03SC

I grew up with Toyotas and have always loved them. I currently drive an 07 Tundra, and my wife drives a 12 Sienna. I am looking for a car I can drive to work, and take my wife out on date night in. I have wanted an SC430 since they debuted. They are old enough now that I can finally afford one, so here is my question: How many miles are too many?

I've found a 2003, clean title beauty. Service history is available up to about 70K miles, then nothing until about 160k miles. It stops at 167k miles, and is currently for sale at a local used car lot with 201k miles. It drives nicely, and seems to be in good shape. Negotiated price is $6200 out the door. Am I crazy to even consider making the deal, or am I crazy for not having it in my driveway already?

Any feedback is appreciated, and hopefully I will be a true Lexus owner/forum member soon!

DJWLDW

03SC

Those are more miles than I would be willing to take on especially since you are missing so much of the service history IMHO.

Dennis

kevin3344

When I was looking for our SC430 a little over a year ago I looked at one with 200k on the odometer and eventually settled on one with 104k with a TB/WP change at 80k. There's nothing wrong with a high mileage SC430 as long as it's been maintained, but ball joints, motor mounts, etc. can be pricey. If you choose to purchase it just have a PPI done at the Lexus dealer.

If it were me I would pay slightly more and choose one with slightly less miles. There are lots of good examples left!

Harold57

Welcome to the forum 03SC. I concur that if you pursue this car, be sure to have a qualified Lexus mechanic check it out so that you know what you are getting into. Otherwise, look for one with lower mileage and a good service history. If you are handy around cars and willing to take on repairs, then you could still consider this one. Just go into this with your eyes wide open.

Be sure to read the stickie at the top of this forum page about what to look for in a SC430 and what items are the most frequent of the failures. The failures are not frequent but there are a few that you should be aware of. Best of luck to you and let us know what you decide on.

Prasha

2003, 201k miles? at that level maintenance records means very little. Think as if you are buying any Toyota, you would have it checked by a good mechanic for any major issues other than regular fixes.. Its a $6.2k car and not a $62k+ car sold in 2003, ask and think yourself what can you buy for $6.2k today....

03SC

Thanks for all the feedback. I've read the a few of the stickys, and have been doing a lot of research on line. After considering many factors in play, I've decided to pass on this one. I'm still looking though. One main reason is I hope/plan to drive this car for many, many years. I'd rather spend a bit more now, and be able to put more miles on myself.

03SC

Looking at another local dealer who has an 04 with 130k, but it's got a rebuilt title. Good records, and before and after pics of the accident and repairs.

kevin3344

Unfortunately I would pass on a vehicle with a rebuilt title. My guess is you could find a well maintained '02 with about 120k for $8-9k. Keep looking they are out there! You can also do like we did and have it shipped if you can't find one locally.

Prasha

High miles should not deter you from this car if you can save about $3k (car is clean in/out?) what could be the engine replacement cost, about $1.5k? keep $3k saving in the reserve.....

GmanSC

High mileages car associated with many other tears and wears and that means $$$$. If I were you, I would wait for the right one. Spend a little more now and save latter.

tennman117

I don't see how you could replace an engine in an SC430 for $1,500. I would think the labor alone would run close to that.

DJWLDW

03SC

This one came up on our local craigslist over in Tulsa. I know nothing about it but it might be in your price range.

https://tulsa.craigslist.org/ctd/d/t...782797375.html

Dennis

nomods4me

looks beautiful, but no mileage listed

DJWLDW

The Listing showed a 163,xxx. Lower left

Dennis

03SC

Thanks for all the responses. Both cars I was considering are still available, which tells me they probably aren't worth it, or they'd be gone by now. So... I'm still shopping. Fortunately I'm in no rush, just excited to find the right one.