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2002 SC 430 Purchase

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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 09:22 PM
  #1  
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Default 2002 SC 430 Purchase

First post from a new guy just getting into the model SC430 after looking at several other manufacturers. I have one spotted (2002) that has a little over 100K miles on it. Red with black interior. I'm not too crazy about the color combination but when looking at used vehicles, you sometimes have to compromise a bit.

Timing belt, water pump and motor mounts have been changed out and its been mostly dealer serviced. It's a one owner car from the south. Tires are run-flats and have a little left on them, will probably have to get new tires. Couple of scratches here & there but nothing serious. I'm far from being a mechanic but I did drive it and it drove great with good acceleration.

Price is $14,000. Part of my struggle on this is the 100K miles, I have never bought a car in my life with that many miles on it. And, I do have extra cash available up to $20K to buy a car with less miles but at $14K for this one, I am really tempted. Any advice you guys can offer on this would be a great help and very appreciated.
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 11:26 AM
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at 14k not bad deal with all the work done can't go wrong if in nice sharp.
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 04:20 PM
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Do price comparisons with the cars on Cars.com and see what's out there. That will give you an idea of the price range for that year and mileage. You may even find something with lower miles at close to the 14k but 14k seems pretty good for a one-owner which has been serviced properly. Good luck!.
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 06:15 PM
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Don't do it if the 100K mileage bother you. You will be regard throughout the entire ownership. You have 20K budget, that can get you a very decent 2002~2003 model with 50K~70K
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 12:44 AM
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I bought my 2002 SC with 101k miles 2 years ago; previous owner had the 90k miles service done. No problem so far (knock on wood); everything works as new. Car came with transferrable extended warranty and I have the dealer replaced 2 door speakers, subwoofer, lower ball joints & left engine mount at no charge. I paid $15K.; car now has 104 k miles. I also have a '99 Lexus GS400: 118k miles; still running like new. Also '03 highlander V6 with 98k miles. I have no problem with 100k miles + properly maintained Toyota engines

Last edited by lexie; Apr 22, 2013 at 12:49 AM.
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 05:15 AM
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I suggest a 2003 with around 80k miles, for $17,000 that would be a better deal, they are out there. Good Luck.
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 04:24 PM
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Well, I sort of bought it. I made a deal with the sellers, everything was firmed up and I was going to meet them at the bank to transfer money and title and then they decided not to sell it. I have never had that happen to me before. Thanks for the replies and help though.

My search continues.......
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 06:47 PM
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Ohh man, that not cool. Sorry buddy. But always remember; when one door closes, another one opens.
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Old Apr 23, 2013 | 01:19 AM
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Originally Posted by AlfredLee
Well, I sort of bought it. I made a deal with the sellers, everything was firmed up and I was going to meet them at the bank to transfer money and title and then they decided not to sell it. I have never had that happen to me before. Thanks for the replies and help though.

My search continues.......
That's a raw deal, must have been sellers remorse.
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Old Apr 23, 2013 | 08:40 PM
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Must be fate - a better opportunity will show up. Good luck!
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Old Apr 23, 2013 | 08:57 PM
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I've never heard of a dealer backing out on a deal. But it's probably for the best. Personally, I wouldn't settle on the color. Keep looking until you find a color you like. I'd hate to be disappointed every time I looked at my car.
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Old Apr 24, 2013 | 06:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Liquid SC
I've never heard of a dealer backing out on a deal. But it's probably for the best. Personally, I wouldn't settle on the color. Keep looking until you find a color you like. I'd hate to be disappointed every time I looked at my car.
He didn't say it was offered by a dealer. It is a private party sale. I agree with you about the color.
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Old Apr 24, 2013 | 08:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Liquid SC
I've never heard of a dealer backing out on a deal. But it's probably for the best. Personally, I wouldn't settle on the color. Keep looking until you find a color you like. I'd hate to be disappointed every time I looked at my car.
Hijacking thread alert.

Liquid SC who makes those rims you have? They are stunning. Please tell me they are surprisingly affordable too.
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Old Apr 25, 2013 | 08:04 AM
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Originally Posted by 430SILVER
Hijacking thread alert.

Liquid SC who makes those rims you have? They are stunning. Please tell me they are surprisingly affordable too.
Thanks. They're made by Work. The model is Work Euroline DH. They're on the more expensive side. Depending on the exchange rate and what you're able to negotiate with a vendor, you're probably looking at $3,300-$4,000.
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Old Apr 25, 2013 | 12:44 PM
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We purchased our 2002 2 years ago with 96,000 on it. It had been maintained reasonably well, but not by a Lexus dealer. Thus far it has been a good experience owning it. We have 127,000 on it now.
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