From the April 2022 issue of Vehicle and Driver.
After the launch of Lexus in 1989, Toyota’s luxury brand sent SC300 and SC400 sports coupe arrives in dealerships for the 1992 model year. Sleek and sophisticated, the two-door system made an impact — an SC made our 10Best list from 1992 to 1995. Built since the 2000 model year, the first-generation SC have been flying within radar range for decades. But with growing interest in ’90s vehicles, especially Japanese cars, these Lexus coupes will soon increase in value.
John RoeVehicle and Driver
Engine
The SC400 uses the Lexus LS400’s 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which makes 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. With shorter gearshifts and 246 pounds less mass than the LS, the SC400 managed a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.7 seconds, 1.2 seconds better than the sedan. The 1997 SC400 added 10 hp, and the ’98 added more power (up to 290 hp) and an additional transmission (now a 5-speed automatic).
Toyota aficionados will recognize the SC300’s 225-hp inline-six 2JZ-GE shared with the Supra. The most important difference between the SC300 and SC400 isn’t just the engine: Only the SC300 offered a manual transmission, and only in 1997. The SC also shared the platform with the fourth-generation Supra. Supras have skyrocketed in value, especially the 320hp twin-turbo version. For many years, the more luxurious and refined SC, especially the SC300 with the five-speed manual transmission, was the cheap alternative to the naturally aspirated Supra. But with only about 4000 hand-equipped SC300s ever produced, they are now easily the most expensive SC.
John RoeVehicle and Driver
Value
The market for SC coupes is growing. A decade ago, good SC was only a few thousand dollars; Today, the price range for cars in good condition is between $7000 and $15,000, with some exceptions at both ends of the spectrum. As the rarest spec model, any SC300 with a 5-speed manual transmission will cost more. As with any used car, factor in maintenance costs and aim to buy the best car possible.
Problem areas
Common problems include cracked air vents, damaged window regulators, dead LCD and gauge cluster lights, worn control arm bushings, and worn bottom ball joints. More serious problems include a leak in the power steering pump that can damage the generator and cracks in the coolant overflow reservoir. Ideally, service records should reveal the age of the timing belt, water pump and power steering pump.
Recent sales while carrying a trailer
1992 Lexus SC300 5-speed (November 2021)
1998 Lexus SC300 (February 2021)
1992 Lexus SC400 (March 2021)
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