Buying an SC400, Advice?
03-10-02, 10:38 PM
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Buying an SC400, Advice?
Hi all,
Newbie here. Just sold my 1994 MKIV TT supra and getting something a bit more laid back, a SC400.
I have about 16k to spend.
What's the major model years? It seems that 95 went through a restyling. Is there any reason I should stay away from 92-94 models?
Also, I notice that the timing belt change is at 90k miles. About how much is this through a dealer? (or if anyone knows a good shop in SF, CA).
Any buying advice very much appreciated!
Thanks,
Sasha Pave (sp2@setthemfree.com)
Newbie here. Just sold my 1994 MKIV TT supra and getting something a bit more laid back, a SC400.
I have about 16k to spend.
What's the major model years? It seems that 95 went through a restyling. Is there any reason I should stay away from 92-94 models?
Also, I notice that the timing belt change is at 90k miles. About how much is this through a dealer? (or if anyone knows a good shop in SF, CA).
Any buying advice very much appreciated!
Thanks,
Sasha Pave (sp2@setthemfree.com)
03-10-02, 11:09 PM
#2
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Welcome to the club sashapave!
This is how I understand the model changes... Correct me if I'm wrong and add anything I missed....
92-94 had the solid colored tail lights (orange on top of red), and the 250hp 4.0L engine with 4-speed auto
95-96 had a clear lens over the tail light and the lights were slightly rearranged, and a 260hp 4.0L engine
97 had the chrome trimmed tail lights, raised spoiler, and a front grille.
98 had 290hp 4.4L engine and gated shifter with 5-speed auto tranny, redesigned instrument cluster, and snow ect mode.
I think consensus was that the timing belt doesn't HAVE to be changed at 90,000 miles because it has proven to last beyond 120,000 miles and there is little chance of engine damage if it does happen to break on you.
There's no disadvantage of having a pre-95 except for higher mileage and minus 10 engine hp, but high mileage doesn't affect this car as it would a lesser car.
This is how I understand the model changes... Correct me if I'm wrong and add anything I missed....92-94 had the solid colored tail lights (orange on top of red), and the 250hp 4.0L engine with 4-speed auto
95-96 had a clear lens over the tail light and the lights were slightly rearranged, and a 260hp 4.0L engine
97 had the chrome trimmed tail lights, raised spoiler, and a front grille.
98 had 290hp 4.4L engine and gated shifter with 5-speed auto tranny, redesigned instrument cluster, and snow ect mode.
I think consensus was that the timing belt doesn't HAVE to be changed at 90,000 miles because it has proven to last beyond 120,000 miles and there is little chance of engine damage if it does happen to break on you.
There's no disadvantage of having a pre-95 except for higher mileage and minus 10 engine hp, but high mileage doesn't affect this car as it would a lesser car.
Last edited by lex400sc; 03-10-02 at 11:16 PM.
03-11-02, 09:46 AM
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The 98-00 engine was still a 4.0l, it just got VVT-i.
The 94 and up cars have R-134a instead of R-12.
The '95 still had the old 250hp engine. '96 & '97 had the 260 because of revisions for OBDII.
The 94 and up cars have R-134a instead of R-12.
The '95 still had the old 250hp engine. '96 & '97 had the 260 because of revisions for OBDII.
03-11-02, 09:58 AM
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Re: Buying an SC400, Advice?
Originally posted by sashapave
Just sold my 1994 MKIV TT supra and getting something a bit more laid back, a SC400.
Just sold my 1994 MKIV TT supra and getting something a bit more laid back, a SC400.
Just curious why you'd sell it... ?
03-11-02, 06:41 PM
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Buying an SC400, Advice?
Thanks for the advice and info all!
It looks like I can't really go wrong with any of the model years.
I sold the TT because the city (SF) was slowly destroying it (I don't have a garage) and it really beat you up driving over the screwed up streets here. It was a black '94 auto (wish it were a 6) and it sold for $19k with 75k mi. stock with a cat-bak and cool air.
It was fun because nobody would be willing to race you off the line. people knew better Now if only the TT was lighter, it would really be a contender.
-Sasha
It looks like I can't really go wrong with any of the model years.
I sold the TT because the city (SF) was slowly destroying it (I don't have a garage) and it really beat you up driving over the screwed up streets here. It was a black '94 auto (wish it were a 6) and it sold for $19k with 75k mi. stock with a cat-bak and cool air.
It was fun because nobody would be willing to race you off the line. people knew better
Now if only the TT was lighter, it would really be a contender.-Sasha
03-11-02, 08:15 PM
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Supra TT is a world-class sports car. The 6spd is a world apart from the auto...
...and at BPU levels oh man... Only stock non-$$$ car that will beat it is a Z06.
I can see why you'd sell it if you were in SF. Those hills and roads...
Good luck with the SC hunt.
...and at BPU levels oh man... Only stock non-$$$ car that will beat it is a Z06.
I can see why you'd sell it if you were in SF. Those hills and roads...
Good luck with the SC hunt.
03-11-02, 09:29 PM
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lex400,
Hold on there
not all 92-94 SC4s are worn out with high mileage. My 92 Garnet SC4 has 75k and looks showroom to this day...clean cars are still out there and some have extreme low mileage as well. There is a 92 with 45k f/s in our sections right now...its beige ;(
IMHO the 92 is the first and best looking year....92-94 are next...then the 98 with the 290hp engine.
Sasha,
I had a 94TT as well....sold it when we moved to the mountains. I still have a couple other Supras....one with 500hp. But, love to drive the SC4 every day for the comfort and style. Cool car...if I need speed...out come the Supras. Find a well kept SC4 and you will love it. Oh, I lived on Fillmore in the Heights about 10 years ago...I know how the city beats up the cars.
Hold on there
not all 92-94 SC4s are worn out with high mileage. My 92 Garnet SC4 has 75k and looks showroom to this day...clean cars are still out there and some have extreme low mileage as well. There is a 92 with 45k f/s in our sections right now...its beige ;( IMHO the 92 is the first and best looking year....92-94 are next...then the 98 with the 290hp engine.
Sasha,
I had a 94TT as well....sold it when we moved to the mountains. I still have a couple other Supras....one with 500hp. But, love to drive the SC4 every day for the comfort and style. Cool car...if I need speed...out come the Supras.
Find a well kept SC4 and you will love it. Oh, I lived on Fillmore in the Heights about 10 years ago...I know how the city beats up the cars.
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03-11-02, 10:26 PM
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ToyLexmods,
I didn't say they'd be worn out, I said the only disadavantage to the older models is that it will have higher mileage relative to newer ones (which is basically no disavdantage at all). If you can find a '92 with 45,000 miles, it's probably a treasure! Most likely means the guy that owned it last probably had 15 cars to play with and didn't use it all that much.
I didn't say they'd be worn out, I said the only disadavantage to the older models is that it will have higher mileage relative to newer ones (which is basically no disavdantage at all). If you can find a '92 with 45,000 miles, it's probably a treasure! Most likely means the guy that owned it last probably had 15 cars to play with and didn't use it all that much.
03-11-02, 10:50 PM
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Buying an SC400, Advice?
Sometimes I feel the streets are better in Mexico City than in SF! No wonder there are so many SUVs out here.
So the prices seem to be all over the place. I just test drove a 92 at a dealer who is asking 16k! It's nice, spotless with 72k mi. But please, I told the guy to stop kidding around and take 12k for it.
I might have to venture down to LA to find one. I think what's holding me back is my color pref:
1. Black
2. Drk. Blue
then for interior:
1. Black
2. Gray
3. Tan
Ideally I'd like to find a double-black 95 with ~100k mi. for $15k. Am I smoking dope?
The hunt continues. Any leads appreciated!
-Sasha
So the prices seem to be all over the place. I just test drove a 92 at a dealer who is asking 16k! It's nice, spotless with 72k mi. But please, I told the guy to stop kidding around and take 12k for it.
I might have to venture down to LA to find one. I think what's holding me back is my color pref:
1. Black
2. Drk. Blue
then for interior:
1. Black
2. Gray
3. Tan
Ideally I'd like to find a double-black 95 with ~100k mi. for $15k. Am I smoking dope?
The hunt continues. Any leads appreciated!
-Sasha
03-11-02, 11:27 PM
#10
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I'm from the Bay Area too and all the dealers here ask an arm and a leg for SCs. I sometimes check up on prices to make sure I got a good deal---been to Serramonte, Concord, and Pleasanton dealerships. Diablo Dealer and Auto Trader (cheaper than dealerships) are still very pricey. Try buying one off e-bay, CL classifieds, or private party. If you don't mind them, you could always try salvage titles too.
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