claaster

I'm new to the club and would appreciate any help I can on a purchase of a 2002 SC430. The car has less than a 1000 miles, every option, metalic silver, one owner, no accidents - like new. Low mileage comes from a very rich family who had to many houses and to many cars and by chance this was the least favirite and sat on the trickler most of its life. I can get the vehicle for 36.8K - sounds in the ball park. Any concerns about the 2002 model that would steer away from? I don't want to fall for it just yet but have done all the leg work and it's the real deal with the car. I have heard some complaints from other owners about the suspension not performaing well at high speeds and rims being easly bent.

Just need any advice before shelling out the cash.

Thanks

MBoom

That sounds like a reasonable price, though it would be quite high for a 2002. The low mileage would seem to justify it. However, I'd want to give the SC a thorough inspection before buying it. Lack of use can be tough on a car. The tires can deteriorate (though they're not worn), seals can dry out, critters can move it, etc. I'd take it to a Lexus dealer and pay for an inspection. Most likely they won't find any problems, but you might find you have some very expensive repairs ahead of you.

The SC isn't really a sports car, at least not as I think of sports cars. It's relatively softly sprung and has a transmission that responds slowly, at least compared to what you'd find in an auto-equipped 2008 from most manufacturers. I haven't heard of rim damage, but you'll find that the car, if equipped with run-flat tires (as most are), thumps over expansion joints and potholes pretty hard. I don't find it a big issue, but some owners really dislike the run-flats.

claaster

Thanks - I will most certainlyt have the local lexus dealer check it out for me prior to purchase.

02Ku

Though i love my 2002 sc430, you can find other great deals out there for 36k. Ive looked into getting a 2002 maserati coupe for $35k with 30k miles on it. Also an 2004 M3 with 30k miles on it for $36k. Just my opinion. The sc430 is a solid car usually free from any mechanical problems. You could probably find a 2002 SC430 with 30k miles on it for about $30k. And then use the extra money for upgrades to the suspension, brakes...anything. Just my $0.02.

Lexiss_sc430

iTrader: (2)

I kind of agree with what was said, there is one negative about investing money into a low mileage vehicle, if you are planning to drive it you will successfully be throwing away your money. Once the mileage is up to par with the other 430s of that year your car will no longer fetch the premium it did when it had low miles. I would recommend shopping around a bit more and finding something for under 30K. You will be able to find quite a few SC’s which are still in good condition but have more miles for around 30K

karmann

I checked NADA value and even with a mileage allowance of $5K it is only worth a little over $32K through a private party. Of course if you can get it for $32 it might be fine. I would be a little leery of a car sitting for so long though but it might be fine. I bought a motor home that had been sitting for years and it has been perfect. I think a better deal would be a newer model. I checked the value for my 05 with 25k and it is around $42K. To me that would be a lot better deal. With this and most modern cars mileage doesnt mean a lot. The SC is just broken in at l00k unless of course the car was abused.