I'm looking at a 1996 SC400
63,000 miles / Loaded
Seems to be in pretty good condition with one past owner.

Only problem I can find is there doesn't seem to be a working ABS system. Not sure if this year/model) comes stock with it or not (if it does, it doesn't seem to be working).

Dealer asking for $21,500.

CARFAX report makes me think he's been trying to sell it for about 1 year at this time.

Any advice or pointers or thoughts would be most welcome.

Thanks *glad I found this website too*

-Dave

P.S. I'm also looking into a 1998 ES300 (45K mi) @ $21,000 and a 1995 LS400 (84K mi) but not sure the asking price on this one.

P.P.S. Hmmmmm seems all I'm looking at our Lexus' these days.

 

What makes you think the abs is not working? If it is not, I would have the dealer fix it before buying at that price. Although that is low miles - the price is decent IMO, though I did not run it on the nada page.

 

That price mgiht seem high to some and low to some, but to me, a car dealer myself, it is high.

I have my current 1997 sc400 for sale for $22,000 and i sold a 1995 sc400 for $13,000. So take those numbers as you want.

Jason

 

RE: ABS

I slammed on the brakes a 30mph and there seemed to be a loud screeching noise coupled with some tread marks on the pavement. As far as I was concerned that seemed like a pretty big clue to me.

Also, I noticed a bit of a "kerplunk" when shifting from park to drive, associated with a bit of car movement (feels like the car's dropping into drive rather then slipping into drive). However it's been about 15 years since I've driven an 8cyl engine.

-Dave

 

It all depends on the car... 21 does seem high, but then again, its a lex!!!

 

Have the motor and tranny mounts checked...

 

Miles come into play when the price of a car is set. This 96 seems to have some lower mileage - My 97 is at 80,000 and the 95 is at 101,000. Both run excellent, aside from minor age issues with cosmetics - that will be repaired/replaced in time. For 60k miles - that price may be fair. Though I would adress any concerns with the performance of the vehicle directly with the dealer and depending on the response - buy or not at a negotiated (if that is possible) price. I personally, try not to deal with dealers - having worked at a couple in the past.

 

$21K for a '96 with 63K sounds way too high...then again, you went to a dealership....

For comparison, I bought a '92 SC400 with 64K miles on it for $12,500. My dealership's used car sales guy said he would have put it out for 17K...

They WAY, WAY overcharge at dealerships for used cars...then they try to bullsh!t you with "fixes" and "inspections" they did...yeah...anyways...

Here's another example...my buddy traded in a '97 ES300...they gave him $16K for it...then it went out the VERY NEXT DAY ("fixes" and "inspections" didn't take too long, did it?) for $21K...

Can you say GOUGE? KBB Retail HIGH would be a deal compared to some of the prices these dealers are asking for....

 

That price is waaay too high. Shop around for a private seller and purchase via cash or loan. If you buy it from a lot you wioll pay the premium.