captain adama Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 decisions 1997 sc400 under 60,000 miles ($10 000) vs ($5500)1992 with about 90,000 miles the 1997 is mint, original paint, very well maintained according to lexus dealership owned by men in late middle age (58 current owner).... three minor accidents none worth more than 1100 in repairs 10000 1992 90,000 verified miles... 6 minor accidents no claim higher than 600 bucks, less well maintained however still in good shape according to 3 hour mechanic inspection. needs brakes, leak in coolant fluid, and leaking oil from engine and tranny.... (they think it is just gaskets) not original paint and the wheels are spray painted?!? an ugly silver color. Interior good, with one door not fitting quite properly. thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnH Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Mileage is not the only consideration. Age is just as much a factor. Rubber and Plastics get old, tired and crispy from years of exposure to the elements. For $4500 more, not only are you getting a vehicle with less mileage, but that is 5 years newer. I'd spend the extra bucks. My .02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rekit Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Also they changed to a more powerful engine (variable valve timing) and at least as important, went to a 5 speed auto in 96 or 97 I think-look it up. I would kill to have that in my 93. Really deserves a manual, but it's almost impossible. $$$. Also there are many rubber bushings getting hard, and then there is the resale value. I paid 4900 for mine, but if I had a do-over, I would save up another 5 and get a newer one. Remember, you'd spend 19 or 20 on a new Civic or Corolla out the door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain adama Posted January 1, 2009 Author Share Posted January 1, 2009 Also they changed to a more powerful engine (variable valve timing) and at least as important, went to a 5 speed auto in 96 or 97 I think-look it up. I would kill to have that in my 93. Really deserves a manual, but it's almost impossible. $$$. Also there are many rubber bushings getting hard, and then there is the resale value. I paid 4900 for mine, but if I had a do-over, I would save up another 5 and get a newer one. Remember, you'd spend 19 or 20 on a new Civic or Corolla out the door. i called the lexus dealership that had serviced the 96, and they said it was VERY VERY regularly maintained... however only driven 4 k in the last 3 years... they pulled the records for me and were adament about that. the mechanics i hired spent 3 hours on the 92 and basically said good car... needs a few things... coolant reservoir, headlights are glazed over with uv fuzz and brakes are shot both front and back... still any more thoughts... i feel these cars are depreciating quickly and if i spend 11k or so on the 96 it won't be worth much in 5 years... however the 92 is already at the bottom basically. but i fear surprise bills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain adama Posted January 3, 2009 Author Share Posted January 3, 2009 PURCHASE! PURCHASE! PURCHASE! 9500 for SC400 (can't believe i talked him down that much, had money in my pocket!) the clinching deal... 2 things... 1) the timing belt was done at 54,000 miles by the mercedes dealership that he bought the car from... then he had it done again when he took it in for service at lexus dealership right after purchase less than 600miles later... the regular maintenance done by that dealership was key in my purchase (i spoke to the dealership) 2) he had also 4 new yokohama's on the car.... i checked the spare ,it also was a yokohama and new... he had repalaced it too!!! I asked him and he just thought that was how things were done. total miles under 60,000 ( under 100,000kms) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eatingupblacktop Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 Congrats on your new SC! Sounded like the better deal from the two. Nice bonus too, 2 TB's and 5 new tires. Now make sure you're selective about where you park it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsb Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 PURCHASE! PURCHASE! PURCHASE!9500 for SC400 (can't believe i talked him down that much, had money in my pocket!) the clinching deal... 2 things... 1) the timing belt was done at 54,000 miles by the mercedes dealership that he bought the car from... then he had it done again when he took it in for service at lexus dealership right after purchase less than 600miles later... the regular maintenance done by that dealership was key in my purchase (i spoke to the dealership) 2) he had also 4 new yokohama's on the car.... i checked the spare ,it also was a yokohama and new... he had repalaced it too!!! I asked him and he just thought that was how things were done. total miles under 60,000 ( under 100,000kms) good deal! enjoy your ride Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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