Lexus SC300 and SC400 are Rare Bargains In Today's World

Scoring a Deal

These days, finding a good deal on a used vehicle is harder than ever. This can be blamed on the chip shortage and various other supply chain constraints, which have left dealer lots empty and shoppers looking at used vehicles, sending prices soaring to new record highs in the process. However, if you know where to look, there are still some bargains to be found, including the Lexus SC300 and SC400.

Photos: Lexus

On the Cusp?

While most of us Lexus enthusiasts are well aware of the early SC and its many attributes, the coupe doesn't quite enjoy the same popularity among the average used vehicle shopper for a number of reasons, starting with the fact that it isn't a crossover or even a sedan. But there is a good chance that it will soon gain favor among collectors, given its sporty nature and a rising interest in Japanese cars from the 1990s.

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Underrated Offering

The first-gen SC launched for the 1992 model year and lasted through 2000, presenting shoppers with a properly luxurious and sporty coupe in a time when that was a desirable thing. Plus, true car enthusiasts recognize the fact that the first SC was largely a more luxurious version of the Supra, which makes it a bit underrated in many ways.

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More Desirable

The SC300 is equipped with the Supra's legendary 2JZ-GE inline-six-cylinder powerplant making 225 horsepower and was even available with a manual transmission, which is obviously the most desirable configuration. However, those cars are quite rare - with only around 4,000 produced - and they've become quite pricey in recent years, along with the Supra.

Photos: Lexus

More Power

The SC400, on the other hand, was equipped with Toyota's 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter V8, which was originally rated to produce 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, good enough for a 60 time of 6.7 seconds. The SC400 gained 10 horsepower in 1997, and shot up to 290 horsepower in 1998, along with gaining a five-speed automatic to replace the old four-speed.

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Problem Areas

As far as problems go, the first-gen SC is mostly reliable but does have a few quirks to look out for. These include potential power-steering pump leaks and cracks in the coolant overflow reservoir, along with the LCD screens that go blank, worn lower control-arm bushings and lower ball joints, window regulators that stop working, and dash vents that tend to crack.

Photos: Lexus

Strong Buy

Regardless, the early SC remains a bargain in the used car marketplace, even though values have risen somewhat in recent years. Solid examples trade for around $7,000-$15,000, though manual coupes obviously go for much more. Regardless, that still makes the SC300 and SC400 a strong buy in today's world.

Photos: Lexus

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