I know there could be many answers to this question but im 18, my jeep got totaled and now i am going for something a littttle bit faster... im looking at sc300's in az but i can only find automatic ones will that hold me back? should i wait for a manual one? and how many miles are too many if its maintained i know these can be a pain in the rear if they break. i understand i will be able to search all of these but i was taking the easy way and just wanted some opinions!

-sean

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/2976473429.html first option

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/2985447370.html 2nd.

 

Honestly I would go for the white second one, Miles really isn't a big deal on these cars unless there is rust. You may want to think about what all you want to do to your car before you buy.

For example, I paid $3860 for my sc400 with 172,000 miles. Some people would say thats not bad, but I thought it was a bit over what I wanted to spend.

But the car, came with

1. A $600 already installed car alarm system, with auto start etc
2. A really nice sub system brand new, probaly around $500-600.
3. Had full tint all the way around.
4. Timing belt and etc was done 1 year ago.
5. Came with a set of really nice aft mkt rims, and stock rims.

So In that case I did very good for $3860, think the same in your purchase,

 

Get a beater 4cyl car...these cars are not fun!

 

Yea honestly, without being modded, they are pretty damn boring cars. They weigh as much as a tug boat, and make just enough power to move.

But they do look nice, gets you lots of looks, and are comfortable.

 

well how much are mods for these? and is the automatic factor going to hold me back? what are the best starter mods so i can drift/have fun with these bad boys

 

Around 2k should get you a turbo kit for the 2jz. Should be enough power then. Automatic.... while I like driving a 5 spd more, the autos are ok in these.

 

suspension and a lsd

 

If you want fun and reliability go dsm.











...lol



But for real wait for a 5 speed. Especially if you want to drift it

First mod should be some coils and lsd like said stuff can get pricey do just make sure if you do get one its been well maintained
Goodluck finding one

 

I agree with the others. You will want at least 150hp over stock to start approaching "fun" with an SC. Otherwise they are just old man boats that get a lot of looks.

 

At a young age like 18, I think you should get more age appropriate fun cars such as Civic Si, MIata, 240sx, FR-S, etc,. SC's can be expensive to maintain and mod for an average 18yr old. While I do think driving my SC is fun, I would choose a different platform to drift due to SC's high cost of modding. (Proper maintenance, Suspention, LSD, Forced Induction, weight reduction).

Scion FR-S would make a great candidate for your needs.

 

Except its $25k to get into. How many 18 year olds do you know with that kind of cake?

-Coilovers

-LSD

These are the two most important upgrades for this chassis.

After that you can manualize the automatic and have full control of the gear change:

http://www.toymods.org.au/forums/tech-conversions/54880-how-manual-shift-a340-under-$10.html

Then all you have to do is leave it in second and drift that pig!

Stock power will slide around fine.

There are a lot of guys who say it's cool to make 400-700whp, but the truth is most people on here have never driven a 300whp car, let alone 700whp!

These mods will make an auto Sc300 tons of fun, and still get 25MPG.

 

In all honesty if you have to ask this question then you shouldn't own an SC. They aren't exactly fun unless you have deep pockets and a lot of pateience and knowledge.

I'd suggest a 240SX, overall they are going to be a great starter car if your trying to get into the drifting scene.

 

If ur going to spend that much for those scs u might as well spend the extra 2k and get that green sc300 with a 1j swap in Tucson. he's selling it for 7k....and u will have tons of fun with that! And it already has a bunch of goodies too

 

Zactly! Buy a swapped/NA-T car and save some money.

 

If you can make money for a few mods then you'll enjoy it. I'm far from finished with my car and within 5 months of working I lowered my car on coilovers and got 5zigen fireball exhausts. Next I'm gonna save up for wheels. It's worth getting if you're patiently making money.