Need help deciding on 00 SC400 VS 96 300ZX
05-04-18, 08:43 PM
#1
Need help deciding on 00 SC400 VS 96 300ZX
Quick background - I had 92 SC300 for 10 years before I got 00 SC400, Having two cars parked side by side, I was so happy however, I had to sell one of them because they were both same color and my wife though I was crazy!!!, so I sold 92 SC300 and its been about 5 years with 00 SC400.
I moved to suburban area in 2012 where my commute take about 120 miles total so I got myself 12 Civic GX (Natural Gas) to ride on carpool lane. Of course, since then, my 00 SC400 has been served me well as my weekend warrior.
Recently, I ran into 96 300zx NA (I think) which has been sitting outside for 2 years, the owner lost key, the car is not in running condition as date of today. I always wanted to have SC and 300ZX since young, and have had 2 SCs. The problem is that, before I can get 300ZX, my wife is forcing me to sell my 00 SC400 before I can even go purchase 96 300ZX.
I am not able to major work on Cars (especially difficult cars to work on!): I can do brakes, oil change / flush, some minor stuffs. If I sold my 00 SC400, and then get 96 300ZX, is it a bad decision? Dont get me wrong here, I love my SC400. Am I going to regret my decision of selling my 00 SC400?
Thank you in advance.
Doug
I moved to suburban area in 2012 where my commute take about 120 miles total so I got myself 12 Civic GX (Natural Gas) to ride on carpool lane. Of course, since then, my 00 SC400 has been served me well as my weekend warrior.
Recently, I ran into 96 300zx NA (I think) which has been sitting outside for 2 years, the owner lost key, the car is not in running condition as date of today. I always wanted to have SC and 300ZX since young, and have had 2 SCs. The problem is that, before I can get 300ZX, my wife is forcing me to sell my 00 SC400 before I can even go purchase 96 300ZX.
I am not able to major work on Cars (especially difficult cars to work on!): I can do brakes, oil change / flush, some minor stuffs. If I sold my 00 SC400, and then get 96 300ZX, is it a bad decision? Dont get me wrong here, I love my SC400. Am I going to regret my decision of selling my 00 SC400?
Thank you in advance.
Doug
05-04-18, 10:35 PM
#2
there were only ~500 00 SC400 made. If i ever got my hands on one, the only way you would get it off me is by prying it off my dead fingers. I would say keep the SC and figure out a way to convince your wife to let you buy the 300zx as well. But if you have to choose then keep the SC.
Additionally if the ZX isnt in running condition, youd just be trading a clean SC for a headache. Any car thats been sitting for 2 years is going to have problems, not necessarily major problems, but enough for it to become a headache.
Personally i never liked the 300ZX, its not my type of car so i wouldnt even consider buying one much less trading an SC for it.
Additionally if the ZX isnt in running condition, youd just be trading a clean SC for a headache. Any car thats been sitting for 2 years is going to have problems, not necessarily major problems, but enough for it to become a headache.
Personally i never liked the 300ZX, its not my type of car so i wouldnt even consider buying one much less trading an SC for it.
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Ezroni (05-04-18)
05-05-18, 09:32 AM
#4
So you want to trade a really rare, super clean and super reliable SC400 for a broken project car? Not trying to be a jerk but it just doesn’t seem to well thought out. The 300z has almost 100 less hp. A rather unreliable engine and the whole project will be expensive and a nightmare to work on especially if you are not doing the stuff your self. Any money you would spend it would just put to your SC. Do some exhaust work, headers back would give you lots of power and would make for a sweet ride. And probably put you close to 330hp at the crank. Not trying to discourage chasing a car you love but this just doesn’t seem sound.
05-07-18, 11:03 AM
#6
KEEEP THE 2000 SC400 lol... The right CLEAN TITLE 99-2000 SC400 are SOOO HARD to find. VTERUNI man I gave up looking for the 99-00 SC400 since my accident SOOO I got me a 2000 SC300 instead 
. Just bought it this Monday & arriving this Saturday.
. Just bought it this Monday & arriving this Saturday.
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05-08-18, 08:26 AM
#9
I had a SC300 5spd and I picked up a 300ZX not long ago and am in the process of building a high HP 2JZ to swap in it (see my build thread), and let me tell you this.....it is a B@#CH working on the Z. Heck, even taking the damn T-Tops off is a mission. Like everyone mentioned, if you are not mechanically inclined or hate challenges, the Z32 is NOT a car for you.
Now, with that being said, the SC and the Z32 are two completely different cars, built for different driving styles and purpose. The attention my Z32 gets (stock) when I take it out is wayyyyy more than what my SC300 ever got....I don't care what year or trim or modification SC. The seating position, handling, etc... is more authentic sports car than GT. Last week, I took the Z32 out and took off the T-Tops and every stop light I was at, the drivers next to me asked, "what car is that?" I will have a dash cam next time so you will see and believe it for yourself. It is an absolute attention-getter....and I love it! I got lucky and landed a very clean condition, one-owner, accident-free, all original 5spd car. Most people buy the craigslist $200 special Z32's and turn them into drift-machines....not my forte. However, don't underestimate the potential of the Z32....the VG motor is a very stout motor, just ask Larry and the crew at Sound Performance. Is it as good as a 2JZ? No. Can it be built to handle huge power reliably like a 2JZ? Absolutely!
Overall, if you are looking for Toyota reliability and GT styling/design....the SC is a no brainer. However, if you want a capable sports car that has a huge aftermarket, true sports car styling and performance, affordable to buy, and will teach you soooo much about mechanics (if you plan to do the wrench work yourself)....the Z32 is a fantastic car.
Now, with that being said, the SC and the Z32 are two completely different cars, built for different driving styles and purpose. The attention my Z32 gets (stock) when I take it out is wayyyyy more than what my SC300 ever got....I don't care what year or trim or modification SC. The seating position, handling, etc... is more authentic sports car than GT. Last week, I took the Z32 out and took off the T-Tops and every stop light I was at, the drivers next to me asked, "what car is that?" I will have a dash cam next time so you will see and believe it for yourself. It is an absolute attention-getter....and I love it! I got lucky and landed a very clean condition, one-owner, accident-free, all original 5spd car. Most people buy the craigslist $200 special Z32's and turn them into drift-machines....not my forte. However, don't underestimate the potential of the Z32....the VG motor is a very stout motor, just ask Larry and the crew at Sound Performance. Is it as good as a 2JZ? No. Can it be built to handle huge power reliably like a 2JZ? Absolutely!
Overall, if you are looking for Toyota reliability and GT styling/design....the SC is a no brainer. However, if you want a capable sports car that has a huge aftermarket, true sports car styling and performance, affordable to buy, and will teach you soooo much about mechanics (if you plan to do the wrench work yourself)....the Z32 is a fantastic car.
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