ar3

Downside is it is almost at 200k miles. But it has had the timing belt done twice already and maintained throughout its life. Paint is good, interior needs a bit work nothing drastic. What do you guys think? I know it's rare with it being a DWP 97 and a manual but $7500?

There's another SC, 93 5spd 122k miles for only 6k. But it's metallic teal, ehhh

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Welcome to the forum!

Both cars are worth it. The 1997 5-speed much rarer and more valuable. Maintenance and minor fixes aside, 200k miles is nothing to these cars. The timing belt being belt being covered on the '97 is a plus.

I wouldn't let the color of the '93 5-speed deter you either.

ar3

Thank you Kahn! Such a quick response here. Anyways the 200k miles worry me but I did my research and basically these engines are bulletproof if cared for. It's going to be a daily driver but I don't mind a little DIY. I've always wanted an SC but none popped up at the time. Now I am in the market again and have some options. I'll talk with the 97 owner again sometime. He is also a member here!

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Sounds good! The cars are pretty close to bulletproof. All of us have encountered some issues here and there that have required service (the engine computers, power steering high pressure lines, steering rack bushings, front lower control arms, heater control valve, etc.) but by and large the only things you will encounter are the need to stick to the maintenance schedule and occasionally address a worn out sensor or other small issues due to age once you're past 200k.

Most cars around twenty years old are like this but the SC300 is very reliable considering the age and mileage they can go to (a Supra MKIV with the same drivetrain was recently photographed with 520,000 miles on the odometer). The engines, transmissions and chassis just keep on going in these cars if you maintain them.

Plus, a 5-speed manual is always fun.

Good luck with your search!

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Just make sure you can get a good handle on the history of either car or any other car you are looking at. Minor cosmetic (especially interior) wear and tear is common, especially the upper interior door surrounds being cracked in the middle, the cracking in the dash center vents, gauge cluster needles being burnt out (which can be repaired), the A/C climate controller in the center having a worn out LCD (again, easily repaired) or just worn out interior leather.

The car never having suffered any major frame damage and a good maintenance history are always plusses.

Hopefully few to none of those potential cosmetic issues will show up but they can be common to all SC's from 1992-2000 and all addressable. Even if a little cosmetic TLC is needed I would focus on how well the car was otherwise taken care of.

ar3

Thanks again for all that info. I really appreciate it, I've been lurking here but I think it's time I want an SC. I'll definitely try to get the service records for peace of mind. I have also been reading about NA-T. Tons of reading. so if I can get my hands on the car, be on the look out for a build thread.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

People freak out at 200k -- so many cars are sold right around there -- and I assume cars become much tougher to sell at that point, regardless of how long they're known to last. You should be able to use that to your advantage in bringing the price down.

freakness

Dude,


$7,500? Too much, for what it is. The only thing making it more valuable is the rarity. Other than that, it is a twenty-year old car that will require a moderate level of maintenance now that it's reached 200,000 miles, like any other vehicle. If that amount of money is nothing to you, go for it. The '93 is "the better car" but only based on mileage since I know nothing about the actual overall condition of each vehicle.









.

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

I think that's too much unless the 200k mile car is in phenomenal condition with no rust and no accident history.

Although at 200k miles, there is no such thing as "great" condition unless it was repainted or that 0.05% car that was meticulously driven and maintained throughout its life since day one.

scsexy

iTrader: (1)

i'd take the 4 year newer car.... with such a little difference in price the wear on the older car makes up for the price difference quick...

It's kind of pricy, both of them but if they are no leaks no accidents the 97 is 1 of 120 so it would be my choice. if i had to choose just because the 92 has lower miles means its been sitting a lot and that wears things when oil isnt changed for 2 years because the car got 1000 miles in those 2 years..

I bought a 93 5 speed with a spun bearing 1400 and redid the engine for like then 2000 so less than 3500 for mine.=D

ar3

Yup I also think it is too much just for the rarity. Guy doesn't want to go any lower, he said he spent too much already for what it is. But I think I shouldn't have to pay the same amount to cover the maintenance he paid for (mostly labor fees).

ar3

You make a good point. Low miles + older car can equal problems with fluids sitting for awhile. I didn't think of that. The 93 owner stated he had only driven it for 3k miles since he bought it from previous owner. Kind of raises questions now that I think about it.

Brennen01

Even for a 97 that's too much for 200k.

Aron9000

FYI I paid $9,000 for a 1992 SC300 with 60k miles on it back in 2012. Here are some pics of it when I bought it, it was clean enough to be a 1 year old CPO on the Lexus dealer lot.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Very, very clean in these pictures, Aron! Just beautiful!