Used 199 Lexus Sc300 Price

[csg711]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum. I'm in the market for a 98-99 sc300 for my wife. I was quoted $16988 from used car dealer in the Bay area (CA). It's black on black, pretty good shape in and out with few scratches, and 77521 miles. Test drove the car and was impressed and jealous (I'm a BMW 5'er and it burns me that my wife's car feels faster than mine).

1. My question to all you enthusiast, do you think this is a decent price from what you all know about these cars at this age? I've done a bit of research comparing blue book and so forth, but not quite convinced yet. It seems that these cars are hard to find though.

2. Did the sc300 in these model years come with factory navigation system at all? That's all the questions for now. I would appreciate any knowledgeable response. Thanks

[MitchB]

I paid $17,250 for an Angora Beige '99 SC300 in May this year. It rates a 9.5/10, (maybe 9.0), 79k miles at purchase. A very clean car.

I live in Charlotte, NC. If cars (like everything else) in your area cost more than in Charlotte, it's probably a good deal.

I'd go with an average between KBB.COM Private Party and Retail. Get the car for a split between the two and it's a good deal, providing of course that there are no appreciable issues with it.

No NAV to my knowledge, that's way too early. After all, does it even have a CD in the dash (besides a trunk changer)? Mine does not.

[csg711]

Good call...I'll check out that KBB.COM. The car has the premium audio with CD changer in the trunk. Any mechanical problems popped up on your car as yet?

I paid $17,250 for an Angora Beige '99 SC300 in May this year.  It rates a 9.5/10, (maybe 9.0), 79k miles at purchase.  A very clean car.

I live in Charlotte, NC.  If cars (like everything else) in your area cost more than in Charlotte, it's probably a good deal. 

I'd go with an average between KBB.COM Private Party and Retail.  Get the car for a split between the two and it's a good deal, providing of course that there are no appreciable issues with it.

No NAV to my knowledge, that's way too early.  After all, does it even have a CD in the dash (besides a trunk changer)?  Mine does not.

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[MitchB]

I've found a leaky right rear shock, that's all. I can't say that I can feel it in that corner, but I'll replace the pair. The list price is about only $60 each it seems.

I have the Premium audio as well, not the Nakamichi, no heated seats or Traction Control. I do wish I had the heated seats. Oh well.

I do really like the color. :)

[DomLee]

My own personal opinion is that I would never pay more than $10k for a SC. Why? Because there are plenty of them available. Sure, you might end up w/ an older SC (like my 93), BUT in all honesty these cars are pretty low on maintenance.

You have the common items that need replacing:

Control arms

Heater/Air control unit (blacked out display)

Instrument panel needles

Suspension (shocks/struts)

Your basic leather will need to be repaired in certain spots

CD player will probably need replacing (might as well change the whole sound system)

But all in all, this is VERY minimal. The engine is pretty stout and sound. Mine happens to burn a little bit of oil, but for a nearly 12 year old car...you kinda have to expect that. The great thing is that there are plenty of engine options available IF you need it. (replace 2JZGE w/ another one, rebuild the current one, turbo it, 1JZ, or 2JZ-GTE).

[MitchB]

My own personal opinion is that I would never pay more than $10k for a SC.  Why?  Because there are plenty of them available.  Sure, you might end up w/ an older SC (like my 93), BUT in all honesty these cars are pretty low on maintenance. 

You have the common items that need replacing:

Control arms

Heater/Air control unit (blacked out display)

Instrument panel needles

Suspension (shocks/struts)

Your basic leather will need to be repaired in certain spots

CD player will probably need replacing (might as well change the whole sound system)

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Interesting how my fairly new, relatively low-mileage car has none of those problems (short of a leaky shock). :)

Perhaps that's why it's worth MORE than $10k, huh?

[melhadri]

Lexus build quality. Friend of mine has a 98'. She has owned the car for appr. 4 yrs. and hasn't experienced any issues. The SC is a very sharp looking car and is considered to be one of the high-end models Lexus manufactures. Definitely consider. Run a CarFax and if it has a clean record take it to a trusted mechanic for thorough inspection.

[Scott Gordon]

I got a 1998 sc300 for $13500 had dealer check it out and car fax it had 48000miles on odometer. carfax said no accidents but paint job and low milage spoke to contrary. none the less I bought it since it was cheap and 10000miles later no problems knock on wood.

Your price sems fair market check intelli choice , kellys blue book and edmonds for price list also go to library and look at the nada book whicj=h is what dealers use to set prices.

[andy.e]

It's an ok price but you could probably get another $1k or $2k off. In 1999 I paid $17k for black/tan '93 5-speed SC300 with 87k miles in perfect condition. This is in the SF Bay Area as well. I think the two situations are similar (mine was six years old when I bought it) except that today, the SC300 is an old body style whereas mine was still the current body style when I bought it. That suggests to me that you should pay less.

[Neo]

My own personal opinion is that I would never pay more than $10k for a SC.  Why?  Because there are plenty of them available.  Sure, you might end up w/ an older SC (like my 93), BUT in all honesty these cars are pretty low on maintenance. 

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Well, you do get a "newer" car with the later years. Plus, the body changed a bit over the years. :)

[MitchB]

Well, let's remember that in '99, my car stickered for $47k. Inflation and other factors may shift that scale.

You also have to figure in the fact that my car was in VERY good condition, just short of excellent. I didn't haggle too much with the guy, I'm sure another $1k or so off might have been possible, perhaps not. He had a beautiful car to sell.

[csg711]

Thank you all that commented on my post...all were taken into account. I bought the car this weekend. I was only able to haggle another 500 of the price. I can't say that I am entirely happy with the purchase. The service was the worst I've ever experienced. The guy new we were coming to possibly buy the car yet the car was not detailed. But the worst part, after I baught the car, returned the rental car I had, and was about three miles from the dealership, the passenger door would not open. I mean the locking/opening mechanism is some how disconnected on the inside. The door cannot be open from the inside or out, by the key nor by the remote. And the window does not go all the way down anymore. I guess it is getting caught on the disconnected mechanism. Have anyone ever experienced anything like this? The dealer claimed he could not do anything to fix it since it was the weekend. He promised to cover the cost of repair.

So far my experience with the lexus brand has not started out good, although I did got up to speeds faster than my BMW so far (135 mph). What's the deal with the discolored head lamps? I would expect such a thing from a Ford Escort not a Lexus.

[Neo]

Well, a car is only as good as the care the previous owner gave it. It seems like you did not have a good feeling about the car and the experience, but you bought it anyway. Hopefully, you will be able to get things taken cared of.

The door sounds like the actuator went. It is actually a common issue with older Lexus. Sad but it happens. As long as the dealer is willing to fix it, it will just be some invonvenience in time.

Same thing with the headlights. You can bring it up with the dealer. Headlight housings weather and yellow over time if not cared for, including cleaning and storage (garaged or not).

Good luck with the repair.