Bought a 1993 SC300 5-speed manual all stock during summer 2009. bought for $5000, had 143,000 miles on it.
Problems: Immediate services done by toyota mechanic, new radiator, plugs and wires, vcg, fluids flushed, and some minor stuff for $1400. New tires as well for about $500. So all in all $7000 after registration fees. Took a year of non-stop saving as I'm 22. I switched to mobil-1, seems to burn about a quart of oil every 300-500 miles. Started putting the dextron-III in power steering as recommended, seems to go through it pretty quickly. I was told by a mechanic to not use that, as it swells up the seals, but too late. Also, I'm not sure why people say that the power steering reservoir leaks on the alternator, but my alternator is on the other side of the engine block, as it definitely is constantly leaking.
More problems (minor): Clutch will have to be replaced for second time of car's life soon (at 150,000 now). They don't seem to last too long, as I'm pretty easy on it.
Car's synchros grind if you shift quickly, especially into second. I've learned to shift slower, and it feels fine.
Needles burnt out of course.
Power mirror cpu doesn't work.
MAJOR pita, little plastic door opening clip broke, went to replace it, broke the metal part, had to buy a used door locking mechanism (new are $300) for $40, and $200 in labor to install it, as it was impossible for me to get to with limited tools.
CD player sometimes freezes.
Likes/Dislikes: Seats are a little small (I'm 6'0"), sluggish in lower rpm's, nose heavy, doesn't handle like my friends 325is or wrx, a little noisy, rev's at 3000 rpm in 5th at 70 mph, a little high in my opinion, as it only gets about 22 mpg on the highway. Other than that, for a college student, this is the most amazing car I think I could afford. It's reliable, fast, and comfortable. Gas mileage is terrible, but I figured if I got a 325is/328is, it'd only be a little better, yet I'd be dealing with many more problems. I would not suggest buying the auto version of this car. My mom has a 1993 GS300, and it's so much more quiet, spacious, and comfortable. Buy this car if you want a cheap car with a mix of sport/luxury, hopefully with the intent of popping a 2jz-gte in it one day, it's a pretty good car.