cny730

I posted a thread earlier in the week regarding whether I should chose an older Lexus or a newer Maxima... I'm pretty sure I would prefer an older Lexus at this point (there's too many Maximas where I live, I'd rather something different - not to mention all the wonderful features of the car)...

Anyways, I was looking throu Autotrader.com and came accross a listing for a 1992 SC400 with 165,000 miles on it... I don't have too much more info than that, except that the owner claims that the car is in great condition (highway miles, always garaged in Arizona, etc...).

Also, he's willing to come down on the price and negotiate, though I'm not sure how much.

What do you guys think about purchasing an SC with this type of mileage? Do you think I can get a relatively trouble free 2-3 years out of this vehicle (assuming it was well maintained)?

And how much do you think I should offer for it? How much do you think this car is worth (I know I haven't provided much info, as I haven't actually seen it yet in person)?

Please provide some responses, as I will need to make a decsion in two days (this Friday)...

Thanks-A-Million

ToyLexmods

CNY

Well, in a word....run as fast as you can in the other direction of this car. This car with 165k is worth 5k topps....if its in great condition.

You must remember...parts are very, very expensive for this car. At that mileage...anything could happen and cost some real big bucks. Can you work on your own cars? If not, than do you have 5k sitting in the bank for repairs on this car in the 1st year?

You can also find a nice low mileage unit for around 12k...by low mileage I mean less than 80k miles. Even then be ready for any repairs and have money set aside. Remember, these are 10 year old cars.

BTW, I have a real nice 91Supra turbo f/s with over 10k in mods/maint done. 400hp for 8,900

SupraCoup3

It's not worth 9700 -- for that amount of money you should be able to pick up a much nicer car -- check out the SC300s on autotrader too. With a bit of work, they'll run better&faster than a 4. Some maintenance can be @ a toyota dealership too.

cny730

I'm actively looking into all of my options... I am set on purchasing something this weekend, and I've had my heart set on a Lexus SC (and unfortunately, the older ones are the only ones in my price range)... The Supra above, looks very nice!... but I would still prefer an SC.

My first choice would be an SC300 (lower insurance rate I assume), and I have absolutely no plans to mod the car (I'm just not into that as of now)... I have a Max of $10K to spend, but of course I would be open to spending less.

I'm guessing I could get the 92 SC400 w 165K miles for about $8K... is it worth it?

I would of course prefer something with under 100K miles which I'd be willing to pay up to $10K for, but they are not easy to find (most guys want aroung 12K for that type of ride).

So my basic question is whether or not this car is worth $8K, and could I expect a solid 2 years out of this thing without any major repairs (i.e. engine repairs)... I'm far from a mechanic (just a computer geek) and I don't like getting my hands dirty, so I won't do too much of the maintenance on my own... though I would plan to hunt for a more reasonably priced mechanic (vs. the Dealer).

Please keep the opinions coming, I appreciate any and all responses... Hopefully I'll be driving something this weekend.

Andymi

I bought my 92 SC400 in October for 8k. It is in excellent shape.

It had 112k miles on her. I have put about 12k miles on her since October and I have had no trouble except for a battery and alternator ($200 total).

Check the history of any car you are going to buy, and if well cared for then your prospects are good.

ToyLexmods

Well,

112k vs 165k are to different cars. The car with 165k is down in AZ....which is good for no rust but bad for sun/heat damage. Under hood temps skyrocket in your cars and all the rubber hoses/ducts pay the price...ditto for wiring, electronics, radiator, ac....you get the idea. That mileage is just too high for your situation....no money for $$$ repairs.

I would check into the SC300s in your area....that car is cheaper to work on. If you find something around 120k that would still be ok if the maint has been done. Check the papers for a private owner.

Good luck........

cny730

Wow, for 8K? Sounds like you got a great deal... or, I should try to negotiate lower...

I haven't spoke to the guy yet, so I'm not sure if he'll even let it go for $8K (I'm sure he'll want something closer to his original $9700 asking price)...

the Kelly Blue Book on it is between $8K - $9K (but I think Kelly is biased towards dealers and sellers, but obviously sellers don't share this opinion)...

Bean

iTrader: (1)

blue book has a new private party value for the car... check that out...

You can find a lower mileage SC4 for $8k; just keep looking if you ask me.

cny730

Yeah, I'm sure you guys are right...

I was really hoping to find something nice in my price range, especially since it seems so many people here have gotten good deals... but I've been looking for over a month now, and there simply aren't any of those type of deals in AZ. I'm a little tired of searching... and I need to get something this weekend, as I've been car-pooling for too long (I don't currently have a vehicle)... I saw a Nissan Maxima GLE for $10.5K in autotrader, I should be able to talk the guy down a bit and maybe pick that up this weekend...

Thanks for your suggestions... if anyone else has any comments, please post... especially if anyone knows of a nice SC for sale in the Arizona area....

joelchicago

Almost $10K for 165K miles is high.

Too bad you're not in the Chicago area. I'd sell you my recently tuned-up nothing-left-to-do-mechanically-except-the-ps-pump 92 SC400 with 179K for $6K. I have no fear of high mileage on a well-maintained car (mine was owned by Lexus employee and I have service records, so....). My car runs perfectly every day, doing 40 mile round trips to work. Never a problem. Maximas are great cars, but I really have learned to love the SCs - so smooth and quiet! I'd recommend the SC if you can find it! I have not seen an SC400 under $8K here in Chicago. Cars under $10K always have 130K+ miles here.

I've found another toy I want to build for the summer. My SC's probably going up for sale soon enough.