sebastian0

Thinking about buying an SC400. Have always loved large, comfortable vehicles that have a bit of power and performance as well. I have a few questions:

1) What are the differences between model years/eras? Why go to a 2nd gen instead of a 1st? Are the newer ones known for their great reliability just like the older ones?

2) How bad is highway gas mileage? Does the car require premium fuel?

3) What are common issues with them, and are they expensive cars to own?

Thanks a lot, guys. Hope to be an informed buyer.

abounly

iTrader: (27)

Hope you have your shield ready..
Then again you could of searched it been posted so many times.
1. Im not too sure on the year because im still new to the sc's. If your willing to stick with a automatic then go for the 2nd gen, plus its a v8. sc300 for the manuel transmission, yes they are really reliable i've seen some go up to 300k+ and still running strong.

2. I believe it was 18/22? Somewhere around there, just do the basic tune up and it'll increase.. seafoam is your best friend. The car requires 91+ any lower and you might have some problems.

3. Dashboard/climate control light tends to burn out. CD player doesnt work.Usually the bushings are worn down so you should replace them as soon as you can. Expensive? Well your rocking the L badge now, gotta pay to play right?

dirkdiggle

iTrader: (1)

I have a 1992 lexus SC400 with 165k miles.

- I get 20 mpg with a mix of highway & city

- Year changes are:
1992-1994
1995- 1997
1998 - 1999

I tow jetskis with my sc400 and it works awsome!!

kyoso23

'97+ has the newer body parts.

Brendon

iTrader: (1)

1) The obvious advantages of the 1st gen SC over the SC430 are that its much cheaper and more unique. Its also MUCH more spacious. Anyone who's ridden in an SC430 knows what im talking about. The rear seats on it are absolutely useless. Not even a kid could fit in them. Also, IMO the 1st gen SC is much better looking, but thats just a matter of taste of course.

Reliability is a very subjective question I'd prefer not to dig deep into. I'll just state the obvious that if you're buying any used car, remember what you're getting into. You're not going to get a warranty, and if you buy one thats been poorly cared for or abused by the previous owner, you're going to bear the burden. That being said, plenty of 1st gen SCs can last over 200k. My SC is up to 110k and still runs like its new. Specs wise, see the links below:
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1992/1992SCspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1996/1996SCspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1998/1998SCspecs.pdf

2) See fuel economy.gov for exact rating from year-to-year

EPA ratings 1992:
SC300 (5-spd): 18/23
SC300 (auto): 18/22
SC400 (auto): 18/22

EPA ratings 1998 (after vvti):
SC300 (auto): 19/24
SC400 (auto): 19/25

There's little difference between the SC300 and SC400 on paper. In terms of real world, my experience has been the SC is terrible in the city, but excellent on the HW. I usually average about 15 MPG around Boston, but on the highway it excels depending on what speed. My highways test results are as follows:
At 55 MPH: 32.5 MPG
At 60 MPH: 31.1 MPG
At 65 MPH: 30.1 MPG
At 70 MPH: 28.7 MPG
At 75 MPH: 26.4 MPG

I havent bothered officially tested 80 MPH, but my unofficial estimates are around 23 MPG. 85 miles should be about 20-21 MPG at most. Mind you, I'm driving a pre-vvti.

3) So far the only major mechanical repair I've had was to replace my alternator. I've also had a persistent problem with my nakamichi sound system not performing well. I originally thought it was the power amp not supply enough power, but it appears to be something else. I'll be taking it down to a shop to have it more thoroughly tested to find the problem.

sebastian0

Outstanding response, Brendan. Thank you!

sebastian0

Do all of the SC400's come with the Nakamichi system?

scENFORCER

Some have Pioneer..

sebastian0

Searching around on the boards and internet, it looks like the way to go for a non-vvti 400 is a supercharger? I found a site where someone put an M90 on it...same supercharger my Regal has.

Seems like it would make more sense to just pay more for the more powerful 1997+ model from the start than to s/c a '92. Any advice there?

djyoshi626

iTrader: (5)

1. There are differences between: 92-94, 95-96 and 97+. Mainly it is tail lights and body panels, 97+ is when the fog lights are actually fog lights, not just corner lights, in addition to a grille. Few differences include needle colors between the years.

2. Mileage is not too bad at all, depends on your driving style, many people argue if you need premium fuel or not, my opinion, the manufacturer says "premium fuel only" so for the best fuel economy and engine output, put premium in!

3. Issues may include burnt out needles, blacked out climate control, CD player does not work properly, and a heavy car!

dirkdiggle

iTrader: (1)

I run 87 octane in my 1992 sc400 had have not had a problem yet........the car is slower though.

A Yahoo.com automotive news article stated that any stock car requiring premium 93 octane gas can be run on 87 octane without causing harm to the engine. It said the computer in the car will modify/retard itself for the lower octane gas.
Not saying they are 100% correct but I havent had a problem running 87 octane in mine!

kyoso23

I'd almost gaurantee you're losing more $ in MPG decrease than you're saving at the pump.

Blkexcoupe

iTrader: (8)

hmmm...I'm starting to think I should have got a SC400.

Brendon

iTrader: (1)

If your looking for aftermarket tuning, bear in mind the SC300 uses the same 2JZ engine as the Supra, so it has a HUGE aftermarket support and there's lots of turbo kits out there, which would make this a much better choice if you're after serious power. There's also many members on here who've swapped in the 2JZ-GTE or the JDM 1JZ-GTE turbo engines into their SC.

The SC400's 1UZ on the other hand doesnt have much aftermarket support, so most mods will have to be custom. There are a few SC4 owners out there that managed to convert their 1UZ's to manual tranny such as Scotturnot. In terms of forced induction, supercharging is the way to go. Most people opt for the M90 eaton since its cheap and easy to work with. Some people have also tried the newer M112. A guy here on CL called Twizted had an M112 kit for sale a while back. He didnt get any buyers, but I'm not sure if he's still looking to sell it. A few start up kits out there exist. I think theres a company in Australia that sells them, but they arent cheap ($5000+).

That being said, if you're one of the few out there (including me) who still prefer the V8 over the I6, understand there's almost no support for the 98+ SC400 which has VVT-i and is that much harder to tune. The 98-00 SC400 is really the car you want if you prefer not to tune and just want something thats got nice acceleration and better fuel efficiency. If you're looking to run big boost, go for a 92-95. The earlier SC400s had stronger piston rods. If you're looking at a modest boost (12 psi or less), then the 96-97 can suit you as well.

sebastian0

I've come to the same conclusion as you mentioned in your final paragraph. I think I'll go with a 98+, then that will be enough power for me in stock form (or very slightly modded). Years prior to that, I'd want more power. But it seems worth it to spend that money on the newer/more powerful/more fuel-efficient car in the first place.