It's nice to see the SL getting some love. People automatically assume that if it isn't a vr4, it's gotta be the base model. The SL is not the base model. The most basic 3k gt came with 160 hp. It's the car everyone will believe you own if you tell them your 3k isn't a vr4. It's a curse honestly. There are 3 different trims that were sold in the US. The base, the SL, and the VR4. The base has its own powerplant making a paltry 160 hp. It's very underpowered and as a result only looks cool. The middle ground is the SL. It has a much more luxurious interior with many power options such as mirrors, windows, seats, ect. The SL has the exact same powerplant featured in the VR4. The only difference is that it's naturally aspirated making 220-225 hp. Not too shabby. It moves itself just fine. Next is the VR4. It features the same engine as the SL but is twin turbocharged. The VR4 also comes standard with AWD. Some earlier models even had active aerodynamics. The VR4 has 320 hp. Not bad at all. In conclusion, when you see a 3000gt, stop assuming it's either a VR4 or a base model. It may be an SL, and there's nothing wrong with being in the middle of the lineup. The SL is the perfect way to enjoy having the 3000gt without the underpowered issue of the base model, nor the ridiculous maintenance and reliability issues that come with a VR4.
The base model only came with the 160hp mirage engine only from 1997 until 1999. The base models came with the same 220hp-222hp as the SL from 1991-1996.
I've got the 93 base comes with the DOHC not the shitty SOHC lol pearl white, very little to no flaws on body and interior.. rod spun at 130k. I guess they all do..? Idk anyways got a new rod with piston bearings belt water/oil pump and w complete gasket kit. Fingers crossed, wish me luck
@@alpzepta I hope they grow in popularity over time. People with the VR4s are starting to get snobby about it and it saddens me to see it. The whole 3s community used to be supportive of all the cars. Now it's starting to turn into some elitist bs and those of us who chose the SL route are hurting from lack of help and support. They don't care unless it's 30+ grand with that mythical badge on the back.
Nice Love to see what you have planned for it I have a 62k mile 92 3000gt SL so far only done the Carpet ,lowered it on coilovers and after market rims and Borla turbo exhaust with downpipe and race pipe next will be a 60k tune up to make sure everything is good and wgr delete and turbo plennum
I did kind of the same thing, had a Scion FRS and...its gone. I had fun with it, nice car. But I was wanting to go back in time. I missed old Mitsubishi, I've owned 8 mitsubishi and had a 2g 3g and 4g Eclipse. Of them all the 3g was my favorite, so I replaced the FRS with a 03 Spyder GT 3rd gen Eclipse. In Canada its a rare car, especially now. I'd also pick up a 3000gt but in Canada, they're rare as well and hard to find. One day hopefully. But I'll be keeping the 3g and never selling it. Thing I also like about the 3g and the 3000gt both, is that they have the 6g72 engine and I have a lot of experience working on this motor, can do literally everything myself so its my comfort zone.
the 3kgt and eclipse have been under appreciated but they have their place as jdm classics. i also like those eclipse GSTs if i find a good deal i'll definitely consider it.
@@flashchronicles my DD is a 97 ATX SL 3000GT with 272,XXX miles on the clock still runs strong. Weekend car is a 97 3000GT VR4 6 speed. Also have a 92 VR4 on jack stands. Love the 90s.
the 3kgt can be fun but keep in mind they are not as reliable as honda or toyota. mine had some minor oil leaks and smell of gas. it's not as comfortable as my rsx for daily driving because it's tighter inside even though it's a bigger car and the cup holders are not user friendly. if you can live with some inconvenience and are okay fixing things here and there then yeah the 3kgt can work for you.
hey man i’m on the verge of buying a 3kgt sl 1997 with 100k miles for 3500, what do you think? i know the owner and he has always kept up with the car and it’s maintenance
as far as mileage it should be okay. just make sure there's no leaks and park it inside a garage for a bit to see if there's gasoline smell. i had that issue with the fuel pump.
for a first car, i recommend finding a car that has lower miles with a clean title. for a 3kgt its important that the previous owner kept up with the maintenance because these cars require constant care to be reliable, compared to older toyotas and hondas. with that kind of mileage, i would get a mechanic to check out the car. make sure there are no issues like oil leaks, white smoke and oil smells when parked. if the car has been kept up regularly and you still want it, offer 3k and work your way up to a price you can accept.
they had a few of these cars last year when we where in lockdown. usually, i would look at the local ads such as craigs. if not, ebay had a few listed. but now, there's been a surge in used car buying so its harder to find anything of value. perhaps after this year things will taper down and more of these types of cars will start appearing again.
its not a matter of what's desired. it's just about the experience. one can argue that the vr4 was not really desired either especially in comparison with the Zs and Supras. i got a evo and that one has also been overlooked by the masses..
@@flashchronicles i think vr4 was desired and is def more desired now then before since they are more rare. i would just like to say sl never was because it was front wheel drive and no turbo.
@@unsafecurrency as a car enthusiast, i own and appreciate a variety of makes and models. the desirability of any vehicle is subjective and depends on each individual taste when it comes to what he or she is looking for such as power, aesthetics, special features and so on. in terms of the 3kgt fans, most will want the vr4. but there will be others who appreciate and even desire the SL edition regardless of its minority status. while most may want the awd and turbo that the vr4 provides, there are those who don't want to spend extra on a vehicle that costs more, involves more maintenance issues and has low mpg, especially considering how high gas prices have become in today's increasing inflation. a few may also choose the SL for cruising and a more daily driving approach, though the SL is not exactly as daily driver friendly as a honda per say. note, the video posted is only about my experience with the SL. it's not a comparison with the VR4. in fact, i dont think i've mentioned the vr4 in this video whatsoever. that's also why i titled this episode with '3000gt SL' for those looking for an SL experience, while those who want a vr4 can look elsewhere. on your initial post, you stated that the SL was never desired. i beg to differ, as there have been numerous examples of SL owners in the past, many of whom where doctors and executives, who enjoyed and where more than content with the SL's appeal regardless of its flaws (heavy weight,, cramped interior, poor visibility, etc). although every car has its pros and cons, there will always be a market for each one regardless of how popular or scarce they may be. again, there is no argument here between the vr4's vs SL's level of desirability because they are very different models. it's comparing apples and oranges. more people will desire the vr4, but there will be some who also desire a 3kgt with less or different features. and this particular experience is meant for those who have some form of appreciation for what the SL has to offer.