OK everyone . . . noob here, but I've searched every way I know and learned a lot, but I have a specific question for a specific situation. I used to have a '92 SC400 that I wish I had never given up. Been shopping for another SC. I'm an old guy - 57 and the car's primary use will be cruising for pleasure or commuting 75 miles a day. I'm down to 2 SCs. One is a '97 SC400 with 65K miles, beautiful condition inside and out, virtually immaculate, good records, carfax, etc. for $12.5K. Other car is 2000 SC300, 51K miles, fanatic original owner, synth oil changes every 3K mi, and this car to all appearances is new . . . looks inside/out like it rolled off the floor yesterday. Bone stock except for 17" GS wheels and new tires. $14.5K. Both are 4sp autos, the SC300 has the VVT-1 heads. I don't care about the modability, I do care to have decent acceleration, nice quiet cruise and long term reliability. If I want more acceleration than the six has, I know how to add the turbo properly. I doubt that I will, but if I want to I know how.

Not telling you colors cause I like both so it aint' relevant. What do you think?

 

Ur in cali? There is one on craigslist (2000 SC300) Going for $4000 i think. Its salvage title tho but looks very clean.... But if you have the $$$ and willing to pay over $12K, go for it. Just do your research about the car and ask the sellers everything you need and should know about its current condition.

 

Thanks, have done so, and have talked to both owners so much I might get invited to Xmas dinner . . . but which car? 400 or 300?

 

Well as for me, I really wanted to get an SC300 as I wanted to do tons of mods. SC400 there are very little you could do and parts are very hard to find. If this is strictly for pleasure, I'd get an SC400. I got an SC400 because I got a decent deal and clean. I'll probably get another (SC300) later.

 

Bump, anyone?

 

I would go with the 300..You never know if you might get the mod bug in the future..

 

I'd go SC400, but if you wanna mod it (a lot) then go 300.

 

400 if you are not planning on modding and just want a nice powerful cruiser, especially if you had a 400 in the past and are looking to get that "old car" feeling back.
Have you test drove both of these cars? You know what a 400 feels like, but maybe you should go test drive the 300 before you drive yourself nuts.
Good Luck with your decision...

 

Get the SC400. 'Nuff said.

 

sounds like the SC400 would be a perfect fit for you

 

If you want quiet and smooth cruiser get 400 as it has plenty of power for everyday driving. If you want to go fast and you have money to get it there then get 300.

 

Id probably go with the '00 SC300. A '99 or '00 SC4 would probably be your best bet since the 400 really benefits from the VVT-i, but you still get the nice steering wheel, gated shifter, etc from the newer 300. The 92-97 SC4's are pretty tame stock so I dont think you'll feel especially cheated power-wise. Like you said, you can always turbo the SC3 if need be.

 

Neither if you want a stock power get a 98-00 SC400. With a simple s&s header / full exhaust that car will hold its own against newer cars.

 

kln552, I would go with the 2000 SC300, has the current up grades offered on the Sc.

 

Eh, its a toss up. The 300 is tried, true, proven and abused by several thousand every single day. The 400 is more of a maintenance ***** than the 300 is. I'd go 300 due to vvti. More hp than a non vvti and better fuel economy.