Used 1993 Lexus SC 300 Consumer Reviews
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sc300 5spd
Strong and Good looking. Only problem is electrical stuff. Things get tricky when wires get old and dirty.
The Lexus Supra
These are great cars if you can find one with a factory 5-speed manual (or perform a manual swap). I had read about SC300's years before buying one and knew of their extremely close lineage to the fourth generation Toyota Supra sports cars and especially the much better equipped Toyota Soarers (same exact car except for the engine). I got my chance a year ago when I found a higher mileage 5-speed model. It only had one prior owner and had no accident history. Save some expected cosmetic wear (replaced/fixed easily through parts channels/forums) and the need to do routine maintenance to a used car it has been an excellent drive and totally reliable.
- Base CoupeMSRP: $10,9881,036 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $11,6621,586 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $8,9951,761 mi away
Fun, Dependable Sport Luxury Coupe
I bought this car with 125,000 miles on it and I have had it about 2 years and it now has about 131,000 miles on it. Never had a SINGLE issue/problem with this car and it drives like a dream. However, there is a minor oil leak or transmission fluid leak that I have just recently noticed so I will need to have that fixed, otherwise for being a 13 year old vehicle I cannot believe the exceptional reliablity this car has given me!
Awesome Car!
This has been the most maintenance free car I have ever owned. I have over 140k on it now, and I wouldn't hesitate to take this car across the country tomorrow. It's super reliable, comfy, quiet, smooth, and has lots of style. There's got to be a reason that Lexus didn't change it for 10 years. The only thing I might do different if I were to buy another one, would be to get the SC400 to get a little more HP, and a little smoother ride. There's little difference in weight and economy between the two...
My SC300
I bought mine new in 1992 and it remains my favorite car. Have an 07 ES350, nice car, just not SC300 nice. The SC is still rock solid and sexy looking and sounding. This car is a modern day classic.
my l
fair gas mileage price for dealer maintenance high i will buy it again
Gracefully aged
I bought a 1993 SC300 with 135k miles from its original owner for $5000. It's black with a tan interior and a 4 speed Automatic. The overall build quality shows after 20 years. It's solid, everything works, and the materials withheld form and finish throughout the years. The paint is shinny and the engine is very, very strong. We plan on keeping it for at least 2, 3 years and then pass it on.
Still Love It After All These Years!
I've had this car for almost 17 years now and can't find a car I want to replace it with. It's still the most beautifully designed car on the market for the price range. Even Lexus hasn't come out with a nicer sporty 2-door model in this range (orig $50k fully loaded). The only mechanical problem I've had is the air conditioner went two years ago. Expensive repairs don't quite get it right. A couple of minor electrical repairs a couple years ago, but nothing serious or expensive. I've worn out the leather on the driver's side. No engine problems at all. This is simply a great car. I'll probably always keep it as a second when I finally bite the bullet and get a new one.
Lexus SC 300 - One reliable, fun car!
I bought my SC 300 with 121,000 miles on it. It is a 1992 and although I was hesitant about buying an older car I wasn't going to pay the price that new cars scrape out of people these days! This car has given me no problems whatsoever! It is a fun car to drive, so comfortable in the captains seat and has excellent power, especially if you put the overdrive button on it really HAULS! The look of the car overall is not too exciting, the exterior is boring, but not TOO boring if you know what I mean. For as heavy of a car that it is it really handles well and gives me the power I need, but not too much power. I love this car.
Love My Lexus!
I purchased my 1993 Lexus SC300 5 years ago. It has 5 speed, sun roof, a/c, CD player, phone mounted in console, leather and i love it. I would trade my husband before I traded my Lexus. It's been reliable, fun to drive, and I've not had any maintenance issues with it (so far). The only problem is the rear wheel drive and living in Pennsylvania, I'm not on the road much in the winter!!
Fabulous engineering and reliability
In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. The motor is powerful, responsive and reliable. The fuel economy, 22/26 mpg, is remarkable considering the mass of the vehicle. Unparalleled comfort and an awesome sound system. My only complaint is that WHEN it needs maitainance, and thus far it has needed nothing out of the ordinary oil changes, etc, the dealer maintainance is
Quarter of a Million Miles
These cars are almost indestructible. Just turned over 250,000 with nothing but normal maintenance. Amazing cars.
Lovely
I wish I could be driving this for the next 20 years
I've never owned a car like it
I purchased this car in 2002 with 136,000 miles. Since then I have added over 100,000 miles. Last year I took 4.5 months traveling around the country. I left with over 210,000 miles and traveled over 18,000 miles with no problems. I got it up to over 150 MPH along the way (it has a 5 speed, racing suspension, 17" wheels, and low profile tires). The car is amazing. In the past I have owned Jags, Benzes, Porsches, and Corvettes; none have measured up to the 300. Due to the incredible construction of the car, I plan to keep it into the far future. If you calculate the current cost to replace the features that come with this masterpiece of machinery, at least $70,000 would be required.
Excellent Car
Ive had this car for 9 years and it is still just as fun to drive as the first day i bought it. Lexus stayed with the same style up until the new sc430 but it is a great car and the power is amazing.
It doesn't get any better than this
After 10 years I still can't bring myself to part with this amazing car, even though my kids are outgrowing the rear seat. And my dealer's service department treats me and my car with respect! What a change from other brands.
Owner's Experience 1992 Lexus SC300
Best looking car made before or since - fit and finish outstanding - not a sign of rust after ten years - friends still think it's a new car (after it has been freshly washed). Loving maintenance "by the book" has resulted in trouble free ownership, with not one trip to the shop found necessary between normal maintenance intervals.
Glad I Took The Risk
Hey, These cars arent cheap. And It was a strech to make the payments work. But I can say that it was money very well spent! Great Car!
My hot rod
I purchased my SC300 5 speed manual in 1999 from the wife of a former general manager of a major Toyota/Lexus dealer. It had about 85,000 miles at the time. Now has a smidge under 250,000 miles on the odometer and still runs with the big dogs. I'm one who likes power and speed and the speed of my car still surprises me and those who challenge it...even an SC430. I've replaced the clutch, air conditioner, radiator and recently discovered I need to replace the harmonic balancer, But it's still a definite keeper. Oh, I've finally decided to start babying it.
210,000 miles and counting..
I've had this wonderful car for two years now and it amazes me. I have a Jaguar and a Chrysler Crossfire, but this is my favorite drive. It cossets you in fun, supple luxury. My goal is to have 300,000 miles on it one day.
1 year review
I've had this car for 1 year and it's been great. Super reliable, the only thing I needed to replace was the alternator.
Rolled
I loved my SC300. And it saved my life. You just don't know a car's safety until you "try it out" - I rolled my SC300 360 degrees down a 25 foot embankment at around 40 mph. The driver's top and side took the brunt of the impact going down. It landed on all fours, and I walked off with a couple of scratches. Now I have to find another SC300!
Wonderful Car
This car is just wondeful to drive. The fit and finsh of this Lexus does not show it age either. Best car I ever owned. I am looking into a second Lexus. The five speed manual transmission makes this a very fun car to drive.
Excellent Car
This is a wonderful car!! I have really enjoyed it and the reliability is superb. Great looks, ride and holds value really well. Lexus is a great car.
Love It!
Can't Say Much! It's Just Great!
Wonderful car!
We purchased our SC used with 40,000 miles on it. In the past year, we've racked up over 30,000 more miles on it with no problems other that a squeaky fan belt. It's a smooth coupe with rear seats comfortable enough for a lengthy trip, as long as the person seated in front of you is under 6ft. tall.
There's been no finer car
I love my 5 speed 300 like a child. I have treated it very gently, and it has been the finest car I've ever owned in return. I suspect I will have still own it beyond 150,000 miles and be equally happy. It's simply beautiful! Imagine paying $60M+ for the new model? It's not even well designed like the 300/400!
My SC300 Experience
I purchesed my 93 SC300 via eBay sight unseen for well below retail. I have put about 15,000 miles to date and spent about $4000.00 in repairs and maintenance. The largest expense was a whole new a/c system costing $2300.00 a few months ago. I do not take the car to Lexus, they wanted $750.00 to repair the power tilt streering wheel that I went home a fixed myself. The car runs and drives beautifully. I have had a few high-milage issues as stated above, but for what i paid I still get tons of compliments and really enjoy driving it. My next car will be a new SC430. The warranty makes all the difference.
This is my other car (really)
I got a great buy on this vehicle in 1999. A dealer's 75 year old wife wanted a non-coupe car. Since then, I have had no problems with the car and enjoy taking it for a drive to Yosemite. The car handles curves like a mother with her new-born child. Only thing I don't like is I don't fit the mold of most people (mid-age beautiful woman). I am a 30ish male. Only 66,000 miles on my 1993 SC 300. Still, thinking of selling it.
COSTLY BUT BEAUTIFUL
I purchased the car in 1997. I have owned it for only 6 years and the repairs have become quite COSTLY. Both passanger and driver window motors had to be replaced ($700 each), alternator ($750), heating unit ($400), Compressor ($350). oil changes ($70), timing belt ($700). Other than the costly repairs, the car believe it or not is reliable. The ride is incredibly smooth and powerful enough to blow past truckers when needed. For a 1993 model this car can still compete with today's 2003 models. this car is destined to be a classic.
Best Car I've Ever Owned!
I've had 3 minor problems over the 10 years I've enjoyed this car. I will own it for over 150,000 miles and expect the reliability to continue. A wonderfully constructed and beautifully designed car. Strangers still comment on how great it looks.
Reliability Defined
I am the original owner of my SC300, and in almost 13 years of ownership, I have had to replace only the starter (rebuilt for about $300) and some gasket seals. The rest of my ownership has been only the standard maintenance at the various intervals (the Big ones are at 60K and 90K). This is the first Lexus I bought, and I will remain a Lexus fan forever after this experience. Not only does the car still look sharp, but you can get the Lexus ownership experience for around $5-6K now used. I doubt you could find a better vehicle out there for that price.
Awesome
I've been wanting an SC 300 for 10 yrs now and finally bought this near mint 13 yr young one w/ auto and dark Brisith green. I've owned about 15 cars and this by far feels the safest and all around great car to drive. I feel like the SC 300 was made for me... love the interior and everything works perfectly. I know this engine will last another 100k plus, so I'm keeping until the end.
Finally bought an SC 300
I've wanted this Lexus for the past 12 yrs and finaly bought this one owner, well taken care of SC 300. It has 147K and I know with routine oil changes it'll go another 250K plus. I know I'll have normal wear and tear but for the price I paid everything works now and I have a luxury drive. Nicest car I've owned and I've had 20 in the past 30 yrs..
An SC to be Proud Of
I will begin with the negative so I'll have enough room for the positive. The only problem was with the starter and it was replaced at the dealer($580). In addition the dashboard gauges are going out. Too expensive at the dealer, I saw them on ebay for a great price. I suggest you get repair work at a regular Toyota/Lexus mechanic. They are out there, just make sure you look. I do enjoy this machine, it is a pleasure to drive. Shorter and longer distances should fear this vehicle. I enjoy larger sport coupes and the handling is luxurious and a pleasure.
High Quality Machine
Please realize that I purchased my SC300 with automatic just two weeks ago, so my review is only initial. My car has been very well maintained, largely by a Lexus dealership, throughout its life. 115K miles. I believe the previous owners never abused it. This car should be bought by a mature person who appreciates what he's driving. This auto trans SC300 is intended as a cruiser, not a racer, but it IS capable of being quite sporty. When pushed, it corners flat, has quick steering and excellent pickup. It has a quite firm suspension, more so than its image indicates. Everything in this car works smoothly. Superb for being 12 years old. I was not a Lexus fan, but my car is special.