mercuryman

I've been looking for a 5-speed SC300. The 5-speed SC300s I have found that I like are $8000 and up.

I ran across a 1999 SC400 that would be in the $8000 price range.

It is a good color and has 103k miles and all service is up to date. The only negative I see so far is that the steering wheel looks very worn on the left outer perimeter.

I would appreciate thoughts as to whether I ought to consider the SC400 in lieu of a 5-speed SC300. Also thoughts on which one I might be able to sell down the road and get most of my money back.

I plan to make no modifications to whatever I might buy. It would be a weekend driver that I would treat as a collector car.

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.

Bloozpower

I think if you are looking for a collector to keep bone stock I would say the SC400. the added 65 HP will be nice. Between that and the updated body and interior parts I think the SC400 would be a better bone stock driver. the 2000 SC400 is a little more precious because it was the last year and they only made 324 of them, but a 1999 is still a great car.

That said the 5speed SC300 is rare and that is technically a vintage car now being 25 years old. They are probably more rare, but they also aren't as pretty as the 97+ models.

Drive them both and buy what you love.

jadu

iTrader: (42)

get both

tfwnoturbo

Weigh both in, the 300 has less power but a manual, which gives you more control and is (arguably) more fun to drive. The 400 has more power but is coupled with a 4 speed that isn't bad but inferior to a manual, and it also is a more desirable later model year with less miles and has service records intact.

I want to say that a bone stock manual SC will keep it's value in the future due to the rarity of the manual transmission but the 400 with it's miles, service records and overall condition will probably keep more.

Bloozpower

The 99 has the VVTi so it is a 5 speed, but still inferior to the manual. I think you kind of nailed it though. As a collector I think the SC300 is probably better assuming that someday the market starts getting high for these things. As a casual driver I think the 99 SC400 is a little better.

Zerodrag

iTrader: (5)

Surprisingly, I see less 98+ SC400s for sale, compared to 5-speed SC300s. At least checking through CL and Autotrader, it seems that way.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

That's because there was nearly 40% fewer of them. 2,418 '98-00 SC4s vs 3,883 M/T SC3's.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

'99 SC400 gets my vote.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

I forgot to comment on that. Don't let a worn steering wheel deter you from an otherwise good car. They're easy to replace, and being the newer 3-spoke style, you've got the smaller airbag connector that is directly compatible (no adapter needed) with expanded options such as RX300 and IS300.

MDSC

iTrader: (3)

vvti 1uz ftw

bboyjohn04

I have a 98 sc400, the gated 5spd auto is fun. I also turned up the valve body pressure too on the a650e. I've had my car since 2010 and it still puts a smile on my face, the vvti from 98 and up really wakes up these cars

g4ebguy90

I own a 92 5-spd, I think they are a bit faster then what some people believe.
I beat a newer 335 hp v6 camaro with it, if that helps.

As far as driving goes, I much prefer my 97 SC400.
The 5-spd isn't something I like to drive and relax in. But that's just me.

Now with the importing of Soarers, I imagine the 5-spd SC3 prices will drop.

totrider

Get both hahaha. since you're not modding anything might as well get the sc400. I got two. & I love them both

Aron9000

Pics of both cars please . . .

I own a 1992 SC300 5 speed, and I'd trade it for the RIGHT 1998-00 SC400. The 5 speed is a lot of fun though, not really that fast in stock form compared to newer cars. Although it will get out of its own way and is just as quick as the 1992-1997 SC400 V8 cars though. Really though it would come down to color and condition as to what I'd pick, both are old cars now, so condition/originality plays a huge role for me.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

SC has to be a good 2 seconds slower to 60 than that Camaro.