TLDR I've been looking into getting one of these two cars for a while now, but having not driven an SC before it's making it really hard to come to a conclusion. Also please refer me to a different forum/thread if this is the wrong place, this is my first time here lol

So my local Lexus dealer got in a 2015 RC350, had like 47k miles and some minor exterior dents and interior rips (weren't rlly noticeable unless you were looking for them) brake discs also looked kinda rusty but i don't know about the undercarriage. They let me test drive it and man, that car is amazing. It's smooth, it's small, but it's spacious on the inside too. It's also $25k which is more than i'd want to pay but still reasonable.

But then there's the SC400 lurking in the back of my mind the entire time while driving it, like if an SC drives anything close to how the RC drives, i think i'd want an SC. But then the SC has less black interiors made, less trunk space, less modern features (maybe for the better). But then it also has a 1UZ, looks better imo, slowly is appreciating value, takes regular gas, and might have a better interior quality since i'm pretty sure the SC was priced high when it first came out, unlike the RC350 which was a bit more reasonable.

It’s just turned into this dilemma in my head comparing what are at the core the same cars, but far apart enough from eachother that they have some major differences.

So does anyone have thoughts on my dilemma? I know this is an SC thread so i realize i’ll probably be getting some bias, which if fine since i’m leaning a bit more towards the SC400 lol, but i’d just like to get some opinions, thanks!

Also i dabble in engine repair, so if you’ve got experience working on the SC it’d be nice to hear how hard it’d be for a beginner, but i am mechanically experienced just not as much in engines/cars as other things, as i normally help repair boat engines, not automotive

 

SC400 is a luxobarge not in a bad way but not anywhere near the RC in terms of handling. Very different cars. Biggest (and maybe only) problem with the SC is parts availability and cost to repair in general. It's a car that will be a labour of love, the RC is way easier to own.

Styling wise the SC is an all time classic, RC is just okay IMO. Nothing beats the 1UZ-FE this is the greatest V8 ever made.

 

Thanks for the reply!

Just wondering in what ways is the handling different from the RC? I'd assume wider cornering and just being heavier in general, but anything else besides that?

Also kind of a stupid question since it's unpredictable but how often do you think you'd have to do a repair on a decent condition SC (like 80k or so miles)? I'd assume like once or twice per year, but if its like one that takes a while to complete every 2 or 3 months then I don't know if i'd have the time for it.

 

I haven't driven an RC chassis yet personally but these are very different Lexus coupes when you get down to it.

As LeX2K said, the parts availability for SC's is now more of a challenge (although certainly still doable and we do have healthy aftermarket support for the driveline, suspension and braking systems) while the RC being much newer still has all OEM production parts still available.

The RC is very heavy for what it is since it combined 2-3 different platform sections to make it. The Z30 SC/Soarer chassis was its own all original design (and from which the MKIV Supra was derived) back in 1991.

The SC handling wise is from another era. It does handle well once you tweak the suspension and upgrade a few things but it's more like a luxury GT muscle car chassis. In totally stock form the ride and handling are VERY softened. When set up well and with a 1.5-way LSD, better tires, modern coilovers, swaybar upgrades and wider staggered front and rear tires it's a different animal from stock.

The RC350 (or RC-F fo that matter) will feel more refined. The SC feels very satisfying to drive but it's a 90's classic.

The SC also offers an option (stock or aftermarket) that the RC350 or any RC doesn't: the availability of a manual transmission. Whether a stock SC300 5-speed, an SC300 automatic converted to 5-speed manual, a 92-97 SC400 converted to manual (98-00 SC400 VVT-i's rarely have been converted to manual for several reasons) the car is a different and much more fun animal with a manual transmission.

An SC300 converted to turbo or an SC300 or SC400 swapped with a 2JZ-GTE or 1JZ-GTE engine truly becomes a real 90's muscle car just like its JDM 1991-2000 Toyota Soarer twin.

The 1UZ-FE V8 on the other hand is an excellent engine and among of the best Toyota ever made. The JZ engines are also just as legendary but more for their durability through strength and brute power potential. For different reasons it is hard to go wrong with either engine.

If a labor of love experience as LeX2K put it is something you'll be fine with then an SC300 or SC400 can be a really excellent choice. And yes, the styling is timeless and outlasts the more conventional RC.

The SC was designed at a time when Toyota through its Lexus brand wanted to prove they could do just as well as Mercedes-Benz. And apart from frustratingly holding back the more powerful factory turbo engine the car was given in Japan only they accomplished just that.

Personally I love the feel of the older long wheelbase big GT coupe body with a powerful turbo I-6 and manual transmission. As with many muscle cars you point the steering wheel where you want it to go, hit the accelerator to load up the boost and control the tail if necessary. In rainy conditions more care is required with a modified SC... but that is the case with any older classic car with some power.

If you want the ultimate automatic transmission SC then you would want to seek out a 1998-2000 SC400 VVT-i (U.S. market). They still came with an open differential from the factory (easily remedied though), but their V8 went up to 290hp and 300 ft-lbs with a 5-speed automatic and 3.26:1 final drive ratio. This was the same drivetrain combination found in 1998-2000 LS400's.

Also it bears repeating that 1992-1997 SC400's with their unmodified 250-260hp 1UZ-FE V8's converted to 5-speed or 6-speed manual are also tremendously fun.

To give this chassis serious horsepower however the best thing is to go with an SC300 and pursue turbocharging options. The chassis has proven itself to be more than up to the task for decades.

.....

As for the fuel grade... no you cannot use Regular 87 fuel. The 2JZ-GE and 1UZ-FE engines were both tuned to run 91-94 octane Premium fuel. Just because there is an "FE" designation on the V8 engine code does not mean it doesn't require premium gasoline to run safely.

 

I've owned a 93 SC400 for the last 5 years and have only massed 15k miles. I use it as a daily driver and I really prefer it over my 07 Tundra or My 02 Celica.
Have to agree with @KahnBB6 , there is a level of satisfaction driving it around, besides the fact that you don't see them saturating your local streets...

Will have to agree with @LeX2K , I took it to a shop and they gave me a brief rundown on the car, but stated there were no parts available to continue any work. So stuff will need to be looked up and cross referenced with other Toyota models. I've made minor repairs, but the challenge will be the infamous power steering hose and pump leaking and killing your alternator.

I would love to have an RC, but the V8 version, I would assume it's an 86 twin with a tuxedo, much like the SC and the Supra.

 

Tallyhoe,

For the power steering system I recommend getting a remanufactured power steering rack from a Lexus dealer. Yes there are some aftermarket rebuilders on Rockauto but in my experience this is one case where getting a dealer reman is 100% worth it due to their much higher level of QC.

For the PS pump there is an OEM rebuild kit available or alternatively you can source a reman pump from a Lexus dealer, from Driftmotion who have offered some driveline support for these cars for years, or from Rockauto.

For the PS high pressure hose the best thing is to remove it from the car and take it to an automotive hydraulic power steering hose rebuild shop in your area. This is commonly done for many cars. They can use your original assembly, replace the leaking hose sections with new and retain your original banjo fittings at their original angles.

The RC-F is an impressive car. But it is a very heavy 3,902 lbs. More than even the heaviest SC300/SC400/Soarer. Reviewers have noted that you definitely feel the weight while driving it even if the V8 power offsets that.

I own a GR86 6-speed manual as my daily driver. It feels and is very lightweight at 2,850 lbs and doesn't need more power than it has stock. It's also smaller than either the RC/RC-F or SC/Soarer with a shorter wheelbase and a tighter steering ratio. It's an excellent back to basics driver's car more in line with the vehicle class of your 2002 Celica (only RWD).

But in comparison the RC350/RC-F and GR86 are very different animals. The RC is more RWD tuxedo muscle with automatic transmission brute power than 86. You'd need to sample a GR86 (preferably with a manual transmission where it really shines but the available automatic is good in its own right) and an RC350 to feel the difference.

Similarly the SC, even if modified for much more power and with suspension and other performance tweaks, feels more like a tuxedo muscle car (in a very good way) than an 86.

The heavy weight that came with how the Lexus RC coupe chassis was made is one of the major reasons that Lexus is getting ready to discontinue it soon along with the $100k+ LC500 and replace it with a new Lexus coupe that will be priced between what both the RC and LC sticker at. And reportedly this new Lexus coupe will be sharing its platform starting point with the next generation Supra (just as our SC's once did in the 1990's).

 

I was at a lexus dealer recently checking out the various trims of RCs. and to be honest, none of them really impressed me for a modern car. Sure the tech has come a long way since the SC400 in all aspects of safety, handling and actual computers but when you compare that to other modern makes, the RC was straight up disappointing to me. even the 2024 model still has the stupid touchpad thing from 2014. Also the seats, especially the headrests, were very uncomfortable for me and the visibility is significantly worse compared to the SC. I wouldn't buy an RC simply because at that price range there are other cars that simply give you more.

As far as the SC400 goes, its pretty much what everyone else says. parts and repairs are going to be costly and time consuming and even with the most expensive aftermarket stuff you're never going to be able to get it to ride the same as the newer lexus vehicles. Its an old car, it drives like an old car, nothing wrong with that but know what to expect. I'm currently refreshing my suspension and it took me months to find the parts just for the rear and I'm STILL missing the lower control arms. Pretty much anything you get for it is going to be a special order with extended wait time so just be ready for that and good luck finding any interior parts

 

RX350 imo vs a stock sc400

built turbo SC300 > RX350

Daily driver? RX350 all day.

 

I would take an RC350, but it would have to be a newer one, like 2019+ due to the refresh that year and small changes they made over the years. It’s about 10 years old at this point and most RC’s I come across are way overpriced. I’ve driven the RC200t/300, 350, and F a lot over the years. It’s one of the best looking luxury coupes out right now, especially with the 2019 refresh.

I recommend the RC as it is newer and will be more reliable. You can get the RC300 and 350 in all wheel drive variants that both come with the 3.5 liter V6. The newest SC is roughly 25 years old now. If you go the SC route it would be best to get the cleanest SC you can afford. I love my SC and have had it for over 15 years now, but it’s frustrating dealing with old car problems sometimes. It wasn’t so bad when I could easily get parts at a junkyard or dealership.

if you do end up looking at other RC’s, the naming scheme gets complicated after 2017. Here is a list of the various RC’s and some information about them:

-2015-2017 RC200t is a turbo 4 cylinder

​​​​​-2018+ RC300 is the same thing as the 200t

-RC300 AWD has the same 3.5 V6 in the RC350 but is tuned differently for less power. A tune can give it the power of a regular 350

-RC350 has the 3.5 V6 and also comes in an all wheel drive version. Many have the F-Sport package which comes with better brakes and a better looking front bumper during the 2015-2018 years. The 350 F-Sports are usually the most expensive of the regular Lexus RC’s.

The 2019+ RC has the daytime running lights inside of the headlights and has a sleek front end on both the regular RC and F-Sport models. 2015-2018 non F-Sports had a really ugly front bumper and grille setup.

-RC-F has the 5.0 V8 and is the most expensive of the group. It’s the ultimate RC and looks great. It got its refresh for the 2020 model year, a full year after the regular RC’s.early models can be on the cheaper side while newer ones are very rare and expensive.

-Many are overpriced and the early years are the most common. The one you mentioned sounds like a solid deal if it’s an F-Sport and has a good vehicle history.

 

SC400... that's a different beast entirely. It's a classic for a reason. The 1UZ is bulletproof, but working on it isn't that hard if you're mechanically inclined. Boat engines are a good foundation. The SC's simplicity is a plus. The RC is more modern, but the SC has character.