Right now I am currently driving an is300 but going to sell it soon so I can pick up an SC along with a sports bike. I did tons of research on the is300 before I bought it and now I'm looking to do some research on SC's before I go out looking.

I tried to search for a faq that describes the changes throughout the years but i wasn't able to find one. If someone could link me one (if it exists) that would be great).

So far the only decent sc around my area is this one and it looks to good to be true:

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/2802055053.html

I'm going to check it out later this week and I was wondering what are some things I should pay close attention to? All i know is that is that I love the paint and looks like it could have tons of potential.

 

I really recommend reading the new owner's "care kit" thread to know what you're getting yourself into. As far as changes throughout the years... well, where do I start?

There are 3 generations. 92-94, 95-96 and 97-00 with many differences. This section has literally MILLIONS of feedback regarding common problems, DIY's and things of that nature. Read through carefully and you'll be victorious

GL

 

http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html
basically everything about them.

 

I had an is300 before and comparing the sc to the is, it is a very different ride. The sc is going to have problems at times but it is a very enjoyable car. I really do like how I moved to the sc game. Goodluck!

 

Awesome, this was exactly what I was looking for tyvm.

Yeh that's what I've been reading. Have you ran into more issues with your sc over your is? Also is the ride quieter in the sc?

 

no.

There are only 2 Generations of the Lexus SC:

1st gen: SC300/SC400 made from 1992-2000.

2nd gen: SC430 which is from 2000+

92-94, 95-96 and 97-00 are all the same car, with just updates/upgrades of certain body styling and features.

don't confuse the man!



OP: try to get a 97-2000 SC. the updates are worth the extra money. trust me, i have a '92 and a '97 and its like night and day.

GL with your search..

 

lol good call migs.

 

+1 on the 97-2000 SC. I had a 95 but always wanted a 97+. Regardless the SC is a very good car

 

true!
i got lucky and i bought my 95 SC4 on craigslist and i lucked out when he showed up to meet him to pick the car up it had a 97+ front i was so happy

 

Bong bong!

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...-care-kit.html

In that case I had it wrong myself. Thanks for the correction

 

I would consider 95-96 a half gen just like Supra. The reason is toyota makes changes on the 95-96 would only work on those two years. It was the year that went from obd1 to obd2. The pass airbag is different and only interchangeable on 95-96 only. Toyota did minor changes on those year and annoys u cause of the interchangeable parts and hard to find parts too.

 

As much as I would love a 97, it's out of my price range and close to impossible to find in my area. Finding the one I listed is already good luck for me.

Are the 95-96 really that much better? From the list of changes they made, I don't really see anything that jumps out to me besides the extra airbag.

 

Buy the 97+ if you have the money. I've spent A LOT of money to make it look and feel like a 97. Keep in mind that a 20 year old vehicle will be more of a "restoration" project depending on the previous owners.

 

If that SC in the CL ad is the only decent one you have found so far, I'd keep searching. Just from those two pictures, I can see visible paint damage on the roof, spare wheel sitting on the rear drivers side, and what looks to be a poorly repaired RQ on the passenger side around the wheelwell.
Pictures tend to hide many blemishes, but if I can see these things just from the photos, I imagine it will be even worse in person. Definitely wouldn't touch it with a 10ft pole.

 

The dealership is about 10 minutes away from where I live so either way I'd rather check it out in person to take a closer look.

I also found this:

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/2835577490.html

It's a 97 with a decent amount of miles and at my max price but it does have a reconstructed title. I would prefer a clean title but I can't be to picky right now.