jeffgwaltney

What do those here with buying experience feel the appropriate price range is for a mint condition 2002 (no dents no dings, mirror glossy paint, flawless interior, all maintenance records totally up to date and “wearables” replaced (struts, tie rods Tb/wp kit, power steer pump, valve cover gaskets, engine/trans mounts, rubber seals, tires, battery, the works)

So considering as close to “showroom 10” as an ‘02 can realistically be that is a perfectionist obsessive maintained 2nd owner car the past 10+ years w 102k mi and every Lexus Dealer service record since day 1, what’s the correct price range for this type ‘02 SC? KBB and Edmunds TMV seem to indicate less than $10k max even in the most outstanding condition category, but that seems low based on research and asking prices for rare SC specimens, even though ‘02 is now approaching 18 years old. Seems the valuations don’t really take into account highest levels of condition and maintenance? Or is $10-11k’ish really all one should pay, even for a mint (9.5/10) ‘02 SC w 100k mi - regardless of all the maintenance and replaced parts and immaculate paint/ext and interior?

Want to be fair to the seller willing to take $14, but not interested in overpaying by $4k. Should $14k buy an newer model year 9.5/10 equally well maintained and in similar outstanding ext/int condition?

Know many/most consider 06+ model the ideal, but low mi pristine, equally maintained and all maint done 06+ at 70-100k is closer to $18k (and even w 06+ will still need wearable replacement parts soon?)

Am capping my max budget at $14k
Thanks in advance...

jeffgwaltney

[QUOTE=jeffgwaltney;10646400]
What do those here with buying experience feel the appropriate price range is for a mint condition 2002 (no dents no dings, mirror glossy paint, flawless interior, all maintenance records totally up to date and “wearables” replaced (struts, tie rods Tb/wp kit, power steer pump, valve cover gaskets, engine/trans mounts, rubber seals, tires, battery, the works)

So considering as close to “showroom 10” as an ‘02 can realistically be that is a perfectionist obsessive maintained 2nd owner car the past 10+ years w 102k mi and every Lexus Dealer service record since day 1, what’s the correct price range for this type ‘02 SC? KBB and Edmunds TMV seem to indicate less than $10k max even in the most outstanding condition category, but that seems low based on research and asking prices for rare SC specimens, even though ‘02 is now approaching 18 years old. Seems the valuations don’t really take into account highest levels of condition and maintenance? Or is $10-11k’ish really all one should pay, even for a mint (9.5/10) ‘02 SC w 100k mi - regardless of all the maintenance and replaced parts and immaculate paint/ext and interior?

Want to be fair to the seller willing to take $14, but not interested in overpaying by $4k. Should $14k buy an newer model year 9.5/10 equally well maintained and in similar outstanding ext/int condition?

Know many/most consider 06+ model the ideal, but low mi pristine, equally maintained and all maint done 06+ at 70-100k prices appear to be @19k+ and up (and even w 06+ will still need wearable replacement parts maintenance soon, so there’s asst cost coming on top of the 06+ purchase price in the not distant future for suspension, rubber parts, seals etc?)

Am capping my max budget at $14k so the 06+ seems unrealistic; question is: what does $14k buy in the SC world, and is that overpaying for a truly mint ‘02 w 102k mi??

Thanks in advance...

Raven01750

Its fair.

Paul

jonas's RX

Hello Jeff

With the SC 430, you can’t really look at the
BB only to really determine the value of these cars.

The SC that are generally beat up and not in good
condition will be much less. The ones that are
in mint condition will sell for higher than blue book
snd are also usually sold quickly.

I have owned a few SC 430 in my days and all of my previous SC
were In mint condition with low mileage . When I decided
to sell them, I have sold each of them within 1-2 weeks
at or over asking because my SC were in mint condition
. The buyers would look at them once
and almost immediately buy the car.

If you like the Absolute Red, then that should be the deciding
decision. You might have overpaid a bit but trust me you
will not be happy if you get one that is in bad condition

my .02

DJWLDW

Jeff

It's worth what you are willing to pay and not a dime more. That owner could care less what I or anyone else thinks his car is worth. If you think 14K is to much than don't buy it because it's not worth it to you. I gave 15K just about a year ago now for a 06 with all the maintenance done TB/WP etc with 60,570 miles on the clock.. So I might think that $14K is to high for a 02 with 102K on the clock but I am not the one looking to buy it.

Dennis

mandyfig

Buying cars is a funny adventure. Buying an SC430 is an experience. Regardless of the purchase price, you must have the "connection" to the car. Whether it is color, stance, interior or anything else, If you do not feel the connection, stay away form it. When I bought my SC, I had to choose from 2 colors. I chose White versus Black.

jeffgwaltney

All interesting and good perspectives - thx for opinions and feedback - guess to summarize what I’m hearing:

1) SC buying both Art & science (but more art!)
2) Value is a totally subjective metric and individual call
3) Connecting to the right SC (emotion) overrules logic (and typical value equation metrics)

So equation seems to be
1 (+ 2 cubed) / (3 squared) =
hopefully the right SC at fair value

(though they are not) SC purchase process sounds closer to classic (collectible? not yet, anyway) cars than typical due to smallish numbers and limited run ending 2010

challenging to be sure for the analytical side of us...
thrilling to be sure to our emotion/creative side...

ahh the siren’s lure! 😎

🤪