Thinking about SC400, Best Model Year?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 76
Likes: 1
From: VA - Virginia
I have another question: The seller said he thought there might be some hesitation on acceleration. I plan on changing plugs, distributor caps and rotors, Oil Change with Mobil 1 5W30, along with filter, maybe a new air filter, and maybe a fuel filter, if it isn't too hard to find. I also plan on cleaning the throttle body out (I know how gummy they can get). If the car still hesitates, and there aren't any DTCs, what do I check first? I have read about ECUs failing, coils going bad, O2 sensors, AFMs, If things get outside of my comfort zone, where should I take it? The dealerships usually don't have anyone who knows anything about these pre OBD2 cars, and I don't want to be a Guinea Pig for a local mechanic.
I am excited about the car. It will have the lowest miles of any car I currently own, which is a 2009 GMC Yukon 80K miles, a 2001 Corvette with 69K miles, and a 2002 Jetta TDI with 230K. The seller is waiting for the title to arrive from the Original Owner, who had it registered in Florida, and got so many calls about the car, he removed the ad, and is waiting for me to drive to look at it, which is 6 hours away.
Seth Anderson
Moon, VA
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 76
Likes: 1
From: VA - Virginia
There is also a guy who has this listed on CL:
https://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5956237926.html
His BS about the timing belt is hilarious!!! I don't know if I should take a look or just pick up the 67K mile 1995 SC400. Any suggestions?
A 1995 SC400 with no sunroof, 67K miles, always garaged for $4800 or a 1999 SC400 with sunroof and Nakamichi sound, 130K miles, for $1700 difference? $3000, by the time you figure in a timing belt/water pump/tensioner change?
https://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/5956237926.html
His BS about the timing belt is hilarious!!! I don't know if I should take a look or just pick up the 67K mile 1995 SC400. Any suggestions?
A 1995 SC400 with no sunroof, 67K miles, always garaged for $4800 or a 1999 SC400 with sunroof and Nakamichi sound, 130K miles, for $1700 difference? $3000, by the time you figure in a timing belt/water pump/tensioner change?
Bought my second SC just about 2 months ago. Had a 95sc300 before, this time around its a 99 SC400 white on tan. Took me a year and a half to find one in a decent condition and right price. They are out there if you are willing to wait and look. As everyone said, try to find 98-2000 years. My 99 came with perforated seats which are SO much nicer here in Florida where its always hot as hell and it has heated seats which came in handy during the 'winter' time. Id shoot for 99-2000 if you have the ability to wait for one to pop up in your area. Best of luck!
id get a 98 or newer, i converted mine to manual trans and did a TRD super charger on mine.. pulls nice NA with the w58 and 3.76 auto diff with the stock 3.26 rear end it makes for a really nice cruiser. also the starter is a lot easier to get to with the newer style intake manifold.
99 and 2000 are the rarest SC's produced aside from 97 manual. They have the desirable vvti engine and 5 speed trans. Perforated seats, 3 spoke wheel, homelink... but on the flip side it is OBD2 which most people who modify their cars would prefer it not to be. Depends on what your plan is.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 455
Likes: 6
From: N.W.,Pa.
I have a 96 sc400 which I like the style of the best out of all the sc 1st gen versions. The engine has the 0 interference engine but no vvti, on these engines and up timing belt maintenance is a must or valve damage will occur if you break the timing belt. I chipped my engine and gave it appx 30 more hp. It runs very well! There is a thread on here that tells how many of each year and version was produced. The newer you go the less there are. Good luck with your choice and enjoy, they are great cars.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: FL.
Picked up the 99 SC400 last Sat. with about 103k miles :)
Love it. Old but I love these cars. I'm going to fix / fully restore my 96 SC400 & probably modify it to make it look like its updated & give it to my daughter on her B-Day this June 
Been looking for a 1999 - 2000 SC400 for a while. Found this one with the color combo I wanted. Only thing is it has the premium sound instead of the NAK. Oh well I can't complain. These 99-00 SC's are getting harder each day to find.
Didn't have time to give the 99 a proper bath . So I'm using some of the online pix when it was for sale.
Here are the pix Enjoy.
Been looking for a 1999 - 2000 SC400 for a while. Found this one with the color combo I wanted. Only thing is it has the premium sound instead of the NAK. Oh well I can't complain. These 99-00 SC's are getting harder each day to find.
Didn't have time to give the 99 a proper bath . So I'm using some of the online pix when it was for sale.
Here are the pix
Enjoy.
Driver
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 155
Likes: 4
From: Wisconsin
Hi,
I have been interested in SC400 since finding a 1997 LS400 for my elderly mother to drive. I have been impressed with the comfort and quietness of the car, as well as build quality. I have found a low mileage 1995 SC400 that I am supposed to be going to look at soon, but was disappointed that it had the earlier version of the 1UZFE engine, instead of the 2nd generation. Are the 1998-2000 SC400 much more desirable, with the third generation VVTI 290 HP and a 5 speed automatic transmission? Are there any other differences, besides the front bumper?
Maybe someone can give me some advice.
I have been interested in SC400 since finding a 1997 LS400 for my elderly mother to drive. I have been impressed with the comfort and quietness of the car, as well as build quality. I have found a low mileage 1995 SC400 that I am supposed to be going to look at soon, but was disappointed that it had the earlier version of the 1UZFE engine, instead of the 2nd generation. Are the 1998-2000 SC400 much more desirable, with the third generation VVTI 290 HP and a 5 speed automatic transmission? Are there any other differences, besides the front bumper?
Maybe someone can give me some advice.
Here's my car and thread;
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/bui...yesterday.html
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 76
Likes: 1
From: VA - Virginia
Love it. Old but I love these cars. I'm going to fix / fully restore my 96 SC400 & probably modify it to make it look like its updated & give it to my daughter on her B-Day this June
Been looking for a 1999 - 2000 SC400 for a while. Found this one with the color combo I wanted. Only thing is it has the premium sound instead of the NAK. Oh well I can't complain. These 99-00 SC's are getting harder each day to find.
Didn't have time to give the 99 a proper bath . So I'm using some of the online pix when it was for sale.
Here are the pix Enjoy.
Been looking for a 1999 - 2000 SC400 for a while. Found this one with the color combo I wanted. Only thing is it has the premium sound instead of the NAK. Oh well I can't complain. These 99-00 SC's are getting harder each day to find.
Didn't have time to give the 99 a proper bath . So I'm using some of the online pix when it was for sale.
Here are the pix
Enjoy.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,088
Likes: 245
Wow!!! Beautiful car!! Mind if I ask how much it set you back? The 1995 SC400 with 67K miles the guy is holding for me to look at while title is on its way, is planned for my son upon graduation from High School. I think I am going to let him drive my 2002 Jetta TDI with 230K miles to give him something to look forward to. His mom, my Ex, told him if I get him a car when he gets his license, he cannot keep it at her house!!! Pretty psycho, isn't it?
$8300!?!
Holly crap i bought mine for $3200 from a local old guy. VERY well maintained though the interior needs alittle work. I plan to swap in a black interior though so not too worried about it. here is the link to the pics
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/bui...-new-baby.html
Holly crap i bought mine for $3200 from a local old guy. VERY well maintained though the interior needs alittle work. I plan to swap in a black interior though so not too worried about it. here is the link to the pics
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/bui...-new-baby.html