SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

I'm In a pickle, I found two cars that I kind of want a 99 sc400 and a 98 sc300. Both black on tan interior and in beautiful condition,

Sc300 has 200k and the sc400 wasn't specified, 300 is going for 3500 and the 400 at 4500. Since I'm only looking for the vvti models I kind of told myself might as well look for a 98+ sc400 because of the added Hp, gated shifter, OEM 97+ kit (I would have spent another 2k if I bought 97 aero and paint on top of the price of another pre 97 minus the vvti and gated shifter)

I guess what I'm really asking is would the 99 sc400 be worth the extra cash? I still want to keep some left over insurance money for maintenance work, PBM's and wheels, and save for rainy days. But I also want to save on the long run.
Like I said if I picked up a pre 97 I would still need to buy gated shifter, 97 aero minus skirts, paint, just go get it even close to white I want, but it will still not have VVTI and still deal with the old car problems that is reduced when buying a newer model


I think wanting coils and wheels is blinding me,

JesLet

iTrader: (19)

SC300 and NA-T it. Fun.

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

Stahhppp I still don't know much about turbo set ups yet, I want 1jz lol

JesLet

iTrader: (19)

Have you heard of the phrase " 2JZno$hiet "

And yeah, overnight the parts from Japan.

187

Either one has good potential, really depends what you want long term.

400- good daily, not easy to make more power, not as easy to manual swap, nice v8 rumble

300- great for boosting, manual swaping, a 1jz swap would be easier

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

Right now I'm not looking for performance yet, just a nice daily driver that I can mod and not have to worry about, if I were to do a swap I'd do it with an older chassis, and as much as 2js are cool I like how 1js sound better, but again a swap isn't in my budget ATM, plus I'm still reading up on set ups.

gtsfire

iTrader: (4)

I've had a 98 SC300 before and two non-vvti SC400's. Something to consider is maintenance. To me the 300 was cheaper to keep than a 400. Do NOT let gas mileage be a factor in your decision as both are very close.
I still prefer a V8 though. High mileage not bad for either one as long as they were maintained. In fact, run the VIN's through Lexus.com and you can see their dealer maintenance history.

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

I want the stock power from the 400, because I don't feel the need for all the power from a 2jz GTE or 1jz yet, I'm more than happy with my 93 sc400 hoping the 5 speed makes a difference with the vvti v8. I'll ask for the vins when I get my Insurance money! It's been a moth and I still haven't gotten anything

Maserati

iTrader: (1)

99 400!!!!!!!! I have one, the power on it compare to a stock 300 is crazy, My motor has no leaks other than the ps steering pump. Only thing that broke for me was my diff (due to last owner negligence) It you don't want to boost, 400, if down the road you want boost 300. plain as that. and plus it''s in your sig 99 400 . Since i got my car everyone kept asking me when am i doing wheels/ drop. I brushed them off and im doing my maintenance, making sure my car run good before any "visual" things. I'm getting wheels soon, but might put that off to do my timing belt. My car was well maintained it even has newer steering rack bushings! So before you get the mod bug. get the fix car bug first lol.

scENFORCER

I've owned 2 '99's and they've been by far the best car I've ever had. One was stock and now I have a nicely modded one that can keep up with the best of them.
I've also had a '92 and '95 SC400 and the difference between the newer vvt-i models is night and day. It doesnt at all feel like the same car. More refined, and the 5spd transmission with the extra hp is a HUGE difference. If you dont have the money to mod right now go with the 400 and you'll be more than happy with the stock power. And if you do some research, there is a few nice mods you can do to the vvt-i V8 that really gives it even more power to put a smile on your face

IMO I dont see a need/reason for vvt-i SC300's. Theyre slow, and if youre thinking of boosting or doing a swap then you'd be looking at a pre vvt-i model anyways. I cant picutre someone saying "the vvt-i SC400 has too much power, I think I'll go 300"

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

exactly my reasoning for spending the extra cash for the 99 sc400, it was pointless to get the 98 sc300, since even though it has vvt-i its still not gaining any hp, I think ill just wait a while before mods and wheels. I mean I would still be coming up.
price breakdown of pre 97:

92-96 SC: 2k
97+ aero 1k
paint 1-1500
gated shifter $100+
Still not vvti plus older car and more maintenance to catch up on.

all that is already 4500...

I save time and gain vvti and less headaches with a 99 sc400 and also get the rarity of it. I think I will just hold off on mods and buy the 99 sc400 as soon as i get the insurance check.

so is 4500 a good price for a pretty clean and mint 99 sc400? I still don't know the mileage of the vehicle though, i do not want to ask until i actually have the money for the car.

scENFORCER

$4500 seems like it would be a good price for that typa car, but its really impossile to say without knowing mileage, condition, knowing the history, or at least seeing any pics.

ASTERiSK

I would totally get the SC400, its just overall a better daily. I mean sure there isn't much room for improvement as you would with a SC300, but it's nice to know that you got the best year and package of the model

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

hes asking 4500 firm, but i have a feeling i can show up with 4 cash hell budge, plus thsoe arent the wheels it came with if i recall.

SC4Paulo

iTrader: (2)

i grew onto this chassis, I used to think these cars were the ugliest cars stock, haha, I almost gave up on this chassis to but nah, i still want to build a dope, stupid low, static and fitted SC, maybe get it side ways occasionally but not too often, ill buy a 97 for that.

97, 5 speed, 1j swap, welded diff, etc....