Thinking about SC400, Best Model Year?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 76
Likes: 1
From: VA - Virginia
Thinking about SC400, Best Model Year?
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.
Thanks,
Seth Anderson
Moon, VA
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.
Thanks,
Seth Anderson
Moon, VA
The '98-00 are the most desirable with the VVT-i 1UZ and A650E 5spd transmission. There are a couple of interior differences; '98+ has a gated shift assembly, '99+ has a 3 spoke steering wheel and perforated seats. All '97+ have a revised gauge cluster that doesn't suffer from dead needles and backlighting, as well as a trip computer.
^^ This. Definitely 1998-2000 SC400's. Second to those, the 1992-1995 SC400's are probably the best candidates for a W58 5-speed manual conversion. Out of the box in stock form though... 98-00 SC400 no question.
'97+ also has the more desirable body kit.
'95-96 has the best looking tail lights, IMO.
'96 introduces OBDII, which has some advantages but is less cooperative to tinkering.
The '98-00 engine and 5-spd A/T are quite a bit better, but also a lot more rare. The earlier engines are considered more stout for adding boost, although not many people go that direction with the 1UZ other than on swaps to other platforms. Those years supposedly addressed the issues with gauge needle and HVAC display burnout, plus ECU capacitor leakage. My '98 doesn't suffer from those common problems, fwiw.
'95-96 has the best looking tail lights, IMO.
'96 introduces OBDII, which has some advantages but is less cooperative to tinkering.
The '98-00 engine and 5-spd A/T are quite a bit better, but also a lot more rare. The earlier engines are considered more stout for adding boost, although not many people go that direction with the 1UZ other than on swaps to other platforms. Those years supposedly addressed the issues with gauge needle and HVAC display burnout, plus ECU capacitor leakage. My '98 doesn't suffer from those common problems, fwiw.
It's pretty hard to find a clean 99-00 400. They're very rare, but if you have a good budget, and you're willing to travel you can find a nice one. I use searchtempest.com as it can cover all of craigslist listings in the US in one simple search. From experience, ad's that don't have pictures are always worth contacting. Some people don't bother, but that's usually where I find the best deals.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 11
From: MD
Back to the posters primary? IMO your focus should just be concentrated on the health/condition, of the discontinued Sc model not the different features.
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models without the sunroof are rare. I have both and there is about an inch or so difference, maybe more, but it is a noticeable difference in headroom stepping into both cars back to back.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 11
From: MD
lighter in the vehicle/SC's weight.
Sunroofs are nice for avoiding tickets by airplane patrol...
Given how rare the hardtops are, if you really need to gain an inch of headroom, I would recommend putting in a seat that sits an inch or more lower. You might even improve the comfort to boot[y].
Given how rare the hardtops are, if you really need to gain an inch of headroom, I would recommend putting in a seat that sits an inch or more lower. You might even improve the comfort to boot[y].
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 807
Likes: 36
From: Ca
My 1992, which was previously my moms, has been pretty flawless. They do all have their problems (A/C, suspension components, speedometer needles and LCD display, etc.), but the later models had some of this worked out. A 98-00 would be ideal, but they are getting harder and harder to find in even good condition. One in excellent condition is nearly extinct. It's shocking how well these cars have aged if well maintained... Here is one with 265k on the clock that looks quite impressive (pictures sometimes look better than an in person view): https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5994260469.html. Good luck with your search.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: FL.
Love my 96 sc400 & i'm about to get a 99 sc400 sooooooon :)
Soo I should have 2 sc400 soon. I'll post some pics once it's finalized.
I love these cars. Very well built. The best car I've ever owned & now I"m getting a 2nd one. A little upgrade from 96 to a 99 Yesss I can't wait..
I love these cars. Very well built. The best car I've ever owned & now I"m getting a 2nd one. A little upgrade from 96 to a 99 Yesss I can't wait..