i really want to buy a lexus sc but i don't know things like whats the maximum miles i should go for and the year and all that. How old is too old for an sc? how many miles do sc's last for? are they reliable cars? i would appreciate it if somebody could help me out thanks.

 

Well, first, do you want a 430, or a 400/300? They're separate cars with completely difference appearances. I prefer the Z30 (first generation) myself. As for reliability, I don't know about Z40s, but the Z30s have proven to be very reliable cars whether you choose the 300 or the 400. Both drive trains (the 1UZ and the 2JZ) are very durable, and both have seen mileage past 300,000 in multiple cars. You should check out this thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...a-used-sc.html

 

i was looking more for the 300 because its only a v6 but would a v8 really eat a lot more gas or just about the same? and thanks for the info much appreciated

 

1st search the Sc forum. The Sc300 has a inline six cylinder, not a V6, the SC400 has a V8, the sc300 gets slightly better gas mileage. As or year of SC to get, it depends what kind of mods you want, styling, etc, but generally the newer the model year the better features you will have.

 

Moved to SC forum, please use search to find most of your questions. Many have discussed over and over again.

Thanks!

 

To Answer your questions, SC is very reliable car any given year. 400 or 300 all depend on your personal referrence. SC300 is eaiser to mod, SC400 is quicker stock. Gas mileage wise, there really isn't much difference, I know, since I have had 13 of them.

 

They are all really "old" at this point. You should be skilled mechanically to own an SC, because many parts will need to be replaced over time. This forum provides detailed DIY threads to help you. The best thing about owning an old car is that the parts are cheap, and there is plenty of help from members that have been in the same position.

My only advice: DO NOT HAVE AN SC AS A DAILY DRIVER WITHOUT A BACK UP CAR IF YOU ARE NOT A MECHANIC.

Though it is a reliable vehicle, it will more than likely have a cel or not start one day. So, your first mod is to buy another $500-1000 beater

 

I slightly disagree on this one. I'm no where near a mechanic and I've owned a 93 SC400 with 105k miles and a 98 SC300 with 230k miles. It all depends on how the owner took care of it. Find out if major maintenance has been done such as timing belt, water pump. Those are critical things.. the other things are tune ups which need to be done when the car needs it (I don't really go by a mileage for that). But yeah, just make sure the previous owner took care of the car, and you don't have to worry about being a mechanic or having a back up car.

 

I actually thought that this was true myself at one point, But no, Ironically, It's actually the SC400 that gets better gas mileage since it has better power to weight ratio than the SC300.

 

i actually posted before reading this post im thinking about buyin an SC as well. I picked up a DSPORT magazxine today (Oct issue) and it featured 97 sc 300 that has had some modification done but was only pushing about 297 WHP. So my suggestion would be to start with the sc 400 which you can usually find for around 4k with decent milage and puts out 250hp stock. Im not gonna be going crazy with engine swaps and all that im just gonna make it look sexy and maybe a couple grand in engine work and another 3or 4 on wheels and suspension and call it a day.

 

The high expensive price that one is going to pay for maintenance and aftermarket parts on a Lexus SCx00, should be enough to scare all these noobs back into their Honda and 240SX scene LOL!

 

I disagree too, it just depends on the previous owner. Look for one around 4 - 5k and test drive it all over. These cars are reliable but I doubt you will find one that great if your going to only spend 1k - 3k on a beater. I spent 3900 on mine but it was in excellent condition for a 92, runs perfect and just hit 228,000 miles, I have read that 300k is no problem and some are at 500k. All my maintenance was up to date, great interior and exterior beside small cracks by vents on both door panels. Check to see when timing belt and water pump was done and check all the fluids. Good luck with buy

 

they are a toyota they last for everrrrrrrrrrr!

 

I say go for it. just know that an sc will empty your wallet fast if you don't turn your own wrenches

 

My SC has been reliable throughout my ownership. However, due to age of parts, I've been replacing many parts from wear/tear and it's beginning to be a money pit. As mentioned, have a back up vehicle if/when your SC needs to be worked on because you will need it. I was using my SC as a daily and my Gixxer as a weekend ride but recently the role has reversed.

Anyways, I recommend 98+ SC's due to updated exterior/interior as well as their vvti engines. The likely hood of having less oweners of 98+ models are much higher than that of older years (due to slightly higher price). Good luck on looking for a mint SC! Patience is virtue.