Slamnasty

Has anyone here ever owned an SC300/400? I'm thinking about picking one up (perhaps 95-97), but wanted to gain perspective first. According to ConsumerGuide.com, they seem to be perhaps the most troubled Lexus, having more recall issues than it seems any other Lexus had.

Also, obviously the 400 is the one to shoot for (more power), but how is the 300 in comparison? I'm not really thinking in modability terms, so I'm looking for comments on the stock vehicle.

pierceman

the 300 comes in stick if you can find it. Either are great cars and last a long time, but I have not owned one myself, but as a dealer we see alot of the older ones with ver few issues.
MAtt

Purple_sky

We have owned a '00 GS300. I don't know how similar it may be to an SC, but it was extremely reliable, without a single problem 'til the day we sold it.

BerlinaBayRidah

Here are some links you may be interested in.

http://www.intellexual.net/

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...php?act=SF&f=3

By the way, the SC300 was always a car I was looking at for the because of the engine that it had which was basically a non-turbo supra engine. The engine has a lot of potential in terms of power. I think I remember there were some bolt-on turbo kits that made around 320hp to the wheels with relatively conservative boost.

Slamnasty

Thanks for the links. Some of those SCs look hot, and others like they just came out of the rice steamer. Either way, it's a nice car. I think I'm going test-driving this weekend.

SheDrivesIt

I have a 92 SC300 with about 160K on the clock. It has had a few issues but nothing serious. Couple of frozen calipers over the years and it tossed the serpentine belt recently (bad tensioner). Overall, a very reliable and well built car. The 5 speed 300 is a somewhat rare bird and sought out by many SC lovers.

Check out www.clublexus.com

Slamnasty

I checked the KBB on these cars, and man alive do they hold resale. Even a 92 with 140k miles and being in very good used shape will run $9-10k from a used dealer. I thought $9k was a lot to ask for one of these that's that old, but I guess not.

switchcars

Speaking from experience, I have owned a couple of them. The SC300 comes in stick from 92-96, so if you want stick, that's what you'll have to get. I had a few electronic issues with mine, and a frozen caliper, but nothing major. The SC400 is by far a more reliable car in the long run, as the 4.0 V8 is built better, and mileage wise it has proven to last longer than the SC300. It's a LOT more of a car as well.

Things to watch out for:
green coolant (get one with the original red Dex-Cool, the antifreeze stuff can corrode and eventually leak onto the heater core)
front bushings
calipers
power steering pump
timing belt needs to be changed at 90k
little electronic things (radio doesn't work, gauge cluster display, LCD climate control display)

KBB is WAY WAY off in value, a 92 with that many miles is attainable for around $4-5k, 5-6 for a 400. (I know, not from bench guessing, but buying and selling them). For 10k, you should get a 95-96 with under 100k on the clock. Good luck, they're great cars!

brockLT1

Im actually looking for one right now. I just drove 45 minutes to look at a 92 sc300 to find out it was a theft recovery vehicle with a bad air conditioner, blah.

they are fantastic cars and I really hope you and I can find one! such a classic body style and amazing chassis!

Slamnasty

The V8 doesn't use a chain for the cams??