NiteOwl

I am looking for a daily driver, and I am torn between a 95/96 LS or an 93/94 SC4. I travel 25 miles each way to work, 95% highway driving, in and out of traffic. I have decided I want a car with an automatic, after driving a manual to work the past 9 years. I want something comfortable and reliable to commute in. My primary concern about an LS is that it has little or no sportiness to it. I am in my early 30s, and am a little hung up on driving a grandpa car. If I were willing to spend more $$$, I would get a GS4, with no hesitation, but just can't justify dropping that kinda money on my commuter. My fiance thinks I should get an SC4, that it fits "me" much better. She has a Landcruiser, so we don't "need" a 4dr luxury sedan. I agree that an SC4 is sportier, and I have always liked them alot. OTOH, I also have a 5spd convertible as a fun/weekend car, so I don't "need" something so sporty as a daily driver. I like the 95/96 LSs because they are the newer generation, yet appear to be the most car for the money. Would I love HIDs etc that come with a 98 and newer? Sure, but again, too much money. I like the 93/94 SCs better than the 95 and newer because of the wheels and the front spoiler. They also seem to be a little less pricey, and can be found with low miles more often. I don't like that its the first generation, has no usable back seat, and limited trunk space. I think the 95/96 LS is more car for similar money. Anyways, figured some members have had both cars, and wanted to hear your opinions. Thanks in advance...

Lvangundy

I'd say for the SC.

I've driven a 1990 LS for over a year now (my first car at 18) and the luxury is nice, the ride is great but there is NO SPORT at all in the LS's. This is unless you want to go with a aftermarket suspension and performance parts.

The 1995+ are a bit faster than the 1990-1994 LS's and have MANY improvements. But if you're looking for that sport feel, look to the SC. You might want to check out the 1995+ SC's as well. This was the second 'generation' of these cars with a couple styling and internal updates.

tenpointed

I wouldn't say there is "no" sport in the 95+ LS. It is actually heads and tails sportier than the 1st gen LS's. It is lighter, has sharper edges and wider rims, handles alot better, and is "alot" quicker than those 90-94 models. The performance is almost dead even with the 95+ SC400, although the 95 LS easily out-performs the 92-94 SC400 in all aspects. The 92-97 SC400 chassis/platform was based on the original generation LS400 and wasn't updated when the 2nd gen LS came out in 1995. In my opinion, the 95/96 LS400 is a much better car in all respects than the 93/94 SC400, although very even with the 95/96 SC400 depending on your preference of 2 or 4 doors and personal opinion on styling.

Horta

I reccomend you test drigve no less than three of each. Im am serious, go test drive three different used SC and three different used LS. You can just drive one of each. Every car was maintained and driven differently.

Was the owner a race or a grandpa, did they live on a dirt road or concreate. Was the car from Luisian (PotHole central) meaning the car could be more prone to rattles.

Meaning once you have driven several of each you will have a great idea of wich you prefer. They are both very different but at the same time they both have ultimate luxury for their intended use. One of my good friends has an SC so I know, it a very niec car but very small incomparison to my LS. Also make sure you test drive an SC400 and not the 300. The 300 are much slower and in the long term you may not be as happy.

Once you have driven all these cars POST what you think....

Jerry

NiteOwl

Thanks for the comments so far. After a while longer poking around on the net, I discovered that the 93 SC has the old freon based HVAC system, which I do not want, so that elimates one of my choices.
.
I will definately need to drive a few examples of each.

stock300

Within the last year, I've purchased a 93 SC300 for myself and a 95 LS400 for my wife. Both were private sales. I thoroughly enjoy the SC as a daily commuter and my wife will never go back to Camry's, etc. She likes the safety of the larger car and I like the sportiness of my SC. The LS has more bells and whistle and gives a more quite ride. For a daily commuter, in my opinion, the SC is the way to go. For a family car that you'll be comfortable with on long trips and need the extra trunk space for trips to Home
Depot, etc., the LS is it. Good luck.

LS400

It all revolves around your taste of a daily driver. If you're looking for something sportier (considering you did mention that you were hung up on driving a "grandpa" car), then you should go for the SC (if you don't mind not having 4 doors). My personal preference: I would get a 1995/1996 LS400 because I like big cars (LS430's/LS400's). But it all comes down to personal preference.

Maeve

iTrader: (2)

I Agree with you, The LS has more rooms if you have more passenger with you. I used to own Nissan 240 SX and it was such a hassle to move your seat to get others get into the back seat.

Well it's all about your preference

Dominic

brian3268

Abcedefghij

johnw

I'd let the type of traffic determine the car. Here in Florida we have a bunch of old people that move down from up north and don't have to take a driving test to get a Florida five year license. They can't see and they don't look. When they get on the freeway, they line the hood ornament up with the lane divider. When they see thier exit they just aim their hood ornament for it and go, the fact that theyr'e in the fast lane at the time doesn't seem to phase them. Of course all this is done without looking and in a Lincoln moving at warp speed (in their mind)..., 35 mph. to you and me. If your coming up behind them in the middle lane doing 70 mph, well, you get the idea.

The point is, down here, I want to be in something bigger and heavier for when I get hit. Two months ago I was on a road with a 30' wide center divider, I look over and see an old Lincoln coming at me, across the center divider, sideways. By the time it hit me it had spun so much that it was his trunk that slammed into me, hitting both doors on the drivers side, I was in heavy traffic and had nowhere to go but the LS is so solid it didn't even spill my coffee. Turns out the guy had his fourth stroke and wasn't wearing his glasses. Where are the renal failure guys when you need one?

Anyway, if you don't have our kind of traffic conditiions, I'd opt for the SC and have some fun!

Johnw.

ATSOU

LS!!!!!!! More room.....Looks better.....more reliable.

retrodrive

If you are a little bit into sportiness, get the SC. LS is quieter, has more room but looks kinda plain stock.