Used 1996 Lexus SC 300 Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 SC 300, so we've included reviews for other years of the SC 300 since its last redesign.
Title: the best of the best
lsz5343, 04/24/2011
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Review: I am the original owner of a jade green, 5 speed, in mint condition, 1995 SC300 with 105k miles that I love more then any car I have ever owned. I still feel proud when I get behind the wheel and take it for a spin. Heads roll when I stop at a light and the car gets the royal look over..some folks have me roll down my window to ask what year and model it is...it still drives and feels like the day I bought it and except for the A/C going out a few years ago, and a leaking rack and pinion that had to be replaced, it has been the least expensive car to own I have ever had. I will keep this car for as long as parts are still available.
The Lexus Supra
mparsona, 06/20/2011
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
1996 Lexus SC 300 for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- Base CoupeMSRP: $3,988358 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $6,9982,063 mi away
Beautiful Sports Coupe
Aadil, 11/04/2006
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This Lexus is an excellent sports car. It handles beautifully, has plenty of power, and just looks stellar! I have gotten quite a few compliments from strangers about this car. It also definitely turns heads.
Gracefully aged
zoolander1, 08/20/2013
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Own one, you'll understand
dnamartel, 08/09/2002
1994 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I’ve got the 5-speed manual version that made C&D's 10 Best List for three consecutive yrs. This car would have to rank as one of the best luxury sports coupes made in the mid-90's. It is a magnificent blend of luxury and sports. The car feels molded to you as the leather seats, steering column provide incredible adjustments. The 225 HP engine emits a wonderful sound when you get into it. Zero to 60 in 6.8 seconds. Tight, reliable and beautiful. An impressive luxury interior and a reputation for long term reliability. There are only a few hundred 5-speed manuals. Don't buy the SC300 w/o a 5 speed, get the 400.
SC300 5-speed = Class and Performance
Unixwizard, 04/11/2005
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Ultimate combination of sport car and luxury car. The 5-speed and its exact effortless steering make this a dream car. It goes where your point it and it gives perfect feedback to the driver on road condition. Amenities are complete and the class factor means you don't have anything to prove to anyone. This car is basically a Supra NA in a tux. This isn't just Lexus' idea of a sports car, its a sport car built and backed by Lexus. You aren't getting mine and there are only 781 others. Keep looking.
Bring back this SC body style
SS, 04/06/2008
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have 356,000 on this car. I've never had any major problems with this car. Waited to purchase the new SC series but was disappointed with the size... very tiny made for a Lady. So I kept my car and because of size now looking to buy something else. But I love this SC300 so much!
My SC 300
Steve in Atlanta, 08/21/2003
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My car has over 110,000 miles, and I still smile every time I see it. Looks great, interior is very sharp, and it runs smooth and is well built. I had a 4-Runner previously, and based upon these 2 experiences will stick with Toyota.
A masterpeice
thunderofzion, 09/19/2003
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought the SC3000 new and have driven it over 123,000 since purchase in 1996. The car is a marvel; I have never had to replace anything on the car but a strut which started leak at 123,000 miles. Still running on original clutch and brake pads. It is simply impossible to built a better looking or more reliable vehicle.
Car for Life
Mike, 01/17/2019
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Had this car since it was new in 1996. Has 41000. babied miles. Still looks very modern and in style. Great engine and drive.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Winner!
D. Phelan, 06/30/2007
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased this SC 300 new on July 1, 1994. It has been a perfect car. I often considered buying a new car of the past 13 years, but then I ask myself "Why?" I now pay an annual license fee of only $88 and have no monthly payments and the car runs like new. It has classic styling and will never look dated.
Love My Lexus!
Toot, 03/18/2003
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
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!!
My hot rod
Leap'n Lexus, 10/12/2009
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Best GT period
SC300, 09/30/2002
1994 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
True Grand Tourer. The car drives and handles very sporty, while maintaing a luxary feel, but not isolated like a Benz. All the comforts you could want in a capable high speed cruiser. True GT car. The manual transmission cars are rare, but a must when choosing a SC300. Worth waiting for. I searched 5 months before my dealer located a 5speed SC300. Definitely worth it.
SC Dream Car
SC Coupe, 02/08/2003
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I now have 140k on my coupe, and it has been virtually trouble free. I had to replace the power steering unit. It has been a pleasure to drive every day. It is comfortable, and I feel safe in the car. It corners well, and it quick off the line.
Great Car
samill4, 09/22/2004
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my '95 Lexus this year and it has been a great car. I'm sure I could get some better performance out of it with a little tune-up work but I'd rather leave it alone. Comfortable, reliable, powerful, great handler. Overall great car.
Classic
drewp, 04/07/2003
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have just under 110K miles on it and am still in love with it. Overall, no major problems (although did blow a head-gasket). Also am experiencing degrading fuel economy - getting less than 18mpg lately. Overall: Great car, great vibes, great drive.
Simply Handsome and True
Florencio, 09/11/2008
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In 2008, this 96 model still looks great and in my opinion, will remain a classic. Good power and feels solid. Love it!
What a Car
BRokohl, 10/21/2002
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the '96 SC 300 in August of '99 as a certified pre-owned car from the dealership. I saved a bundle from what I would pay for a brand new SC, but paid a little more than what I would have off the street from an individual. Still, as a package, it is the best car value I have ever had. I will not likely buy any other car again. Its performance, handling, reliability, comfort and value are second to none. I have had friends and co-workers who have owned BMWs and Mercedes, and they complained often of problems with reliability and value. Not with my Lexus certified pre-owned. What a car!!
Beautiful
Alias123, 01/04/2003
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Every time I look at my SC300 I think to myself: What a beautiful machine. Exterior and interior look fantastic. I only paid $15,000 in 12/2002 for a SC300 with 75K miles having a $50,000+ sticker price. Looks and drives like new.
Sleek and sophisticated
lewis harrison, 02/03/2007
1996 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
The best thing about this car is that it is built by Toyota. The next thing is that it is about the best looking since the XKE Jag. The next best thing is that it says Lexus.
Wonderful car!
anjilah, 04/23/2002
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
kent, 05/04/2002
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
David/Florida, 06/11/2002
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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)
Trinidad, 07/20/2002
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
spaceace, 01/28/2003
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
kent34, 09/06/2003
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
BigLexusFan, 02/23/2006
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
cangold, 06/21/2006
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
cangold, 07/06/2006
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
LateefLexus, 06/29/2004
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
BamaJim, 10/22/2004
1993 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
SC300 5speed
luxcar, 09/30/2002
1994 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellant car. Luxary and Sporty, needs nothing. Absolute best if you buy the 5 speed manuak car.
Toyota Knows How To Build Them!
sc300, 12/06/2009
1995 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with over 150,000 miles and it drove and handled beautifully! I was always complemented on the look of the vehicle, and the handling was amazing. My window regulator had to be replaced, the trunk shocks stopped working and were hard to find and the retractable radio antenna was too loud, but other than that it was reliable and had plenty of power! I no longer own it, it was involved in an accident. It's hard to find a 14 yr old car that comes close to retaining the handling or the luxury of the sc.