Considering a SC400 some basic questions
08-14-06, 10:29 AM
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NA
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Considering a SC400 some basic questions
Hello everyone,
First off I'm a noob here and have some basic questions. I'm considering buying a high milage SC400 for my girl who just totalled her car (not her fault). She will drive it for a year, then I will use it as my daily driver.
Since I plan on using it as my daily driver down the road it will have to be up to my standards (slightly higher than hers, thankfully).
I'm currently in an 00 S4 and want at least similar performance, minus the AWD obviously. From what I've read there seems to be many affordable mods for the SC400 and the reliability some astonishing compared to my car atleast. Here are my questions.
What year to get, what year to avoid? Are there certain years that are prone to more failures than others? certain features needed, not offered on certain years?
Buy modded or unmodded? Most cars I always want to buy unmodded unless i know the person who did the mods. With this car seeing as the reliablity is so good, it might be risk willing to take?
Manual or Automatic? I know its personal preference, but I drive 20k a year. Is the manual an "easy" manual or tough on the foot?
Best place to find one?
Reliablity I keep saying good reliablity because its a Lexus. Do the SC's hold up to the name as well?
I'm looking in the $4000-7000k range. If I could I'd like to either get the lowest miles possible OR a 1998? with the 290hp engine. Which way to go (in your opinion)
Ok that sums it up. Thanks for anyone who can help.
First off I'm a noob here and have some basic questions. I'm considering buying a high milage SC400 for my girl who just totalled her car (not her fault). She will drive it for a year, then I will use it as my daily driver.
Since I plan on using it as my daily driver down the road it will have to be up to my standards (slightly higher than hers, thankfully).
I'm currently in an 00 S4 and want at least similar performance, minus the AWD obviously. From what I've read there seems to be many affordable mods for the SC400 and the reliability some astonishing compared to my car atleast. Here are my questions.
What year to get, what year to avoid? Are there certain years that are prone to more failures than others? certain features needed, not offered on certain years?
Buy modded or unmodded? Most cars I always want to buy unmodded unless i know the person who did the mods. With this car seeing as the reliablity is so good, it might be risk willing to take?
Manual or Automatic? I know its personal preference, but I drive 20k a year. Is the manual an "easy" manual or tough on the foot?
Best place to find one?
Reliablity I keep saying good reliablity because its a Lexus. Do the SC's hold up to the name as well?
I'm looking in the $4000-7000k range. If I could I'd like to either get the lowest miles possible OR a 1998? with the 290hp engine. Which way to go (in your opinion)
Ok that sums it up. Thanks for anyone who can help.
08-14-06, 10:43 AM
#2
This has been covered many a time, but i'll just clip out information from www.intellexual.net:
Year:
Differences between the SC300 & SC400
The SC300 comes with a 3.0-liter 182 ci cast iron inline-6 motor with aluminum heads (engine designation: 2JZ-GE) and a choice between a Toyota A343E 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive or a Toyota W58 5-speed manual transmission (available from 1992-1997).
From 1992-1997, the power was rated as 225 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 210 ft/lb torque @ 4800 rpm. From 1998-2000, the power was rated as 225 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 220 ft/lb torque @ 4000 rpm. Curb weight ranges from 3494 lbs. in 1992 to 3560 lbs. in 2000.
The SC400 comes with a 4.0-liter 242 ci cast aluminum V-8 motor with aluminum heads (engine designation: 1UZ-FE) and a standard equipped Toyota A343E 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive (from 1992-1997). No manual transmission was ever offered for the SC400.
From 1992-1995, the power was rated as 250 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 260 ft/lb torque @ 4400 rpm. From 1996-1997, the power was rated as 260 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 270 ft/lb torque @ 4400 rpm. From 1998-2000, the power was rated as 290 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 300 ft/lb torque @ 4000 rpm. Curb weight ranges from 3575 lbs. in 1992 to 3655 lbs. in 2000.
Manual transmissions were never offered for the SC400 and were discontinued after 1997 on the SC300. The SC300s that came with optional Toyota W58 5-speed manual transmissions do not come equipped with traction control.
In 1998 the SC400 received a Toyota A650E 5-speed automatic transmission with advanced ECT-i and a burl-wood gated shifter (from 1998-2000), while the 1998 SC300 received a Toyota A343E 4-speed automatic transmission with burl-wood gated shifter (from 1998-2000).
In 1998, both the SC300 and SC400 received VVT-i (intelligent variable valve timing) engine technology. These motors have completely redesigned heads, which boast variable valve timing on their intake camshafts via an oil-driven helical gear-drive. 1998 and newer Lexus models with 4.0L V-8s are capable of low to high 14-second quarter miles. - (info provided by gs400998)
The SC400 came stock with 16x7.5-inch alloy wheels and the SC300 came stock with 15x6.5-inch turbine-cut alloy wheels.
The SC400 came with power automated telescoping/tilting steering wheel, and the third brake light was mounted inside the spoiler as opposed to on the rear dash behind the windshield in the SC300. The SC400 has larger disc brakes (11.7-inch front & 12.1-inch rear) compared to the SC300 (10.8-inch front & 11.4-inch rear). The SC300 had an optional but very rare velour (gray or tan) interior and optional but very rare hard top (no moonroof).
There are no substantial body differences between the SC300 and SC400. Models that did not include a spoiler with LED-third brake light, standard on the SC400 and optional on the SC300, were fitted with a third brake light on the rear deck behind the rear windshield.
Modded or Unmodded:
Personally i think thats more of an issue of trust, whether or not you trust their work.
Manual or Auto:
The 400 only came in auto, but there have been people who have done manual swaps here on CL.
Best place to find one:
Search classifieds here, or maybe autotrader.
Reliability: Yes they are very very reliable. Most common problems ive seen are powersteering pump needing replacement, as well as the hoses for it. Mine has 165K on it and is still kicking just fine, there are others who have way more mileage and they can vouch that their cars are doing great too.
Which year to pick, newer is better: Less age wear, perhaps more features, seals still fresh, blah blah blah.
Year:
Differences between the SC300 & SC400
The SC300 comes with a 3.0-liter 182 ci cast iron inline-6 motor with aluminum heads (engine designation: 2JZ-GE) and a choice between a Toyota A343E 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive or a Toyota W58 5-speed manual transmission (available from 1992-1997).
From 1992-1997, the power was rated as 225 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 210 ft/lb torque @ 4800 rpm. From 1998-2000, the power was rated as 225 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 220 ft/lb torque @ 4000 rpm. Curb weight ranges from 3494 lbs. in 1992 to 3560 lbs. in 2000.
The SC400 comes with a 4.0-liter 242 ci cast aluminum V-8 motor with aluminum heads (engine designation: 1UZ-FE) and a standard equipped Toyota A343E 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive (from 1992-1997). No manual transmission was ever offered for the SC400.
From 1992-1995, the power was rated as 250 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 260 ft/lb torque @ 4400 rpm. From 1996-1997, the power was rated as 260 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 270 ft/lb torque @ 4400 rpm. From 1998-2000, the power was rated as 290 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 300 ft/lb torque @ 4000 rpm. Curb weight ranges from 3575 lbs. in 1992 to 3655 lbs. in 2000.
Manual transmissions were never offered for the SC400 and were discontinued after 1997 on the SC300. The SC300s that came with optional Toyota W58 5-speed manual transmissions do not come equipped with traction control.
In 1998 the SC400 received a Toyota A650E 5-speed automatic transmission with advanced ECT-i and a burl-wood gated shifter (from 1998-2000), while the 1998 SC300 received a Toyota A343E 4-speed automatic transmission with burl-wood gated shifter (from 1998-2000).
In 1998, both the SC300 and SC400 received VVT-i (intelligent variable valve timing) engine technology. These motors have completely redesigned heads, which boast variable valve timing on their intake camshafts via an oil-driven helical gear-drive. 1998 and newer Lexus models with 4.0L V-8s are capable of low to high 14-second quarter miles. - (info provided by gs400998)
The SC400 came stock with 16x7.5-inch alloy wheels and the SC300 came stock with 15x6.5-inch turbine-cut alloy wheels.
The SC400 came with power automated telescoping/tilting steering wheel, and the third brake light was mounted inside the spoiler as opposed to on the rear dash behind the windshield in the SC300. The SC400 has larger disc brakes (11.7-inch front & 12.1-inch rear) compared to the SC300 (10.8-inch front & 11.4-inch rear). The SC300 had an optional but very rare velour (gray or tan) interior and optional but very rare hard top (no moonroof).
There are no substantial body differences between the SC300 and SC400. Models that did not include a spoiler with LED-third brake light, standard on the SC400 and optional on the SC300, were fitted with a third brake light on the rear deck behind the rear windshield.
Modded or Unmodded:
Personally i think thats more of an issue of trust, whether or not you trust their work.
Manual or Auto:
The 400 only came in auto, but there have been people who have done manual swaps here on CL.
Best place to find one:
Search classifieds here, or maybe autotrader.
Reliability: Yes they are very very reliable. Most common problems ive seen are powersteering pump needing replacement, as well as the hoses for it. Mine has 165K on it and is still kicking just fine, there are others who have way more mileage and they can vouch that their cars are doing great too.
Which year to pick, newer is better: Less age wear, perhaps more features, seals still fresh, blah blah blah.
08-14-06, 11:23 AM
#3
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NA
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks!
So looks like 1998 with high milage would be best, if it is possible to find one near my price range. If not I'll need to look at an earlier year.
Thanks again
So looks like 1998 with high milage would be best, if it is possible to find one near my price range. If not I'll need to look at an earlier year.
Thanks again
08-14-06, 01:16 PM
#5
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NA
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
08-14-06, 08:27 PM
#6
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would go for a cheap 92-95 cuz a nicer/newer SC400 will cost you twice as much 97+
The extra 65hp in the 98+ doesn't make the cars much fatser. They all have little low end and no manual trans option. Any SC will probably be more reliable than an audi (atleast with all my friends)
The extra 65hp in the 98+ doesn't make the cars much fatser. They all have little low end and no manual trans option. Any SC will probably be more reliable than an audi (atleast with all my friends)
08-14-06, 10:00 PM
#7
Driver
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: US
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Any year for an SC400 are good. It is a Lexus, afterall.
Manual was only available for a SC300. SC400 all came Automatic. As far as reliablity goes, as long as you keep up with the maintenence these cars have seen 300,000+ miles and still run like new. Just remember when buying one "You Get What You Pay For" if someone is selling an SC for $5,000, it may not be in the best shape as one selling for $7-8K. (i.e. cracked leather, no a/c, broken power window, cluster, etc)
Manual was only available for a SC300. SC400 all came Automatic. As far as reliablity goes, as long as you keep up with the maintenence these cars have seen 300,000+ miles and still run like new. Just remember when buying one "You Get What You Pay For" if someone is selling an SC for $5,000, it may not be in the best shape as one selling for $7-8K. (i.e. cracked leather, no a/c, broken power window, cluster, etc)
Trending Topics
08-14-06, 10:10 PM
#8
Former Sponsor - Cancelled
I'm sort of bacwards to your situation.
I have a 97 SC 400, and my wife drives an 01 A6 2.7T. The Lexus is far, far, far more reliable than the Audi. The CEL in the audi is constanlty on, and its up keep is more so than any turbo car I've ever owned (even though its stock). Parts are much more money for the audi also.
Over all power levels are the same with the audi having more low end and the lexus owning on top. The Audi is much simpler to make power with, IE 500$ in a chip will boost you well over 300/300 on the audi, where you would have to spend 2-3k in the lexus to make 300/300 n/a. FI can be had on the 400, but requires lots of custom work, or lots of money to pay some one else to do it. The lexus sounds much better though, with the all alum DOHC v8 that loves to rev. The after market is much more developed in the audi, where you can buy parts of the shelf (Giac chip, tip chip, intakes, exhaust options, diverter valves, K04's or ATP eliminators, RS4 parts),the list goes on and on for Audi, where the hard core parts are out there for the SC4(head work, cams, pistons, rods, ect) but you have to DIY the rest of it.
The Audi is probably funner to drive around town with the low end torque of the tiny turbos, but the Lexus is much better on road trips. Quiter, a ride thats not as floaty, big tank + 26 MPG = 450 miles inbetween pit stops, ect. Definatly miss the HID's when in the lexus though.
I have a 97 SC 400, and my wife drives an 01 A6 2.7T. The Lexus is far, far, far more reliable than the Audi. The CEL in the audi is constanlty on, and its up keep is more so than any turbo car I've ever owned (even though its stock). Parts are much more money for the audi also.
Over all power levels are the same with the audi having more low end and the lexus owning on top. The Audi is much simpler to make power with, IE 500$ in a chip will boost you well over 300/300 on the audi, where you would have to spend 2-3k in the lexus to make 300/300 n/a. FI can be had on the 400, but requires lots of custom work, or lots of money to pay some one else to do it. The lexus sounds much better though, with the all alum DOHC v8 that loves to rev. The after market is much more developed in the audi, where you can buy parts of the shelf (Giac chip, tip chip, intakes, exhaust options, diverter valves, K04's or ATP eliminators, RS4 parts),the list goes on and on for Audi, where the hard core parts are out there for the SC4(head work, cams, pistons, rods, ect) but you have to DIY the rest of it.
The Audi is probably funner to drive around town with the low end torque of the tiny turbos, but the Lexus is much better on road trips. Quiter, a ride thats not as floaty, big tank + 26 MPG = 450 miles inbetween pit stops, ect. Definatly miss the HID's when in the lexus though.
08-16-06, 06:34 PM
#10
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NA
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm sort of bacwards to your situation.
I have a 97 SC 400, and my wife drives an 01 A6 2.7T. The Lexus is far, far, far more reliable than the Audi. The CEL in the audi is constanlty on, and its up keep is more so than any turbo car I've ever owned (even though its stock). Parts are much more money for the audi also.
Over all power levels are the same with the audi having more low end and the lexus owning on top. The Audi is much simpler to make power with, IE 500$ in a chip will boost you well over 300/300 on the audi, where you would have to spend 2-3k in the lexus to make 300/300 n/a. FI can be had on the 400, but requires lots of custom work, or lots of money to pay some one else to do it. The lexus sounds much better though, with the all alum DOHC v8 that loves to rev. The after market is much more developed in the audi, where you can buy parts of the shelf (Giac chip, tip chip, intakes, exhaust options, diverter valves, K04's or ATP eliminators, RS4 parts),the list goes on and on for Audi, where the hard core parts are out there for the SC4(head work, cams, pistons, rods, ect) but you have to DIY the rest of it.
The Audi is probably funner to drive around town with the low end torque of the tiny turbos, but the Lexus is much better on road trips. Quiter, a ride thats not as floaty, big tank + 26 MPG = 450 miles inbetween pit stops, ect. Definatly miss the HID's when in the lexus though.
I have a 97 SC 400, and my wife drives an 01 A6 2.7T. The Lexus is far, far, far more reliable than the Audi. The CEL in the audi is constanlty on, and its up keep is more so than any turbo car I've ever owned (even though its stock). Parts are much more money for the audi also.
Over all power levels are the same with the audi having more low end and the lexus owning on top. The Audi is much simpler to make power with, IE 500$ in a chip will boost you well over 300/300 on the audi, where you would have to spend 2-3k in the lexus to make 300/300 n/a. FI can be had on the 400, but requires lots of custom work, or lots of money to pay some one else to do it. The lexus sounds much better though, with the all alum DOHC v8 that loves to rev. The after market is much more developed in the audi, where you can buy parts of the shelf (Giac chip, tip chip, intakes, exhaust options, diverter valves, K04's or ATP eliminators, RS4 parts),the list goes on and on for Audi, where the hard core parts are out there for the SC4(head work, cams, pistons, rods, ect) but you have to DIY the rest of it.
The Audi is probably funner to drive around town with the low end torque of the tiny turbos, but the Lexus is much better on road trips. Quiter, a ride thats not as floaty, big tank + 26 MPG = 450 miles inbetween pit stops, ect. Definatly miss the HID's when in the lexus though.
Besides the reliability the s4 is the perfect daily driver for me, but its not something I would recommend for someone who drives 20k a year like me, unless they are loaded $$.. I need a cheaper more reliable lux/sports car. The SC seems to fit my needs perfectly!
I think I'll be happy with a SC400 because I love the style including the interior and the fact it's reliable. I'm down sizing to save extra $$ and am going to try and set a goal of putting 350,000 miles on the car before getting a new one!
Couple more questions...
How is the suspension on this compared to a GS300? My dad has one and I thought the suspension was horrible besides being a very smooth ride. We took it to Vegas and the whole ride I didn’t feel safe going over 90 mpg. When I took the S4, I hit a little over 135 and felt completely secure. The GS was floating all over the place and the sway was ridiculous. Maybe he had a suspension problem??
How is your gas mileage? I've been reading posts of people saying 14mpg then I hear someone say 22mpg??
08-17-06, 07:35 AM
#12
Former Sponsor - Cancelled
Doesn't really sound like you're backwards to me. I absolutely love my S4. I have the GIAC chip and dyno'd at 315+ hp, 370+ tq. I love the interior quality, love the style (but kinda too bland), love the torque and HP, easily modded, love the AWD, love the steering responds and I love taking it on road trips. I HATE the maintenance! I would be happy driving my S4 for another 10 years if it was reliable. I've spend little over $10,000 in repair bills in little over TWO years and NONE of that was turbo related!
Besides the reliability the s4 is the perfect daily driver for me, but its not something I would recommend for someone who drives 20k a year like me, unless they are loaded $$.. I need a cheaper more reliable lux/sports car. The SC seems to fit my needs perfectly!
I think I'll be happy with a SC400 because I love the style including the interior and the fact it's reliable. I'm down sizing to save extra $$ and am going to try and set a goal of putting 350,000 miles on the car before getting a new one!
Couple more questions...
How is the suspension on this compared to a GS300? My dad has one and I thought the suspension was horrible besides being a very smooth ride. We took it to Vegas and the whole ride I didn’t feel safe going over 90 mpg. When I took the S4, I hit a little over 135 and felt completely secure. The GS was floating all over the place and the sway was ridiculous. Maybe he had a suspension problem??
How is your gas mileage? I've been reading posts of people saying 14mpg then I hear someone say 22mpg??
Besides the reliability the s4 is the perfect daily driver for me, but its not something I would recommend for someone who drives 20k a year like me, unless they are loaded $$.. I need a cheaper more reliable lux/sports car. The SC seems to fit my needs perfectly!
I think I'll be happy with a SC400 because I love the style including the interior and the fact it's reliable. I'm down sizing to save extra $$ and am going to try and set a goal of putting 350,000 miles on the car before getting a new one!
Couple more questions...
How is the suspension on this compared to a GS300? My dad has one and I thought the suspension was horrible besides being a very smooth ride. We took it to Vegas and the whole ride I didn’t feel safe going over 90 mpg. When I took the S4, I hit a little over 135 and felt completely secure. The GS was floating all over the place and the sway was ridiculous. Maybe he had a suspension problem??
How is your gas mileage? I've been reading posts of people saying 14mpg then I hear someone say 22mpg??
as for mpg, I had been averaging around 21-22 mixed, but its gone down a little latley putting me about 19. Best ever, I've hit 26-27 on long road trips with the cruise set at 81.
08-17-06, 08:15 AM
#13
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NA
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its been a long time since I've driven an S4, but the wifes a6's suspension sucks. I'm sure her shocks are going, and the car is way way to floaty to the point of almso being bouncy. This with only 55k on the clock. My Sc is just under 110,000 and feels much better than the A6. Not great, but better. the ride is much firmer, while still not being bad over bumps. Although my springs in the back are starting to sag under the weight of having my sub, lots of sound dampeing, chains, emergency kit, amp, air compresser ect back there.
as for mpg, I had been averaging around 21-22 mixed, but its gone down a little latley putting me about 19. Best ever, I've hit 26-27 on long road trips with the cruise set at 81.
as for mpg, I had been averaging around 21-22 mixed, but its gone down a little latley putting me about 19. Best ever, I've hit 26-27 on long road trips with the cruise set at 81.
21-22 MPG isn't bad! Anything over 20 mpg i can deal with.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
amicrazy
SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000)
22
04-04-14 05:05 PM
sourcemine
SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000)
8
11-17-04 12:56 PM
