Ok so I'm looking to purchase a sc300 to replace my 95 that got totaled in a car accident So I've found two very clean sc300 ones a 93 with 123k 5 speed and the other is a 97 with 180k auto I'm really torn cause I would like to have the 97 cause it's obd2 and won't have a few of the little problems but in the other hand the 93 is low mileage and 5 speed just curious what u guys think!!!! Thanks all advise is welcome

 

i would take the 5 speed in a heart beat

 

The 97 VVTI auto will eat the 93 5 speed up if it is running right AND look better doing it. Seriously think about how much maintenance the 93 is going to need in rubber parts under the car alone. I have no problem in saying you'd be immature to take the older, SLOWER car just because it's a 5 speed. The newer one makes ALL the sense and the older one makes none when comparing the two to purchase.

 

this right here.

 

I don't think the 97 is VVTi; didn't that show up starting in 98?

 

Mid year change. Have to assume here, not enough info. Regardless however it still stands that a newer SC over an older SC.

* Sept. 1997 - The classic SC 400/300 sport coupes receive improved performance for the 1998 model year with the addition of Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) in both six and eight-cylinder engines and a five-speed automatic transmission in the SC 400.

 

Thanks guys for all the advise that's what I was looking for

 

Id take the 5 speed. Imo way more fun to drive but that's just me.

What do u plan on doing to the car? I think that would play a big roll with ur decision

 

personally id go for the 97, from the info you provided.

 

I agree with the majority. Go 97! SC's are potent enough to still be fun with an auto. 5 speed swap isn't too hard to do either!

 

All bring up some valid points, but if it was me...I'd go with the 93 5 speed-I'm partial to older SCs, makes for a easier swap (from an emissions standpoint). 123k that car has a long life ahead...of course it all depends on how well the car was maintained. Sometimes "newer" isn't always better. What are you goals for your SC? Take this into consideration-GL, and keep us posted.

 

i'd go with the 93 also but thats from a performance standpoint.(na-t) also my car is a 94 and all the 'rubber' on it is fine, OLT seems to scare people away with that. my motor did go though =(

the way i see it is with 97 you will want to make it 5 speed eventually than you will have to do that work. and with the 93 you will probably want the 97+ look eventually and spend the same amount on the conversion as you would a 5 speed swap. so either way you will drop another $1500 or so trying to make one some what like the other down the road. pick whats more important, the 5 speed or the look.

 

Yes but in the end, both the 97+ swap or 5 speed swap being roughly the same $$, what's worth more? The OEM 97 will! Lower mileage, 5 speed swap, newer and 97+ kit. Basically no draw backs. Honestly, what would you rather know? Where your kit came from, or exactly what went into your 5sp swap? I'd rather know the in's and out's of my tranny, rather than be able to say "omg I have 97+ kit, got it for such a good deal, $800 plus paint/install." haha

 

97 all day! For all the same reasons as above!

 

I didn't know you had an account on here.

Get the 97. The newer the SC, the better it will be.