Gate

I have a very low income and my SC400 needs a bit of work, but I enjoy having it. I treat it very well I think, and having to keep it stationary in the driveway every now and then due to a repair I can't afford seems well worth the trade. It's got just the right amount of power for me, and it suits my style. If you can stand to deal with the inconvenience of down time and have the decency to not drive it when you know it needs a repair, this I believe this machine can make you happy and successful in taking on the modern world where man has foolishly forced his environment to adapt to him, instead of the other way around. Lexus da bess.

CloudNine7

Gate,
Thanks for your input!! Always great to hear from a current owner!

ALL,
Is $7700 too much for a '92 with about 140,000 miles that's had one owner, in great condition, looks new just about everywhere, and very nicely taken care of? Should I wait to get a newer model? Since it's been well taken care of and has had items replaced, rubber replaced, etc., does the age really matter much? Would love some input!

Edit: If the car hadn't been restored to look like new, how much would you think it should go for? How much would you say it would typically cost to restore an SC400 to almost like new condition, with new front seats, rubber parts, steering wheel, leather, door pillars... The seller says $800 was spent for all the rubber parts. The leather actually is "not" new but is in great condition other than the driver seat, which I'm sure I'd want to have recovered. I'm thinking, despite the great condition, that maybe this is still too much..... hmm....

Edit: Thanks to some good advice from fellow members, I have decided to definitely pass on the '92!!

scottys209

Wow.... The pendulum has swung the way of high prices again..... I will sell you mine OP, I very well may be getting laid off, and I am moving (because I have to) and my rent is going up by $200 a month so I need to sell the SC and go back to my focus. I would sell the focus but I have 2 large dogs that won't fit in the SC. I have maint. records, it has 150K, 2 New Yokahama's in the front, 2 60% Yokahama's in the rear. '97 DWP, ALL options, Fantastic condition, New power steering pump and all fluids. $6,000.00 OBO

CloudNine7

Scotty,
Sounds like a great car - I wish CA wasn't so far away! I'm sure you won't have any trouble selling it out there.

Yeah... 7700 is a lot for a '92... thinking maybe I should wait.

Edit: I'm definitely not getting the '92 for that price.

levie

iTrader: (1)

paid 10 for my 92.

xsaint53

cloudNine,
I found my 95SC400 on Cars.com (In Phx, AZ). I'd check out Cars.com, AutoTrader and Craigslist and wait for the right SC400. There are plenty of people with SC400s for sale, it's a matter of finding the right one at the right price-- I'd also run a Carfax and ask the owner for all the maintenance records, etc. As long as you're not in a mad rush to get the car in the next week or so, you should be fine. $7700 is kinda high for a 92-- unless they replaced everything in the vehicle. As long as you're patient you'll find the SC you want at a good price.

CalitriSC

iTrader: (13)

$7700 is way too much for a 92. I got my 97 one owner, black interior, very nice exterior with 95k miles for $5k with all service done at Lexus.

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

If you intend to spend $8k find a 98 model. There's a 98 on ebay right now for $5200 with 18 hours left. Should go cheap.

CloudNine7

I really, really appreciate everyone's input on this, thank you so much! I decided to let the '92 go.... will keep looking!

CloudNine7

Someone mentioned to me that the SC300s are cheaper to work on. How true is this? I haven't heard this mentioned anywhere on the boards, and I know the cars are basically alike except for the engine and transmission.

Overall, the SC400 gives a smoother ride, right? I'll be taking this car on lots of long road trips, lots of 2 lane, country roads, etc. This is one of my main reasons for getting this car (among many others!).... a more luxurious cruise!

BigBang

iTrader: (1)

The 2j is easier to work on than the 1uz. The way 1uz is built is a bit more difficult to fix. For one thing... if you're into modifying the 2j in a 300 it's going to be cheaper than the v8 400.

Lexus in general has smooth running cars. I have a 400 and it runs pretty smoothly it shouldn't make much of a difference with the 300.

CloudNine7

Thanks for the info BigBang!

CloudNine7

What do you guys think of a '99 SC400 going for about $9000 with about 120,000 miles, recently had all the 90k work done, new tires, everything works, looks nearly new and it's been well taken care of? I was hoping to spend 8k max for a '97 or '98, but it might be worth spending a little extra for this one. Would love opinions!

BigBang

iTrader: (1)

If everything is all good to go, Why not I'm kinda cheap so 9,000 is a bit too high for me haha. Maybbe they can lower it for your 8k max?

CloudNine7

Maybe so! It's a tough decision, because is it worth the extra money just because it's a little newer? I could find a less expensive '97 with the same mileage that would be just as good of a car with just a slightly smaller engine.... hmmm.... wondering if it's worth the extra cost. If this one's in tip top shape though, it'll be hard to pass up!! It's hard to find these in really great condition it seems.