Used 1999 Lexus SC 400 Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 SC 400, so we've included reviews for other years of the SC 400 since its last redesign.
Best car I've ever owned
95lexus000, 09/28/2010
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 1995 Lexus sc400 a few months ago and I have never driven or owned a car that I liked more than this one. It is over 16 years old and has 130,000 miles on it but somehow it drives like new. I can tell that it will go at least 250k before anything goes wrong. I am the 2nd owner, the first owner always took it to Lexus for the scheduled maintenance. It was built in Japan, has a smooth ride and lots of power. It is extremely fun to drive and I can honestly say that the next car I buy will be a Lexus sc400, probably 1995 to 1999 model. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anybody. I average 21 mpg!
I'm in love!
joemadre, 01/23/2012
1999 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is my third Lexus and I've not been let down by any of them. The SC 400 is the best car I've ever owned due to its fit and finish coupled with stellar reliability. The greatest luxury of all is knowing you can depend on your car and it delivers. The look is timeless, the engine bulletproof, and the comfort/performance slaps the competition like a flaccid weenie.
1999 SC400
Larry Muirhead, 04/02/2006
1999 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This car is a well built machine. Drives like the day it drove out of the dealership. No rattles/ pure, silky performance.
Every superlative fits
jdimicco1, 07/22/2011
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I acquired this "renaissance red" beauty last year with only 58,000 miles on it. A truly incredible machine - supremely comfortable with superb performance! This car purrs along without straining at all at 80+ mph, and it's handling is absoluteley stunning - I've never enjoyed highway entrance and exit ramps so much! The original stereo (Nakamichi) was probably great when new (except for the notorious skipping problem with the 12-disc CD changer in the trunk) but speakers were shot when I got the car - I replaced with an Alpine system. Now I'm ready to keep this sweet machine until I die...or can't find premium fuel for her any more. If you can find one, BUY IT!
First Impressions.
Skip, 02/19/2007
1997 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Wow. Just got mine 2 weeks ago. Amazing car. Can't wait to mod the exhaust. Torque converter is next. It's a little slow off a start. Once you hit 10 mph the car absolutely rockets to 42 mph. The shift is a little slow. The ride at 82K is great. The comfort is awesome too.
What A Ride!
Darryl Wimberley, 09/09/2017
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I was very lucky to have a fast-talking Canadian talk me into buying a '95 SC 400 that, when I first saw it, was on blocks in his shop and being cannibalized for parts. "Buy it," he told me. "You won't regret it. I'll thrown in a timing chain." With the usual replacement of belts and brakes, and a heftier mod with electric fan and alternator, I have a car that is quiet in traffic, smooth as silk in acceleration, and a joy to ride. Let me give a shout-out to Rising Sun Japanese Auto on S. Lamar in Austin for their attention to detail and for helping me keep a really special ride in great shape. Best of fortunes to all you gear-heads reading.... I'm gonna go straighten me out some asphalt!
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- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Lexus=The desire of ALL other makes
Andrew B, 06/06/2002
1996 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have always liked the Lexus line-up of vehicles. Style, class, reliability and re-sale value all receive high marks from me. My family have owned several Lexus styles since 1990. My favorite to date is the SC 400. WOW, what a car. I would recommend ANY of the Lexus line-up....but save a few $$$'s and buy pre-owned. My 1996 SC 400 had an original MSRP of $56600. I bought it in 2001 with 80K for $15,500.....but it still feels, drives and smells as if it were new. Good luck finding the Lexus you will definitly fall in love with.
Lexus at last!
Walt Hardy, 01/15/2010
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Finally! This is a truly wonderful car. I have always admired the Lexus SC400 and when the opportunity to get one of my own it was too good to pass up. I am the 3rd over. The first 2 owners new each other and lived down the street from each other. She spent her entire life on Long Island til now and is she getting a workout. I love long trips and I take her out on the open road every chance I get. After 15 years, she still gets admiring glances. Other SC400 drivers smile and wave and I return the favor. It is like a little secret society. You cannot go wrong if you find one well maintained. Like others have said the interior is the best. I have a year 95 first: Black/black interior. Sweet!!
Excellent Lexus SC400
hbui2@yahoo.com, 10/24/2002
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Excellent Lexus SC400. I have this car more than two years and it never gives me any major problems.
Well designed luxury vehicle
SC4Hundred, 03/04/2006
1996 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I owned this car for more than 3 years now, the experience were very positive. This car runs flawlessly. I did all the required maintenance and more. The maintenance could be expensive but it is well worth it. It is a perfect cruiser not a sports car. Get one and judge it for yourself. Remember to come back to this site and post your comments.
Lexus SC400 Perfect Car
srmhd, 03/20/2003
1996 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Luckily I found and drove this car home before someone else did. I kept this car about a week before I finally signed papers and for only $15500.00 and 68000 miles I believe I made the best decision on a car I have ever made. Platinum Metallic, Black leather Interior, Heated seats, VSC, Nakamichi Audio System,Compact Disc Changer, Power Moonroof, Rear Spoiler, Traction Control System.
Dream Car
IowaLexus, 03/08/2005
1997 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I was on a search for a really nice car and considered the BMW 3 series, Mercedes and Audis. I didn't consider a Lexus SC, because these are so rare in Iowa. But when I saw this at the dealership, it was too good to be true. Thanks to Kelly blue book and the previous owner being a millionaire who took care of his toys, I was able to get a steal. Mint condition, dressed to the nines with all the options except GPS and hands free phone, and with less than 28k miles. I practically got a new $65k car for $20. The quality inside and out was heads and shoulders above the other luxury makers in terms of holding on to quality. Everyone thinks my car is brand new.
Excellent car
davidtcpa, 11/10/2003
1997 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Very reliable sports car. If you need to have more than 4 passengers, forget it. Awsome ride.
Drive one - have a ball
John Carullo, 11/05/2002
1997 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is fun to drive, extremely comfortable, very quiet and has a top end that doesn't quit. It'll cruise all day as fast as you want and never break a sweat. This is a weekend cruising delight. Impractical as a day-to-day car unless you carry nothing more than a briefcase to the office. Handling is good but hardly can be confused with a true sports car. But then again, it's not meant to be a sports car.
One Happy Camper
Happy Jack, 03/17/2009
1998 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I really enjoyed owning my Lexus. I didn't have any problems with it. This car was worth every penny that I spent to get it. They don't make cars like this one any more. One day my daughter was driving it when a lady in a Dodge Magnum slammed into the back of her. The insurance company totaled it and I was stuck trying to replace it. I would love to have another one. I miss my car.
Timeless classic
Brendon, 04/02/2008
1997 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is a classic that has a lot of potential. Styling is flawless and timeless. It also has surprisingly good headroom for rear passengers, though legroom is a bit lacking for them. Its certainly not a car built for practicality, given it lacks fold-down seats, but it makes up for looks. It can also return surprisingly impressive fuel efficiency on the highways, even for an 11 year old V8. I've averaged 26-29 MPG depending on speed, no lie.
Takes a lickin keep on tickin
SC400DRVR, 06/07/2004
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for six years and have put over 200k miles on it. Except for normal maintenance I have put less than $1800 into the car for repairs which equals to $300 per year (wheel bearing, alternator, and PS pump). I still put 800 miles a week and love to drive the car on the backroads and highways, still drives like the first day I bought it.
Loved my Lexus
artymargy, 11/22/2002
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I loved this car. I had it for four years - never a day passed that I did not think how fortunate I was to own it. I spun out in the rain on the freeway and crashed the rear off side into the central concrete barrier. The wheel was torn off and the wing crumpled, but apart from that no other damage to the car and hardly any to me so I think its body strength is great. I am thankful for it. My only complaints are a too small rear seat, and miniature trunk. As for looks, well, it is beautiful and as, I saw someone else describe, a piece of rolling sculpture.
The Perfect Road Machine!
Robert, 03/21/2008
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I was looking for an SC 400. So imagine my surprise when I found a 1995 with 69000 miles. It was garaged for 7 years. It's in immaculate condition. Probably the thing I don't like about it is th flimsy cup holder in the dash. Other than that I love it.
Loved the car 4yrs
Mspk, 09/11/2007
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great ride. Trouble free for 4yrs. Sound system phenomenal, interior very durable. Most dependable car out there! Heavy car so it is sluggish off line. Premium only fuel is expensive @ 18mpg. Passenger door handle internal workings gave out, windows sluggish, however, all maintenance is easy to DIY. AC blows full hot or full cold. $5 valve stuck open requires engine pull to change. AC backlighting will go out.
Great Car
webnuts4u, 09/21/2003
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased mine from an individual who takes excellent car of cars just like I do. My SC has been a wonderful car. You can't beat Lexus quality. The 'swinging' cup holder is pretty useless but there is little else with this vehicle that I don't like.
excellent
franki, 12/03/2003
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
comfortable seating, cd player , fully loaded, moonroof, leather heating seats,power locks,automatic tilt away steering wheel.
great used car
LEXUS LUVER, 02/20/2004
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
great power and handles well at high speeds.
Luxury Coupe
Steve Abrahamson, 08/30/2008
1996 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The Lexus SC 400 is built like a tank and was made to last. I bought my beauty 12 years after it was assembled, but it had only 70,000 miles on it. The car is heavy duty, and weights a ton, but this creates an amazingly smooth ride. The car is not street light to street light quick, but has great power on the freeway. Perhaps I do not have the lead foot of some others, but my 12 year old car gets very respectable mileage. I have gotten as much as 24 miles per gallon on an entire tank, and rarely get under 20 miles per gallon - very respectable for a V8 with 260 HP.
Beast of No Nation
hajmaja, 12/06/2014
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
I never met or heard about this car until I met it at an auction in DC. The way the car was looking at me , I know it wants to go home with me. I tried my luck among numerous young folks who wants to buy the car, and I won. I bought this car less than 3 grands with 170,000 miles, but to my utmost surprise, the engine of the car has never being touched. No single dent in the body, and the interior scores 85%. The first time I drove this car, it was like I have never driven in my life. Talk of perfect, the car is perfect. Talk of elegance, the car has it. Talk of strength, the car is always ready for confrontation. Thank you Lexus for making this rear angel. It is mine forever!
Great car - thinking about a 430
Driver 1, 09/05/2003
1997 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I wanted a small, reliable reasonably fun luxury coupe. The styling is good, the ride is excellent (and a lot of fun, although I find it difficult to maintain a legal speed), reliability outstanding. The car accelerates well and although I rarely drive it long distances, it almost drives itself the 60 miles to the airport. It's not a Porsche, but it wasnever meant to be - it's a very comfortable ride without the insurance.
Great Car
Ray C., 04/21/2003
1997 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is a very good combination of luxury and performance. Fast but quiet V8 engine with exceptional handling. Ride is great for a sport coupe. Traction is good most of the time except in snow condition.
Awesome Machine
Robert, 06/21/2008
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I found this car under several inches of dust on the back lot. It was just traded in. It was stored for 7 years. 69,383 actual miles - I kid you not! After completely flushing/replacing ALL the fluids and detailing it inside and out it is absolutely immaculate. Runs, looks and performs like new. Really. This is one of the best machines ever designed, engineered and built. I still can't believe I actually own such beauty. Believe it or not, it gets 24 around town and 27 on the highway.
Amazing
Martin, 11/02/2010
1996 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Have only had the car a short while, but it's pretty amazing. You can pick this car up for 5 or 6 grand now, and it was over 50k new!
saved my life
SC400, 10/14/2002
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The lexus sc400 is a fast yet elegant sports car. I was in a bad Accident with one and the car saved my life, i walked away without a scratch when i shouldnt be here right now.
SC 400
player, 07/22/2002
1997 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car represents luxury and performance wrapped up in one bundle, driving it is an expierence all by itself. With the windows up and driving you absolutely feel isolated from the outside world, handling has a nice blend of luxury and sportiness feel the interior is laid out nicely and build quality is superb, people ask me how we like the car all the time can't say anything negative about this vehicle you'll have to drive it for yourself to see what all the hype is about the lexus sc400
Excelent all round luxury sport car
rudysan, 02/27/2002
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
good handling, good acceleration, excelent Nakamichi sound system, traction control working well, I got a lot of complements from others driving this car, eye catchers also.
Lexus SC400 is a winner
Todd Deffenbaugh, 04/26/2005
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've got a 187,000 miles on my SC400 and it's never required anything other than routine maintenance and a new timing belt. I'm very confident that I could get over 300,000 miles on this car.
Happy customer
happy customer, 11/20/2006
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The best car that I've ever owned. Extremely reliable except for radiator repair, I've had no mechanical problems. I have had small problems which is inevitable for an 11 year old car like fuses and relays that control the internal electronics.The Nakamichi stereo system is the best stereo I have ever heard in a car. I usually toss out stock stereo equipment in cars when I buy a car because I'm an audiophile and go after market to get the best sounding stereo equipment available to meet my musical expectations. I didn't have to do that with the Nakamichi because it sounds so good. The car handles like a true sports car, nice power, I've taken this car over 140 mph the car was smooth and quiet.
love this car sc400
carol k, 02/22/2016
1997 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
i have owned one for 15 years ... love it ... hate to let it go .has 200,00..and rides great ...
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Luxurious Sports Car
badkit, 04/13/2003
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If you want the luxury of a sedan but you're young at heart and still love the idea of a sports car, this one is for you. Must be childless, or own an SUV as your second car.
Finest vehicle I've ever owned!
Fred, 12/13/2009
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
When I drove "Jade" out of the new car showroom in northern New Jersey in August of 1995 more than 14 years ago, who would have thought we'd still be together and quite happy with each other for so long after that? She was the second SC400 I ever owned and I knew what I was getting into when I returned my 1992 SC400 "Honey"'s lease when it expired. I've owned or leased Jaguars, Mercedes, Cadillacs, BMWs, etc. when I lived in New York City but not once did I ever imagine that I'd still be drawing stares on the street and thumbs up on the road being with Jade! If this were a marriage, it would be a very, very good one. As with my wife, I am planning to be with Jade until my very last day.
The best I've ever owned
Gmoneyr1, 01/06/2003
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've been driving this car for 4+ years and I still think it's the best car I've ever driven. The car is simply remarkable. The drive is smooth and quiet. Also, this is the most reliable car that I've had the pleasure of owning.
pure fun
pigwop, 02/02/2003
1998 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this is my second sc300, my first 1995 drove to 105,000, no major problems, leather on each side door cracked/apparently a bad seam design. 1998 has been perfect, i'm now looking for a 2000sc300/400 to cap off my collection. lexus really screwed up when they dropped this car.
Awesome car!
lex400sc, 07/30/2002
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is incredibly reliable, trouble-free operation, comfy, spacious interior (even for backseat passengers), very smooth transmission, quiet ride, sporty suspension, and the styling is sexy---one day it will be a classic car. My engine mechanic told me this engine is good for 400,000 miles without a rebuild and has never seen an engine failure on these cars. Good to know!
Pimpen SC
SC CLASS, 04/30/2003
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a wonderful automobile, you shouldn't have to think twice before you buy one, I would like to buy one more, this one would be the newest model, a 1999/2000, I would just take it out on Sunday's...
Lexus Kickin' it Old School
Les George, 01/27/2019
updated 08/01/2023
1998 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We've owned this vehicle for over 5 of it's 20 years and we're still enjoying it at 126,000 miles. It accelerates nicely and was a safe car for my teenage son. The car has now recycled back to me and I love driving it. Because of it's timeless styling, it get's many second looks and a few thumbs up. I'm surprised how well it hugs the road. In that respect, it's very similar to a German luxury brand. The only down score is for braking. This is a heavy vehicle and it takes a little more distance to bring to a stop. Update: We recently sold this vehicle at 132,000 miles. It was going still going strong (even the CD player) and had no major repairs since my last posting. Since retirement, I've been downsizing and it was time to let it go. The Lexus found a great home in a young buyer who loves these vehicles as much as we did. I miss the ol' gal.
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There's nothing like it on the road
bscandalous, 08/30/2002
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was honda own for 12 years.I step up with the big boys now.This is the greatest sport car out there.I wish I would of got one sooner.This car is very fast yet smooth.It's also a looker. Everyday some tells me,"that's a sweet car".
Best ever for me!
Attymills, 05/20/2022
1998 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Having been an SCCA National License holder back in the '70s (won a couple of regional races in S. Cal.) as well as the owner of what now are classics...'55 Porsche Speedster, '67 Duetto Spider, various Austin Healys and MGs I am a certified gear head. Always hoped to own a Ferrari in my life but while I could buy one, the cost of maintenance scares me especially because I would want one with decent performance meaning at least a 355. So a little research latter I became aware of the SC400 which looked decent and also was rare enough that I wouldn't be seeing myself every other car. Bought a '92 SC400 about 5-6 years ago and modified the suspension and brakes to lower it and improve the stopping. Did what I could to improve the horsepower but it was still down 40 or so to the later model Sc400 also with the 5 speed. So began a nationwide search and finally found a how mileage (104000) '98 in Arizona. A little negotiation and bought it and had it shipped to me. Well, it was everything I wanted. Ferrari color scheme, red with tan interior and while there are myriad faster cars, it had all the power I need. Now it also has Toyota Supra suspension, Lexus 400 sedan brakes with cross drilled rotors and 18" wheels with 40 series tires. Goes plenty fast, handles wonderfully and stops amazingly. Best package I've ever had and apparently is also appreciating in value although have no planes on selling unless I win the proverbially lottery and can afford a Ferrari. Probably last car for me, in my 70s, only driving 5000 a year so with legendary Lexus reliability and longevity should last my lifetime. Then I will leave it to my son.
Best thing around
LexusSC400, 03/27/2002
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car, Fast, Cumfy, Sleek, nice colors, great engine, graet tranny, nice wheels.
1996 SC400 Lexus
Ev, 02/12/2003
1996 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
never had a single problem.
Luxury lover
ken nhan, 03/06/2003
1995 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Qiet @ very solid ride, lots of power when you need it. Great engine, I beleive its gonna last over 500000 km.
The spectacular and under-appreciated Lexus SC400
Lamp1959, 01/19/2024
1997 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Lexus SC400 embodies all the expectations of a discerning motorist seeking the best in the automotive industry—boasting bulletproof reliability, exceptional engineering, top-notch craftsmanship, premium materials, and outstanding performance. Furthermore, Lexus enhances the experience with an excellent, attentive, and professional dealership network. While the quest for perfection might sacrifice a bit of soulfulness, the resulting gains far outweigh this minor tradeoff.
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sc400
zman565, 06/29/2002
1998 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
best car i Ever bought
Lexus Owner for Life
D Dennis, 07/14/2005
1996 Lexus SC 400 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been and incredible vehicle to own. My parents bought a S class Mercedes the same time I bought my vehicle and that Benz stayed in the shop. This is an awesome car I have over 200k on my vehicle and not one problem to date. I plan on buying a LS430 first of 06 and I will always buy Lexus.