$l1ckr4y

Hello guys,
this is my first post ever in this forum, so if i ask some stupid Q's please pardon me. Anyways I've been looking around this forum for a couple weeks now since im in the market to get a SC400. However, I need a few pointer from you guys of the important things to inspect when buying this car? I do mind about the exterior condition of the car but the engine is what really important to me. You see, im gonna use this car for my DD. I preferred to get a '98+ SC400 with the nice V8 290hp. Also, after looking around on the internet, i had found 2 SCs that I wanted, however the other one is a '97 (103k miles $9950) and its within the same price range as the '98 (130k miles $9995). So my 2nd Q's are; do you guys think its worth it to loose that extra 30 hp by getting the '97 and does the power really noticeable between the two version..?? I like the '98 but '97 has fewer miles but also has fewer HP. I know that these SCs can go for 200k - 250k w/out any problems, however I kinda like my #'s low. Last question, I promise...well maybe ...I'm 5'11" 200lbs kinda guy, do you think i would seat comfortably in there..?? Please guys let me know what you think about this issue.

thanks ahead,
Ray

IS_Sunny

iTrader: (1)

<- 6'3 235lbs formerly 260lbs and I fit with no problems

Dx3

iTrader: (13)

The 98 has more than just a HP difference. You should do some research. Gated shifter for instance...

I would aim for the 98 with the higher mileage and try and bargain down using the 97 as your bargaining tool.

Jonny

$l1ckr4y

yea i do aware about the gated shifter, but im concern more on the stock performance of the engine. i was searching on the forum, but i cant find what is burl gated shifter really works for..?? thanks for the bargaining tool tips.

-Ray

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

and isn't 98+ has 5 spd autotrans?
I would shoot for 98+ 400 even it is more miles and more expensive to acquire.

Dx3

iTrader: (13)

Ray,

You are welcome. As for the gated shifter - it is a cosmetic upgrade over the ugly 92-97 "dildomatic" shifter that everyone hates. It really makes the SC look a lot more modern and classy IMO.

Jonny

habitat

Those two prices are very similar, I would go for the 98 the extra power and 5 speed transmission is worth the extra money.
Check out this pageWiki - Lexus SC for a nice rundown of features added throughout its production.

ScottURnot

iTrader: (33)

I would do the 98, Thats a good price. Gated shifter is cool, also 5 speed is better. 30 more HP cant hurt.

Blizzy

iTrader: (-1)

The 5spd auto will squeek out a few more mpg, and the 30hp will be obvious. I would favor the 98 for its more impressive factory resume.

From a practicality standpoint, so long as each were well maintained, you can not go wrong with either. The SC400 is a freakishly reliable vehicle at high mileage.

I am 6'3", and I fit in the SC nicely. At 5'11", you will have NO troubles. The adjustments in the seat and steering wheel yield endless personal fitment possibilities.

$l1ckr4y

That's it '98 it is! But with 130k miles on the clock what do you guys think i need to visually check under the hood besides a test drive? I've been looking for for SCs for about a month now, its kinda weird b'cos i haven't come across with any 2000 Sc400 for sale yet, i like their 3 spoke steering wheel style. Or does that option available in any early production SCs..?? Sorry if I stressed out on the cockpit space, because i've been driving in a 2 seater car for almost 5yrs now and i desperately need the extra space. One more thing, do you guys think that the price is fair or can I haggle it down a bit?

-Ray

RedPhoenix

iTrader: (10)

130k + 1uzfe = Virgin


Its got another 200-300k to go.

bigmalik00

I am bigger than that... you will be fine ...

Dx3

iTrader: (13)

NO - only the 98+ has the 3-spoke steering wheel.

Make sure the power steering pump isn't leaking onto the alternator. Make sure your LCA bushings are ok and the car doesn't clunk going over bumps.

Make sure the needles aren't burned out on the gauge cluster.

To name a few

SClean4

I bought my '95 with around 130k, too, and had to spend a lot on maintenance ($1850) because the timing belt, etc. hadn't been changed yet so hopefully the '98 you're looking at has had maintenance done to it already or someone could be trying to sell it to avoid having to pay for maintenance, etc. again.

I would definitely do a '98+. I believe I have read that there were only 2000 of the 2000 SCs produced so that might be the reason you haven't seen any 2000s. If I'm wrong, correct me and I will edit this.

Luke_in_SD

Is this the 98 you are looking at?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=96

I did a search on autotrader and that is the only 98 for sale in a 300 mile radias!!!

98+ 400's are rare, but that particular I've in autotrader since august/ septemeber when I bought my car