I am in the process of purchasing a SC 400, either a 96 or a 97 with around 100K.

What are the differences between the 96 and the 97?
I know of the following differences:

Front grill, trunk scoop, a slight increase in HP, cluster info. (temp, trip meter,...)

Any other differences perferences between the two years?
How much for a timing belt change?
Is there anything I should look in particular when looking at the cars?

Besides what Nada and KBB states, what is a good price for the models in Very Good/Exc. cond?

TIA

 

I think there is a jump in HP....there is also a change in the tranny. with those years you have a nice car...

 

97 is pure looks. no hp or power increase. power is 260hp/270tq for both and both are hooked up to a 4 speed auto tranny.
98 gets +30hp and a 5 speed auto tranny. 0-60 for 98+ is 6.1-6.3, 0-60 for 1996-1997 is 6.7-6.8. The 98s also have a gated shifter instead of the normal straight one found in 4 speeds.

 

http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html

 

how much of a price difference are you looking @?

 

If the difference is only a few thousand 1000-3000 Id get the 97... you will spend that much of the 97+ conversion later on if you go that route



-Tommy

 

Thanks to everyone for the replies.

The difference in price is $1,700, so I am opting for the 97 SC 400.

SoarerJzz, thank for the link, great info.

 

I noticed that the 97 or late 97 had more electronic gadgetry on the cluster, like the Outside Temp., Trip Meter (avg. miles, time, ave. MPG, ...) was that a standard on the 97, or did it also come in the 96 as well?

 

I did a carfax report on the vehicle I was ready to buy and saw that it had a rebuilt title.
So I'm still looing for a SC400.
Thanks for all the info.