hookem59

Hey guys,

I will likely be getting a 1996-1998 model of either an LS400 or SC400 soon. Can anybody give me some advice on which car costs less to own? I would like to consider the following things: routine maintenance, actual repairs, gas mileage (very important these days), and insurance. Which car is more reliable? Which car gets better gas mileage? Thanks in advance!!

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

It's the same car. One is bigger.

Lexus has always been like that until the most recent new models from the IS forward.

Same engines, same trannies, different mounts and plugs. same people making nearly identical, but non interchangeable electronics.

VJ RC51

honda civic's are cheaper.

Luv Da Lex

insurance is probably cheaper on the ls400 but the sc400 imo is a nicer car. more sporty. ls400 more vip.

2jzgte

I have never owned an SC (yet) but comparing my 94 LS to my 95 Supra I have had to do the following within the past year;
Supra; Tires (9000 miles) $940, brake pads (12,000 miles), and various oil changes usually bi monthly
LS400; Chassis had to be re tightened frequently, new MAF, spark plugs, winter and summer inspection/tune ups=$800-$1200
Obviously this is not indicative of what you may experience because I drive like a damn fool with too much money. I would have to say the SC is far more robust though. As far as the drivetrain goes the v8 cars are essentially identical. Suspension wise I can see the LS owner who sticks to the Lexus recommended service intervals spending much more.

92 SC400

The LS would be cheaper...Probably won't have as much urge to mod it.

hookem59

So far you guys have has very helpful answers!! Keep 'em coming!

King7Two

Owning the car?
They both will cost more than a Civic.

Insurance? How old are you?
Gas? ...again......How old are you?


LS if young
SC if mature

Damn...I wish I had these options for my 1st car

hookem59

Hehehehe! I'm in my low 30s. I don't drive aggressively.

King7Two

In that case.

Maintaining the car (either) wont be bad. Find a reputable Toyota shop... they can fix everything that a dealership can, and at a pretty good discount as well.
These are solid cars and thats one of the beauties of owning a Lexus. If you dont hammer it, it will last a long time.

Gas milage is an issue discussed at length here on the forums.......do a search to find out how to get the most out of your car.

Insurance (depending on your record) may be quite a bit different. Shop around

Both cars will cost you about the same. Its pretty much a wash.

Id go for the SC though.......

92 SC400

Why LS if young and SC if mature?

hookem59

OK, I've officially eliminated the SC. I drove a couple today, and didn't really care for them. Looks like a 1996 LS400, or else just keep my 2001 GS300. The random rattles, low idle at stop lights, and ****-poor stereo are really wearin' on me with the GS300. I especially HATE the low idle rattling at stop lights, for which apparently all 2nd gen GS300s have and is not fixable (no it's not a dirty throttle body, and I don't need new motor mounts). Yes, I know the low idle can be minimized by turning my lights on (no fog lights) and keeping my A/C on all the time. It's funny, my 1994 GS300 didn't have any of those problems (no low idle, no rattles, AWESOME stereo) . Oh well, I'm leaning towards the LS400. I think Lexus was at its peak in the mid-late 90s. Anyway, thanks to everybody who helped me with this decision!

933005spd

Get the one which thrills you the most. I really considered all the lexus vehicles when I was looking for another. Ended up with another SC though cause I love em. May however break down in a year or two for the new LS Hybrid. Dang man V12 perfomance for V8 cost, and they are sweet inside also. Heck, maybe I can sit in the back and have my wife drive me around...

Good luck with your choice. Its a lexus, dont worry about which is cheaper to own.

TRD_Power

the LS400 and the SC400's motors both work less there for they consume about the same abount of gas as the SC300 and typically don't need to be worked on as much as the 300 as well. It's a toss up though, all are great cars!