Best model year to purchase??
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: AZ
Best model year to purchase??
As u can see by my name i dont have a sc yet.. im saving up right now for one... so in about 6 mo i will change my screen name 
My question is what model year do you reccomend and what are some pros and cons of each year.. im looking at a 95 or 96 but have no objections to older years assuming they are in good condition... so enlighten me with your wisdom..
Adam
My question is what model year do you reccomend and what are some pros and cons of each year.. im looking at a 95 or 96 but have no objections to older years assuming they are in good condition... so enlighten me with your wisdom..
Adam
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,387
Likes: 1
From: bat country
'96 - slight power boost with obd-1 engine, imprinted antenna, multifunction keyless entry, pretensioned seat belts, electrochromic mirrors, and one-touch moonroof.
or '97 - rounded foglamps, upper grille, color-keyed side skirts, raised spoiler, widened bumper, improved gauge cluster, and chrome trimmed taillamps.
or '97 - rounded foglamps, upper grille, color-keyed side skirts, raised spoiler, widened bumper, improved gauge cluster, and chrome trimmed taillamps.
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 91
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From: Northford,Ct
The replacement for my 92 SC400 will be a 98 sc400. The 290hp VVti motor . Although I really don't like the grill on the front bumper the extra power will make up for it and you get the 5 speed automatic. O-60 is around 6 seconds with no mods. If you can squeeze the cash I would go for that year. 95-96 years really did not change enough to worry about.so I would go for either and let condition be your guide.
Dick
Dick
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1
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From: MI
About SC300
I am more than likely going to purchase an SC300 later on. If someone has the model year information readily available could you please link me or copy/paste it?
Also, please correct me if any of the following points are wrong.
1) 97 model year introduced slight exterior changes, plus a variable valve timing engine.
2) The pre vvt engines are easier to tune (read- turbo) with the toyomoto kit.
Seeing as I'd like to eventually turbo the car, my best bet would probably be 95-96 as I'd like the newest car possible.
Thanks for any help!!
Also, please correct me if any of the following points are wrong.
1) 97 model year introduced slight exterior changes, plus a variable valve timing engine.
2) The pre vvt engines are easier to tune (read- turbo) with the toyomoto kit.
Seeing as I'd like to eventually turbo the car, my best bet would probably be 95-96 as I'd like the newest car possible.
Thanks for any help!!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 1
From: \
I may be mistaken, but I thought that the '96 version was OBDII and therefor a ***** to upgrade. I also think that in '96 and '97 the MAS is different. But I haven't heard of any 96+ having the steering pump/alternator problem like the pre96 have.
if you are going to modify your car alot, I would go cheapest possible without having to tow it from junkyard. If you want to keep it pretty much stock get as new as your wallet will afford you.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: bat country
Originally posted by hellasboy
I may be mistaken, but I thought that the '96 version was OBDII and therefor a ***** to upgrade.
I may be mistaken, but I thought that the '96 version was OBDII and therefor a ***** to upgrade.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,130
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From: \
hmm, i did a little searching and just found this site.
http://www.batauto.com/Lexus.html
So according to this site the 96+ Lexus are OBDII
http://www.batauto.com/Lexus.html
So according to this site the 96+ Lexus are OBDII
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 819
Likes: 1
From: DC
For me, the best model is '97 for SC300 and ONLY '97.
Here's why:
Revised design. This is subjective and to each his own, but I HAD to HAVE the latest redesign. The front grill and the rear lights look just so much fresher than the previous design. Not saying the pre-'97 years are BAD, it is classic IMO, but I think the revised is better and up to date.
'97 - because it is the last year w/ a 5spd. So this makes it the ONLY year with 5spd AND the revised look.
Rarity - '97 5spd are VERY VERY rare. There are only about 100-200 cars of each color that has a 5spd in '97.
My '97 sc300 has VVTI . I'm not sure why everything thinks it's only '98+ that gets it because it clearly says VVTI on my 2jz-ge engine =)
If you want a sc400. go w/ 98+ (i'd go w/ '99). but if u want the sc300 and a stick, then the best year IMHO is '97
Here's why:
Revised design. This is subjective and to each his own, but I HAD to HAVE the latest redesign. The front grill and the rear lights look just so much fresher than the previous design. Not saying the pre-'97 years are BAD, it is classic IMO, but I think the revised is better and up to date.
'97 - because it is the last year w/ a 5spd. So this makes it the ONLY year with 5spd AND the revised look.
Rarity - '97 5spd are VERY VERY rare. There are only about 100-200 cars of each color that has a 5spd in '97.
My '97 sc300 has VVTI . I'm not sure why everything thinks it's only '98+ that gets it because it clearly says VVTI on my 2jz-ge engine =)
If you want a sc400. go w/ 98+ (i'd go w/ '99). but if u want the sc300 and a stick, then the best year IMHO is '97
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,387
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From: bat country
99.98% sure that the 5-speed SC400 does not exist unless a shop did it for him custom.
My ideal SC (asthetically) would be a '95 model with 97+ tail lights, 97+ foglights, and 97+ spoiler. I prefer the '95 front bumper with the single front grille, and simplistic air dam.
If I remember correctly, didn't the '95 SC300 have a widened bell housing for easier swap of a Getrag tranny? If so, that would be, in my opinion, the best SC300 year to get for that reason and because it's OBD-I (more tuneable). Most of the exterior visual perks of a 97+ can be swapped out by yourself. I would only buy a 97+ for the enhanced interior appeal.
My ideal SC (asthetically) would be a '95 model with 97+ tail lights, 97+ foglights, and 97+ spoiler. I prefer the '95 front bumper with the single front grille, and simplistic air dam.
If I remember correctly, didn't the '95 SC300 have a widened bell housing for easier swap of a Getrag tranny? If so, that would be, in my opinion, the best SC300 year to get for that reason and because it's OBD-I (more tuneable). Most of the exterior visual perks of a 97+ can be swapped out by yourself. I would only buy a 97+ for the enhanced interior appeal.
