would a Lexus sc300 or sc400 be a good first car? have some other ?'s, please help me!?

Question

I am looking for a good first car that my parents will agree to but that will also kick some *** when in need.
I thought of these cars because they look great, have power, and are very safe.
I am looking to buy a faster one which i automatically assumed was the sc400, but have heard its the sc3?
I found one in my area and its that real nice indigo blue color (not that it matters) the owner is the 2nd one, and has had it for 12 years. he is also very rich, and he has all maintenance records, has clear title.

BUT, it has 205k mi. I realize its a lexus but that still seams high. Do you think this is too much?
My mom would certainly agree on the sc3 over the v8 and if its faster, i dont see what the prob. would be.
id be spending my money on the car so do u think it will be reliable. is one more reliable than another. or is 205k just to much? i have about 4500 and he did say he is neg. plus blue book is 4770.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=209705992&dealer_id=58507079&search_type=both&make=LEXUS&transmission=&model=SC400&distance=50&make2=&address=28027&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&color3=&drive=&color2=&engine=&fuel=&doors=

at mustang656, i think we need to think about who the dumb-*** is, i mean you cant even spell "wreck"

Answer 1

Since you got "kid answers" I'll give you an adult answer and from someone who is a 12 yr Lexus expert.

The SC400 is WAY more powerful the the SC300. The SC3 is a V6 where the SC4 is a V8. The SC3 comes in manual and automatic where the SC4 is automatic only. Now you might ask yourself why no stick shift? That is because the SC400 produces so much raw torque that no human can handle a stick shift in this car. It takes a highly engineered transmission to do the work for you.

Now if you get into a SC4 and turn off the traction control and turn off the over drive button, she will sit and lay smoke like a 1974 Corvette would. She will also keep with any Vette/Camaro model on the road. She might be a Lexus but she has pure raw power under that hood.

Now if you get one, I would create a relationship with a tech at the local Lexus dealership. Find out which one is the SC expert and talk to him. He should be able to tweak the car so she performs even at about 12% more than stock, just by turning a screw driver here n there. Seen it done when I worked in a Lexus Dealership.

Now the mileage issue...is it alot, sure. Is it a lot on a Lexus, no. I have seen Lexus vehicles with over 300k miles on them. Just the other day I played with a 94' ES300 and it looked almost showroom new for having 184k miles on her.

Lexus has stainless steel exhaust among many other items and factors that make the car last long. But this does require normal maintenance, oil changes, etc. Now being this is all coming out of your pocket, you might get sick when you see some of the service bills from Lexus. They can be in the $1000's for normal maintenance and upkeep.

Plus you have to worry about the miles some as you want to beat this car some, we all beat our first car. You beat this car she will take it but she will wimper at times due to her age. Those wimpers might be expensive at times so keep that in mind.

$4500 or so for a SC4....pretty good steal if you ask me. Most around here, even with high miles are easy $8k.

Now back to the part about turning off traction control and all...when you do this....remember this is a BIG car with weight and without computer assist an unexperienced driver can easily lose control of this car.

Only down fall I have ever seen in the SC4 or SC3 line.....they flat up stink in the snow. Even with traction control they sit and spin in just 1" of snow. Now rain is no problem and dry pavement.....YEEEEHAAAAA!

I've had a SC4 up to 142mph w/o effort and faster than you can say 'holly sh#t this is fast!!".

Lexus does have the best paint on the market hands down. Have an experienced detail shop do a 3 stage buff out of the finish and she will gleam like a brand new blue.

Leather interior...use some leather cleaner on a finger brush and just scrub...should come clean to almost new, high grade leather.

Answer 2

I don't care how old this post is...the sc300 and the sc400 both are great cars. I personally own a 99 Lexus sc300. I chose the sc300 over the sc400 because I can easily swap my(BULLET PROOF) 2jz-ge engine with the Supra 2jz-gte(it comes with a two way twin turbo); which I've done-direct fit 717hp to the wheels (stock 320hp at the crank). A first car NO. I am a auto technician and I do my own work on my Lexus. If you are not mechanically sound, have the appropriate tools/machine or Lexus specialty tools... you need MUCH money! Over all you WILL be proud when you drive this vehicle and it's VERY reliable...if taken care of that is and 74k on these vehicles, they're just broken in. 200k+ no problem it's got one of the best Toyota engines. Lexus SC300=225hp 3.0 i6 Lexus SC400=250hp,260hp,(VVT-I 290hp) depending on the year you get 4.0 v8; few hundred pounds heavier than the sc300 and drinks more gas_they both require premium. (1991-2000) this cars design believe it or not was from then late 80's. P.s if you can't own one now own one later.

Answer 3

OK, I will keep it short and simple. I see you are serious about this car, but you are smart enough to get a second opinion about it. Don't do it. Imagine if I gave you a lemon which I have already squeezed all the juice out of. But to trick you I have submerge the lemon in some water before I gave it to you. So when you squeeze it, liquid will come out but its not lemon juice. Now apply this analogy to your would be Lexus. The car is over 200K and the guy is asking over $4K for it. NO WAY, If you want a fast, safe, first car, I would recommend a Crown Vic form Ford. The maintenance is cheap as hell when compared to the Lexus, trust me I know, I am a mechanic. Even though I am not into American car that much, I have see enough to know. You parents will be happy too. Forgo the looks for now, with the Crown you get 4 doors, a large back seat, wink wink ;) and a huge trunk...

I did my research and figure you are in North C, there shouldn't be too much a problem finding a Crown there.

Answer 4

I have to agree, NO new driver should own a high line luxury car. Lexus's tend to go far more than 200k but be prepared when something breaks it is not a Chevy. Parts are expensive since they dont break often. Only buy this car if you can afford a 1000 dollars for maintenance once in a while. If you are mechanically inclined (as I was at 16) and plan to do repairs yourself get the sc300 as its easier to work on and personally I feel would be more fun and cheaper to mod.The 300 is also a rock solid very reliable engine. The sc400 however will be faster in stock form.

Answer 5

They're both solid cars, but I lean towards the sc300. Gas mileage are pretty close, but I find the inline 6 of the 2jz-ge engine on the sc300 easier to work on. The parts are also a tad cheaper for the sc300 (5 bucks for an oil filter from the toyota dealer instead of 7 on the sc400. Only need 6 of those iridium plugs too). However, if you plan on taking to the lexus dealer for maintenance, prepare to be screwed. I paid 80 bucks for an oil change once and have performed most of the maintenance myself since. It may say lexus all over the outside, but all the parts inside says Toyota. If you don't feel comfortable working on it yourself, look for a good toyota mechanic that won't gouge you because of the "L" badge.

Answer 6

A lexus is never a good first car for any kid. You're going to tear your first car up, so an expensive one doesn't make a lot of sense. And any car with 205k miles is just waiting to die anyway. If you're going to buy a 12 year old car, make it a Mustang or Celica, something you won't mind dumping when it falls apart.

Answer 7

Toyotas have engines made by Lexus if you are looking for power.
My first car was a VW and it ran forever.

Don't ever buy a used car with over 50K miles on it unless you are a collector.

There are lots of used cars out there, don't sweat this one there will be other, better and ones under your price range if you keep looking.

Answer 8

I believe the question was should she get a lexus for her first car, not whats in the cars.....A 14 year old may not need to own a lexus for 12 years to answer the question....But no, your first car should be like a scion(they have pre-owned ones now) or i prefer a old honda or vdub.(volkswagen)

Answer 9

Keep in mind parts and repair at a Lexus dealer will be higher than some other brands. Also, I would check into insurance quotes-you sound young.

Answer 10

I have the feeling that you will buy the sc300 anyway, but I have to say that sc300 doesn't suit you. The price is low, but mileage is way too high. It will cost too much for you to maintain. sc400 is not good for you neither, those horsepower is too much for you to handle, as your driving skill and experience is still in development. For the first car, go for safety instead of speed.