found a flawless 97 SC400...should i wait for a 98+
10-15-08, 01:11 PM
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 475
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
found a flawless 97 SC400...should i wait for a 98+
Hello CL
I am in the market for a late model SC400. I found a 97 1 owner with 85,000 miles for a great price, it was babied during the entire ownership. My predicament is I was originally looking for a 98+ for the better fuel economy and the more powerful engine (it has vvTi correct?) But this car is gorgeous, its the right color and everything.
Is the performance and economy in the 98+ noticably richer than the 97? Are my foundations for holding off for a 98 ungrounded because the 97 DOES have the updated bodystyle...the only differences being the engine? Help is appreciated
I am in the market for a late model SC400. I found a 97 1 owner with 85,000 miles for a great price, it was babied during the entire ownership. My predicament is I was originally looking for a 98+ for the better fuel economy and the more powerful engine (it has vvTi correct?) But this car is gorgeous, its the right color and everything.
Is the performance and economy in the 98+ noticably richer than the 97? Are my foundations for holding off for a 98 ungrounded because the 97 DOES have the updated bodystyle...the only differences being the engine? Help is appreciated
10-15-08, 01:55 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: VA
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you're concerned with just the fuel economy, sc400's have very minimal differences throughout the years fuel consumption wise. My 93 gets 18mpg city, others who have 98+ claim to get 20-23mpg city. If you want a 98+, why not just buy a 99-00 and get everything the latest model offered- 3 spoke steering, gated shifter, added HP.
10-15-08, 06:00 PM
#5
Former Sponsor - Cancelled
I think it might be worth it to wait.
The vvti motor has more power, better fuel economy, the 5 speed auto with the higher rear end (numerically lower, like a 3.23), Coil on plug.
If its going to be a Daily Driver with minimal modds, 98+ makes sens. If you're planning on modding the crap out of it, 97 makes sense because you can actually find parts for the 97 motor if you look long enough.
The vvti motor has more power, better fuel economy, the 5 speed auto with the higher rear end (numerically lower, like a 3.23), Coil on plug.
If its going to be a Daily Driver with minimal modds, 98+ makes sens. If you're planning on modding the crap out of it, 97 makes sense because you can actually find parts for the 97 motor if you look long enough.
10-15-08, 07:32 PM
#6
Rookie
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I remember having the same predicament. I would wait. If you want to do mods, the 1997 may be better, but in that case why not just get an SC300 instead of SC400?
IMO, the fact that you're looking at an SC400 means (like me) youed want an awesome car with good power straight off the lot/driveway. As the SoCal meet guys know, I keep procrastinating on mods and will probably never touch the engine.
I waited for the 1998 and am very happy with it. (Personally I didn't like the 3-spoke wheel so 1998 really was the best year for me.)
IMO, the fact that you're looking at an SC400 means (like me) youed want an awesome car with good power straight off the lot/driveway. As the SoCal meet guys know, I keep procrastinating on mods and will probably never touch the engine.
I waited for the 1998 and am very happy with it. (Personally I didn't like the 3-spoke wheel so 1998 really was the best year for me.)
10-15-08, 09:40 PM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
Wait for the '98. I love my '97, but since i don't intend to boost or do much if anything to internals, I would have loved to have a '98 with the 5 speed and a bit more power.
Trending Topics
.
10-16-08, 11:44 AM
#11
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: CA
Posts: 475
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I plan to modify it, but in regards to performance...nothing more than an upgraded exhaust.
Think I will stick it out and look for a 98+ based on some responses. They aren't terribly easy to find
I'm in SoCal
Think I will stick it out and look for a 98+ based on some responses. They aren't terribly easy to find
I'm in SoCal
10-16-08, 02:09 PM
#12
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: nc
Posts: 766
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
you wait and you might regret it.why not get it and if you find a 98 sell the 97 and move on.i wanted 5 speed, in my whole time looking i found 2 the first was gone in less than 24 hours and the other was after i bought my car but it was in terrible shape.not better than my mutomatic
10-17-08, 01:04 AM
#14
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I guess if I had a choice of any SC400, I'd take either one of the first built or one of the last built. Having a 97' is sort of just being in the middle of the crowd. With a 92', preferrably one built in May 1991, you have the title of "year one" and the honor of being able to say your SC was one of the first SCs produced. Plus with an SC from May 1991, you are nearly entering into the classic car category at over 17 years old. With an 00', you have the honor of saying it was one of the last SCs ever produced, not to mention all the little bonuses Lexus added by the final year.
But that's just me and my dreams. Of course, its hard to find an SC400 with a vin to prove it was built in May 91', and equally hard to find an 00' model.
But that's just me and my dreams. Of course, its hard to find an SC400 with a vin to prove it was built in May 91', and equally hard to find an 00' model.
