janfrancis

iTrader: (1)

Hi guys and gals Whatsup? I've been lurking around CL for a long time now and i finally decided i'm going for the sc300 route. I'm looking at a 98 sc300 with 145k mi. I have a few questions..

Whats the standard MPG? Coz on the sticker it says 18-25mpg but i drove a is300 with the same engine and i get about 32 on the freeway.

Are there any issues that i need to know about this year? weak links to the car etc. stuff that needs to be replaced etc..

for now

jadu

iTrader: (42)

mpg is about 22-23, and routine maintenance should be done if it hasnt been done already i.e. timing belt, serpentine belt

ALLWiTE2JZ

x2.. My gas mileage is about 20-21 mpg in the city because I have a heavy foot most of the time, and I like hearing my exhaust while going down the road. If I am on the highway just cruising barely pushing on the gas, doing the speed limit or using cruise control, I get like 28-29 mpg, maybe even 30 mpg at most because I keep my SC running in tip top condition (atleast I try to).

I haven't heard anything bad about the 98 models but since the SC300s have the 2JZs in them it is well known to make sure the water pump, timing belt, and serpentine belt be replaced at that particular mileage you stated. I have 119K miles on my 94 SC300 and my water pump, timing belt, and serpentine belt, plus a couple other things were all recently replaced. Those are the main things you need to worry about on the 2JZ at that mileage. Oh and oil leaks, I just got my camshaft seals replaced because they were leaking oil like crazy. Although your car is 4-5 years newer than mine, you may not need to worry about your seals dry rotting out yet. But do make sure you expect that on these cars, it isn't poor build quality or anything, it's just the age of the cars. Any car will do it eventually.

Hope this helps. Good luck on your purchase.

turbodremz

iTrader: (18)

for it being a newer SC, you should have much to worry about provided it has been taken care of before..but normal maintenance is first to attend to. As for MPG, yes the is300 is advertised to get better MPG's, cause its a bit lighter than an SC IIRC..but not near as attractive. Before I went na-t I was averaging 19-23 city and 23-26 highway.

I say go for it..the more TX members the better, cause were slacking compared to the Florida boys..btw, where in TX are you?

vinh

iTrader: (8)

98's is where you get all the extra goodies. VVT-I, gated shifter, non burnt out cluster needles, fogs, updated bumpers. Buy it and don't look back. But like everyone else said, only thing you'd need to worry about is standard maintenance and maybe rack and pinion or lower control arm bushings. If the car has ever had a power steering leak, it'll eat that stuff up

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

Welcome.. 98 is a great year for the SC..

Snx37

98 is a good choice enjoy.