Hello all,

Toyota/Lexus enthusiast here. In the process of selling my 1997 Toyota 4Runner that I lifted, supercharged, and swapped in a 5 speed. Once that goes, it's SC time! Preferably looking for a 1997 SC300 with a 5 speed but I am aware that finding a unicorn is probably easier. I'd be willing to fly out and drive home the right SC. I am aware of the most common issues on these cars but any more pointers would be great!

Thanks guys, i'm looking forward to being a part of this community.

-Brian

 

Welcome to Club Lexus!
The same regurgitated suggestions are always a good idea to perform. As you do live in the east, make sure to check for flood damage (seatbelts in back should make a good mark) and find out when the T-belt was last changed. Good luck to your SC search, welcome to the community!

 

Much appreciated! I'll use my best judgement when looking for one!

 

Welcome to CL Brian, I'm sending you a PM...something you should check out. Might be able to work a deal. Let us know if everything goes well?

steve

 

Steve,

Replied to your PM. Thanks again! I appreciate the lookout!

 

I really like this one, has just about everything I want. I think he is way high on price however. KBB says a fair asking price is in the $6000 range.

Opinions?


http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...5747/overview/

 

on first look it looks great , love red SC's
and the price ...dunno if it is too high in the US , seems to me pretty fair if all is ok on the car
make sure all electronics work

i bought my car on the first look for even more then they are asking
but ofc in Europe these cars are very rare

good luck with your search

 

I appreciate the response. I will have to fly to purchase this vehicle so I will need to have everything sorted out before I purchase.

 

I ran up the value of this SC on KBB (even though I don't prefer KBB, it can give a little perspective) and it shows in Excellent condition selling to private party at $4866. That is what it's worth where I live granted, but the price is a little high on it. Then again, buying from a dealer will always prove to be a little "high".

 

Keep in mind it's a 98. The 98-00 SC400 has the VVTi V8 which is boasting quite a bit more hp and torque than the SC300, and non VVTi SC400. They were rather rare as well with less 98-00 SC400's than 5 speed SC300's so the price isn't terribly outlandish.

Interior looks to be in good condition and so does the exterior. It's from a dealer so figure they tacked on an extra $1000 just cuz it's on a car lot. So I mean it's not the cheapest you'll ever see a good condition 98+ SC4 with that kind of mileage, but it's also not terribly far from reasonable. I'd pay that much for one in good condition near 150k. If they have good repair history available for you and it doesnt run like ****, or vibrate at highway speeds I'd be sold.

However if you keep waiting eventually another 98+ will pop up in the 5-7k range eventually as that's typically where they go from a private seller.

 

This is good information. Thank you guys. I will contact the dealer tomorrow and see what they have to say about it.

 

If they don't have repair reports definitely bring up the cost of a timing belt/water pump job $1k, and front lower control arms, harmonic balancer, strut replacement, power steering pump, and ignition coils, as looming repairs to talk them down. You may be able to get them down into the 6's, especially if it's been sitting for a long time. These cars tend to sit on sales lots unless they are perfect, so sometimes they can be motivated to sell if you have cash.

Also I can't stress this enough. If you test drive it, ad it's not perfect, walk away. These cars do come up for sale quite a bit and this is one of those vehicles that having patience while looking for one is extremely rewarding.

 

Yes absolutely I will bring up. The timing belt and other things you mentioned to try and talk them down. Ideally $6500 out the door is what I could do.

I am however in a bit of a predicament, See I live 500mi away from this car and Id need to fly down, pick it up and drive it back... So the option of just walking away isn't really a viable option...