scrambled9

Always wanted one of these, saw a 1997 134,500 miles, auto, red, guys says he is a toyota tech; all fluids flushed and replaced 5k miles ago, recent spark plugs, brakes with 7mm pads remaining, recent calipers, 7/32 treads, outer and inner tie rods done recent also. Been listed for almost a week.

Is this a typical deal? Or steal of the century?

scsexy

iTrader: (1)

kinda high for an auto. id expect that car to go for about 3500 4k

1997Soarer

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like routine price for a lower mileage 97 auto kept in good shape. Especially for the snow belt.
A major factor that skews pricing for our cars is location. Places like California, Texas and Florida tend to sell clean SCs for cheaper than 5k because there are so many more cars in similar condition. Meanwhile in places like where you live, and further north, clean (non-rusted or damaged) SCs are rare and can vary in price from 1-2k more than a car from those other states I mentioned, even if they're in the exact same condition.

scrambled9

Thanks; I have a point of view as a buyer more than a seller, so it is like a psychological exercise to understand the price inflation sometimes; that example is in the wrong direction.

joewitafro

I would say if the paint is in good to great condition it could fetch that or more. After all I just paid more for my 1995 auto but in baltic blue.

Duck05

If the seller is a mechanic and all the maintenance items you list check out, the price may be in line..... If you are not a DIY type that list can be of value...

- V -

iTrader: (1)

For a 97 in good condition that seems like a decent price. I know the sc400 didn't get vvti until 98, i can't remember if thats the case with the sc300 as well but if you plan on modifying the engine for high HP, the non vvti engine is the one you want. If you plan on keeping it stock, the vvti models might be better but it still sounds like a good car. Always give the person a reasonable offer though, never hurts to give the guy an offer for 500 below his asking price. Worse thing he can say is no and you still buy it at sticker.
Side note, it seems like the prices for these cars are going up. I bought my 99sc400 almost 3 years ago for significantly less than that and it only had 15k more miles than the one you're looking at.

perfctreig

I was seeing a '99 SC400 go for a rather high price on Cars and Bids, and thought of this thread. Today, a '99 SC400 sold for $24,000. 1999 Lexus SC400 auction - Cars & Bids (carsandbids.com)

I was shocked as I know these are decently priced but not that high. I just bought mine for $3800 albeit with way higher miles and some blemishes. So, maybe $5200 isn't a bad price.

Looking at this, I remember why I like the stock wheels. I might have to go back to stock.

- V -

iTrader: (1)

that thing has 13k miles on it. not surprised about the price at that mileage.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

14k miles, more accurately. At that low of a level, proper rounding from 13.5 is a 7.7% difference!

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

That sounds like a good price for a 97. That’s assuming the car is in good shape.

kaban1993

I agree with the post above. In Chicagoland area, I’ve seen ones with about 150k to 175k that go for roughly $5k. Not only are these cars increasingly attractive for collectors, but also good examples are harder and harder to come by around here. Seems like the mileage isn’t so much of a factor as the shape that the cars are in. Have to factor in inflation too..

falcosbejo

Sc300 here in Los Angeles usually goes to 5-12k