I am considering buying a 93 SC300, auto. Car has 130k miles and is in mint condition, full dealer service with a recent timing belt change. I have searched this forum and have a few questions. I drive approx 100 miles a day at 70-75 mph, what kind of mileage could I expect. Is there anything I should look out for in this model/year? Are owners of this model/year satisfied with the cars? I have worked on many other cars but mostly Germans (BMW, Audi, VW). Is routine maintenance (oil/filter change, etc) on these cars difficult? Owner is asking $8k but will take less (soon to move), what would be a fair price. This is my first post and thanks to all for any info provided.

 

1. Driving at that speed constantly on the highway, you'll need to fill up every 4 days. You should be able to get around 380-400 miles per tank, especially if the car has been meticulously maintaned.

2. There is nothing specific to really look out for at this point. If it hasn't already happened, then it probably won't as far as kinks in the model year. Only thing I can really think is your gauge cluster going out, but once you throw some LEDs in there it will never go out again

3. I think all of the owners here on this forum will tell you they are EXTREMELY satisfied with their current SCs I've got a 94 SC3, and I couldn't be happier with anything else at this point in my life.

4. DIY maintenence is NOT difficult as per oil changes and such. Most of that stuff can be found on this website in detailed information. If not, you can find somebody here with a service manual who will be willing to scan and email you the few pages you may need.

5. 8k is a bit steep for that car, but then again I don't know how wealthy the area that you live is. Prices for private sellers depend a lot on the location you are buying from. If you do live in a more wealthy area than most, Try talkin him down to 6200-6800. I don't think I'd try to be paying over 6500 for it, but its often hard to ind GOOD deals, especially if it's never been in an accident or anything. How's the carfax look on it?

 

Thanks NYLexSC,
I've been searching a little bit and and have found some great Lexus sites that are very helpful. I have not checked Carfax, the seller is the original owner and she has documented every mile. At a steady 70 mph could I expect to get 27 to 30 mpg? Gas out here (Central Cal Coast) is $3.00. Do these cars require premium?

 

I would say you'll get about 21-23 miles to the gallon. On a full tank I usually get around 360-375 miles depending on how heavy my foot gets throughout the week and how much i run the car on the gas light lol.

I have a 93 sc4 as well and love it, maintenance is not too hard if you have service manuals or are pretty handy with tools. Problems I've had so far w/mine is the starter and steering rack, and the normal stuff that breaks for a car that old. It runs strong, and looks good. I'm about to add more goodies to it which will probably make me like the car that much more.

 

It's a good idea to run 91+ but there are some people who don't. The manual says Premium only, which is what I follow and would recommend others to follow as well.

 

i got mine for 6 thousand with 157, XXX miles on it... its not in good condition but still i love my car

 

Paid $3800 for mine. 93 SC300 104k

Try & talk him down...