dseag2

So, I was lucky enough to buy a '99 SC300 in Millennium Silver with 25k miles back in the early 2000's. I ended up trading it for a GS300 and always regretted it . I drive far fewer miles these days and would love to buy another SC. My questions are... If I buy an SC with over 100k miles, what am I likely to spend to replace worn out parts and upgrade it to virtually new? What are the typical things that go wrong?

Also, is it easy to have an installer swap out parts to connect it to Apple CarPlay? After this is done, how is the stock sound system? I have a '17 Audi A4 and the B&O system is fantastic.

I have always loved the SC and still think it is a classic. Any input is welcome.

EERIEDERRI

The radio unit is a standard double din size, swapping it to a CarPlay compatible should be mostly straightforward. In my opinion, the stock sound system holds up well but I doubt it will wow you compared to your Audi. I'd say the stock sound system meets or slightly exceeds new economy cars based on my untrained ear. I've heard the Nakamichi system is a marked improvement but it's quite rare. I usually use a cassette to aux adapter to play music off my phone which doesn't give the highest quality input so I also am wondering how much better the speakers might sound using higher bit rate inputs.

SC_coupe

Expect to do most of if not all the bushings. Lower control arm and steering rack bushings usually wear out first. The subframe and differential bushings crack and deteriorate from age alone. Motor mounts are fluid-filled and tend to crack and leak.

https://jzz30.com/products/complete-bushing-kit

Stick with the softer red bushings for a street car.

From there, it depends what you want to do with the car. Whiteline swaybars and upgraded 4-piston calipers (LS400 or Supra) make it so much nicer to drive than stock.

I'd day budget at least 2k depending on how much you can DIY and up to 4k if it's all shop labour. I will say these cars feel fantastic to drive when everything is sorted. I went with a lot of adjustable arms along the way and have spent a lot on the suspension, but all said and done it's very much worth it.

dseag2

Thanks for the responses! I'm still looking for a low mileage SC300/400 on Autotrader. Tough to find these days!

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

They're out there! Will keep an eye out for any decent, low-mile examples.

Duck05

My opinion is the mileage is less an issue over the condition. If the interior is trashed, especially the window trim and door cards, finding replacement/repaired parts is difficult (and expensive). Leather seats can be covered/redone. Many tackle a whole interior swap typically to black.

As noted above, suspension is one of the major investments. However, being a now 20+ year old platform (mine is 32) things like alternators, power steering pumps, radiators, etc. come into the picture. A “big brake kit” upgrade on the front is a must but requires research for wheel fitment. The main ECU if over 15 years old should be tested/rebuilt always (the gremlins and hours wasted in troubleshooting symptoms is well documented).

I would budget more in the $8-16k range for repairs and another $10K if you decide to repaint and add a body kit.

AlanSC400

These cars are a minimum of 23 years old. Pretty much everything has to be changed. I bought my '92 with 87k miles and I have done the following so far: Spark plugs (x8), distributor cap (x2), distributor rotor (x2), ignition coils (x2), spark plug wires, battery, alternator, fuel pump, fuel filter, and I also had to put a new (used) fuel tank in it. I'm currently working on overhauling the power steering system, after which I will do a timing belt service and overhaul the entire cooling system while I'm in there.

Long story short: These are fun and good-looking cars but as with any old car, things have to be replaced preventatively unless you want to find yourself on the side of the road one day.

bron_karr

I have a 2000 SC 300 with 130000 miles and have had only one issue which I am sorting out currently (an electrical short in the door). I've owned it for about a year and a half now and I haven't done anything maintenance-wise other than oil changes.

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

Would have to +2 on the suspension being the least convenient and most expensive repairs to tackle. Parts are almost non existent if you go stock and it most likely needs to be done if it hasn't been already. Suspension is everything with these cars and if you get one with worn out suspension and rotted rubber bushings it will drive just like a 94 dodge shadow or worse. Not even mother Theresa can resist entropy, these cars are certainly no exception.

wellsolong

I personally think the stock sound system is great (a 92 with Pioneer here) and audio quality is really important to me. But definitely invest in a quality unit with good customizable EQ settings. And make sure to retain the subwoofer, which requires a bit more. These two things make a huge difference.

Shayy

iTrader: (1)

I’m selling my white on tan 1998 SC300 with 109k miles, very clean and stock. Feel free to send me a message if you’re interested

pishta

I have 214K on my 92 SC400. It still drives great! Window trim on doors always breaks where your arm hangs out. I just replaced the factory alternator, and I think it was a fluke short on the diode pack as there was no power steering fluid in it. Lube the IAC motor as the bearings tend to get very stiff. My front struts were replace by PO as well as the timing chain at 150K. Check all the vacuum hoses especially the power brake booster hose for brittle/cracks. My mounts seem OK as engine is still very smooth at idle but I did proactively replace my 91 LS400 mounts at 200K easy job and there wasn't much difference to me. Front suspension LCA's..I just replaced both inner tie rod ends. My factory chrome plated rims rotted out from the inside on 2 of the beads. Repairable for a purist but I liked the black Mitsu OZ racing ones I found. i have not had issues from the rear suspension, but this being a CA/TX car means there is no road salt issues but the paint and exposed interior has taken way too much Cali/Tx sun.

KiroLS

Lack of part availability would be my #1 reason to advise against buying a SC300/400 that you play to upgrade to practically new. My disappointments due to OEM parts being discontinued are too numerous to list.