What's up guys, I picked up a GS350 a few months back and have been racking up miles very quickly on that so I was looking into purchasing a 92-97 SC400 as a daily. I've always loved the SC but always feared picking up such a late model. I was wondering if anybody had any tips into what to look for and what to stay away from??? The obvious transmission jerking, check engine lights etc etc I know better to avoid. I saw a post some time ago on CL but couldn't find it again in regards to transmission leaks.

I'm looking for something in the range of 2-4K with about 100-150K 92-97. I need this car as a daily and monthly trips back and forth from Toronto to Jersey. Another thing I was wondering how does the SC400 perform in the snow with snow tires. I had a GS400 and I had some issues because of RWD but I would assume the SC400 should handle a bit better because it has less weight.

 

not sure why you wouldn't want a 98-00 SC? Their engines came with vvt-i in 98 and boosted the HP from 260 to 290...

seems like a no brainer to me. Plus it's newer, has an updated gauge cluster, gated shifter, and a 3 spoke wheel (99-00)

don't think you'll be able to find one for 4k or less...

 

um wut?
............

 

lol Kevin...

even though it's practically impossible to find a 98+ SC400 for 4k or less, why wouldn't you want to spend a little more for something better in the long run?

 

My first Lexus was a 1992 400, and I have never looked back. Check out the link below for most common problems with the SC. Scroll down for the DIY most common problems.

http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html

Good luck with your find in your price range.

 

i know what you're saying but he's asking about the '92-97 because he only has a $4k budget. suggesting the '98+ didnt make any sense.

anaq110, just make sure there is minimal rust on the body. just do an all around check on the car. when you test drive it, drive it a little harder than you would normally. if it seems good to you, make the best judgment if you think its DD worthy.

 

Hey guys Thanks for your advice, 1992Lexus awesome link with lots details there. I checked out a few SCs and man they were mostly beat up. I didn't mind the light rust and paint issues that's expected from a 92-95 but all the cars I test drove had jumpy transmission and electrical issues. I guess I will start looking for 98 but that's after I get the wifey a jeep

 

Why would you want a Sc4 for a daily? Its got a V8, the things made to suck your wallet dry... imo i would get a civic to putt around town, come to think of it, i do.

 

SC4 makes a great DD. Gas mileage isn't bad for a v8, it actually gets slightly better mpg than my Z but maybe because I drive my Z hard. Look under the hood to see if oil pan gasket is leaking.

 

Glad I could help you out. Whats the verdict? Find anything or did you change your mind?

 

The SC4 I wanted was not only daily driving but also for long rides between Jersey\Pittsburgh\Toronto. No disrespect to Civics, I think they are great cars but just too small for my frame plus there's nothing better then the purr of a V8. Coming from a GS400 and now with a GS350 AWD I really miss the great feeling of punching past trucks on I81.

 

I loved my SC4. Don't worry about the miles man. As long as you take care of the motor, it will take care of you. I had 220K when I sold mine. And it was running in perfect condition! Those cars are great. I love them. I am trying to get back into the SC scene.

 

1992Lexus, I saw 3 SC4 on my trip back down to Jersey and was disappointed on how they were maintained by previous owners. One I suspected mileage clock back, odometer read one thing the body said another. The other cars I tested I felt the transmission shifting with a slight jerk and one I could here a knocking sound. Electrical system had issues on all of them, it was either the permanent check engine light or windows not working. The search still continues but the wifey keeps bugging she wants an X5. Guess its time to start selling my collection of rims and servers at home LOL. I just have to stay patient and wait for a good deal I'm keeping a window open for a 98-2000 SC4 but price range jumps to about 8-10K.

Carfreak, I totally agree with you. My GS4 had 170K and man that engine ran strong and I kept it in pristine condition. People never believed it was a 98 I had to pull out the owners manual LOL...

 

Oh, well now thats different, the Sc4 is great for freeways and traveling. you'll get around 20 a gallon and the speed seems unlimited! i got to 135 and caught up with to many cars had to slow down