I know that the older sc400s had the same engine as the Ls400s. But I've been searching for an older (1993-1995) LS400 when I discovered some good prices for the SC's. I have heard that these models take mileage very well. I'm not sure which one I am going to choose yet, but I would like to know if the SC300/400 is considered any more or less reliable than the LS400. Whichever one that I choose, I plan to keep it a while so I want to get the most for my money. I don't plan on driving either one very hard and I like to maintain cars to the t. Which one do you think will be the better choice for me as far as holding up over the years goes? I enjoy both coupes and sedans and fell in love with Lexus/Toyota quality ever since I stepped foot in an LS400 in 1997. Thank you

 

I have a 93 SC400 with 193k and runs strong. And i drive prety hard and fast

 

The cars are both bullet-proof. Just figure out which one fits your needs and preferences.

 

Yeah....they're pretty much the same. They both have problems with the needle lights going out, the LCDs "bleeding", and the power steering pumps. The only potentially expensive/difficult failure I can think of that is unique to the SC400 is the door hinges. They're big, and complicated and the doors are REEELY REEELY HEAVVY. The hinges wear out, and the door is hard to close, and over time becomes misaligned. You can either take the hinges off and "rebuild" them with the aid of a machine shop, or replace them.

 

You sound probably consider other things too like air suspension for the LS. The air suspension tends to go bad as well and can be kinda expensive to fix. The SC's have very little problems and can take just about anything. The LS's come with all kinds of cool little bells and whistles but if you're after a fun ride with a good amount of luxury the SC is not a bad choice at all. The LS is the an awesome car and would also be very realible. Both have great realabity and either would be a great choice. They both have some common problems but than again what car doesnt? Make sure the CD player in the SC works fine because it tends to skip or not play after some time and check the power steering pump. Other than that you're good to go.