Buying a 98 sc400.
02-07-16, 10:28 AM
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
Buying a 98 sc400.
Hey fellas! In the past ive owned a 99 gs300 then a 03 is300. Both reliable *** hell! But ive decided that i wanted a v8. Ive narrowed my searches to a gs400/430 or a 98+ sc400. Im about to go look at an excellent condition 98 sc400. 2nd owner, 112k miles, all of the maintenance done. I was wondering is there any common issues in a 98 sc400? Ive searched but no post has really answered my question. So, any common issues for a 98 sc400?? Lol! Thanks fellas!
02-07-16, 10:34 AM
#3
Rookie
Thread Starter
Lol! Yeah ive looked at ls400's also but only considering black on black 98+. Im excited to check out this sc400. I vehicle vin checked it on lexus and seen a whole bunch of maintenance done to it. Just want to see what im getting into when i buy it!
02-07-16, 10:37 AM
#4
You are getting into one of the best designed and best built coupes ever ...
My co workers wife has one of the last built sc400 with < 10 k miles
I have been begging her to sell to me last 7 years with no avail
She daily drives a db9 that is parked in driveway while sc400 is in her garage spot under a cover
My co workers wife has one of the last built sc400 with < 10 k miles
I have been begging her to sell to me last 7 years with no avail
She daily drives a db9 that is parked in driveway while sc400 is in her garage spot under a cover
02-07-16, 10:39 AM
#5
Rookie
Thread Starter
Ok cool man! Ive fell in love with lexus because of the design and reliability! Lol. Are there starting issues on a 98 sc4? I know a 98 gs400 does. One of my friend had one and he had to replace the two contacts in the starter and it was a pita!
02-07-16, 10:42 AM
#7
Rookie
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
02-07-16, 10:49 AM
#9
Rookie
Thread Starter
Yeah true that! Just looked at the service history again! In 03 when it was 59k the starter was replaced! Lol. Vehicle has been serviced most of its whole life by putman lexus.
02-07-16, 10:53 AM
#10
Set some cash aside for preventive marinate nance!!
Like control arms power steering hose are common problems, interior wise is the sound system eventually
other than that it's just timing belt, water pump, tentioner and pulleys.
Nice choice of a car, you'll be very happy with it... I got 2
Like control arms power steering hose are common problems, interior wise is the sound system eventually
other than that it's just timing belt, water pump, tentioner and pulleys. Nice choice of a car, you'll be very happy with it... I got 2
02-07-16, 10:58 AM
#11
Rookie
Thread Starter
Set some cash aside for preventive marinate nance!!
Like control arms power steering hose are common problems, interior wise is the sound system eventually other than that it's just timing belt, water pump, tentioner and pulleys.
Nice choice of a car, you'll be very happy with it... I got 2
Like control arms power steering hose are common problems, interior wise is the sound system eventually
other than that it's just timing belt, water pump, tentioner and pulleys. Nice choice of a car, you'll be very happy with it... I got 2
02-09-16, 11:24 PM
#12
Rookie
Thread Starter
hey fellas! So i decided not to get the sc400 because even though i talked him down to 5700 it still wasnt worth it imo. I took a look at the car and theres a couple lf dings but no dents i believe! Test drove it and engine runs well, one thing was that the exhaust was making alot of ticking noises after being driven and i kind of drove it pretty hard going 50-60 to see how it felt. I still want it and i believe the guy is willing to go lower. Now my questions is, should i still go for it? I seen another sc400 that was really maintained but it is a 97. I like this one BUT its a 97 
so what do guys think each sc is worth?
98 sc400:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/5435544310.html
97 sc400:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/5441421132.html
Both has had 3 owners! Very well maintained. I carfaxed both and lexus vin checked it on the lexus website and both looks good. Sorry about this fellas! New to the sc world here and most definitely new to the 1uz!
so what do guys think each sc is worth? 98 sc400:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/5435544310.html
97 sc400:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/5441421132.html
Both has had 3 owners! Very well maintained. I carfaxed both and lexus vin checked it on the lexus website and both looks good. Sorry about this fellas! New to the sc world here and most definitely new to the 1uz!
02-09-16, 11:49 PM
#13
Intermediate
Go with the 1998, better engine, more low end torque, VVT-i, more refined than previous SCs. No reason that you shouldn't go for it. Ticking noise after car has been driven can be so many things like the heat from the condensing due to the outside cold temperature, since I wasn't there I can't say for sure.
Both cars look to be in excellent condition and decent miles too, these 98+ are getting rarer by time goes on and since I own one myself it will make me feel better that the car is in good hands. That refined power with the 5 speed transmission is such a good combination that you'll be missing out. Perhaps others may have mentioned, the VVT-i engine doesn't have a lot of mods so if you want to mod/boost your car going with the 97 will be a better option. You can tell a lot from the condition of the vehicle and to me both these owners took care of it well. There isn't a bad decision to be made, just preference in terms of future planning.
Both cars look to be in excellent condition and decent miles too, these 98+ are getting rarer by time goes on and since I own one myself it will make me feel better that the car is in good hands. That refined power with the 5 speed transmission is such a good combination that you'll be missing out. Perhaps others may have mentioned, the VVT-i engine doesn't have a lot of mods so if you want to mod/boost your car going with the 97 will be a better option. You can tell a lot from the condition of the vehicle and to me both these owners took care of it well. There isn't a bad decision to be made, just preference in terms of future planning.
02-10-16, 12:40 AM
#15
Rookie
Thread Starter
Go with the 1998, better engine, more low end torque, VVT-i, more refined than previous SCs. No reason that you shouldn't go for it. Ticking noise after car has been driven can be so many things like the heat from the condensing due to the outside cold temperature, since I wasn't there I can't say for sure. Both cars look to be in excellent condition and decent miles too, these 98+ are getting rarer by time goes on and since I own one myself it will make me feel better that the car is in good hands. That refined power with the 5 speed transmission is such a good combination that you'll be missing out. Perhaps others may have mentioned, the VVT-i engine doesn't have a lot of mods so if you want to mod/boost your car going with the 97 will be a better option. You can tell a lot from the condition of the vehicle and to me both these owners took care of it well. There isn't a bad decision to be made, just preference in terms of future planning.