I have this 97 SC400,... I am considering a GS400 to do something a little different. What do ya'll think. Keep my ride, and buy a SUV for a second vehicle later ( when I can afford it ),... or sell the SC400 and get a GS400. What are some things ya'll like a lot about your rides vs things that aren't so cool about them ( if anything )

 

Unless you just need the room or want the incremental increase in performance, I'd keep the SC. Granted, styling preferences are subjective, but imho the 1st gen SC will be considered a classic design, a la Jag E-type. The word that I most frequently seemed to use when talking about either of my SCs was "seamless", ie, a well nigh perfect integration of performance, luxury, reliability, and style. No, it's not a sports car (the GS is a better handler stock which isn't saying much), but it wasn't designed to be. And it's one of the more functional coupes with a reasonable back seat and adequate trunk space.

As much as I love my GS, I'd keep the coupe...............I still miss mine every time I see one!!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mooretorque
(the GS is a better handler stock which isn't saying much),


I'm sorry but I don't believe the GS handles better when both are stock. I've driven both, no way. The GS needs to be modded to have good handling. The SC only needs a good set of performance wheels. Neither are great handlers but weren't made to be. The SC comes with a sportier suspension though. I can't speak for the SC430 since I have never driven that car.

BTW... As nice as the GS's are, I wouldn't trade in an SC for one unless tthere was a need for 4 doors.
Both great cars, can't go wrong either way.

 

Unless you really need a four-door sedan (extra space), I would keep the SC.

What kind of SUV are you looking for?

Good luck with your decision.

-Donald

 

Nice SC you have there. It all depends what want.
The GS400 has more room and alot faster than the SC400 stock. The GS4 handles real well stocked but there are tons of mods (L-Tuned, etc) to make it handle better.
I'd keep the SC if room or power is not an issue.

 

Nazty, you can always trade in your 97 for a 98+ SC400 5 speed auto. 290 hp etc... but the SC for the SC should be coming out very soon. we have the headers being built, exhaust is out and the intake is out and suspension upgrades are out just a little more waiting and that supercharger or Turbo will come. Verdict: keep the SC.

-abboushi

 

The SC definitly handles better than the GS, when both are stock. I've owned the SC and now a GS, I perfer the 97 SC styling better, but the GS interior and options (example: e-shift, navi, auto-leveling HID, cluster, more space) better.
Can't really say that much about the SC cuz me and my brother always go at it, on who's car is better

 

The things that keep me from parting with my SC thus far is, I see far fewer of the 97+ body styles on the road than any of the other lexus vehicles. I see on occasion the 92-96's.... but no where near the amount of ES300's, IS300's, and GS-00's,... and RX / LX / Landcruisers. I like the rarity, and that's not to say a SC400 is like seeing an NSX or Bugatti,...but I may only see one or two a week in Houston and I drive all day every day,... where GS's are fairly common here. In my circle of friends, I have at least 8 I can think of off top right now that drive 98+ GS body styles. I don't know anyone else in my crew with an SC,... gotta few with IS300's and RX's,... but no SC's.

I'm gonna give it a few months and see how I feel about it then.... thanks for the input. I guess I need to buy some HID's.... since lex didn't love SC's enough to include them ( what kinda shiznit is that )

The reason, other than me liking coupes that I bought the SC400 over the GS400 was the handling. I drove a GS400 and could not stand the bounciness and body roll vs the SC's relatively speaking, and you see I changed the suspension on my coupe. Tokico Illumina's, Daizen bushings and camber kit.... NOW I HAVE ALLEN IVERSON HANDLES!!!

 

After I decided to sell my 96GS, I was in your shoes. I was actually looking for both cars 97+ SC 3 or 4, and 98+ GS3 or 4. At the end of the day personal preference is what it boils down to

I really like the SCs, but I think the GS is a much better fit for me. Its roomier (I'm tall), has a larger trunk (space for subs/amps AND luggage), it also is faster(400), has a much more vast aftermarket and is a more modern design (interior/exterior). The SC was intoduced in 1992, the GS in 1998 so there are obvious updates, yadda yadda.

Try this, I found a dealer that had a 97 SC300 auto, and a 1998 GS3. I drove both of them back to back. (SC first) When I got in the GS, I just knew, this is the one for me (this was same car that turned me on to Burnished Gold )

Drive a 98 SC4 (VVti 290hp) and a 98 GS4 back to back (for immediate observations). I know you have a SC4 but I think a newer design with some interior upgrades and more hp (not to mention unfamiliar) will give you better palette to choose from.

As for the rarity, that is true, the SC is very prevalent in Brooklyn NY, but a CLEAN one is few and and far between. I also find that a PROPERLY modded GS is a rarity as well. I always see them with 20" something shiny's, dune-buggy ride height, and a stereo.

Good luck bro, but honestly with your driving style the LAST thing you need is more power

 

I sold my 97 SC300 and I have been missing it since the day I sold it. I would keep the SC and save up for a GS or GX later...

 

This is great feedback guys.

Thanks!

I was considering the same thing...

I do not need four doors, just wanted something new.....

 

To all who called me out on GS handling vs SC handling: can't dispute. I SHOULD have taken into acct the fact that my experiences were with a 92 SC400 and a 93 SC300 5 spd (the 300 was better balanced) but my suspension(s) was/were unmodified and the SC3 was probably a little tired when I sold it for the GS. Compared to an SC3 with 87k miles and original shocks and springs, the GS was better.................but ya'll are no doubt right in that a new SC (not the 2nd gen.........don't get me started on that bulbous tuber) handled better than a new GS.

I stand corrected. And I still miss my SCs......................

 

you rarely see fixed up SC in houston none the less fixed up Lexus.. jacking pictures check out chronoj1's car it looks very nice.


or closer to home, fellow houstonian, Din:


I'd say get you a SUV... how much u talking about spending? Get a Range, Escalada (Escalade), Yukon Denali looks good too.

 

When I was considering a SC I used to look at Din's car about 2-3times a day! LOL