cny730

I'm currently in the market for a nice used car... so far, I've narrowed my choices to a BMW 325i (94 or 95) or a Lexus SC300 (9???)... I have just $10 to spend, so any imput would be helpful.

My assumption is that the Bimmer will be sportier, but the Lexus will be more luxurious and more reliable. Reliability is important, as I want to avoid spending big money on major repairs.

It would help if some of you guys would comment on the reliability of the Lexus (I know the repair costs is high, like the Bimmer) and specifically, how many miles do you currently have on your rides???

Thank You!

anthracitetarga

iTrader: (1)

I have 100,4xx miles on my SC3 and it is reunning like it did when new. I know that the I6 2JZ-GE engine in the SC3 is bullet-proof and caould easily last up to 300,000 miles if taken care of. The SC4 V-8 engine is also a superb work of art (i don't know too much about it b/c i have the SC3 but.....) I have not owned a BMW ever in my life, but from what peopl esay on thi sboard, BMW's have really BAD reliability. If ur worried about sportiness, I don't really think that the 325 would have much. I think the only "sporty" 3-series is the 330...but thats IMO. U can however make the SC very sporty w/ engine mods, and suspension tunung. Hope this helps, and if ya have anymore questions, feel free to ask.


-Derek

MatT3T4

I have 118,4xx on mine, and it runs very nicely. I need to do the 120k maintenence soon, but the car isn't showing any signs of wear and tear otherwise. I'd choose the SC over the BMW for sure.

DIrEctQL

I am nearing 97k miles on my '97 SC300. Car is great shape and compression in the engine is excellent so I am giving a go for a turbo kit this spring/summer. SC300 respond very well with turbo kits. Most people with turbos get atleast 350 hp and run 13 sec in 1/4 mile. Can you do that to a BMW for about 6500 bucks?

AutoCoutureSC

iTrader: (8)

i have a 93 SC400 and it runs better than a new honda that's for sure!!! mint condition. i'd say the repairs are cheaper since japanese parts are cheaper. I have 94, XXX miles on my car. NEver gave me a problem since I did a major tune up. I'm hoping to keep this car forever. I personally dont' like the older 3 Series. I think they're too boxy, the lexus has curves that makes it look sleek. Performance parts for lexus are plenty!! Plus, for the same price, the SC400 has extra horsepower. A LOT more. But the SC300, oh man, you can turbo that baby!

MadMaxSC400

I know of a guy around here rolling in a 375,000 mile 1992 SC400 with no "major work" done yet.

PearlSC4

Just bought a '94 SC400 with 63K miles for $15.5K from a BMW dealer. It runs and looks like new. I used to have an Integra and this is way better...(of course there's no comparison between a $20K and $50K car new.) I had the Lexus dealer do the pre-certified and everything checked out OK.
The only problems are
1. missing cup holder (dealer wants approx. $250 to fix it...must be solid gold cupholder)
2. trunk lifter ($400 to fix...again it must be platinum)
3. key fob is not working ($520 to fix...made out of diamond I assumed). I checked the key fob and found out that it's missing the battery !!!! A simple replacement cured to problem. Wrote the dealer and they apologized and gave a free oil change.
Just had my SC window tint and I posted the encounter on the thread "window tint".
Anyways, I love my SC...have been eyeing it since I was a student. Now I can definitely afford a more expensive car but chose the SC instead and I am very happy...

DIrEctQL

I had had replaced the plastic frame that goes around the whole center console. The part was like 70 bucks. This is also the part that holds the cupholder. I didn't realize it till I got the part that the cup holder came with it. Heheh. I am sure you can find it cheap somewhere on the net. That dealer has some crazy prices.