Friday, July 20, 2012 - 12:24 pm, by: Nole smith(Jdmnut)
Hey guys im new to soarers, im really a lover to the body shape and luxury packages they offer but due to P plate rules im limited to a sc300. Im looking at one its a 1999 model (no badge) and its got 230,000km's on clock. Are there any major differences in upgrades from a 1996 vs 99 soarer? how decent are the trannys in these and long last, what things should i be looking for? thanks in advance, Nole.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012 - 08:04 am, by: Matthew Sharpe(Madmatt)
The late '96 on is a good one to go for - they have quite a few enhancements over the 94-96 model - many you can't see like structural improvements.
230,000km is quite high K's so look for usual stuff that'll need doing. My '96 has 220,000 on the clock now and it's not needed too much work. You have to consider though, if you are tight for cash its sometimes not a good investment to save money by buying a high k's vehicle, as you'll end up spending it on maintenance.
Recent jobs I've done (in the last 6 months/10,000km) include new brake rotors, replace cam cover gaskets, recondition alternator, replace distributor o-ring, replace brake calliper hoses - that's everything I can think of - all stuff you'd expect given the age and K's - but all up it's probably used up a couple of days of my time and maybe a little over $1000 in parts. I love my car & don't have a problem spending a bit of time & money on keeping it going & safe as it can be - but realistically I'll probably replace it in the next year or so as it is aging now. Mind you, I said the same thing last year.
Also check if the cam belt has been done, as it'll be due. It's a pretty easy job.
The A340 transmission in the JZZ31 is fairy unstressed, so provided it's had basic maintenance (a flush every 60-80,000km's) it'll probably be fine.