MoogieBoogie

I'm thinking of buying a Lexus SC300 next week.

What are some things that tend to wear out or need to be replaced at this 130k miles or more? What should I check so that I can avoid myself costly repairs? The car is a 5 speed manual transmission.

Should I be wary or concerned with buying a car this old and high mileage (over 100k)?

Lastly, are there any suspension upgrades for this car? How smooth is the ride? Is it comparable to a Lexus ES300 or LS400? Or is it more rough? What are you basic impressions of this car?

This will be my daily driver, probably driven 2000 miles per month or less.

Thanks guys.
-Brian.

Bean

iTrader: (1)

make sure the 60k mile maitenance was done; which includes the timing belt, the spark plugs and wires (stock ones are better than any aftermarket i'm told)

and various other stuff... check the clutch, etc...


the SC300 rides a bit rougher than a ES300 or LS400; its a sportier ride; and it handles better; but its still smooth as hell compared to other cars...
i've got a set of 17s on my car and its still really smooth

there are tons of suspension upgrades... everything that goes on the MKIV Supra can go on this car suspension wise pretty much

the rear shocks and springs are different; so you have to swap both; not just one if you want to use SupraTT parts...

I plan on KYB AGXs and Eibach springs for a SupraTT; its supposd to drop it more than the normal SC300 Eibach Springs

MoogieBoogie

Thanks Bean,

So there shouldn't be a problem in buying a SC300 with 130k miles? It's a 1992 model. I was concerned because I have never owned a car with that much mileage. Considering that people have raved about Lexus' reputation for reliability and durability, I feel a little more at ease.

How long do you think these cars can run? The owner claims that the mileage is all highway miles. I'm selling my daily driver, a 98 Honda Prelude with 73k miles for one, since I need something more torquey than the Prelude.

Eventually, I think I'll put in a new motor and such (this is way way down the line though - like 4 years from now) and put on the bolt-on Toyomoto Turbo kit. I would be happy with those figures (300-400 rwhp).

It seems that some people complain that the AC compressor or something goes bad. Should this be checked out too? I'm worried because I want to buy a Lexus, since I'm fairly familiar with the 2JZ motors, but if something that I can't fix myself would need to be fixed, then I'm probably out a pretty penny considering that Lexus' will charge high labor rates

Thanks again, please keep the comments coming. I need as much help as possible.

-Brian.

Black94RX-7TT

See if the 120k service has been done....its the same major points as the 60k service. You might also check the clutch disc....130k is nearing end of life for most drivers.

Power steering pumps tend to go out too, but I'm not sure if that is limited to the V8 or not.

I've seen the inside window trim (where you would rest your arm to hang it out the window) on several cars start to crack, rear amplifier failures are also pseudo common, but that's mainly the cars equipped with the Nak system. Condensate in the headlights is also common.

justinlarsen

how much are you getting it for by the way..

MoogieBoogie

I'm hoping to get it for less than $7000.