1993 Lexus SC Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
This was the second model year of the SC 300, the new Lexus luxury sports coupe. Little was changed for 1993, as passenger-side airbags...
This was the second model year of the SC 300, the new Lexus luxury sports coupe. Little was changed for 1993, as passenger-side airbags and an automatic headlamp system were the only additions. The SC embodied the Japanese auto manufacturer's effort to build LS luxury into a road-hugging sports car, and it was starting to turn heads among BMW B3 and Mercedes SL shoppers.
The SC 300 had a rather powerful straight-six engine, with 225 horses that pulled the 3494 pound coupe from 0 to 60 in just under seven seconds. Although the SC 300 had a compact construction, even taller drivers found it plenty spacious. The 2+2 body contained an interior which could seat four adults, but it was not a backseat for long trips. Many drivers comment that the 5-speed manual version offers the most authentic grand touring experience.
These older SC 300s testify to the reliability of Lexus. Today, many drivers report that their SCs (some bought as certified pre-owned) are still running strong as they reach 100, 150, 200k milestones. Common parts replacements and problems are head gaskets and seals. Some mention replacing the starter. Drivers who have kept up on the standard maintenance schedule (60 and 90k are significant) rarely report any significant problems.
What owners say
"The 1993 Lexus SC has garnered a lot of love from owners for its superb build quality, performance, and reliability. Many drivers appreciate its powerful engine and fun driving experience. However, some have pointed out issues with maintenance and wear-and-tear problems as potential downsides. Overall, those who own it seem to feel that it's a great vehicle that holds up well over time."
I have the 1jzgte swap in there with a t67 turbo. Overall the car is amazing. Gas mileage is horrible, but it is making 400 whp. It's heavy but still is a blast to drive and smokes anyone on the highway. Sleeper forever. No repairs needed except for interior pieces that are cracking. It really is the luxury supra.
July 31, 2009I bought my sc300 a week ago for under 5k, with only 140k miles. These cars do have problems, and that happens, on mine the speedo LEDs have failed, the door handle was broken, the passenger window barely rolls up, and the auto trans sticks sometimes shifting out of park. Some of those have been solved now, for a somewhat pricey amount, but beyond all its blemishes, this is the best car Ive ever owned. The 2jz roars just right, it corners tightish, the brakes are firm. You point it where you want it to go and she flies. This car is everything Ive dreamed of and more. I cannot recommend it more.
September 27, 2021I own a 1993 Lexus SC400 and it is superb. Quality construction, great sports car feel, reliable and great ride. I have invested money in replacing parts that wear out rather than buy a new car. It is more cost effective, knowing this car will function at the highest level with proper maintenance. The transmission and engine run indefinitely with proper oil change maintenance. It is a pleasure to own. Has 305000 miles on my vehicle.
August 30, 2020What owners say
I have the 1jzgte swap in there with a t67 turbo. Overall the car is amazing. Gas mileage is horrible, but it is making 400 whp. It's heavy but still is a blast to drive and smokes anyone on the highway. Sleeper forever. No repairs needed except for interior pieces that are cracking. It really is the luxury supra.
July 31, 2009I bought my sc300 a week ago for under 5k, with only 140k miles. These cars do have problems, and that happens, on mine the speedo LEDs have failed, the door handle was broken, the passenger window barely rolls up, and the auto trans sticks sometimes shifting out of park. Some of those have been solved now, for a somewhat pricey amount, but beyond all its blemishes, this is the best car Ive ever owned. The 2jz roars just right, it corners tightish, the brakes are firm. You point it where you want it to go and she flies. This car is everything Ive dreamed of and more. I cannot recommend it more.
September 27, 2021I own a 1993 Lexus SC400 and it is superb. Quality construction, great sports car feel, reliable and great ride. I have invested money in replacing parts that wear out rather than buy a new car. It is more cost effective, knowing this car will function at the highest level with proper maintenance. The transmission and engine run indefinitely with proper oil change maintenance. It is a pleasure to own. Has 305000 miles on my vehicle.
August 30, 2020Everyone who knows me knows I love this car. Acceleration is quick and with the coilovers and sway bars it handles like it's on rails. Has a few interior squeaks and things need repair, but it is 15 years old and any car will with that long of a life. With almost 200k miles, it will still last another 100k - 200k miles with the right maintenance. Some chasis parts are interchangeable with the 93+ Toyota Supra.
July 16, 2008I bought this car off of E Bay Auto's because of the area I lived. You simply could not find one. Additionally, I wanted a car driven in the south secondary to salt/rust ratio. Well, when I got it: buyer beware. It had been in a front end collision, and repaired cosmetically. I "invested" about 2000.00 replacing the water heater, timing belt etc. It had about 100,000 miles. Got it back from the backyard repair man and I have placed 35,000 more miles with only simple maintenance. I placed higher grade brake pads and new tires. Now, I was a Corvette owner (c4-c5) models and found them to be fast and the last one a 99, was an absolute perfect piece of speed and great handling. The Lexus 400 SC is not that, it is a work of art body wise, with a beautiful but typical Lexus interior that has held up well. Space is at a premium however and only one cup holder! Everything works well, except for the CD 12 disk unit. This auto has held up with my relatively hard driving extremely well. If you get a chance to buy one (less than 500 were imported to the US in 93) do so. You will enjoy it, have to do some amount of work no doubt, but no one on the road will have one. And yes, the stereo is great.
May 2, 2008just bought a 93 and i love it .i replaced the frt.control arms and 4 shocks. its the best 93 on the road.it looks new. people cant believe its a 93.i always had american cars. and wanted a used auto.if i buy a new car itl be amer. what a great car this old lexus is... glad i found it.
November 12, 2009Had the rare 2.5 twin-turbo version....Now we are talking ! Not the best looking car ever but very discreet and one hell of a powerfull engine. Torque available range is rather amazing and I was pleasently surprised. A lot of a car for the money but you ll have to make sure that nothing goes wrond otherwise your wallet is just about to become thinner.Comfortable overall, drive very fast (i mean for our speed limits), handling is fine though car pumps a lot when you ask her a lot, sliding or drifting with this car is effortless but goes from understear to overstear in not time at all.
January 28, 2008I really loved this car, but it was getting a bit long in the tooth. It was a perfect blend of luxury and performance (I had a modded exhaust and intake that resulted in close to 300hp on the dyno.) It was quiet, smooth, comfortable, and incredibly fast. (Dangerously fast, actually.) However, it lacked some modern conveniences. I'm miss it, but I do like my SC 430 better.
December 2, 2007car is great reliable and never lets me down. its alot of fun to drive and go side ways. great street and track car. looks like a modern car compared to most 90's vehicles. no negatives to honestly say about this car.
June 15, 2013Bought with 93K miles on it. Has been economical. Replaced 2 catalytic converters at 123K miles for @ $1K. Very quiet. Not too fast, but feels as smooth at 90 as it does at 50. 21MPG city, 25 HWY. Appearance discreet/subtle, but style beginning to age well.
June 22, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $42,330 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $35,100 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
