Used 1992 Lexus SC 400 Consumer Reviews
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Best $2700.00 investment
I was looking for a used vehicle to commute 40 miles one way and this car has been very reliable . I've has this vehicle for a year with no serious problems. I now have 158k an still runs like a champ. It's a very fun car to drive with great horse power. if you run across someone selling a sc400,research and go for it!
'92 SC400
Bought w/slightly over 100K mi, now at 204K. Only maint done plugs & wires, 2 sets brake pads, tires, alternator. All wear items except alt. Car runs like new. Drove friend who owns a new, Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. He couldn't believe that my car 10yr old car was more quiet, comfortable & rattle-free than his new car. Couldn't believe handling & acceleration either. This car is supremely capable @ 80mph+, which is important when you put on 50K mi/yr. Bought car for $9K 2-1/2 yrs ago. Aside from my Kawasaki cycle and my 4wdTurbo Celica it's the best money I've spent. Highly recommend this vehicle. As close to bulletproof as it gets.
- Base CoupeMSRP: $11,000840 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $14,995937 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $19,9991,172 mi away
My 19 year old SC400...WOW!!!
I recently picked up a 92 SC400 w/88K miles. It needs some work, but it is still a blast to drive. The engine and transmission are solid and nobody believes the car is 19 years old. The quality and design of this car were decades ahead of its time. I look forward to fixing it up and using it as a weekend cruiser. Pick one up if you can, there is a reason they are ranked as one of the Top 10 cars of all time on many lists.
Perfect blend of Luxury and Sport
With 180,000 miles on it when it was totaled, I only had to replace the stock plastic radiator, and AC. The car ran like a champ. The V8 provided plenty of power to the rear wheels during any driving situation. The handling was excellent. I am currently looking for an SC now as DD.
Just keeps going, and going...
I purchased this car as a comfortable winter beater, not planning to keep it. It has sunk it's well-built teeth into me and I don't see myself ever letting go of this car! At 190K miles it still starts right up, shifts as smooth as silk, all of the electronics work, and it drives wonderfully after having the steering rack bushings replaced ($55 + my labor - 30 minutes).The interior only has minor wear on the seats and I replaced the gauge lighting for $12, otherwise it is as it left the showroom after almost 20 years! The paint is fading but the panel fit is still extrodinary, it will be painted this coming spring and I'll probably get some rolling jewelry for it too! Drive one, you'll buy!
Tough little car
16 years old and runs like new. Seats have gotten hard with age and the dashboard displays are dying (not the critical ones). Sound system works sometimes. Repairs have been few. Car is in now for painting and replacement of some of the external plastic. I plan on taking this as far as it will go.
Just an update
Wrote a review back in 2004 titled "This Lex never let's me down". Now have 195,000 miles on the same car and can honestly say I have enjoyed every mile. In the last review I talked about the high cost of repair but now in retrospect believe the cheapest parts are the ones that don't break. I can't complain! Nothing major so far. A timing chain one year, an alternator and other regular maintenance stuff. No big deal. Would I trade this car for the bluebook price? Not a chance! If I had any advise it would be that barring an accident candy paint and or 22" rims are the only ways you can ruin the car. Good luck!
Loving it...still!
I wrote a review on 5/23/02 about my car entitled "Still loving it..." Guess what? I am still loving it! It had 70K miles on it when I bought it in 1997. It now has 201K and is still running strong!!! My nephew has turned 16, but I kept the car. I have had some interested buyers, but I cannot bear to get rid of it. I love it just that much...even still! I also own a '96 LS 400. Lexus lover for life!!!
Best Value Coupe Ever Made
Second 92 SC owned with only 77k miles (2007). Rocket ship, wear it like a glove, extremely well engineered, built like a tank, understated timeless beauty, still in style (2007). Last 92 SC I sold at 189k, still ran like new. Best V8 engine ever made. Check rear main seal & pwr steering for leaks (130k), radiator(150k), rubber suspension bushings (75k-14yr). Replacement parts available & reasonable, interchangeable with later years, find good mechanic or purchase svc manual, not too difficult to work on. SC 400s destined to become collector cars if kept all original, much more so than tacky SC 430.
Lex 4 Lex & Love it
This Lexus car is amazing and I still don't want to get rid of it. She has never let me down. Everytime I wanted to ride we go. She's fantastic, the best coupe SC 400 ever made! 240000 miles and still running strong, always ready to ride anywhere. I have two other cars and still prefer to drive her.
Still loving it...
I bought this 1992 car in 1997 with 70K miles. It now has 137K and I still love it! I have yet to drive a more powerful, better handling sport coupe. Since Lexus first debuted as a 1990 model, I wanted one. I finally could afford a used one and I am happy I did. I have had no major problems, only usual used-car stuff. I will drive it until the wheels fall off, or my 13- year-old nephew is old enough to drive (whichever comes first)...and I truly believe my car will last far beyond my nephew's 16th birthday!!!
10 years old and still new
I bought the SC400 last Feb.2001 from my roommate's dad. The car had been in 2 major accidents, but was fixed when I got it. Was so concerned I had LemonBusters check it out. Turned out just fine. Bought it w/ 120K miles on it and have put in 20K miles since then. Rides like it's on air. None of my friends can believe that this car is 10 yrs. old! It looks like new (had a new paint job), and still handles like a dream. It's hard to find much to complain about this car. Only negative is gas mileage & drinking only super premium gas.
SC400
Bought the car with only 38000 miles. fantastice car to drive. Gets up to 27 miles to the gallon on highway 20 in city.Only thing that has gone wrong with the car is the power window switch went out on the driver side.
Incredible Car
This has to be one of the best cars that I have ever driven, I would recommened this car to anyone intrested in a high-end luxury sports compact. This car would go great in the sports compact scene as a racer and has a massive power and style advantage over its competition.
Best all around
Bought this one in 1992 with 3k on it, today I have 237,500 on it. Best car I've ever driven on a daily basis. Thought of selling it, bought the LS400, sold it, bought the BMW 850Ci, sold it, bought the Q45, sold it and kept on driving the SC400. A very fun, solid, performance sports car with an interior built around the driver, it's hard not to enjoy.
sc400
iv'e owned this car for about 4 years now. it's a daly driver and has been the best car i've ever owned. with 100k miles it runs and drives like a thoroughbred. i've owned 2 Porsche, corvettes, 300z, and BMW, nothing can toutch it. never even had a tune up, factory plugs and all.
Best Car I've ever had.
I've had this car for twelve trouble- free years. The body looks almost the same as the day I bought it. I've had no problems other than regular service items. It drives like a dream and is extremely well built.
This Lex never let's me down.
I love this car! It's perfect in terms of fit and comfort for my 6'1" frame. All controls are placed within easy reach and quickly became intuitive. Performance is great with enough power to thread your way through the openings in traffic instead of being trapped with the slow moving bunches of people asleep at the wheel. This vehicle shaved a half hour off each way of my commute! One word of caution! Be prepared for the crazy repair and maintenance prices from the dealership. When taking this car in to dealer be on guard for the rip offs. Know your vehicle's true replacement prices and avoid the outrageous costs by choosing another qualified mechanic.
Cant do much better
110k miles - owned this car for 13 years. Only issue... The Premium Nakamichi sound system is not worth the money... went dead in 97 and the replacement was $2k+ and it died in 2003!. Otherwise, absolutely reliable and no squeaks or rattles even after 13 years of driving on crappy CA highways. Wouldn't sell or trade it for any reason now.
Best car running
For a 1992 car with 156,000 miles on it this is the best car ever made and the body style is timeless a well made car with no engine problems too.
Owned 16 years - Great Car!
Best car I've owned. I've looked for 7 years for replacement, but can't find anything I like as well. Costs/mi for 188K miles: Gas (9375.1 Gal)-$.081/mi; sched maint-$.039/mi; unsched maint- $.0296/mi; oil change (do myself)- $.0023/mi; Total cost/mi = $.1515 w/o depreciation. Ave mi/gal for 188K mi = 20.01 mpg (187914 mi/9375.1 gal).
What a Dynamite car and service
I have owned this vehicle for 10 years and have enjoyed every minute of it, reliable, the best car I have ever had (including an 1999 XJ8 Jag which I owned during this period, but I did not get rid of my SC400!. Equally as important is the fact that the service I receive at the dealership for 10 YEARS will make me a return customer. My next car will be a Lexus. I know it is late to make a review of this car but it has 114K miles and runs like new.
Black beauty and super fast too
I have this car for three yeras now. I got it as I graduated from college. i love every minute of driving it and I still get so much attention in it even though it'smore then ten years old and I live in Scottsdale with all the Rolls and Benz and others around. I really don't see myself selling it. Did I mentions the interior, LOVE IT all.
Simply Great
I bought a 1992 in 1995 with 100K Miles on it. Let me tell you, there is not a more solid sports car out there. Since then, I have owned a 2nd and 3rd gen GS, and two w221 S-classes. My dad had a 1st and 3rd gen LS. Both the SC and the 2nd gen GS were wonderful cars, solid, very little probs (I drive 9-11K per year). The SC is in a league of its own as far as looks are concerned. The only car that holds a candle to this in the "regular" segment is the original Jag XK. I haven't seen that many SCs lately, but seeing them for sale, brings it all back. Wonderful power (even in the 250 hp version), great driving dynamics. For a coupe, this is one of the best produced. I upgraded the stereo as I didn't have the Nak system and upgraded to the 5-spoke chromes (a must!). I would spend the extra to get a 1998+ as you get a better engine and trans.
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A V8 in a tuxedo
I had 2 Nissans before this SC400, and wow what a jump up this car has been! The seat fits like a glove, and heated seats are excellent in cold weather. People have complained about this car's wet weather and snow traction since it is rear-wheel drive, but I've done fine through this car's first New England winter. It's not a stump puller but 250HP and nearly that in torque is PLENTY! These cars are very hard to find for sale; nobody seems to want to let them go so do your homework and make sure you find one that's been taken care of! The only issue with this car is if your power steering leeks, it drips right onto the alternator, so check to see if it has had recent work in those areas.
Great '92
We bought this car 5 years ago with 29k on the odo (now it has <90k). We use this car on weekends and trips. Absolutely love it. Ive rarely had it over 100 and felt as comfortable as one can at that speed. I too have wondered sometimes if the engine was running when it idles since it is so quiet. It is also quiet on the highway (cars next to us are noisier than this). Gripes? Only that there is a bit if a lag when the tranny needs to down shift under heavy acceleration. The back end is a bit too light. Gas mileage for us is 20-22. It's almost too bad Lexus has their CPO program because the car is not as "rare" now as it was when we first bought ours.
middle aged muscle car
Best vehichle I have owned! This car does everything it is supposed to without fuss. It has all the power you crave with all the luxury and creature comforts a mature adult requires. The only complaint is the car is rather heavy and is somewhat reluctant to corner, as compared to my BMW 5-series I sold. However it is for this same reason the car is so solid and efortless on the highway! I am so impressed with Lexus we are selling my wifes Mercedes E-320 wagon and getting a RX-300. Can't wait...
excellant Lexus
Love it! It has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I cannot see selling it for the low prices they are selling for now. i could never replace it for such a low price.
nice car
i love my sc 400 its a very comfy car im very happy with the style the drive and th eperformance
Very Satisfied
I have never felt the need to write a review on anything until now. I can not put into words how great this car is. It drives like a dream, the exterior is eye catching, the interior is top of the line in luxury and just an all around outstanding sportscar. I have owned other vehicles including an suv but nothing has compared to the Lexus SC400. I will never sell this car and Iam sorry that they have discontinued production of this supreme vehicle.
My favorite car
Great power, a super luxurious car and my all time favorite!
My Fast Black Bullet
Hello i bought my Lexus SC400 alittle more than a year now and it has been a great automobile. i get compliments everyday from people who see me driving. the performance is excellent and it has the most beautiful design i haave ever seen. it is alot of money to mantain but i think it is worth it.i would recommend this car to anybody who loves the design and that likes to go fast.
Going for 250k
I bought one of the first ones to come to Southern California in 1991. I have driven it hard and it has never complained. The engine is still great and the transmission is smooth. My quibble with the interior is the leather, which Lexus decided to paint as opposed to dye. Another 42k miles and I will have hit 250K.
Great Car!
This car has been great to me! This car has been my fourth sports car and has been the most reliable. I haven't had any major problems and I now have 189,000 miles. I will not sell and will purchase another Lexus.
smartest purchase I ever made
Even though this automobile was seven years old when I purchased it, this car is a dream. Only routine maintenance for the first five years and then a few predictable problems that can be attributed to age. While friends are trading in their cars every three years, I'm still in love with mine. I think I'll keep her a while longer.
Great car but require lots of work
I bought this car in 2002 used with 98000 miles, it has 127000 miles now after about 5000 dollars of work. I have replaced the radiator, rotators, power steering pump and rack and pinion, water pump, passenger window regulator, and rear breaks. I still love this car but I think it breaks down too much. When it is not breaking down, it runs great and for a 12 year old car the exterior and interior still looks awesome. I would recommand this vehicle only if you have enough money to fix it, otherwise buy a new car or new lexus.
Excellent Built Car I have ever owned
I have a quite few different cars including my 2003 ML M.Benz but this 1992 SC 400 is the best car I have ever had. 2 years ago I was looking for a nice car and was hesitant to purchase it due to its age, but I went ahead and bought it anyway. I am glad I did. Even though it is now 15 years old car, it drives like a brand new car and in fact it drives smoother than my new Benz. I took it for emissions test and it passed without any hesitation. Only thing that I have to take care of is to have it repainted to keep her longer. Sometime in future, I will probably trade in my Benz for a 330 Lexus. Lexus builds not only great but excellent cars.
I Love My Lexus SC 400
I bought a 1992 SC 400 two and a half years ago (3/05) with 166,000 miles. I paid about $5,500. My car now has 186,000 miles and has been very reliable. I put Bridgestone tires on car when first bought and it handles great!! Very good on gas on highway for a car weighing 3800 pounds (about 27 MPG). If you are considering this car, drive a clean, well-taken-care-of car and see if you like. These cars can go over 300,000 miles with no tranny or motor work if maintained and not abused. This car has been great!!
great car, under 100,000 miles that is
This car is WONDERFUL! head turner everywhere you go, ladies are all over it, very quick, very responsive handling, waaaay to comfortable interior, very good handling at 100+ mph. Only problems are: HORRIBLE gas milage (especially for a 4.0 Liter engine), and parts are very very expensive. It also started to fall appart after 100,000 miles.
Awesome Car!
208k and still running great. This car is by far the best purchase I've made. I plan on taking it to 350,000.
Lexus that's doesn't break
Besides power steering issues, this car is literally unbreakable. Drove it all over Los Angeles and inland Empire with 162k. Never had and issue!!
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Too many compliments!
Bought my 1992 SC400 about 10 years ago from the original owner. Since then I have lowered the car, put on 18" wheels and tires, cross drilled brakes, an Injen air intake, replaced the suspension bushings with Delron and an axle back exhaust system. Okay so I am performance minded. I've owned a variety of sports/GT cars over the years and my biggest complaint is that 50% of the time when I'm getting into the car in a parking lot someone will stop me to tell me what a fantastic looking car I have. And I feel the same. Unless I was going to spend 10 times what my car is worth I don't feel I could match it for performance, reliability and fantastic looks. I have a couple of favorite curves/on ramps and this car easily will take them at 5+mph faster than any other car I've owned before although they all had had suspension and wheel and tire upgrades. Other than the performance upgrades I have spent a pittance on anything other than regular maintenance. Only minor wish would be another 100 or so horsepower although while not the fastest from a standstill, this car has all the power needed once rolling. Without a doubt best car I've ever owned.
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Its a problem
I bought my mother's Lexus 400SC with only 55,000 miles on it. Paid top dollar only to find it will not hold a charge. This is my third battery in two years. Its been in the shop three times. No one can find the drain on the battery. I love driving it, but it's been the most unreliable car I've ever owned. Sorry I bought it.
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Sc400
They are very assume cars. Two door luxury sports car.
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Great engine and body style
instrament pan elictrical system
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Over Rated!!!
The parts for this vehicle are extremely expensive(A gear is stripped in the passenger seat = $1000). This vehicle is fun to drive but could handle better. I like the interior design but the quality of the interior accessories is rather poor.