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Hi all - I'm thinking of getting a 1999-2000 SC300 for my son. Cars are in fairly good shape around 80k miles or so. Is there anything specific or concerns I should have for these cars, inspection wise? Am going to do it by this weekend so any help would be appreciated.
Just check all of the usual stuff for the most part. See if the timing belt and water pump has been done, if not, use it in negotiations. You can't play with timing belt on a VVTI 2JZ. If it breaks, the engine is toast.
Arrange a really long test drive. Start with a cold block. Pay close attention to tranny behavior. Windows open, listen carefully at all times. Try every electrical switch/function 10-20 times.
Post some pics if you can. Run the VIN on the MyLexus site to see service history at dealerships.
^Do all of this only if you're really looking to purchase and have cash in hand. I recently had a guy test drive my SC just to offer $500 for it. Really?
Make sure to get the VIN and run it on the Lexus owners website to see previous dealer services performed on it. On the SC's the cluster is easy to swap and fake the mileage, so check the history and see if the miles match the ad.
I thought mileage is kept in the ECU memory, in the cluster itself. I know most cars with a digital mileage, you have to go in with a programmer to change that.
I thought mileage is kept in the ECU memory, in the cluster itself. I know most cars with a digital mileage, you have to go in with a programmer to change that.
It's a pain to change mileage in an SC cluster, but switching a cluster that says 170k and install one that has 80k is not at all hard to do.
I purchased my 1998 SC 300 a few weeks ago and asked this same basic question.
The PDF I attached is a check list I used, it is a combination of just general car stuff and Lexus SC 300 specific.
All the previous advice is great but also look at the exterior. When I bought my Sc I didn't pay much attention to the body. After I got home I looked at it closer and noticed it had a ton of door dings and paint chips. I got it all fixed since then but I should've not bought the car or talked him down more. So don't make the same mistake.
All the previous advice is great but also look at the exterior. When I bought my Sc I didn't pay much attention to the body. After I got home I looked at it closer and noticed it had a ton of door dings and paint chips. I got it all fixed since then but I should've not bought the car or talked him down more. So don't make the same mistake.
Yea body work aint cheap! I bought my car at night, and it was hard to see much of the body. After I got it home I realized I had a lot more dings and dents then I bargained for. Still everything else checked out great, just a lot of body work to do in the future.
Thanks all - we found a low mileage (55k miles) sc300 in great mechanical condition, with just a few imperfections externally! Cant wait to learn more about her!
I didnt realize there were such low mileage ones out there!
I've seen them as low as 18K miles. I got a 95, 5 speed at 68K miles last year.
This platinum metallic one above sounds great! I hope it works out. There is only one potentially more desirable model than this is a 98+ 400. The 98+ 400's had an upgraded V8 and made 290hp. If money is no big thing, I'd look out for one of those too. The gas mileage is similar to the earlier six cylinder cars.
Thx all! We were about to pull the trigger on a couple of 99 models (i like the 3 spoke steering wheels), when this one showed up out of nowhere. Carfax was clean, owned by an older gentleman who doesnt drive much if at all. Car had its timing belt and water pump done at 38k mikes (lol) and engine compartment looked brand new. There was a few parking lot scratches and dings on the front and rear bumper, but we'll take care of it. Only problem mechanically was a bit of steering shake, but we'll get the wheels balanced soon. Black Interior looked almost brand new, save for driver side seat by the window wear it showed some sun wear. All in all, for how much we paid (way below blue book), it was well worth it. Even though my son just turned 18, this will be his 4th car, but first that he chose (all others were hand me downs). He fell in love with the styling the first time he looked at it. He isnt much if a car guy like me, so i look forward to helping him out on the car and him taking care of it himself.
05-20-15, 12:52 PM
Purchasing a SC300...need advice
I thought mileage is kept in the ECU memory, in the cluster itself. I know most cars with a digital mileage, you have to go in with a programmer to change that.
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