Hi,

I don't know Lexus very well (yet) and hope you can help me on this one.

I have just received an offer for a '96 SC400 with pretty much all factory options. There's just one thing ... the car has 231'000 miles on it!!!

I'm not sure, but even for a Lexus that sound like too much.
What do you think? Would you even consider buying such a car? What do you think would be a fair price for it? Which parts would you expect to be worn out?

Thanks,
Diego

i wouldnt buy it..i dont even know about a fair price..id like to know how someone managed to drive a car 40K miles a year for 5 years tho....there is a lady who comes to the same dealer i go to who has 320k on her 92 sc3 however....runs great too...

see what kind of records it has. you can go to a dealer and have them run the vin. if it was serviced at a dealer it will be there. I know alot of traveling sales guys who do 40k a year or people w/a 100 mile round trip to work who could rack that up in a year.

If the price is right have a mechanic check it out.

This car blue books for $22k retail! There is just no way this thing is gonna last much longer. If you can get it for under $10k I would consider, but anymore than that is a very risky investment. What are they asking for the vehicle?

231 000 MILES converts to 369 600 KM.

My 1992 4.0 v8 sc400 has had two owners, i'm the third. And it has 220 000 KM on it.

The car runs more quiet than most new cars on the road, and I haven't had any major engine troubles
yet, other than regular maintenance. The fan belt is a bit loose though.

If you are getting a good deal on the car, I say go for it. I have had great experiences with Toyota's! Even the 4 bangers are aweseme!

My 1992 Previa 2.2l 4 banger has 217 000 KM on it and runs great.
My 1991 Camry 2.0l 4 banger has 316 000 KM on it and still runs great! (A bit underpowered)

With and 8 cyl under the hood, i'm sure the sc400 could reach a million km.

Cheers!
Michael

I agree, I think KBB is way off with their retail price for this car ... over 20'000!

I could get the car for 11'500 (negotiable), but looking at your comments and the CarFax report I just received (car was registred for commercial lease) I think I won't buy it.

Thanks for your help.

Don't be afraid about buying an SC400 with high mileage. I'm the 3rd owner of my 92 SC400 and it has almost 216,000Km on it. The enigne runs smooth and it very quiet.

Of course, a car with high mileage it not a new car, or even close, so don't set your mind in a negative state when you see one.

The key is to find out how the car was maintained during it's life.

The SC400 I bought had all it's service records (from the dealer) as well as receipts of parts that were changed on the car by other mechanics. I guess I was lucky.

Even if your prospective car does not have all the records accompanying it, don't be discoraged. Lexus did build a superb car.

Just make sure you check the car thoroughly. Have a mechanic do it for you.

I have all the confidence in the world that these cars can put more than 500,000Km on it...that of course is dependant on how well you maintain the car!

Cheers.

Hey Carib,

I see you live in the Toronto area as well. I was wondering if you could email me.
Just have some more questions on your sc400. Maybe we experience the same problems and
can help each other out!

Thank you!