LexywannaB

Hey everyone,
Got a full ride to college, the folks promised me a car if this happend, and I have chosen a SC300 (mom won't let me go for the V8 SC400).
My question is this: Would it be better to go with a higher year SC300, or one with less miles? I have to get below $13,500 or so.
Also, what are some of the key advancements between the years?
If anyone wants to know what I'm looking for its a SC300 with less than 100,000 miles, keyless entry, and tan interior. Planning to sell the rims and pick up some stock 17s from a different model Lexus off Ebay.

Unashamed,
Tripp

joshthorsc

Hmmm...high milage or low milage? It all depends on how well the car has been maintained. I bought my 92sc400 at 151k and it rides smoother and quieter than my mom's new Toyota Sequoia SUV. Most people here will probably tell you to go for the 97+ because of the slight exterior change and I'd agree with them. I think the 97+ looks better than the 92-96 sc's. When I save enough money, I'm thinking about doing the 97+ conversion.

My vote...97+

joshthorsc

If you can, ask and beg your mom for the sc400. From reading around in this forum, it seems that the V8 last longer than the 6 cylinder. I have 161k right now and the car still amazes me everyday I drive it. My friend has a 95 supra(same engine in the sc300) and his car sounds really crappy. He does all his maintenance on time and babies the car, never been raced(original owner) and have like 110k on the car. Then again, I'm not sure if it's fair to compare a supra to an sc. But try to ask for a sc400 if you can or take your mom along and test drive both of them if you can. Maybe you might be able to change her mind.

If you want 17's, try to take a look at the Gs400/430's rims. They look similiar to the Is300 rims but are wider (17x8). The IS300 wheels are 17x7.

Good Luck!! Whichever car you decide to get, you'll be rewarded!!

LexywannaB

What if I found a 92, with say 66,000 miles? I mean, if you see a car with so few miles that is 12 years old, it has got to be well taken care of...right? Does the 92 come with keyless entry?

Thanks for the wheel recommendation! I definitely like look of wider tires/wheels better. Do the GS wheels only come in chrome? My personal preference is against chrome, just not a huge fan (more weight, more difficult to keep clean). If not, then I may have to go with the IS non chrome wheels.

Thanks again!
Unashamed,
Tripp

Camshaft

The 3.0L is a smoother, more efficient engine with many more parts avaliable. I am getting from 400-420 a tank, and tops was 450. If I was going to do it all over again, I would get a newer model year. Reasons? Newer years like 95-96 had R-134a refrigerant. Retrofits just do not cool as much as original equipment. Also, a 95 has a larger tunnel for the transmission. If you have ever swapped one out, you will know that a larger working area is a Godsend. Take into account the newer models also have the additional airbag. I would spring for a 97 plus for the fresher body look. 92s didn't have the ac filter as well. Little things like that, as well as the slight improvements over the years add up. I have been seriously considering a different year just for those reasons. Also, the newer year models like a 97 had better leather and a cool three spoke steering wheel.

LexywannaB

I remember looking at the SC400 improvement page by year @ either Lexus.com or @ intellexual...there were several in between each year (which added up) and I figured it would be the same with a SC300.
The larger transmission bay is important...although I don't think I would want to go manual, a nicer automatic may be a future possibility.
2 quick questions pertaining to the 97+ body: How much is a kit to do the upgrade on say a 95? and is there a link where I can see a side by side comparison of a 92-96 vs. a 97+?

Thanks in advance!
Unashamed,
Tripp

abboushi

the SC400 lasts longer its faster and more reliable same gas mileage roughly. and keyless entry didn't come till 95+ (so go aftermarket, its better than OEM). true the SC300 has more mods because its the same 2jz engine as Supra NA but go 400 and mileage means nothing if maintained properly and staying under 13,500 you can prolly pick up a 95-96 sc400 for around the price range.

EUROJulian

Milage has no meaning and year has no meaning. Condition is everything.

Go for overall condition of the vehicle, how well was taken care of, maintenance record, check for body repairs. Do not buy from any freaks, go for first owner preferably old fart.

If it has rims, do not buy it, if has any speed mods, do not buy it for sure....

AaronE

Not true. ALL SCs have keyless entry. The later models just have a key fob (with trunk release) instead of the button in the key (that only opens doors).

Hermosa

Go for how clean the car is. Making your car look clean costs big buck$. The power train is pretty bulletproof. Maintenance can always take care of that. Now cleaning up paint, steering wheel, dents, leather, misc trim, misc anything adds up to more than what you paid for the car real quick.

Condition condition condition