Buying A 97 Sc300

[mgude]

I am possibly about to pull the trigger on a 1997 sc300. 135000 miles. Originally priced at $8000, he is now down to $6500 before negotiation.

The car looks great. 1 scuff on the front bumper, a spot of rust on the trunk lid edge. Is rust there common? easily fixed?

I test drove it today. Unfortunately we also got our first snow today so I didnt get to put it through its paces. there were no unusual noises or anything though. I wish I had the VIN so I could beg for a Carfax... Maybe I'll ask the owner.

EDIT: Just got the VIN: JT8CD32Z5V1000817 That was fast!

I have a couple of questions:

Is the price fair?

What else should I look for on this?

Am I going to be happy if I buy this thing? ;)

Thanks. I'd bet you'll be hearing from me a lot if I go through with this.

[jbarhorst2]

Sounds like a decent price to me if everything works on the car.

A common failure is the AC system on these cars. The AC lines that run near the bottom of the radiator get a hole worn in them because of rubbing the bracket that holds them in place. You should put some rubber in between the bracket and the aluminum lines.

I currently have 282,000 miles on my '97 SC3.

Tom

[mgude]

I just ran the carfax, it came out clean.

Sounds like a decent price to me if everything works on the car.

A common failure is the AC system on these cars. The AC lines that run near the bottom of the radiator get a hole worn in them because of rubbing the bracket that holds them in place. You should put some rubber in between the bracket and the aluminum lines.

I currently have 282,000 miles on my '97 SC3.

Tom

[Cwallbball10]

I would look into that rust issue. These cars are known to let water through the trunk, by the CD changer and amp. Make sure it hasn't worked it's way (the rust) all the way from the Changer to the trunk lid.

[UCF3]

I'd ask him/her why he's willing to sell it that cheap. Also have it checked-out by a mechanic(trusted or the Dealer).