savagekat

Hey guys, im new to these forums so HELLO ALL.

I just recently sold my 1999 e36 m3 and I need something more economical and just about as enjoyable(performance and luxury). Last week I test drove a 1998 SC400 and I loved it but i had some concerns, here they are:

1. Price how much should i pay if it has about 90k miles?
2. The sunroof makes a ton of wind noise, is this ok?
3. Should i be dissapointed that the rear windows don't roll down and heated seats are not equipped with the car?
4. Which wear and tear items need to be replaced around 90k?
5. Can I turn traction off?
6. Lastly, are there any things that i should look for as red flags only common to the sc400? The car looked good though, but i know for m3s there are some sneaky things you need to look for, so let me know!


Thanks guys!!!

u can IM me at AIM: savagekat69
or juss respond to this thread

SCpwner

Glad to see you on CL.

1. Did the guy already set a price? imo i would not buy it if he prices it above 9-10 k.
2. Is this with the sunroof opened or closed? Open it makes some noise obviously but its not that bad.
3. Rear windows? the SC400 is a coupe. Heated seats are standard too i believe but i may be wrong.
4. As far as wear and tear... as long as all the rubber items in the engine have been replaced such as the timing belt and water you should be fine.
5.Yea of course you can turn traction off... It's fun with it off and normally slows the car down with it on. Just don't have a heavy foot when your driving in the rain, unless you want too
6. Sneaky things? Are the headlights looking good? no leaks/ fogging/ yellowing? As for my experience no "sneaky things" have occurred and your car is fairly younger then mine ('93).

Again welcome to CL and enjoy your stay If you buy her post some pics. What color is it?

SCpwner

sonyman

2) The wind seal may need replacement. I'm unsure as to whether Lexus sells the just the seal.
3) The rear windows are fixed in place. Heated seats were not standard, although I'm unsure of what option package they were included in.
5) Yes, you can. 1998+ models have VSC, which is actually traction control and stability control. It will only interfere if you break traction, so leave it on unless you need it off.
6) 1998+ models don't really have many sneaky things persay. Obvious issues include cracking trim pieces such as the window moldings, as well as the AC vents. Also make sure the door hinges aren't sagging, and that the CD changer works. As long as the suspension doesn't make any strange noises and the engine pulls nicely you should be set.

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

A 98 sc400 with ONLY 90k for 10k? Good luck buddy.

You can go as high as 15k on this car if it is in excellent shape. under 100k brings big bucks.

SCpwner

Oh really? Past thread that i have read all came out around 10k for about the same mileage. This is with his issues and his non standard heated seats which i only assumed that he doesn't have the premium packaged car with all of the upgrades on it. So what do these cars actually run for OLT? i mean you didnt really answer savages' question from what you said.

Sly Guy Yu

guys on CL like to post prices REALLY low, no idea why. But for a 98 sc400 w/ 90k miles id guess between 13-16 pending on condition. Remember this car was almost 60,000 dollars brand new.

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

I didn't address savage's question I addressed YOUR post. I'm talking to YOU. I quoted YOU. Don't step in and tell me how to post. Permanent mistake.

Like sly guy said, this little niche doesn't represent the rest of the entire united states.

bangdangvn

permanent mistake? what's the consequences haha

SCpwner

Ok well again i will ask what do you think these things run for. Im not trying to step in and tell you something, rather i am trying to understand the cost and at the same time help answer savages' question. I am sorry for the mis-interpretation.

Quote: guys on CL like to post prices REALLY low, no idea why. But for a 98 sc400 w/ 90k miles id guess between 13-16 pending on condition. Remember this car was almost 60,000 dollars brand new.

Wow 60,000 dollars in 1998-2000. That is really expensive and i would hate to buy that during those years especially when all you have to do is wait 7-9 years to reduce that price buy 3/4ths to only have 90-100 thousand miles on it.

Baoser

sounds like a good car, but good luck tryin to get it for less than 12-13 at minimum i would think...

Sly Guy Yu

Enjoy Reading this.

http://www.cars.com/go/crp/research....00&modelid=264

98 SC400 Base MSRP 53,000
99 SC400 Base MSRP 55,305
00 SC400 Base MSRP 56,305

Keep in mind the word "BASE" MSRP.

SCpwner

Thats sad but im glad i didnt want one of these 7 years ago and even think about spending that much money and that i waited

over40driv

The guy never did post a pic. of the car. Wonder if the deal ever went through. I think anyone of us would want to buy it.

sc300n00b

I haven't kept up with the SC prices in a while, but I would expect to pay slightly more (~2K) for that car with those miles (assuming excellent condition otherwise).
Just to give you an idea, my 2000 SC4 which was a Lexus Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with less than 40K miles ran me over $21K when all was said and done, and I consider that a steal!
Good luck with the purchase

1uzDreamSC

iTrader: (9)

problem i had with 96 sc400 hundred is heat coming from under the center councle
when i have the the sunroof closed but the cover open it sound alot louder than with the sunroof closed and the cover close