tfischer

I'd be concerned about the "big *** stain on passenger side carpet." How did a passenger get his *** down there? -- And speaking just for myself, *** stains are always a deal-breaker.
Take the other one.

coach1

I vote to walk away from both. Based on what you've said....either could end-up costing more money than finding a well maintained, low mileage, no dings car. I bought a 5 yr old, very low mile, beautifully cared for.....for significantly more.....but I know I will not be facing those issues for a long time to come.

tfischer

Maybe 100,000 miles is not unusual for an '02, and I don't pretend that my car use is normal, but my '02 SC has about 31,000 miles and my '04 RX has 60,000 miles. It's my guess that there are SCs (or "SC's" as we often say here, even though the SC doesn't own anything) out there with fewer miles on them. Of course, the fewer the miles, the higher the price. (Every time I talk to a salesman at my dealership, he wants to buy my SC because he reports that he can sell it in a day or two.)
I might add that if you plan on driving that car in PA 20,000 miles a year, you will encounter some snow. This is a terrible car to drive in the snow, although I hear from some that serious snow tires can help. I have never driven mine in the snow, other than a five minute test drive in 2001. (Hence the 4WD RX, which replaced a Jeep.) So add in snow costs to your budget.
From your descriptions, and upon further consideration, I would pass on both of them and wait for cars in better condition with fewer miles; your cost will probably be about the same. (Those headlights are expensive.)

jjbenzo

Back when we lived in Iowa, I used our local Toyota dealer b/c the closest Lexus dealer was an hour away. Toyota techs are trained to the same standard as Lexus people. I have had no problems taking our GS to Toyota dealers.

Bellex

That made me laugh out loud - I edited it for you Tfischer!

Passed on both - will wait for lower mileage better condition car - I appreciate everyone's help! Looking forward to joining the SC club

tfischer

Glad to help; not enough laughs in the news lately, so we have to come here for a good value for our entertainment dollar.
Keep looking, as there are a lot of good condition SCs available, sooner or later, and winter is always a good time to buy a convertible.

NorCal430

Bellex,

You don't have to wait long. Check CraigsList for your area and as far away as you are willing to go. You can find a 2002-2003 with 60,00 or less miles with a minimum of work. You should be able to find one that requires no body work because many owners garage and pamper their SC430s.

Looking forward to you joining the SC club.

Dave

D2-AUTOSPORT

I was thinking the same thing, like DAMN these cars have come down in price. Even with high mileage 14k seems to be chump change for a car like this.

With Lexus engineering and a body style that has not changed in 6 years its almost like stealing! lol

Good luck on the purchase!

D2-AUTOSPORT

ROFLMAO!! Yeah man, those *** stains can be quite pesky down the line!

tfeni52355

Bellex,
A guy at the gym here in NC just bought 2005 SC with 25000 miles for $28K. The prices are soft. Patience will reward you. Good Luck and welcome to CL.