tenshu2k

Hey All,

I'm thinking of buying my first SC. I'm moving to the city, and won't be bringing my other ride. Hoping to spend ~ 5-7k.

What should I look out for, and what are the best model years? I'm indifferent to a 300/400 (400 obviously preferred, but if reliability is a concern I can go for a 300).

Also, any advice on where to pick one up? I've searched craigslist, and people are either asking 50% above KBB values, or the cars look like this: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/2352368934.html

Mike552

Welcome.
Why do you "obviously prefer" a SC400 over the 300? Is it the extra little luxuries? Traction control? I'm asking because you may want to get into a SC300 instead since it has many more aftermarket bolt-ons. I drive a SC400 but that is mainly because it is a daily driver for 6 months out of the year. I like smooth power and low end torque. I'm not looking to put down 500hp+ like some of the JZ guys around here. I'm currently drafting up an Eaton M90 supercharger setup for my UZ but we're talking small potatoes (an extra 60-70hp?) compared to the potential power of a JZ+Turbo.

One HoT

iTrader: (5)

If your looking for a good cruiser that your not modding then go for a 98+ SC400. They are smooth as butter and looks great with the new body style!

ScBouncE

Both SC's have Traction Control as an option, If your looking to just get into the car an dont plan to do any modifications, your best bet would be an 98+ SC400 as One Hot mentioned but itll cost you roughly a G or more for one that year. But if you plan to go turbo mods and extreme horsepower gains, a 300 would be more suitable as it has alot more potential. Gas mileage is about the same with the 400 maybe even getting better fuel mileage believe it or not. Body style as features are all the same between 400's an 300's of the same year. Go for the 400 bro. you wont be disappointed

CrazySC300

iTrader: (16)

I'd go for a 98+ model as well...But if you're looking for something a bit cheaper, Get a '95-'97 year model especially since '97 was the last year a 5 sp was offered in the SC300.

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

For 5-7 k you shoukld be able to get a pretty good sc with decent to low mileage--especially if your going to pay 7 k for it.

Im not sure about the pricing in the states but here anything 98-00 is extremely expensive ussually.

I would say pay the little extra for lower mileage.

Im also a fan of the sc400's but as someone stated earlier the sc300 have much more options for modifications.

Try not to buy anything with any modifications to the engine bay or anything performance orientated, if the car looks like it was driven aggresively dont bother with it.

Good luck

soarer93

what to look for?

Door trims will have cracks usually at bottom.
Also by side windows where the heat duct is on door above door handle.
You will most likely find cracked vents, many seem to be the centre 2.

You will find some with a sub built in the back parcel shelf, others wont have it, some with a cd changer in trunk, others wont. (assuming you can still find a nice sc with factory radio's)
Some with have a butterfly cupholder in the centre console by radio, some will not (they can be expensive to find especially in your interior colour)
As mentioned, some with Traction control, some with heated seats, few with LSD's.

Control arm bushings are usually shot after 60k miles, and who knows if the owner has replaced them yet.
the sc400 transmission requires toyota fluid not atf. so ask the owner if you can, what has been put in, or where the car has been serviced, if not a actual place that knows these cars.. then id personally stay away as owner cheaped out.

i have no idea what year it changes but the newer models have the fog lights, the earlier models have aux turning lamps. (they light up the side of the road and a bit infront when your turn signal is on.. I like those much more than fog lights)

Theres so many different options, but hope that gives you an idea.

If i wanted another soarer as a daily driver, i would be getting a sc/soarer with the 4L, but thats me.

Tabaka

iTrader: (8)

Check the timing belt date and mileage. The materials and labor can be quite expensive. Control arm bushings are usually toast as no one really replaces them. Unless you can DIY, that will be an expensive day as well. Start the car at a cold start in the morning. Check for heavy smoke out the back exhaust. If the seller already has the car warmed up, wait an hour for it too cool down completely then start it back up. Check for heavy studders, throttle hesitation, etc.

suislide

Get anything from 95 up and you're good. Preferrably 97-00 of course

ScAmor

"Obviously Sc400"!

tenshu2k

The 98+ now looks tempting. It is just hard to find a 400. Even the 300s (with well over 100k miles) are going for $10k+ wow.

OKSTANCE

sell you my 92 for 3500 =]

V8drummer

iTrader: (5)

I may be selling my Sc400 soon, but I'm in Washington.

ashtray

iTrader: (12)

If you get a 300, and think you may want to ever turbo it, get one thats OBDI so as to prolong the need for total stand alone. If you get a 400, you'll have fun with an intake, exhaust, safc and maybe even some port and polishing or even cams...but dont think you'll turbo it or supercharge it without some big bucks. With the 400 you can also do a 5spd swap and theres even a kit these days. Goodluck with whatever you decide, I'm sure for 5-7k you'll find a very good car. Both are extremely reliable.

ASTERiSK

I suggest getting the newest SC you can get since it will most likely be in better condition, and take that black interior to consideration too. You'll probably be swapping out headlights, taillights, bumpers, side skirts, etc. Having a good condition SC is nice to have since you'll have less work to do on it