BigDave121

Hi, new member Dave here. I really am getting serious abiut pulling the trigger on a SC 400. I am looking at a red 1992 400 with 75k miles.
It is on ebay. I COULD drive to see it before i bought it. It looks worthy, MAYBE!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1992-...item20ae60ebdd


issues:

1) Missing a rear spoiler. I really like one.

2)Transmission is only 4 speed, not the 1998 and up 5 speed. Is the 5 speed that big of a help?


3) The motor is smaller and less powerful than the '98 and up. Would i notice a difference? My other car is a hot set up BMW M3. I like power. I know the sc 400 will be nothing even close, but i dont want a slug either.

I was going to offer the guy 5.5k for the red 1992. Is that still too high?

Should I hold out for a 1998? They command a lot more $$.
I am pretty confused so far...



I would consider buying one already done up with coilovers, exhaust etc if anyone has one for sale.
I like red and pearl white and blue

BigDave121

Anybody? Nobody? Aww, come on! Someone knows....

alanchad

iTrader: (1)

FWIW....

I purchased a 92 red sc400 new. 265,000 miles and 18 years later still have it. Other than minor issues, and with proper maintenance, everything still works fine. I have bought and sold numerous other cars during that time.

I am restoring mine with new paint, leather, suspension, exhaust, etc at a cost exceeding what you mentioned offering for the whole car. I like it that well.

I have a 2001 ls430 and a 2008 ls460 with more power and gears. I don't miss either in my sc. The sc will go faster than I will, and I really like the luxury touring aspect. Also, for me, everything just seems to fit.

I like the 92 body style fine compared to the later models, but that's just me. Perhaps if I were a later model I would feel differently.

I would sell the 430, and maybe the 460, but the sc is not for sale. It is my old friend.

Just my random thoughts and musings.

goaliebill

I concur with alanchad. I also own a '92 with 403,000 km. I have bought new cars for my wife to drive but the SC is my daily driver and it's going nowhere. After 18 years, I still enjoy driving it. It's never left me at the side of the road. I've never had to replace a light bulb.
I would certainly invest $ 5,500 in a low mileage example.
I have described the '92 SC400 to non-believers this way.
It was the flagship model of the new Lexus luxury division of one of the world's largest auto companies, whose goal was and is to take sales away from Mercedes and BMW. I'm certain that's why it is as durable as it has proven to be.

KA8

iTrader: (1)

Looks like it's been well taken care of. Low mileage too. Spoiler you can always add for not much money. I thought mine had low miles when I got it(bought it at 102K miles 3 months ago 92 sc4). I'd go for 98+ SC4 mainly due to more stock hp, new body style, and 5 speed tranny But good condition 98+ will cost $10K or more. If this car is in your price range I would buy it. I have no complaint with mine except burnt cluster needles. It's got plenty of power for everyday driving. It'll looks good with only couple of mods like HID's and wheels.

BigDave121

The quandary is that this is a SECOND car so I dont want to spend too much. My BMW M3 is still a daily driver but is starting to see more and more track time.
I may have the car unavailable for many weeks if I go with a full stage 3 turbo from HPF.
On the OTHER hand, I DO love HP and think i may miss not buying the stronger motor in 1998+ models. Five speed is nice too. Auto trans is fine. I dont want a manual for my second car. I just need to TEST DRIVE!!

Like you said, the price difference is significant too.
I could always buy the '92 and add a spoiler and a small supercharger down the road. Did anyone key on the Ebay car i showed a link? I love it in red. Pearl too!

I am going to test drive both versions locally. I guess that will be a wise thing to do.
Then I start making offers!! WISH ME LUCK!

\The first thing I would do is delete the second cat and put in an after market exhaust. I liked a few...
Recommend? I dont know....
I want inexpensive headers. Any Taiwanese headers on EBAY for the SC400?
I am going to start looking.

1) Tanabe
2) HPF
http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/perf...xhaust_Systems
3) Megan Racing

Then i want good looking but very EFFECTIVE ground effects. I am a firm believer in ground effects. I have a small package on my M that works wonders!!
I could use some advice here for the SC. Thanks.
http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/m...8-p-71143.html

I included some shots of my M3. i would not go so crazy with the SC400, but certainly I would take some styling cues from my M project.
I would try to keep the Lexus sense of elegance with out too much Boi Racer on it.

But I think a few subtle ground effects and a nicer than stock rear wing would be in order. Drilled rotors and painted calipers. My BREMBOS alone on my M cost a staggering amount...more than the SC400's I am looking to purchase! LOL. So the Lexus calipers get PAINT.

I am quite excited about the Lexus even though it is an much much slower car. I have a feeling that with a few tweaks I will just love it.
Heck I HATED my stock M3 until after about 3 months of adding Mods!! No kidding. I just have to make a car "mine" first if you know what i mean...

\I hope no one is offended by me posting BMW pix, but i will possibly be buying a red SC400 and using some of the same M3 project styling cues.

NOTE!!!!: THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS ARE ONLY ABOUT 90 SOME MEGABYTES. IF THIS IS STILL TOO MUCH I CAN RESIZE THEM EVEN SMALLER. I DONT WANT TO JAM ANYONE UP ON PAGE LOADING TIMES. JUST LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED THEM SMALLER.

BostonSC4

iTrader: (2)

beautiful BMW. i have a 93 sc400...and the power got me in trouble already once...so lets just say its sufficient for a daily driver. plus the sound is music of the v8.

Hil

iTrader: (61)

Sweet M3! 75k sounds good, but I recommend getting a 99 or 00 SC400. I've had a 92, 97, and now a 99 and I love it the most by far

scENFORCER

Yea I've had a '92 '95 and now a '99. The previous two dont compare to the '99. The vvt-i just gives it the little more push that actually makes me feel like I'm driving a head-turner. I've been complimented on it at Red lights and gas stations, that makes me feel awesome haha..

I've heard here and there that the 98+ aren't as reliable, but I have yet to see any problems (although I guess I've only had it for a few months).

LXLUTHR

iTrader: (21)

98'-00' SC400

Neil4Speed

I have had a 92 test driven a 96 and own a 98, and what scENFORCER is saying is exactly the truth (other than the reliability bit which I havn't heard anything about lol )

Try to go for a 98-99 if you can, you won't regret the decision, having the extra power and the 97+ look is awesome.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

Nice M3! I would go with the 98+ SC400 for the extra power and the newer look. I test drove a 93 SC400 once and while it was somewhat quick, my old V6 Chrysler was faster.

bcsc400

iTrader: (1)

What they said.
I owned a 92 for one month then found a 99 with 50,000 miles.

1JZPWRD

iTrader: (59)

What a choice? I love the BMW E46 M3.. I have said it yet again. My 92 SC is my daily driver, it has alot of potential, but I was more for looks and not alot of go. I just straight piped mine, kept the factory mufflers, built a BFI, tuned the transmission shift point, and a boat load of maintence. Good luck with what you decide and keep us informed on the pictures.

sc4demon

iTrader: (2)

yeah i just got my 98 sc400 last june nd i love it i wouldn't trade it for any other car except a manual sc300 or a supra...try to go for a 98+ b/c the vvti really helps since i've had it the only problems i have are the lower control arm bushings which are worn out other than that this car is a great dd...but the 92 looks pretty clean