SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000)

SC400 vs. SC300 5spd

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Old 09-26-04, 07:42 PM
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TMaxxTim
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Default SC400 vs. SC300 5spd

I've found 2 cars that I like, one's a SC300 5-spd, the other is a SC400. Both are 92's, the 5spd has 140k, the 400 has 169k. I'm trying to decide which one I would like in the long run better.

I've heard the SC300's don't last as long as the 400's do, just because the V8 engine is built better. I know all Lexus' are good, but is there any truth to this statement?

Also, how does the 5-spd compare to the V8? Iv'e driven an auto sc300 and the sc400, and I LOVED the get up and go on the 400, the 300 felt like it had none. I've driven the 5spd 300, however it was my first time driving a stickshift so I really didn't have a good idea on how to punch it well and shift well to get a good idea of the speed it has. Can anybody help me compare?

I know most people base their decisions on the fact that they will be modding their 300's engine, however I probably won't be. The only reason I'd buy the 300 5spd is just so I can have a manual car.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Old 09-26-04, 07:46 PM
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If you want a manual, then you'll always regret getting the auto SC4. I love MY 5-speed and would never even think about getting an SC4. Now it is true that the SC4's have damn good get-up-and-go, but the 5-speed SC3's can be faster stock....you just have to drive the hell out of em.

As for reliability, they are both amazing engines, but it is the rule of thumb that the 2JZs will last till 300k or more, and the 1UZs will last till 400k or more.

I would put my vote towards the 5speed
Old 09-26-04, 08:02 PM
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If your planning not to get engine mods...SC4 is the way to go..It's a nice cruiser...

Stock to stock..SC400 blows away the SC3 5 spd...SC3 just don't have the torque to compete..

Last edited by One HoT SC400; 09-26-04 at 08:03 PM.
Old 09-26-04, 08:22 PM
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soarer1023
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just to let u know how long car the SC4 run for, there is a SC4 with over 300k miles on the car and the starts right now and runs nearly perfect. and i personally on a SC3 5sp(133k), and they seem to br running just fine.
Old 09-26-04, 08:30 PM
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The sc4 and the sc3 have a very different power feel to them...you should be able to feel the difference as long as the person took fairly good care of the cars...me im biased cause im a sc400 kinda guy....im just waiting for the turbos to kick in...hehe...as far as longevity..a V8 vs a V6....i would take the 8..

CEO

Last edited by THE_CEO; 09-26-04 at 08:33 PM.
Old 09-26-04, 08:35 PM
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TMaxxTim
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I guess the only reason I'd buy the 300 5-spd is because it is a 5spd. It'd just be fun to drive, however there is no replacement for displacement. The 400 might cost me a bit more, but the interior is in nicer condition. The nice one I looked at had the a/c broken in it however (needs freon). I really don't plan on doing anything to them to make them faster as I think any SC is fast enough as it is for me. I'd just invest to make it look nicer with a drop and window tint, etc.
Old 09-26-04, 08:38 PM
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THE_CEO
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Originally posted by TMaxxTim
I guess the only reason I'd buy the 300 5-spd is because it is a 5spd. It'd just be fun to drive, however there is no replacement for displacement. The 400 might cost me a bit more, but the interior is in nicer condition. The nice one I looked at had the a/c broken in it however (needs freon). I really don't plan on doing anything to them to make them faster as I think any SC is fast enough as it is for me. I'd just invest to make it look nicer with a drop and window tint, etc.

yeah we all said that we weren't gonna do anything to them....and look at us...hehe...just get either one and you will have fun..

CEO
Old 09-26-04, 08:40 PM
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TMaxxTim
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I guess you're right...but it depends on how long I keep the car, being a senior in high school doesn't leave me with time and ability to make a lot of $$$ to invest in my car!! Maybe a 400 would save me money in the long run....until i save enough to buy a turbo for it.

Last edited by TMaxxTim; 09-26-04 at 08:40 PM.
Old 09-26-04, 08:43 PM
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Originally posted by TMaxxTim
I guess you're right...but it depends on how long I keep the car, being a senior in high school doesn't leave me with time and ability to make a lot of $$$ to invest in my car!! Maybe a 400 would save me money in the long run....until i save enough to buy a turbo for it.
when you get a SC you will start to compare it to other cars you have been in....me personally i will never sell my car...i will keep it forever..if she needs a new engine..she will get it...if she needs a new tranny DONE!...what ever it takes...if you take care of your SC she will more than take care of you...

CEO
Old 09-26-04, 08:57 PM
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...if you take care of your SC she will more than take care of you...
So true!
Old 09-26-04, 09:00 PM
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THE_CEO
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Originally posted by One HoT SC400
So true!
hey man just telling it like it is!

CEO
Old 09-26-04, 10:24 PM
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O. L. T.
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Originally posted by One HoT SC400


Stock to stock..SC400 blows away the SC3 5 spd...SC3 just don't have the torque to compete..
Old 09-26-04, 10:26 PM
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just ask yourself if you want to drive stick... the SC4 has more power, usually gets better gas mileage and could be more reliable i dont know. but if u really want to drive stick... u would buy sc3 without a second thought. there is no replacement for displacement, but there is also no replacement for a manual tranny... at least not in these cars. SC430 comes in tiptronic only... but to me the only real tiptronic that comes close to manual are the ones like the F1 paddle shifters that shift in 1/10 of a second or something like that.
Old 09-27-04, 07:26 AM
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rhubarb999
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I drove 4 different SC400s and could not get excited about them .. as soon as I drove a 5 speed SC300, I knew that was the one for me.

But then again .. I don't have any slush box cars anymore.
Old 09-27-04, 08:02 AM
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THE_CEO
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Hey "rhubarb999"


Nice Quote "(I hope I never break my left leg)"...hehe

CEO


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