Are SC prices going up?
The following users liked this post:
acacg (08-21-18)
#33
I suspect people are conflating collector values (unestablished) and used car values. Show me an unmolested late model sc400 or 5 speed with less than 50k mike for Under 10k$. Hell I might buy it
I seriously doubt anyone can find one. On the flip side there simply isn’t enough collector interest or enough survivors to spur a collectors market where the used up cars are bought up, improved and flipped which is how price precedents and two-way markets are established. Because of that cars are junked and supply continues to constrict to a point where soon or later demand will outpace supply and prices will rise across the board just being an SC. That clearly hasn’t happened yet but they are getting rarer.
i am tracking 4 transactions north of 10k in the past couple of years for two incredibly low miles 5speed (a 92 green, 97 desert quartz) my low miles 97 5 speed with recent and pricy add ons and a low miles 99 sc400. I am sure there might be a couple more but at least that shows that people will jump for survivors.
I seriously doubt anyone can find one. On the flip side there simply isn’t enough collector interest or enough survivors to spur a collectors market where the used up cars are bought up, improved and flipped which is how price precedents and two-way markets are established. Because of that cars are junked and supply continues to constrict to a point where soon or later demand will outpace supply and prices will rise across the board just being an SC. That clearly hasn’t happened yet but they are getting rarer.
i am tracking 4 transactions north of 10k in the past couple of years for two incredibly low miles 5speed (a 92 green, 97 desert quartz) my low miles 97 5 speed with recent and pricy add ons and a low miles 99 sc400. I am sure there might be a couple more but at least that shows that people will jump for survivors.
#34
Estimated Value
This seems like an appropriate place to ask this question. What would you value this car?
1995 Lexus SC 400
Sandstone beige
Less than 108,000 miles
Daily Driver | Garaged
Mods/Upgrades:
18" Niche Misano M116 Wheels (staggered)
Hankook Ventus Tires: 235/40 | 265/40 -Transferable Warranty from Discount Tire
Gorilla Black Lug Kit w/ Lock Key
Pioneer Head unit AVH-4000NEX; JL Audio speakers and amp; Pioneer Sub
License Plate Frame Rear View Backup Camera
Replaced Radio Antenna; Added Kill switch
Removed old Built-in Phone Antenna
Tannin Cluster upgrade (Blue w/white needle)
Alternator upgraded to 225 amps
Tanabe Exhaust
Injen Air Intake
BC Coilovers
OEM Head Lights upgraded to Halos w/LED turn signals
OEM Fog Lights upgraded to HID
JDM Rain Guard Visors (Rare item)
SuperPro Polyurethane Steering Rack Bushing Set
X2 Power Premium AGM Battery
Full Maintenance Records
Recent Repairs:
Replaced power steering pump/rack/return line/pressure switch/gaskets/hoses
Replaced timing belt, cam/crank seals, power steering pressure hoses, complete front brake service
Recharged A/C system
Replaced Timing Covers
Replaced Radiator/Hoses/Thermostat
Replaced Outside Rearview Mirror ECU
Rain-X windshield wipers
Replaced door window seals
Passed State Inspection
Original Equipment Included:
16" Wheels and tires
Headlights
Nakamichi Head Unit
12-Disk trunk CD Changer
Leather Bound Owner’s Manual
Carfax Report: Clean
Interior is in good shape overall. Drivers seat is showing normal wear and tear, and there’s the usual crack in the A/C front vent molding.
Exterior has a few minor dings and pings; a few scratches.
Thanx.
JD
Tanabe Exhaust
Tannin custom cluster
Blackened Trim-1
Blackened Trim -2
Just detailed
Lights off...
Lights on...
1995 Lexus SC 400
Sandstone beige
Less than 108,000 miles
Daily Driver | Garaged
Mods/Upgrades:
18" Niche Misano M116 Wheels (staggered)
Hankook Ventus Tires: 235/40 | 265/40 -Transferable Warranty from Discount Tire
Gorilla Black Lug Kit w/ Lock Key
Pioneer Head unit AVH-4000NEX; JL Audio speakers and amp; Pioneer Sub
License Plate Frame Rear View Backup Camera
Replaced Radio Antenna; Added Kill switch
Removed old Built-in Phone Antenna
Tannin Cluster upgrade (Blue w/white needle)
Alternator upgraded to 225 amps
Tanabe Exhaust
Injen Air Intake
BC Coilovers
OEM Head Lights upgraded to Halos w/LED turn signals
OEM Fog Lights upgraded to HID
JDM Rain Guard Visors (Rare item)
SuperPro Polyurethane Steering Rack Bushing Set
X2 Power Premium AGM Battery
Full Maintenance Records
Recent Repairs:
Replaced power steering pump/rack/return line/pressure switch/gaskets/hoses
Replaced timing belt, cam/crank seals, power steering pressure hoses, complete front brake service
Recharged A/C system
Replaced Timing Covers
Replaced Radiator/Hoses/Thermostat
Replaced Outside Rearview Mirror ECU
Rain-X windshield wipers
Replaced door window seals
Passed State Inspection
Original Equipment Included:
16" Wheels and tires
Headlights
Nakamichi Head Unit
12-Disk trunk CD Changer
Leather Bound Owner’s Manual
Carfax Report: Clean
Interior is in good shape overall. Drivers seat is showing normal wear and tear, and there’s the usual crack in the A/C front vent molding.
Exterior has a few minor dings and pings; a few scratches.
Thanx.
JD
Tanabe Exhaust
Tannin custom cluster
Blackened Trim-1
Blackened Trim -2
Just detailed
Lights off...
Lights on...
#35
second owner was a good friend of my brother in law.. had the car.. barely drove it.. garage kept... sold it to me because he was going through a divorce needed money because his mom was coming into the states...
as for me garage kept.. only drive on sunny days...its always in the garage rarely see sunlight or rain or any harsh weather...
1999 SC400 with 140k miles.. no accident on car fax... had the car for 4 months i maybe put 1k miles on it
how she sits now.. im currently installing air... got some temporary wheels on.. a little mod here and there..
Last edited by Anion; 08-18-18 at 06:27 PM. Reason: adding pics..
The following users liked this post:
acacg (08-21-18)
#36
This seems like an appropriate place to ask this question. What would you value this car?
1995 Lexus SC 400
Sandstone beige
Less than 108,000 miles
Daily Driver | Garaged
Mods/Upgrades:
18" Niche Misano M116 Wheels (staggered)
Hankook Ventus Tires: 235/40 | 265/40 -Transferable Warranty from Discount Tire
Gorilla Black Lug Kit w/ Lock Key
Pioneer Head unit AVH-4000NEX; JL Audio speakers and amp; Pioneer Sub
License Plate Frame Rear View Backup Camera
Replaced Radio Antenna; Added Kill switch
Removed old Built-in Phone Antenna
Tannin Cluster upgrade (Blue w/white needle)
Alternator upgraded to 225 amps
Tanabe Exhaust
Injen Air Intake
BC Coilovers
OEM Head Lights upgraded to Halos w/LED turn signals
OEM Fog Lights upgraded to HID
JDM Rain Guard Visors (Rare item)
SuperPro Polyurethane Steering Rack Bushing Set
X2 Power Premium AGM Battery
Full Maintenance Records
Recent Repairs:
Replaced power steering pump/rack/return line/pressure switch/gaskets/hoses
Replaced timing belt, cam/crank seals, power steering pressure hoses, complete front brake service
Recharged A/C system
Replaced Timing Covers
Replaced Radiator/Hoses/Thermostat
Replaced Outside Rearview Mirror ECU
Rain-X windshield wipers
Replaced door window seals
Passed State Inspection
Original Equipment Included:
16" Wheels and tires
Headlights
Nakamichi Head Unit
12-Disk trunk CD Changer
Leather Bound Owner’s Manual
Carfax Report: Clean
Interior is in good shape overall. Drivers seat is showing normal wear and tear, and there’s the usual crack in the A/C front vent molding.
Exterior has a few minor dings and pings; a few scratches.
Thanx.
JD
Tanabe Exhaust
Tannin custom cluster
Blackened Trim-1
Blackened Trim -2
Just detailed
Lights off...
Lights on...
1995 Lexus SC 400
Sandstone beige
Less than 108,000 miles
Daily Driver | Garaged
Mods/Upgrades:
18" Niche Misano M116 Wheels (staggered)
Hankook Ventus Tires: 235/40 | 265/40 -Transferable Warranty from Discount Tire
Gorilla Black Lug Kit w/ Lock Key
Pioneer Head unit AVH-4000NEX; JL Audio speakers and amp; Pioneer Sub
License Plate Frame Rear View Backup Camera
Replaced Radio Antenna; Added Kill switch
Removed old Built-in Phone Antenna
Tannin Cluster upgrade (Blue w/white needle)
Alternator upgraded to 225 amps
Tanabe Exhaust
Injen Air Intake
BC Coilovers
OEM Head Lights upgraded to Halos w/LED turn signals
OEM Fog Lights upgraded to HID
JDM Rain Guard Visors (Rare item)
SuperPro Polyurethane Steering Rack Bushing Set
X2 Power Premium AGM Battery
Full Maintenance Records
Recent Repairs:
Replaced power steering pump/rack/return line/pressure switch/gaskets/hoses
Replaced timing belt, cam/crank seals, power steering pressure hoses, complete front brake service
Recharged A/C system
Replaced Timing Covers
Replaced Radiator/Hoses/Thermostat
Replaced Outside Rearview Mirror ECU
Rain-X windshield wipers
Replaced door window seals
Passed State Inspection
Original Equipment Included:
16" Wheels and tires
Headlights
Nakamichi Head Unit
12-Disk trunk CD Changer
Leather Bound Owner’s Manual
Carfax Report: Clean
Interior is in good shape overall. Drivers seat is showing normal wear and tear, and there’s the usual crack in the A/C front vent molding.
Exterior has a few minor dings and pings; a few scratches.
Thanx.
JD
Tanabe Exhaust
Tannin custom cluster
Blackened Trim-1
Blackened Trim -2
Just detailed
Lights off...
Lights on...
1. Not a 97+
2. Not a super desirable color
3. Maintenance is a huge plus
4. Mods are not desirable to me. I would prefer this car in stock format.
Again, it really depends on how much the mods mean to you. Just my opinion. Good luck!
-Vinnie
#37
im the 3rd owner.. first owner was an old lady... she had pass car sat for years...garage kept
second owner was a good friend of my brother in law.. had the car.. barely drove it.. garage kept... sold it to me because he was going through a divorce needed money because his mom was coming into the states...
as for me garage kept.. only drive on sunny days...its always in the garage rarely see sunlight or rain or any harsh weather...
1999 SC400 with 140k miles.. no accident on car fax... had the car for 4 months i maybe put 1k miles on it
how she sits now.. im currently installing air... got some temporary wheels on.. a little mod here and there..
second owner was a good friend of my brother in law.. had the car.. barely drove it.. garage kept... sold it to me because he was going through a divorce needed money because his mom was coming into the states...
as for me garage kept.. only drive on sunny days...its always in the garage rarely see sunlight or rain or any harsh weather...
1999 SC400 with 140k miles.. no accident on car fax... had the car for 4 months i maybe put 1k miles on it
how she sits now.. im currently installing air... got some temporary wheels on.. a little mod here and there..
#39
I sold mine for 4500. 97 SC400 factory pearl white factory black interior. I was the second owner with 246k miles. Original interior with typical driver seat rips and original paint. I already miss it and regret it.
#40
But these cars great great I could never ask for anything better. Plus all the great comments on my car 👍
#42
I sold my '96 SC4 couple (white on tan interior) with 72k for $8,000 locally in Denver a few years back. Lightly modded, sounded glorious, and I very much regret selling it (despite the E36 M3 that followed). Like many have said, it greatly depends on mileage, service, condition, and what another person is willing to pay. Guys like us how have a great fondness and appreciation for these cars will always be willing to pay a pretty penny for them. Well, at least I know I would.
#43
Now correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure this is accurate. I think it was a classic Lexus documentary I saw online; I don’t remember exactly.
Anyway, the SC deserves more credit than your post, and most people in general actually give it. We all know it’s special car; more than because we own one.
The following users liked this post:
Ezroni (09-11-18)
#44
Original 5MT Soarer prices in Japan have been steadily increasing the past few years. I once had thoughts of importing a newer example and selling mine to a US customer once legal, but looking at the market now, I'll hold on to what I have!
#45
The SC was not at all the first car to have separate housings for high and low beams. Many cars had setups this for decades. The '67 Shelby Mustangs had such a setup for instance as did Lamborghini Espadas, Countachs, '68 Mercury Cougar, '68 Dodge Charger and numerous cars throughout the late 60's and throughout the 1970's. It was definitely the first Lexus to have adopted such a design. I believe it is the late 90's GS/Aristo was the last Lexus to use separate housings for high and low beams.
To my knowledge no other car since has taken direct inspiration from how it was done on this model though.
The original SC/Soarer Z30 design studies originally were intended to have the high and low beams in one housing. Packaging challenges led the engineers and design team to make them separate and inboard late in development. Since release it's one of the defining style characteristics of this car.
The impact of the overall shape when it was new though absolutely had an impact on the market. It was something very bold and unique back in 1991.
To my knowledge no other car since has taken direct inspiration from how it was done on this model though.
The original SC/Soarer Z30 design studies originally were intended to have the high and low beams in one housing. Packaging challenges led the engineers and design team to make them separate and inboard late in development. Since release it's one of the defining style characteristics of this car.
The impact of the overall shape when it was new though absolutely had an impact on the market. It was something very bold and unique back in 1991.