Hey guys I am looking at buying a sc400. Any suggestion, warnings, or advice?
Thank you for any help you offer.

 

find one with vvti

 

well here is my advice------you can take it or leave it --all up to you

first off i would not buy a car with any mods done to it at all---i mean maybe a radio or an intake or something but any engine work or tranny work or swaps or anything like that i would say walk away right there-----too risky not worth it.

pay the extra for a car with lower mileage------it is well worth it 0000these cars can be quite expensive to fix and the more mileage the higher the chance of running into issues of course

also before you buy the car be sure to take the time and spend the little bit of money to have a certified mechanic take a GOOD look at the car from top to bottom---it is very important and it is money well spent

take a look at the interior------if the owner couldnt take care of the inside of the car you can only imagine the neglect on the mechanical--------

also take a good look at the person your buying from----does he look like the type to be racing around abusing the car-------or does he look like a laid back individual with his head on his shoulders

i bought my car from an older gentleman ---car was bone stock ----and i am very happy with my purchase

Also dont feel like u need to jump into any purchase--if it doesnt feel right let it go--another will come along------good luck hope u find a good one

 

Why do you want to buy a 400 over a 300?
Just curious.

 

What other reason would there be besides the motor

 

Arent those interference engines? why u wud suggest that over a non-interference one?

 

Like 1WILLY1 already mentioned, it's always best to have an experienced mechanic look at the car top to bottom.

Couple other tips: check to see if the power-steering fluid is leaking on top of the alternator. It happened on my '95, good thing we caught it before anything bad happened. I hear it's common among the earlier SC models.

If the car is high mileage, check to see that the owner changed the timing belt. Don't just take their word for it, make sure they provide documentation. Any respectable owner should have at least a receipt.

That being said, I guess the year you want depends on how much modding you plan to do.

If your modding the engine, go with the non-VVT-i engines (pre-'98). It's just easier not having to deal with the electronics and stuff of the VVT-i system. '97+ body style looks the best stock-wise in my opinion. But if you want to be a little different and add exterior mods, it doesn't matter I guess.

If you plan on keeping the car stock, 98+ are highly desirable as shown by the relatively high price tag they command compared to the earlier models. They are the most powerful version, got the 5spd auto, and look the best with the 97+ body style. '99 and '00 have the better looking three-spoke steering wheel if you care that much.

 

^^^ i had that problem with the alternator. power steering fluid soaked that ish. i drove for months like that though, with the battery light coming on and off warning me. i finally bought a new PS pump and a new alternator when I had some extra cash. I got kind of lucky driving for so long like that I don't recommend it lol.

to the OP- I have a 95 400 and I love it... i bought it from someone who had all the receipts and it was in very good condition, but I still had a lot of maintenance issues to deal with. I had to clean the throttle body, the power steering pump went out, changed the throttle switch... I've still got to change valve covers and now I either have a TC or transmission issue... but I still love my car. Just keep in mind, these are old cars, issues, more than likely, will arise.

 

Basically yes, I really want a v8.

 

Thank you guys so much for all the help! I am looking for a 98-00 model because I don't want to touch it with mods. My car now I kinda got into mods with and now I just regret it so this one won't be touched.

 

Well, another reason to buy a 98' SC4 is because Lexus decided to drop bigger brakes and update the engine in it. I really like the gated shifter in the 98 and up SC's. The dash lights a CC LED system and light up better....99'-00 have a 3spoke steering wheel and preforated Leather seats. My .02 cents

 

MOAR POWAR!!!!!1111one
290hp/300tq>>>>256/260
if you're scared the t-belt will break, replace it.

 

Oakland, the vvti engines are very powerful. If you are looking at the 2JZ-GE or even the GTE that engine is one bad boy! Great technology on a great engine.

 

i want a 99-00 400 with black leather....
i already found one
i wish it was heading into spring and not winter

 

Potential maybe the I6 & V8 have basically the same power. The 1uz can be turbo'd but it’s more difficult because there is little off the shelf stuff. We all know its hard enough doing the 2jz if you’re not a mechanic type. A lot of people here will say its easy but there have been lots of people who had trouble. Right. So I asked why 400 over 300 because if you want to go turbo you’d better get a 300. You may not want to turbo now but in a few years you may be finding that you wished you got a 300.