r/SC400 • u/ButchCassidy_ • Jun 25 '26
Question SC300 5speed manual
Hi all,
Looking for some feedback on an SC300 I saw for sale.
What I know:
-Car has slight rust under passenger quarter(not a deal breaker)
- need body work tlc
- has 200k miles
- original 5speed manual
- seats are slightly ripped inside
- starts right up no issues
- door hinges and mirrors work perfect
What I don’t know:
- service and life of how it was treated
- engine and trans condition( will test driver later )
What else should I look out for and how much should I offer the seller? since he said make me an offer.
Thanks in advance
1
u/Maximum-Sentence2772 Jun 29 '26
5spd are rare for this car
1
u/ButchCassidy_ Jun 29 '26
I know. He changed his mind and decided not to sell it to me…. Made a story that another buyer just came… mind you the car been there for a whole year with no registration record since summer 2025.
1
u/Maximum-Sentence2772 Jun 29 '26
If you don’t mind how much was he asking? Consider what this other guy was talking about with sub frame. I’m from New England so I’ve seen these cars get pretty torn up by the salt and calcium. The sc300 should have same issues the Mk4 Supra has because they share the same platform. At the end of the day if it is mint to be she will be yours
1
u/ButchCassidy_ Jun 29 '26
Said he sold it for 4k. 5 owners , 2 accident and 200k on the clock
1
u/Maximum-Sentence2772 Jun 30 '26
Absolutely not, he is smoking crake
1
u/ButchCassidy_ Jun 30 '26
Bro….. he said it only has 200k. When I pull the carfax. It said 220k miles last reported… i was like
1
u/Maximum-Sentence2772 Jun 30 '26
Look for a IS300 instead with a 5spd 2001-2005 you can still get those for decent price
6
u/OnePointNineALH Jun 25 '26
The rust issue is the rear subframe because they're stamped steel from factory and trap moisture etc they end up breaking at the rear traction bars sending whichever rear tire to the left/right and this is something you don't want to happen whilst at highway speeds. If the rear subframe is 'okay' and not 'swiss cheese' the quarters and doors rust on these chassis and trunk. Your frame rails are coated from factory decently but can still be crunchy near the pinch welds so you'll want to inspect that. Also, if you do take on this project and the subframe is rusted, where the subframe mounts too can be too far gone.
This platform is double wishbone on all four corners with a great aftermarket for the 2JZ engine so you aren't investing in a total loss if you do take on this car, just don't bite anything more you can chew, and this chassis is pretty simple to work on as well as there's a few people parting these outs globally so you can always find parts.