First Time Potential Lexus Owner needs opinions on SC's
02-20-02, 07:29 AM
#1
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First Time Potential Lexus Owner needs opinions on SC's
Hey everyone, just found the board, and am very pumped about buying my first lexus in the next few weeks, an SC car. Tell me, whats the diff between the 300 and 400? Are there any years of the SC to stay away from or to try and get a certain year? Please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions for a first time buyer. Also, what are the widest tires you can put on a lexus? Can you please post a pic of your SC if you have aftermarket wheels on it?
thanks all...........
thanks all...........
02-20-02, 07:49 AM
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well to start the 300 is a 3.0 L inline-6 can get manual or automatic
400 is a 4.0 L V-8 only available in automatic until 97 or so i beleive
i havnt really heard any complaints about any years in particular
any car you buy used will have some sort of problem
i personally have a 93 model SC 400
not many mods yet
i bought it almost two years ago... and i love it
it came with 119k miles on it
still ran perfect
and still does to this day with 152k miles on it
only problem was when timing belt went out on it
but that was at 142k miles
they recommend changing it at 120k here in alabama
but ive heard at 100k or even 80k
a big scratch on the center or the hood, and warped brake rotors
every thing was perfect
mine came with four 10'' subs in the back ... with an amp
and two black lights in the inside... if you like that kinda stuff
and only paid around $11,500 or $12,000for it , i ont remember now
but it wasnt too bad at the time
anyways...that was my deal......
and i love the lexus.... rides like a dream...im always gettin complimented on how smooth the car rides, drives, feels, and shifts gears all the way to red line
400 is a 4.0 L V-8 only available in automatic until 97 or so i beleive
i havnt really heard any complaints about any years in particular
any car you buy used will have some sort of problem
i personally have a 93 model SC 400
not many mods yet
i bought it almost two years ago... and i love it
it came with 119k miles on it
still ran perfect
and still does to this day with 152k miles on it
only problem was when timing belt went out on it
but that was at 142k miles
they recommend changing it at 120k here in alabama
but ive heard at 100k or even 80k
a big scratch on the center or the hood, and warped brake rotors
every thing was perfect
mine came with four 10'' subs in the back ... with an amp
and two black lights in the inside... if you like that kinda stuff
and only paid around $11,500 or $12,000for it , i ont remember now
but it wasnt too bad at the time
anyways...that was my deal......
and i love the lexus.... rides like a dream...im always gettin complimented on how smooth the car rides, drives, feels, and shifts gears all the way to red line
02-20-02, 11:37 AM
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Great cars, 300 and 400. I prefer the 400, but that's just cuz I love the V8 sound/torque.... Otherwise, they are very similar overall.
The things to watch for are:
- 60K tuneup - plugs, wires, cap, rotor, maybe coils, etc. All fluids done too (15K 2 liter changes for trans, 3K oil, 2 year coolant, etc.). If the car was decently maintained, mileage isn't much of an issue.
- check the brakes. could run into some costs if not done in a while with rotors, calipers, etc. Just like any car!
- timing belt - 100K or so. Non-interference engine, but could leave you stranded.
- ripped leather
- AC out - seems like a lot of these cars have no A/C.
- Stereos seem to act up a lot with age, so if you plan to keep the stereo stock, check the CD and other operation thoroughly!
- PS PUMP! I think most people (or everyone?) have problems with this eventually. About $550 to have it replaced with a new one. Very common problem - whine and groan from the engine bay, especially when cold, is a problem.
- Radiators - I'm starting to see some failing around 150K or so on the older cars especially (92-94). Watch for a solid temp gauge running right in the middle.
- Tires: stock is 225/55/16 I believe. Don't know how wide you can go, but some people on this board have some pretty sweet wheel setups, and I know 20's fit if done right....
Good luck.
The things to watch for are:
- 60K tuneup - plugs, wires, cap, rotor, maybe coils, etc. All fluids done too (15K 2 liter changes for trans, 3K oil, 2 year coolant, etc.). If the car was decently maintained, mileage isn't much of an issue.
- check the brakes. could run into some costs if not done in a while with rotors, calipers, etc. Just like any car!
- timing belt - 100K or so. Non-interference engine, but could leave you stranded.
- ripped leather
- AC out - seems like a lot of these cars have no A/C.
- Stereos seem to act up a lot with age, so if you plan to keep the stereo stock, check the CD and other operation thoroughly!
- PS PUMP! I think most people (or everyone?) have problems with this eventually. About $550 to have it replaced with a new one. Very common problem - whine and groan from the engine bay, especially when cold, is a problem.
- Radiators - I'm starting to see some failing around 150K or so on the older cars especially (92-94). Watch for a solid temp gauge running right in the middle.
- Tires: stock is 225/55/16 I believe. Don't know how wide you can go, but some people on this board have some pretty sweet wheel setups, and I know 20's fit if done right....
Good luck.
02-20-02, 01:25 PM
#4
both are great reliable cars with decent aftermarket
if you're going for high-hp market though, the SC3 is the way to go; for lack of an aftermarket at that point on the SC4...
Thats why I bought my SC3; and because it was a manual.
My SC3 happened to have nearly every option available; but most aren't that lucky... the SC4s almost always have every option... nakamichi, heated seats, sunroof, etc
if you're going for high-hp market though, the SC3 is the way to go; for lack of an aftermarket at that point on the SC4...
Thats why I bought my SC3; and because it was a manual.
My SC3 happened to have nearly every option available; but most aren't that lucky... the SC4s almost always have every option... nakamichi, heated seats, sunroof, etc
02-20-02, 01:42 PM
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Click on the Thread Below
Why don't you check out this thread. You will find it informative and entertaining....
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=34538
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=34538
02-20-02, 05:33 PM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
Originally posted by Bean
both are great reliable cars with decent aftermarket
if you're going for high-hp market though, the SC3 is the way to go; for lack of an aftermarket at that point on the SC4...
Thats why I bought my SC3; and because it was a manual.
My SC3 happened to have nearly every option available; but most aren't that lucky... the SC4s almost always have every option... nakamichi, heated seats, sunroof, etc
both are great reliable cars with decent aftermarket
if you're going for high-hp market though, the SC3 is the way to go; for lack of an aftermarket at that point on the SC4...
Thats why I bought my SC3; and because it was a manual.
My SC3 happened to have nearly every option available; but most aren't that lucky... the SC4s almost always have every option... nakamichi, heated seats, sunroof, etc
Originally posted by joelchicago
- 60K tuneup - plugs, wires, cap, rotor, maybe coils, etc. All fluids done too (15K 2 liter changes for trans, 3K oil, 2 year coolant, etc.). If the car was decently maintained, mileage isn't much of an issue.
- 60K tuneup - plugs, wires, cap, rotor, maybe coils, etc. All fluids done too (15K 2 liter changes for trans, 3K oil, 2 year coolant, etc.). If the car was decently maintained, mileage isn't much of an issue.
02-21-02, 07:51 AM
#7
Originally posted by lex400sc
At the time I bought my car, I had a few good choices to pick from: a 1995 SC400 with 47k miles for $11,500, 1995 SC300 5-speed with 130k miles for $7,500, and $1994 SC300 auto with 90k miles for $7,500. They all pretty much had the exact same options, except the 94 had no moon roof. Had I know better at the time, I would have gotten that rare 5-speed because I'm all about power and speed. But stupid me figured that because it was a 400 as opposed to 300, it was bigger, better, faster. I don't really regret my choice as much, because now I won't be blowing 15 G's on making it a 12-second car. I can spend all my disposable income on looks and style instead. If you want real performance though, you should consider removing those heavy heavy powered/heated seats. Things must weigh 150 pounds each!
I'm pretty sure the oil in our cars are good for 5000 miles.
At the time I bought my car, I had a few good choices to pick from: a 1995 SC400 with 47k miles for $11,500, 1995 SC300 5-speed with 130k miles for $7,500, and $1994 SC300 auto with 90k miles for $7,500. They all pretty much had the exact same options, except the 94 had no moon roof. Had I know better at the time, I would have gotten that rare 5-speed because I'm all about power and speed. But stupid me figured that because it was a 400 as opposed to 300, it was bigger, better, faster. I don't really regret my choice as much, because now I won't be blowing 15 G's on making it a 12-second car. I can spend all my disposable income on looks and style instead. If you want real performance though, you should consider removing those heavy heavy powered/heated seats. Things must weigh 150 pounds each!
I'm pretty sure the oil in our cars are good for 5000 miles.
more like $5000 to be a 12 second car... (and 11s with a set of slicks) but hey you were only off by $10k
For $15k I'd best be in the 10s.
I agree on the seats hehe; thats the only option my SC doesn't have
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02-21-02, 08:34 AM
#8
Lexus Champion
Originally posted by lex400sc
At the time I bought my car, I had a few good choices to pick from: a 1995 SC400 with 47k miles for $11,500, 1995 SC300 5-speed with 130k miles for $7,500, and $1994 SC300 auto with 90k miles for $7,500. They all pretty much had the exact same options, except the 94 had no moon roof.
At the time I bought my car, I had a few good choices to pick from: a 1995 SC400 with 47k miles for $11,500, 1995 SC300 5-speed with 130k miles for $7,500, and $1994 SC300 auto with 90k miles for $7,500. They all pretty much had the exact same options, except the 94 had no moon roof.
in Feb-2001, I bought my 93 White SC400 at 104K miles for $11,500 Plus ~$2,500 for maintenance so far
05-17-03, 12:51 PM
#9
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wow i got my 93 for $9000.00...with 87,000 miles on it...i guess i got a deal
05-17-03, 02:30 PM
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If you really wanna learn about the SC's, all I can say to you is www.intellexual.net . It helped me when I got my SC400, and anything you need to find out about SC 300/400 this board, and that site are your best bets.
James
James
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