I've heard that lexuses (however that goes) are really reliable and solid, so I am considering one for my first car. It also doesn't hurt to have v8 RWD I am looking at a particular craigslist ad, in which the buyer is selling a 208k mi. sc400 for $1850. He says the only thing wrong with it is the A/C, which needs to be charged. I know thats bull and I'll have to replace some of those parts, but all in all, would it be worth it? What should I look for when I go see the car? Thanks guys!

Here's the post for reference:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/2434662450.html

 

This site will give you common problems with the Sc300/400.
http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html

 

Wow that site is fantastic. Thanks so much!

 

ca5r is actually quite clean considering the mileage.

 

what a great site! never seen it before. just bookmarked it

 

Uh not really...

 

Personally, I think a first car should be Honda Civic if one's looking at it around that particular price range. What many don't realize is the repair cost to get an old Lexus up and running. Despite the rice rep's Civics earned through f&f era, they are affordable, DIY-friendly, and fuel efficient. There were several people on here who thought it will be cheap to buy $1k-$2k SC and repair it but they were forced sell due to high cost of repair/parts. OP should consider running cost for an old Lexus.

Then again, this is Lexus forum. Go get it and prove me wrong.

 

I agree with fuel efficient and disagree with the rest.

A SC400 costs no more than a Honda.
Repairing a Lexus is the same as repairing any other Toyota. Labor costs an arm and a leg but not parts.
RWD vehicles are far more DIY friendly than crampt FWD engine bays.

 

account2 you summed it up very nicely..OP id go for it, cuz if you dont, i might just buy it for a second SC

 

Thanks for all the responses guys. Responding to uras, I have no fleeting ideas that this car will be problem free, I fully expect it to be a money pit. But I will be living at home for a while longer and I do have a job, so I'm not expecting many problems as far as paying for parts, and I plan on learning how to DIY. If you guys think its an alright deal I'll definitely talk to the guy.

 

I think it would be hard to find a better car for that price no matter who makes it. A cheap but running Civic or Corolla? $3k+ easy. Same for almost any car. If it isn't a bucket it carries a price tag far over the car in question.

It's sure to need more than gas and oil but at the same time it's not like the fenders are held on with duct tape.

 

I have to agree---ive owned two hondads as dd's and they arent cheap to repair either unless u go aftermarket or used parts.

Lexus sc's have alot of used parts available from my experiance.

And if u got a half decent mechanic your good to go.

 

Think about gas and that high mileage motor. It cost me twice as much to fill up my SC400 than my Civic and I get the same miles per tank on both cars. With mileage that high make sure the maintenance has been done and is up to date because any motor no matter how well it was engineered will break if neglected. Also for that price you'll probably need to do all the DIY's on here, LOL!

 

chacotaco, im in SD too, ill sell you my sc400. lol