Looking To Purchase An Sc300

[donato]

All,

I am new to this board and I am looking to purchase a used SC300 with a 5-speed. I am looking for a good quality car with a sporting attitude and the SC300 fits the bill. I am also looking to reduce my current cost of ownership and typically drive less than 10,000 miles a year (only about 7 miles round trip to work). I have located two such models for sale within a reasonable distance from my home. Here is where I am looking for opinions.

Model 1 - 1995 SC300 (5-speed) with 87,000 miles. It is black w/tan leather, for sale by a private owner, and supposedly in excellent condition. The asking price is $12,500.

Model 2 - 1992 SC300 (5-speed) with 174,000 miles. It is black w/tan leather , for sale by a private owner, and supposedly in excellent condition. The asking price is $4,500.

As you can see, there is a large discrepency in mileage as well as price. I have not yet seen either car. However, assuming both cars are in good shape as advertised and both have up-to-date maintenance with supporting records, is a three year newer car with 90,000 less miles worth $8000 more? That equates to about .09 a mile. Is 174,000 miles too high ?

If the engines on these cars are strong which I believe they are and the 1992 is well maintained, will I may be better off saving the $8000? It will pay for a lot of repairs (if necessary). I have friends that drive well-maintained cars into the 200-250,000 mile range without a significant loss in dependability.

All opinions are greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Don

[AWJ]

There is probably nothing wrong with model 2. The price is more advantageous. And if you going to change a lot of the parts thay may degrade over lots of miles out anyways (like suspension, bushings, exhaust, etc.) and take good steps to make sure it is taken care of - it will be just fine.

That said, I'd take the 1995.