Lexus or a Nissan? Help!

[BB Turbo]

After lots of saving/debating and mind changes, this is where I'm at. I get an S13 in the mid $2500 on down, and start modifying it like the teeanager I am, (which btw, my parents won't help a bit, not even on insurance) and have fun with it. Or save a little more, and my dad will help pay for more than half, and insurance for a few months and get a Lexus SC400 (in the $7500 on down range) I have found a few 93's and what not in that range. My dad, well wants me to be safer or w/e and he does and doesn't like the idea of me getting an S13, he likes the stuff you can do to it, but he said he'd rather see me in an SC that he'd help pay for. I'm siding with him too. But am kinda stuck right now as what to get.

Please pick one and tell me why.

Oh and plans for the S13 if I were to get one would be a daily drive/ weekend track/drift vehicle.

Plans for the JZZ30 would be cruiser/lI don't know something cool car. I'm still in high school and am on a budget, and can't afford for something to be broken on the side.

It'd only be the one with the 4.0L V8 (SC400)

edit: The SC300 w/ manual

I'm currently, and have been for the past few months looking for an S13 and it's getting pretty hard to find the right one in my price range in my area. I wouldn't mind waiting a few more months to have something more powerful/luxurious.
Modified by BB Turbo at 6:46 PM 1/3/2005

[elwesso]

Why not go infiniti..... Q45 baby!!!

[BB Turbo]

Nothing against the Q's, but I like the looks of the SC a whole lot better.

[Mr1der]

tell him the 240 is slow as hell and it'll take you forever to mod it to a fast level like the typical teenager.

[Rex]

Hmm, the SC300 offered a stick , but the SC400 is a nice enough car. Did you compare ins rates?

Another idea might be a 92 Infiniti M30, it's engine is based on the 300Z N/A version?? And they can look pretty sweet without trying too hard.

[BB Turbo]

Thanks Rex, didn't know about that piece of info. I knew they came stick but I didn't know which one. I hadn't considered the M30 though.

So, as far as tuning goes, would the 300 be the better choice of the two? Anyone care to answer?

Than maybe swap in a 2jz-gte when I can afford it (at this rate, when I'm like 25)

[elwesso]

Its not the hottest car in the world, but with VG30DETT... = GOLDEN

[BB Turbo]

Yeah it doesn't look all that great and I was thinking about the VG30DETT when he mentioned it, but I want the overall car. The SC has great lines (imo) to begin with.

[Bruno240]

id get the lexus sc300 or 400 those are nice cars. mmmmmm

[ilovedrifting]

the 240 would be cheaper over all, id go with a 240, but do what you want. besides who really cares, your still gettin a nice car either way

[BadMojo]

Does anyone else find it odd that your dad doesn't want you to get a car with a 155hp 4 cylinder engine, but is OK with you driving a near 300hp V8-powered RWD car?

Are you limited to just the SC and the S13 as far as choices go? Personally, there are other choices that I'd go with if you needed to get a newer car.

BTW, insurance on that Lexus with you as a driver is going to make your butt hurt like you spent a night in prison.

[krazy skwerel]

Dude how can you dis the M30's looks. They are gorgeous cars. IMO I mean look at the Leopard in Rex's signature. I found and M30 in those exact colors with 80k miles on it for 1500 bucks. VG30E power woo woo. of the 2 I chose the SC though.

[elwesso]

Skwerel... I must say that i heart your avatar...

[Ty SE-R_92B13]

Another idea might be a 92 Infiniti M30, it's engine is based on the 300Z N/A version?? And they can look pretty sweet without trying too hard.

That's my vote! What's Dad say?

[BB Turbo]

I'm pretty sure my dad would be ok with me driving a 300hp V8 rwd car if I drive a 300hp FWD V8 everyday (and I do mean everyday, Cadillac STS). Oh, and I didn't say (I think) that he didn't want me to get, its just that, well, the SC seems a whole lot safer (will have to research that) I've shown that I'm pretty responsible with some power under my right foot by never being in an accident since I've been on the road and not doing anything terribly stupid.

[elwesso]

The SCs are nice (300HP?) but i think theyre overpriced for what you get... Plus theyre gonna be kinda high maintenance..... Take a look at infiniti general, youll have to maintain that car about like we do with our Qs.. Plus you have the ghey timing belts...

How about like a lincoln mark VIII... Those are nice...

[HashiriyaS14]

Between the SC and the 240, go with the SC. Soarer's are beautiful automobiles.

Even in automatic, it's still a Soarer, and there's always the possibility of that 2JZ/Getrag 6MT swap later down the line.

The M30 is a solid choice though, if that's really on the consideration list. I wish I saw more well cared-for/modified M30s.

[elwesso]

Agreed..

The M30 makes a great sleeper.. No one knows what they are.... Plus they have timeless styling... Theyll never look new but they wont look "old"

The interior is subjective, but its not my favorite.....

[Jesda]

Lincoln Mark 8 gets my vote. Convert air suspension to hydraulic for $400 and youre set for 300k+. No weird odds and ends, no nickel-and-diming-you-to-death types of problems.

Otherwise, I dont care for the S-chassis Nissan or the Lexus SC. The Lexus looks the way stale bread tastes.

[jdmfreak]

Ive always wanted a 5 speed SC with a nice kit, rims, and a lil power under the hood to sit next to the Maxima, but alas I have no money.

As much as I love the car, you gotta think that after the insurance payments that your dad is willing to pay, can you really afford it with the maintenance/insurance. Dont get me wrong. Nice car, but is it worth it?

My vote is to get the SC if you wanna, but save a lil more for the S13 and you'll probably come out on top as far as saving money goes.

LOL! Bout time I have a nonwhoring post.

YAY MEEEE!!!

[nametakennow]

SC if you've got the cash, SC300 is a friggin sweet car. But it'll kill you with insurance for sure... so if money is a big issue (and it seems to be), the S13 will be a better car...

Wait a second... lemme think about this...

Okay, we all know that the S13 is pretty cheap to maintain, usually, unless you get one of those money pit ones with the hidden problems.

Right, but let's talk SC.

Even though it is a luxury car, it's still Japanese. It's not that bad as far as maintenance goes... and moreover, isn't the engine shared with some Toyota models in Japan? So...

Honestly, I don't think maintenance will be that bad. Insurance will slaughter you in a thousand ways, but if your pops is pickin up part of the tab, it'll probably be about the same price.

Overall, the S13 has more potential in the sense that it's lighter, more tossable, and more easily modded.

However, the SC could be a fun daily and it will kick *** on dates. Plus, you could take it to the track from time to time and have fun on a road course, no sweat.

Also look in to the M for sure. It sounds like a really sweet option.

[krazy skwerel]

I dont think an SC300 would be that bad on insurance. probly 600 for liability every 6 months. Maybe less because of the saftey stuff.

[240DRFT]

i'd choose the lexus if the insurance wasnt too bad

[BB Turbo]

Pretty damn good poll.

Oh, and my dad has always wanted a Mark 8. I can tell you I hate those things, so thats out of the question.

I'll consider the M, but if my dad is helping me with the SC, then why not get it you know. I honestly planned on getting a JZZ31 later when im in my 20s or something. Also, he said, later just get an S13 to tool around in (hes going to be getting a good chunk of money soon)
Modified by BB Turbo at 10:30 PM 1/2/2005

[Gold Digger]

One thing to think about too...with the SC you can swap a supra turbo engine into it, and then you have the equivilent of a sorer 2.5 gt-t. With the M30, or the Leopard as its known in Japan, the RB20 and RB25 DET's are easy swaps, they came with those here. Just food for thought.

[Rex]

My last 2 cents



I know it's a leopard, but that's also an M30 .

[Nismo_Freak]

S13... buy what you want.

[jdmfreak]

so how much is he helpin out with? And will you be able to afford it once he turns the insurance on you? Aaaaannnnd 5 speed or auto?

[krazy skwerel]

SC400 = only auto

Honestly I want an SC300 5speed for my next car. I love my S13, butif I upgrade it will be to that.

[krazy skwerel]

I think you need this 240 and swap an SR20DET into it