over for rust except on a ramp but if you are a serious buyer, by prior arrangement a local garage will pop it on a ramp for you.

Good luck and be brave,

Anthony

[Petrocelli]

Anthony,that is one clean car!

I think you are right,there really is no alternative to getting a car up on a ramp and having a really good look.

It will be interesting to see how this goes down when I find any potential candidates.At the moment have not seen any within reasonable distance.

No enthusiasm for travelling all over the country at the moment,too cold.   

[Lexiguy]

Remember

Convertibles are more desirable when the weather improves so their prices strengthen similar to 4x4's with the first covering of snow.

You might wait a long time to find a good one on your doorstep.

Good luck, I have never regretted taking the plunge!

Anthony

[Bob King]

On 1/24/2023 at 9:28 PM, Petrocelli said:

Just been reading up on this.Never gave it a thought when looking for the last SC430  ( about 10 years ago )but will definitely be on the look out for the next one.

Is it easy to see when looking under the car or do you need to get the car up on a ramp to see it ?

Given a lot of these cars  have now  gone through  20 English winters I suppose it's not surprising .

Anyone got any ideas on frequency for RSF  rotting out?

Thanks 

  

The SC430 does suffer from surface corrosion to rear subframe and the boot floor area and does need to be inspected when buying .

As these cars are get older the boot floor to subframe areas will rot and and then need welding .This could well finish off some cars, as the cost to remove subframe by a garage could be huge.

     Lots of rust prevention products on the market to keep rust at bay, always buy the best condition car you can ….if the rear subframe looks like it’s about to drop off …then walk away .