Originally Posted by
C_Smith
I was thinking the same thing, with even 6k I can get a SC300 in great shape, and come to think of it; I've never seen one in BAD shape.
And those are some odd problems you posted, main things I'll be looking to do ASAP, would be, good tune up, maybe brakes, maybe tires, all depends, but most differently oil change, coolant change, air filter, spark plugs, flush out most if not all the fluids. Check for O2 sensors, check alternator, power steering pump, and ac pump, and check all coolant/fuel lines, and check all the belts. Then MAYBE a induction cleaning, but thats a maybe.
Sorry for going on, but I think those are the main things you should look for on the SC300, well any used car really.
Obviously, you'd want to do the things you listed. But generally you'll find other things on your $7K car you are going to want to repair/replace.
Those were hypothetical items that's all. For example:
Let's say two used cars have the same issue, a bad window motor, these are the kind of incidental things that go bad with a pre-owned car, generally speaking of course. A non-premium make (Ford) vs. premium make (Lexus) on the same site.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
2000 Mustang GT left electric window motor: Price $48.99
1993 (only listing, same for all years?) SC300 left electric window motor: Price$214.79
All car parts are not always priced equally. Depends on the make of car sometimes. Of course once again, this was just a random part. Not that either one of these cars have this as a known issue. Just an example, thats all.
I did do some comparisons on other items like starters or A/C compressors, etc. And using the same example of a Mustang and a SC300 on the same site, the difference wasn't as much. Most of the SC300 parts that I searched still cost more, but it was minor. But some items were big $ differences.
If you like the SC300 I don't think it should be a breaking point for you or anything, I'm just saying it could be a factor to someone that is considering buying a used premium/luxury car like a Lexus, BMw, Mercedes, etc. The cost of ownership could be a factor. That said, I like the SC300, its a nice car. Good luck!