The AC and dash lights could be soemthing as simple as a blown fuse in the engine bay. Check the fuses, and use this as a bargaining point if the fuses are simply blown.

I went to my city's monthly car meet today and a guy there just bought a 93 5 speed for 750. AC, gauge cluster, ABS, and the alternator weren't working. $27 in fuses later and the only broken thing on the car was the alternator due to the distributor O-ring seal leaking as is common with the 300.

Always check the cheapest solution first guys.

 

Wow nice. It's possible maybe even his dash lights are off due to a bad fuse too.

He could end up fixing practically all his issues for about $30 in fuses, bulbs and a battery. lol

 

I have a sc 400, so that's what I like, but if the sc 300 is a 5 speed, I would buy it.

 

Dash is probably just burnt out bulbs. They are cheap and easy to replace, but like others said check the fuses.

 

Well I checked VIN # on Lexus.com and found some confusing info.
1-The car has been maintained by Lexus dealer.
2-There is a notation at 102K miles saying "could find no record or sticker for timing belt service"
I remember a sticker on the engine with approx. 107K but there still wasn't any record showing that it had been serviced.
3- 3/19/10 notation that speedo repair of $733.00 declined by customer.
4- 3/1/13 "A/C Freon". No other notation. Since the A/C doesn't work I guess they were just checking it?
5- 4/5/13 "Other service" no other explanation.

As mentioned before I am dealing with the nephew because his Aunt doesn't want to deal with the kind you might get from Craigslist. I now know (from this forum) that I can get the needle issue fixed for a lot less that $733. I may contact the Lexus dealer and see how much info they will share about my service records questions.

I felt an update was in order as a lot of you have chimed in with some good thoughts.
Thanks

 

After reading this thread I just bought a 1994 SC300 today over a SC400 for roughly the same price and spec. The SC300 has some minor exterior issues but planning on repainting. This will be my project for the next couple of years.

Only problem that I see and heard from seller is the gasket for the crankshaft leaking oil while driving. Another obstacle to look into and hopefully be able to repair myself.

 

I drove a nice SC300 and didnt like the power, my SC4 with lighter weight moves a lot quicker. The all alum V-8 weighs just a little more than the 6. Also sounds great with just BFI and cat-delete.

 

That's about the only thing I don't like about my 2JZ SC300, the sound is pretty meh. Granted its stock and whisper quiet, but man the v8 cars sound amazing with a little exhaust tinkering.