Scott1258

I'm considering both the SC400 and the GS400 - which one would you buy and why? Thanks everyone for your opinion!

One HoT

iTrader: (5)

It really depends on your personal preference..For me personally, I love the way the coupe looks..It's elegance is defined with it's long slick distinct lines...This timeless design just never gets old, it's a true classic design in my eyes..It paved the way for many new Lexus and MB designs over the years..The SC is, what it is, a true luxury cruiser and it's the first of it's modern time...Even though I've been tempted many times to sell my car, I cannot see myself driving any other car..

NPSC303

Well Said!

TRD_Power

its kinda hard to compare the 2 to be honest..... the GS has 4 doors which I love but the SC is MUCH more streamline and I noticed a lot more road noise in the GS actually.... Speed is about the same. Go drive both and compare them yourself because you're posting this in an SC forum so its kinda obvious which one we're all gonna pick BUT.... I was in the same boat before I bought my SC.... it was 98' GS400, 98' LS400, or my 95' SC400 and I liked the SC.... good luck on the choice! its a Lexus so either way you can go wrong and will be happy!

silversprucesc3

GS400... all the way... If you need 4 doors

ITs faster than all SC4 models up until 1998..

You also could land a 98' GS4 for a better price.

IF you have no need for 4 doors and can afford it then go with the 98' - 00 SC4

DetMich1

Hmm, tough choice. I have one of each , 1992 SC 400 I bought new in '92 now with 345,000 miles. Suspension is stock except for Daizen sway bar bushings. The GS 400 is a 98 with some suspension mods (see sig below). Though bigger, it actually feels quicker and more nimble. Not surprising considering it has 50 more hp (300 vs 250) a 5spd tranny vs 4spd in the coupe, and the suspension upgrades I added. Realistically, the coupe only has room for 2. The styling is more sensuous than the GS but all in all, I find the GS more fun to drive. Both are amazingly reliable and will run almost forever. I don't think I'll ever sell either one of them.

BLK13X

They're some of the cars I was considering of purchasing (plus a few other imported JDM cars ), but a JDM Soarer and a GS300.

I wanted a GS300 because of the 4 doors, more interior space etc... Australian delivered also means that Lexus dealers will actually be happy to help you.

BUT

I ended up buying another Soarer because I have no need for 4 doors, I love the look of the Soarer/SC and I luuuuurve the interior... imo much better than comparable JDM imports in the same class (Fairlady Z, Supra, Skyline etc...).


Jose

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

Well, I'll tell it like it is. Love the gs but it has a bulbous look. You would have to spend much more than you would the sc to make it look sporty. It will never be sleek, it's a bubble looking car. That doesn't mean it doesn't look good because it does. Just means nothing can compare to the timeless, sleek, sexy, sporty, classic look of a modded sc. I could definitely drive a modded gs...but if I could choose only one it would be the sc all the way.

Scott1258

wow - great responses, thanks.

Does the 98+ SC's have the 5 speed tranny like the GS's? And with the 98+ engine is the car as quick and nimble as the GS's or is the GS just generally a more nimble platform?

Yea, I too like the form and shape of the SC, just wondering too about the GS being a newer design if it just handles and drives better than a car that was designed almost 10 years earlier.

I drove one 98 so far, and noticed a real bad wheel shimmy - is this common in this car or was it just a wheel balance problem? Anyone else have an ongoing wheel shimmy issue?

Scott

MongolKhan

Get them both.

sc.Fred

ha.. seriously! if you got the chips for both of them then get 'em both!

if you want more of a cruise/chill type car then get the GS.. other then that, get an SC

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

About that shimmy...I noticed a lot of gs owners complained about it. I believe they know the reason and have a fix for it. Check the gs section for more info about it. As for handling and nimbleness...a proper suspension upgrade will cure that. Add the sleek wide stance of the sc and no way a gs handles better. In fact I've driven a few gs's, I don't recall them handling better. Quite the opposite, feels like a boat and definitely needs suspension upgrades to match the sc.

specialist

I'd tend to agree. I currently own a 1997 SC400 PDW, my fiance owns a 1992 SC400 Garnet, and I bought a 2001 GS430 last year as a graduation present since the other two cars are paid off. So far they are all a lot of fun to drive. The SC is a blast with or without the new coilovers. But it's fun for two at the most. The GS is fun to drive with a group .

Happy hunting!

Scott1258

As for the wheel shimmy - I was referring to the SC. Does the SC have a problem with it, or could it just have been that one car i drove? Let me know. Thanks!

neoprelude

I've heard alot about the GS having body roll issues, especially vs the SC handling and chassis stiffness (It is shared with the MK4 supra ). Plus I think the SC looks better with it's lower and wider stance and the short roofline and it can comfortable seat 4 people (5 if the other 3 are girls ). And the SC's interior layout comes with all the features of the GS, but looks better but as luxurious as the GS's. I think the GS's are ALOT more common but if your constantly going to be hauling 4 extra passengers besides yourself, car pulling etc. and need the extra 2 doors get the GS. If not get the SC which is still convient for 4 people, and the passenger front seat has the power assist which makes letting people in/out of the back a bit easier.