2000 Lexus SC 300 Review
Price Estimate: $438 - $711

Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Ultra-smooth engines, eye-bulging brakes, top-grade interior materials, quiet ride.
Cons
- Cramped rear seat, buoyant ride quality, high price.
What’s new
The 2000 Lexus SC 300 is unchanged except for paint selection; Cinnabar Pearl replaces Baroque Red Metallic.
Edmunds says
An expensive luxury coupe that is past its prime.
For sale near Round Rock, TX
1 listings
- 181,861 miles
- 2 accidents, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 6cyl automatic
- Tri-M Motorcars (1,020 mi away)
Close
Located in Fort Mill, SC
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JT8CD32Z3Y1007172
Stock: LASTSC300
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 12-04-2024
Vehicle overview
Way back in the day (early '90s, actually), the then-new Lexus SC 300 was a huge hit with both the public and the automotive press. It offered features and pricing that no other car could match. But like an aging rock band, the SC still had the same moves and songs as they did when they were new. This has opened opportunities for younger stars (like the Mercedes-Benz CLK430) to steal their fan base.
When Lexus came out with the SC it did things a bit differently. First, a stylish, sexy body was penned that didn't look much like the mini chrome-barges that usually populate the personal-luxury segment. Aggressive and lacking a traditional grille, the SC looked like nothing else. But that basic shape remains today, and it has grown a bit tired.
There's nothing wrong with the goodies under the hood, however. The SC 300 is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six that generates 225 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 220 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is super-smooth and features a variable valve timing system (Toyota calls its system VVT-i). This system optimizes valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range and in operating conditions, eliminating the traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower. The SC 300 uses an electronic throttle control system (ETCS). The inline six features a four-speed automatic transmission.
The interior is exceptionally quiet. Special materials are used to filter out noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to give the SC Coupe a serenely quiet ride. Heat and UV-reducing light-green tinted glass helps keep the interior cool on bright days and also helps reduce premature aging of interior materials. The luxurious interior materials include optional but sumptuous perforated leather seat inserts and trim wood and leather shift knob, plus elegant wood trim around the center console, doors and instrument panel. Other amenities include an automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats, and a Lexus/Pioneer audio system. A premium 280-watt Lexus/Nakamichi unit is optional.
While the SC 300 is a good car, the truth is that the SC Coupe platform is a nine-year-old design that simply can't compete in today's market. For the money, you'll find better personal-luxury coupes elsewhere.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$180/mo for SC 300 Base
SC 300 Base
vs
$144/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Lexus SC 300 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Love this Car
4.88 out of 5 starsLexSC300, 12/30/2003
1998 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
Great Ride, Plenty Powerful, Very
Refined, Great Service, Wonderful
Reliability
Best Car I've Ever Owned!
4.88 out of 5 starsRenard, 02/28/2002
1999 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
During a period of "unemployment", I decided to try my hand at selling cars. I was sold on the quality and vowed that I would one day own one. I got back into my previous career field and bought not one - but TWO Lexus (Lexi ??). My SC 300 is without a doubt the most luxurious car I've ever owned. It drives like a dream and hasn't been in the shop for anything other than recommended … scheduled maintenance. The styling is distinctive and it is a pleasure to drive!!
WHAT A GREAT CAR
4.88 out of 5 starscheckelmann, 05/30/2012
1999 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
I have had this car for almost 14 years and it has 250,000 miles on it.
I love it and so many people have stopped me for years to see if they could buy it.
Of course, I said "no".
If only Lexus would make a car similar to this SC, I would buy it in a flash.
The sports car that they came up with to replace it is too small and too expensive.
The IS in my opinion is no comparison at all. … This car has "class" and is a dream to drive.
I hate giving it up.
I am looking hard now to find something that I absolutely love and it is hard.
Most of the cars all look alike.
I am considering the Audi S5...it is closest in look and seems to have what I like.
I would rather drive the Lexus though!
Excellent Drive
5 out of 5 starsKevin Towe, 04/09/2006
1997 Lexus SC 300 2dr Coupe
This is a great car. I have all the regular maintenance done at the dealership which is expensive but I have never experienced ANY issues. Of all the cars I have previously owned, this is the first car that I truly enjoy driving. I would recommend this as a used car for anyone purchasing. I will only buy Lexus going forward based on my experience with this car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2000 Lexus SC 300, so we've included reviews for other years of the SC 300 since its last redesign.
2000 SC 300 Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $180/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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