New '97 SC400
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Pit Crew
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 182
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From: BC
New '97 SC400
Just arrived...'97 SC400 with only 28,266 miles! I was actually looking for a low mileage '98 or '99 but couldn't pass this one up after seeing its condition. It was garage kept, never driven in the rain or snow, one owner, etc. The previous owner is a great guy who took impeccable care of the car. I'm really enjoying the "new" car look and feel, particulary since my other SC400 has 188,443 miles (even though it's in great shape), what a difference! I love these cars and this one took a bit to get home since it came from Vermont and is now in Vancouver, Canada.
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Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 182
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From: BC
Thanks all!
95 Integra - as far as I can determine from the Lexus dealership, it isn't uncommon for the white skirting to discolour a bit (paint aged differently on the metal vs fibreglass). I' ve also seen that on many other white SC's.
604_Coast - I'll include some info here but if you want further details, PM me and I'll gladly help you out. You definitely need to check out the following sites so I won't cover all the info provided in them:
www.riv.ca
www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/impusae.htm
A Few Tips:
1. Check the list of admissible vehicles (the 2000 SC400 is not admissible, the other years are)
2. Recalls will need to be dealt with and a letter to that effect received from Lexus. The '97 has a recall related to the magnetic switch in the starter motor.
3. You'll need to obtain a "binder of insurance" from ICBC in order to drive it from the US destination to your home.
4. You'll also need a permit to operate the vehicle while in Washington (~$8/day)
5. You'll need a similar permit from an insurance agent in Canada when you enter (~$8/day). This is not the same as the "binder of insurance".
6. Daytime running lights are required, which can be done after you import it. All the SC400's prior to 1999 do not have that feature (as far as I'm aware).
95 Integra - as far as I can determine from the Lexus dealership, it isn't uncommon for the white skirting to discolour a bit (paint aged differently on the metal vs fibreglass). I' ve also seen that on many other white SC's.
604_Coast - I'll include some info here but if you want further details, PM me and I'll gladly help you out. You definitely need to check out the following sites so I won't cover all the info provided in them:
www.riv.ca
www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/importation/impusae.htm
A Few Tips:
1. Check the list of admissible vehicles (the 2000 SC400 is not admissible, the other years are)
2. Recalls will need to be dealt with and a letter to that effect received from Lexus. The '97 has a recall related to the magnetic switch in the starter motor.
3. You'll need to obtain a "binder of insurance" from ICBC in order to drive it from the US destination to your home.
4. You'll also need a permit to operate the vehicle while in Washington (~$8/day)
5. You'll need a similar permit from an insurance agent in Canada when you enter (~$8/day). This is not the same as the "binder of insurance".
6. Daytime running lights are required, which can be done after you import it. All the SC400's prior to 1999 do not have that feature (as far as I'm aware).
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From: Texas
Originally Posted by JLSC
Just arrived...'97 SC400 with only 28,266 miles! I was actually looking for a low mileage '98 or '99 but couldn't pass this one up after seeing its condition. It was garage kept, never driven in the rain or snow, one owner, etc. The previous owner is a great guy who took impeccable care of the car. I'm really enjoying the "new" car look and feel, particulary since my other SC400 has 188,443 miles (even though it's in great shape), what a difference! I love these cars and this one took a bit to get home since it came from Vermont and is now in Vancouver, Canada.
I could be wrong but don't think I am.
Very nice car though! great find!
here is a picture of a 99 to compair color
Last edited by IronCobra; Jul 16, 2006 at 12:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 182
Likes: 16
From: BC
I found it on cars.com and I see that a several days ago a '99 with about 28K miles was just listed (Lexus of Tampa Bay)....I'll probably inquire about that car.
Thanks IronCoba for the pic. Since it will bug me to leave it like that for too long I'm going to get an estimate from a local body shop for painting the skirts and go from there.
Price. $19K. More than Kelley Blue Book, Less than NADA. By comparison, a '97 SC400 in Vancouver with approximately the same mileage recently sold for a little over $27K US. Price is one of the main reasons that Canadians are importing higher end cars from the US.
Thanks IronCoba for the pic. Since it will bug me to leave it like that for too long I'm going to get an estimate from a local body shop for painting the skirts and go from there.
Price. $19K. More than Kelley Blue Book, Less than NADA. By comparison, a '97 SC400 in Vancouver with approximately the same mileage recently sold for a little over $27K US. Price is one of the main reasons that Canadians are importing higher end cars from the US.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: May 2005
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From: florida
Originally Posted by IronCobra
Actually it apears this car has been repainted or the sideskirts are from a 98+. I believe the 98+ was a pearl white (the color of your sideskirts)..
I could be wrong but don't think I am.
Very nice car though! great find!
here is a picture of a 99 to compair color
I could be wrong but don't think I am.
Very nice car though! great find!
here is a picture of a 99 to compair color