SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000)

looking to get my first sc3 tomorrow!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-29-12, 10:11 AM
  #1  
Big12ed
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
Big12ed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: ca
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default looking to get my first sc3 tomorrow!

hello CL, tomorrow im going to look at a 92 sc3, im pretty excited because it seems very nice.
the add goes add this:


I have a Clean 1993 Sc300. Overall body is very clean original paint, no accidents. Engine is great and always maintained. I had a full tune up done and replaced spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor,fuel filter,spark plugs wires, valve cover gasket, maf sensor, fuel pump and heater hose. Timing belt, water pump, and radiator has been replaced. I have all receipts since 1995 and even original sc300 manual book.
Clean Title
really clean body
Body and original paint is mint besides small ding under door handle
196k
5 Speed transmission
Engine runs strong, no leaks
Stock rims with good tires

Cons;
Driver seat is ripped and I have a replacement.
$4600
Paid for new year and smogged last week



i have no intension of going over 3500(KBB price is 3300 for very good, and 3600 for perfect), which is low balling very hard, BUT almost 200k miles? hes off his rocker. hes owned the car for a year, third owner.
i know toyota is durable, but does anybody have some input on buying a car with this many miles?
the main reason im considering it is because its been garaged for its life, body looks nice, and its a 5 speed thats not salvaged title, nor does it have DUBS ON IT CANDY COAT 2 TONEZZ
in the bay area, people ruin these cars...
sorry for the rant
nything i should look for? ive spent more time reading than sleeping over the past 3 days, but i havent found anything about what to look for as far as the engine goes.
i read the whole thread on using seafoam, and im probably going to do it; but its got me scared that a piece of 200k miles of carbon will break her
my apologies if you guys see this too much!
take care
Old 02-29-12, 10:21 AM
  #2  
eliteskill
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
 
eliteskill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Ca
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I bought 2 SC300 before with around 200k miles on an auto.

1) was salvage and I had zero issues.
2) was clean and I had a oil seal leak but was easiler fixed.

These cars last a while. As long as he has all service records you should be good. Check for the normal stuff we SC have problems with

- Power steering pump noises
- Rack n pinion bushings
- Antanna not working
- Dead cluster lights
- Bleeding Climate control
- Trunk shocks not holding the trunk up.
- Interior tore seats/backseats
- E brake cover ripped

If these are busted its good to use as nego price down..
Check the whole engine bay for excessive build up of oil/dirt/grime.
Which are all minor fixes. If you have a compression check would be great, but it might be asking too much.

I would be willing to do 3800-4k if he has all records and everything is looking good. Clean SCs are hard to come by, so im sure the guy is posting it at the price for a reason.

What color? and interior color =D?
Old 02-29-12, 10:27 AM
  #3  
Big12ed
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
Big12ed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: ca
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

its white with a tan interior from what i can tell, looks like the wood trim is a light brown as well (not sure if they come different colors)
Old 02-29-12, 10:32 AM
  #4  
xxtoobsxx
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (4)
 
xxtoobsxx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: ca
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Im selling my extra sc400...cheaper than blue book! buy mine instead i cant keep both and the truck. I cant get rid of truck cuz i use it the most too...
Old 02-29-12, 10:53 AM
  #5  
Big12ed
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
Big12ed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: ca
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

i would love to a compression test but i never have; is it easy on this car?
can i make a compression tester out of parts from a hardware store?
Old 02-29-12, 11:56 AM
  #6  
sc400dj
Rookie
 
sc400dj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Tx
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Buy compression tester from autozone it's cheap
Old 02-29-12, 12:40 PM
  #7  
g4ebguy90
Lead Lap
 
g4ebguy90's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: IL
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Well as you know, the manuals are a bit harder to come by then the autos, so I mean take that into consideration to. Go check it out and if its pretty smooth riding and nothing is abnormal. 3500 or so seems legit. As long as the body and interior is pretty mint, You will be hard pressed to find a decent sc interior with that many miles.
Old 02-29-12, 01:01 PM
  #8  
97-SC300
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (17)
 
97-SC300's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Earth
Posts: 9,238
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

no pictures
Old 02-29-12, 09:12 PM
  #9  
Big12ed
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
Big12ed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: ca
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

there are pictures, just not very good shots, looks like half assed pics.
but im just skeptical of another person swooping it from under me XD
im so lame hahaha
it looks pretty good though, im going to go check it out tomorrow. i wish one of you guys were local to check it out with me...im going with a friend who knows a LOT about cars, but hes the kind of guy who thinks im stupid for even going to check this car out because of the miles.
Old 02-29-12, 09:20 PM
  #10  
Big12ed
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
Big12ed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: ca
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

also, to compression test, dont you have to take apart the engine to a degree? like take off the TB?
Old 02-29-12, 10:31 PM
  #11  
Akito san
Pole Position
 
Akito san's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Gathered info from Our forum (look/watch out) for these and try to work price down:

Check for oil under the distributor. Popping or any noise coming from the front Axles, Blacked-out Displays: Some of the older coupes report having global/localized black outs in the instrument cluster, stereo, and climate control units. This is likely due to burnt-out bulbs.

Leaking power steering pump: Some of the older coupes have a faulty seal in the power steering pump, which can leak power steering fluid onto the alternator and destroy both parts if the problem is neglected. If you have an older high mileage coupe, be sure to monitor your pump for signs of seep or leakage. Replace the seal for ~$1 or rebuild the PSP for ~$125.

Worn front suspension bushings: Some of the older coupes may have squeaky control arm bushings caused by deterioration of the rubber.
Daizen polyurethane bushings from TM Engineering are a permanent fix at $100/set. Poly bushings offer enhanced performance over rubber by stiffening the chassis. Andrew Vlamos from LSOC has developed a rubber bushing replacement that maintains the "new off the lot" factory ride quality. You can order these rubber bushings by emailing Andrew directly at vlamos@bigpond.com. You can also order new control arms with new rubber bushings from Lexus for $1200

Cloudy headlights: Some SC coupes have cracked headlight housings that allow moisture and condensation to get trapped inside creating a foggy mildew coat. Replacement headlight assemblies are $290/ea. Several DIY cleanup methods are posted on CL
Old 03-01-12, 01:10 AM
  #12  
Big12ed
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
Big12ed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: ca
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

just found a 97 with 113k miles, for 6grand!
its an amazing deal...but its not a 5speed...
heres the link http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...&&aff=crclbyst

seriously debating just doing a 5speed swap.
on a car i dont even own! hahaha

Last edited by Big12ed; 03-01-12 at 02:56 AM.
Old 03-01-12, 03:48 AM
  #13  
greens14
Lead Lap
iTrader: (28)
 
greens14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: az
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Big12ed
just found a 97 with 113k miles, for 6grand!
its an amazing deal...but its not a 5speed...
heres the link http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...&&aff=crclbyst

seriously debating just doing a 5speed swap.
on a car i dont even own! hahaha
when you find an oem 5 speed 97....it wont be 6 grand......... lol
Old 03-01-12, 03:50 AM
  #14  
greens14
Lead Lap
iTrader: (28)
 
greens14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: az
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

btw not to sht in your breakfast or anything but...SC's arent exactly what youre expecting ya know? im not saying its not a fair car to purchase... im just saying you should hurry up and get one and get started already...


consider sex.. you might think its special and want to save yourself yati yati yati...cant wait for the first time.....but once it happens......its just another part of life.
Old 03-01-12, 08:43 AM
  #15  
808Sc5spd
Rookie
iTrader: (5)
 
808Sc5spd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

good luck with purchase


Quick Reply: looking to get my first sc3 tomorrow!



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:22 PM.