nanotech

iTrader: (2)

Hey guys,

Im having another addition to the family, its going to be a SC430 2003 white on saddle.

I needed to ask you SC gurus what should I look out for when checking this car out. What are some pointers and things that I should be on the look out for. He said that the CD changer doesnt seem to work right now....is that a big issue? Besides that he said everything is A-ok.

Any advice will be appreciated. Ive also attached some pics of the car.

Thanks!

Yes

the cd changer would cost a lot to replace. but it's only a big deal if you listen to cds. check the carfax for accidents. and check the maintenance to make sure everything has been done. it's probably due to have the timing belt replaced. i'd get a quote from a dealer on the cd changer and use that as leverage if you decide to make an offer.

Harold57

If you plan on getting a bumper to bumper warranty for it, the CD will be covered. (Lexus does offer a "Platium warranty-used" now for cars with less than 7 model years and 70kmi on them.) Otherwise, if you plan on using the CD, I'd plan on finding an independent shop to have them fix it. It will be way cheaper.

However, I agree with Jason, use the problem to lower your price.

Also, there were a couple of threads within the last couple of months regarding all the issues to look out for on the SC430. At least one of them was fairly extensive.

(Maybe those threads ought to be added to our "FAQ on the SC430" semi-permanent thread on the index page. There have been several requests for this information lately.)

nanotech

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the info guys, if there was a faq on that I would be all over it...LOL

Any other insights?

BTW car has 115,000 miles and is a 2003.

Harold57

Here is a decent thread with another thread link inside it. There are lots of others.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...eloved-is.html

And some general SC430 buying threads.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...005-years.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...id-or-not.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...-question.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...-reapairs.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...c430-tips.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...rvice-exc.html

lexus!!!!!

Do you mind telling me what is the asking price for the vehicle? I'm looking at a 2002 manual with 98,000 miles, asking price is $16,000, is that too high?

scorpio74

Is there a manual sc430? Just wondering.
$16k sounds like a good price. You can't hardly find any decent one 2002 for less than $20k. If the interior not so bad, it's a great deal. If I were you, I would get it.

scorpio74

nanotech, the white sc is clean! looking at your pics. 115k mi is nothing for Lexus.
I've had a 99 lexus gs400 with 150k mi and it runs like a champ.
I guess the price will be the determining factor. Test drive the car and listen for any unusual noise, squeaks, or anything out of the ordinary.
Other than that, get it if the price is right!

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

check post that I just put out there for a 2002 with 115k as well...

have it checked out by lexus... make sure tranny, engine top are all good, a/c brakes

cd changer will be about $800 new. check eBay for a replacement, but use that cost to bid down on the car

nanotech

iTrader: (2)

I ended up paying $13,500. The car had the VSC light on....I called my mechanic..he said it was more than likely a sensor that needs to be replaced. He said it wouldnt cost more than $800 to fix. The CD changer around $600 for a used one (if replaced). He said he would take a look at it and try to fix the changer for $50. So that helped reduce the price. Asking was $18,500, we knocked him to $15,000 and then we found out about those issues and knocked it another $1,500. So fart the cost is $13,500, hopefully it wont end up costing more than $15,000 fixed.

BTW it is a 2003 with 115,000 miles. Fully loaded with Navi and Mark Levinson. Color is Pearl white with Saddle interior...one of the nicest combinations out there. Also, it drives like a "champ"

aquanuke

If CD is buggered you'd be better of installing an aux in for an mp3 player etc. Which would be alot cheaper and far better. TBH you would probs go that route latter anyway.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

+1 aquanuke...who listens to cd's anymore anyway? lol I did until i sold my 2002 sc!

I believe his only option is to do the aux cable with no text

Great price! You got a hell of a deal--CONGRATS! That is what I was trying to get down to on the red/ecru 2002 with 115k miles in Mississippi, but they are stuck at $16,600.

That car still looks like a $25k car! No one will know when you get it all fixed up/shined up. A little trick I learned a long time ago: just tap the odometer switch so you are just looking at the tripometer! You will forget how many miles she really has...

IStoSC

Wow great deal! Still looks like a 70K care to me...

lexus!!!!!

WOW! What a deal you got there! Congratualations!!!

I actually am looking for a deal like your's, an SC 430 between $14K-$18K since I just bought a new car now and only use the SC for 4 months/year (MN Winter). I ran into this 2003 Black exterior, tan interior with 73,000 miles, asking price was $20,900, I asked for $19,800. Is that a fair price? Any room to go down more? The vehicle was a corporate lease for 6 years, so I'm kind of concern about the possibility of so many abusive drivers driven the vehicle already. Any comments/suggestions? Should I use the fact that we are approaching winter to get the price lower?

tromly

19,800 is a fair price for a 2003. Miles are good, any pics to post so we can see interior and exterior condition? The winter season rational may in fact effect the seller's mindset, give it a try ! Good Luck