Hey guys, I'm looking to get my first car, that I can call my own. There is a guy selling his 1995 lexus sc400, with about 263000 kms on it, roughly about 163420 miles on it ( thanks to google converter). It is automatic, decent condition, and he's asking 4800. I've offered 4000, and he's willing to sell it for that price. Now this is where you guys's expertise comes into play, should I get something with high kms/miles on it? Or should I just get something else? How long do these babies usually last, average? And should I get it or .. Appreciate all the input, Thanks! (kind of anxious )

 

engine should be fine, but transmission might be nearing the end of it's life cycle...get that checked out.

 

Ya these engines last a long time, BUT only provided they are maintained properly. Ask the seller how it's been maintained (oil changed, timing belt, water pump, various seals, etc). If that's all up to snuff you should be good.
One word of caution tho, since it's your first car, it's not a Honda so don't treat it like one. It will only return the love you put into it (ie maintenance!!!).

 

haha anything under 200k is really considered low these days...

my 92 has 280k on it and it runs pretty good for the miles and age...but like said before proper maintenance will make these cars last 300k+

 

Try offering $3,800. Unless SC's are rare or expensive in your area, I would pass.

 

There is a 93 with 176,000 miles on it down here in GA. Guy only wants $2995 for it.

 

Bought a 92 with the same miles as the one your interested too.

Make sure you look if the timing belt is good, water pump, look at spark plugs to see if engine runs lean, rich, etc. Look if theres rust in the battery tray area, transmission might start to have some problem too.. look what color is the tranny fluid, mine was almost black and I got tranny problem big time even with new fluid.

Ask him if the car sometimes stall on the street, if so it might be the fuel pump relay, I got all these problem and right now the sc400 doesnt work anymore.

Look for a lower price even though they are great cars they often need to be restaured since they are old and it's big money to take care of them and pay for gas etc.

 

my 400 has 215K miles. zero issues.
maintenance is key...
but, just so you know...these 400's aren't fast. I just hope you're not getting your hopes up on that "fast 1st car".
GLWS

 

4000 dollars is too much for those kinds of miles.

Offer him nomore than 3000 dollars--I can guarantee this guy isnt being flooded with high offers.

All it takes is one repair to push your cost way up and with those miles it probably wont be very long.

 

i'd offer 3-3.5k not any more

 

LOL - shouldn't you have asked on here BEFORE making him an offer? People who do that irritate me... Acceptance of an offer satisfies the requirements of a verbal contract.

Anyway, make sure that starter has been replaced as well. Not a fun job.
Jonny

 

dude ill sell my 1jzgte sc300 for 4000 cash

 

i just bought my 95 sc300 with 99k miles on it for 6k. It is in amazing shape and everything works just fine.

 

To be honest..I would stray from buying a RWD V8 car for your first car living in canada. I live in nebraska and with the snow we get, its nearly impossible to drive when it snows. My advice would be to get something AWD or a truck thats 4x4 for your first car. Looking back thats how i would have done it.

 

That seems a little high to me. I would keep looking, or try and figure out if the maintenance has been done. My .02!