SATXSC400

Go with 2, you won't have to do the 97+ conversion. Struts are inexpensive, about $250 for a set of 4.

texan_176

iTrader: (5)

I just got some more info from the guy who owns the black car. It was completely repainted in 05. He says a few areas on the roof and spoiler were fading and they would never be able to get a perfect match so he did the whole car with PPG paint. This kind of concerns me since no paint that does not involve stripping the car down to the shell is as good as factory.

Also, is oil burning a problem with these engines?

Most cars develop valve stem seal failures around 150K miles and will throw smoke under heavy load (speeding up over 2000 rpm).

Is this auto transmission prone to needing a rebuild after 150K miles? Does shifting ever get choppy or does the torque converter start to go out and only about 70-80% if the engine power gets to the wheels. I mean just assume someone abusively drove the car (hard acceleration, slamming the brakes, etc...)...will the transmission fall appart on me around some mileage?

GS4VIPbOSS

iTrader: (9)

I would not hesistate for the 98.

SC400DAVE

Go with # 2 before the seller finds out he should be asking $9,200.00 for his ride!

texan_176

iTrader: (5)

Well, the red one was sold to someone else last week so maybe a decision was made for me.

My mechanic looks at the 98 Thursday so depending on how that goes and how much the guy negotiates I might go with it.

What do you think a fair price is while keeping in mind there are few buyers for cars with such high miles, gas is $4 and this thing does maybe 20-22 mpg at best, it has been repainted, and it is a 10 yr old car?

I'm not going to low ball the guy and **** him off but I want to get a good deal too. Usually if you offer 80-85% of the asking price you can make a deal with people. That would put this car around $6500-6800.

kyoso23

He's asking $8k? Offer him low $7k and see where you stand from that point. You're already getting a fair price, so I wouldn't undercut him too much. And don't feel bad, the '98 is the better choice for sure.

SC400DAVE

That is a huge low ball! The guy is going to tell you to get lost if he has any brains.

If that car is in excellent shape it is worth $9,200.00 like I said earlier. All you gotta do is check the Kelly Blue Book.

texan_176

iTrader: (5)

My mechanic looked at the black one and found no mechanical problems (he did see an oily transmission pan but says the leak is very minor) but after closer inspection of the interior I found some problems. The leather is a bit dried out and does not have that nice leather smell as in new cars or as in my now 14 year old 3000GT. It looks like it was parked in the sun quite a bit cause the center console bezel has flaking of the top layer of plastic. The wood is not smooth and glossy with a deep rich look. The carpet has stains. The power seat contols all work but some of the ***** are broken. One tail lamp has a cracked and leaking exterior lens.

I figure maybe $500-1000 to restore the interior to my standards.

Although these engines are known to make 300K miles easy I am told by my mechanic of 35 years experience that I could blow the head gasket (gasket contracts as it dries out with age) or spin a bearing at any given time given the 168K miles.

Initially, I was pretty excited about the car but now I don't think I can go over $6500 factoring in potential $1000 repairs that could pop up.

Ultra low miles (under 40K) 97+ sell for about $12-16K and he is asking nearly 8 grand for his....when put into that perspective it does not seem like such a great deal for the miles on the car.

Well, I think I'll offer 6.5K and if he says no that's it...I'm not going to counter offer or ask him to call me back if he reconsiders. This is not the only SC left on earth.

There is no way in hell a dealer would give him even 5 grand in trade for it.

FormosaSC

good idea, dont lock yourself to this car emotionally, not a smart thing, i know from experience

I would go for the red one because you can offer him less, its got lower mileage, and he didnt use crappy paint on the car, plus everything works and looks new. People here say " i dont care about mileage " Funny how when it comes to selling a car, a lower mileage one will ALWAYS sell faster.

GZZ-TT

iTrader: (5)

Take cash in hand (around 7k) to him in person as an offer, and see if you walk away with the keys... Definitely don't get emotionally attached to a car- it leads to higher prices because people can sense it, even if you try and hide it. Thats my thought... It would be a killer deal at 7K i think.

TRD_Power

95% of the people on this forum are going to say the '98+ even if it's in worse condition, but I just say drive both and get whichever feels right. 168K isn't much for our cars. Really it comes down to which was more well maintained and which body you prefer... The interior (if it's nice) is definitely a bit nicer on the '98+

labrealiv

If you're in no hurry, I'd wait them out.

There's a '96, red, mint SC300 w/ 104k mi. - all maint. done (incl. 90k tune-up, timing belt, w/pump, etc.) that has been on the market since september. Still is. Now down to less than $7k.

(I offered $8k earlier this yr. but was rejected)

Then I found this 2000 SC3, black + sleek. Paid more than $8k (less than $10k) but with all the upgrades, it's worth it.

wait.

Costing close to $100 to fill-up - may be I shld have bought a hybrid!!!!

GL.

texan_176

iTrader: (5)

Wow where is this car for sale?

For about 6-7 grand that sounds like a great deal. gas mileage is about 20-22 mpg right?

Well, I drive fast on the freeways but like a grandpa on the streets to save gasoline. My 3000Gt is nearly 4000 pounds in weight with 2996cc of displacement...yet I still manage about 24 mpg with mixed driving. Of course, it is a 5 speed so I have the ability to coast as much as I can so the engine sips gasoline at idle.

Besides, this SC will not be my daily driver anyway. I expect to put maybe 400-500 miles a month on it.

texan_176

iTrader: (5)

Well guys, I think this deal will not occur.

I offered him $6800 via email and he says $7200 is the lowest he can go. His starting price was $7700. My offer was 88% of the asking price...he's willing to deduct only 6% which will cover the taxes to transfer the title to me.

Considering the car has 170K miles and how lean the market is for such high miles vehicles I think I made a more than reasonable offer. He will not get even close for a trade in.

In a way I am relieved....as said in an eariler post...If I spend only 3-5 grand more the mileage drops greatly and I might actually find a black on black leather SC.