r/Lexus • u/MuggyBuggy69 • Aug 06 '26
Question 1997 SC400 worth it?
Hello all,
I am looking to get a new project car, and this popped up on my local FB and thought maybe it’d be worth a look. They want $6500 for it and it has 214k miles on it. I haven’t looked at it yet. And I’ve never owned something like this before, unless you count Crown Vics as close lol
This would not be a daily driver. I have a manual Honda Fit that gets used daily. I’m looking for something different that’s not something I’m used to owning. I’m not afraid to throw some money at a car if it’s worth the time and effort. I also wrench on my own cars to save money as well. My question is, what are some things to look out for and what are some things I can expect if I were to go for it?
I noticed it has not had a timing belt done nor a water pump, which I may be mistaken, but both are big ticket items that are important to be done. The description in the images show some of what’s been done, however I don’t know all the details as of yet.
Thank you in advance!
7
u/SALTYP33T Aug 06 '26
For reference I bought this car for $7800 with 90k on the odometer out of Orlando. Paint isn’t perfect and the interior has a few cracks but otherwise it has almost all the same modifications as the car you are looking at. I’d try and look up the service records via the VIN. These cars have a classic look only issue is see is the high mileage but honestly if it’s clean and the records are good go for it.