Fastfwd

I'm looking for a nice used car and the sc400 has caught my eye. Probably something with around 70,000 miles or a little more. Probably under $20,000. I'm just starting to look at these cars and I don't know much about them. Were there years to avoid? Is there a place (web page or post) to see the improvements made over the years. I'm sure the latest year model I can afford will be best but I'm just curious if there were any known issues to look for.

jimmit

Under 20K? You got a nice set of choices than. Average SC price for a SC is not quite that high unless you're looking for a new one. If you're thinking about a older model year liek a 92 to 95 you can get it under 20K with no problem. You can get a great one with low miles and near perfect condition. SC's dont really cost as much as you think. Now if you're thinking of a 97+ than its gonna cost more but you probably wont find a 97 with over 70K in miles. Good luck tho. Get on Ebay and you'll see the avereage price for SC's Theyre not as much as you may think. I think you'll be pretty happy with a SC400 with under 70,000 miles. It'll be barely broken in. I got mine at about 69K and it was running great and still is. When looking for a Lexus tho miles are rarely an issue.

Fastfwd

Well, actually under $17,000 is more like it. I've found a '94 on Autotrader for $13,995 with 84,000 miles. Kelly Blue Book is like $12,335 for this car........that kinda blew my mind. I wouldn't have suspected they would go for that. You are right! What an awsome car for the money!!!!! I was looking at later model '98 Acura RL's (my mom just got one), but this is much closer to my taste. That Acura is just too big.

I've read a few of the posts in this group about the issues to look out for. Nothing big to speak of I see. How much does the timing belt cost to change?

mjr24

Theres really no year not to get. I think you can find a 97 and newer 300 with 70k on it for 20 or under.....a newer 400 with that many miles would cost you maybe 20-23.
You should be able to find any other year SC400 pre 97 with less than 70k for 20.
Timing belt will run you 500 at the dealer, 300-350 independent.

lexus baller

I have a 92 sc400 with 140k miles with absolutely no problem, i've been offered 20 grand a few times because it's a show car with everything you can think of. I wouldn't sweat buying a 92 because they are very very reliable cars, they are only what the owners make of them. treat it good and it will outlast any car.

V8Soarer

Yep, sure will. Just saw an ad on autotrader.com of a guy selling a 400 with 275,000 miles on it and he said it ran perfect.

lex400sc

http://www.intellexual.net/sc400frames.html

Fastfwd

That link doesn't work for me...... is it supposed to work?

black sc

I would expect with that kind of budget that, anything with the variable valve tuning (VVT-i) would be best. I think those were offered in after '97. Correct me if, I am wrong.

Fastfwd

Well, $!7,000 is really the upper limit. I would like to find a '97 or newer for that price, but I'm not seeing one in my market area. I have found a '94 with 33,000 miles for $17,000. Going to look at it this week. I know that's high, but if it's only got 33,000 miles..... I think it might be worth it. I've read the info about CR prefering the '95 and later. I wish it was a '95. I've got 4 months to look for a car, but I'm afraid I won't find another like this one.

I'm only seeing well over $20,000 for '97 and newer sc400's. If I'm not looking in the right place please tell me! I'm looking in Autotrader within 300 miles of me.