1993 Lexus SC Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1993 Lexus SC
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by Bob K
Sep 27, 2021
I 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.Sep 27, 2021
by jim H
Aug 27, 2021
This car is way over priced for what it is. And the fact that it was once priced at $9800 and is now over $17K demonstrates that. Seller is just fishing for a price someone might pay.Aug 27, 2021
by Kevin C
Aug 24, 2021
Lexus sc400 years 92 thru 98 and I’ve had an assortment of 5 are the best built machines around. Basically and my reference, a Japanese Jaguar or Japanese mustang. Stock, they couldn’t beat a 4 or 6 cylinder anything of this day in acceleration, but at 80 heading down the highway they got lots more means of soaring available and it’s a Lexus and a V8. Get one now, as a or for a second love. Thank me laterAug 24, 2021
User rating:
by Bob K
Sep 27, 2021
I 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.Sep 27, 2021
by jim H
Aug 27, 2021
This car is way over priced for what it is. And the fact that it was once priced at $9800 and is now over $17K demonstrates that. Seller is just fishing for a price someone might pay.Aug 27, 2021
by Kevin C
Aug 24, 2021
Lexus sc400 years 92 thru 98 and I’ve had an assortment of 5 are the best built machines around. Basically and my reference, a Japanese Jaguar or Japanese mustang. Stock, they couldn’t beat a 4 or 6 cylinder anything of this day in acceleration, but at 80 heading down the highway they got lots more means of soaring available and it’s a Lexus and a V8. Get one now, as a or for a second love. Thank me laterAug 24, 2021
by Mike S
Aug 30, 2020
I 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.
Aug 30, 2020
by Anonymous
Jun 15, 2013
car 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.Jun 15, 2013
by Stephen D
Aug 31, 2012
Little head room. Engine runs great. Leather seats are comfortable. Some things are easier to repair yourself. Check youtube videos to save money. On the highway this car drives like a drean. It has of power. However, it only seat four usually, two adultes and two small children.Aug 31, 2012
by Anonymous
Jun 22, 2010
Bought 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.Jun 22, 2010
by Anonymous
Nov 12, 2009
just 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.Nov 12, 2009
by Anonymous
Nov 07, 2009
This car my parents got me for my first, and I couldn't be happier. It is very sensitive which is great! Great acceleration, braking is wonderful. Did get it used so it needed repairs but all worked out. Love this Car.Nov 07, 2009
by Johnny T
Jul 31, 2009
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.Jul 31, 2009
by Tommy E
Jul 20, 2009
It's a project at the moment and will start getting built soon. Luxury, performance, handling, and looks all wrapped into 1. Gotta love Lexus. A suspension rebuild, wheels (with a proper offset), brakes, and some body work is up first. Jul 20, 2009
by Lee W
Jul 02, 2009
I love this car. Its my every day driver and even though it is 16 years old I've only
had two problems out of it. It rides nice for having a performance suspension and
low profile tires and I don't think I'd trade it for anything. Jul 02, 2009
by Bill R
Aug 16, 2008
The Lexus SC400 is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. Performance is outstanding and the features are fully optioned. A year after buying it I was still discovering options I didn;t know it had. Best value for money vehicle. My best time for the 1/4 mile was 14.2 seconds at Calder Speedway.Aug 16, 2008
by Andrew W
Jul 16, 2008
Everyone 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.Jul 16, 2008
by Joel G
Jun 22, 2008
boosted baby Jun 22, 2008
by Anonymous
May 02, 2008
I 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 02, 2008
by Tim S
Apr 02, 2008
Love this car,
Apr 02, 2008
by Craig W
Mar 28, 2008
Screw Supras, the soaror is where it is at! Much better looking, but the only down side is these things need turbo power. No slug, but still not fast by my standards.Mar 28, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 10, 2008
I have had a good experience overall with my car.Mar 10, 2008
by Chris H
Mar 05, 2008
This car shares the same engine as the Toyota Supra NA-T.
The Turbo bolts on.Mar 05, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 28, 2008
Had 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. Jan 28, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 17, 2008
I have to say, It's a great car and a fine tuned machine. I'm thinking of doing a few things to enhance it's performance. One step
at time.Jan 17, 2008
by Joseph J
Dec 02, 2007
I 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.Dec 02, 2007
What users have asked
1993 Lexus SC400 won't start - not even turn over (intermittent)
Came out of work...would not start ( not even a clicking sound) - tried to jump it...nothing. Pulled battery then put it back in...started right up. This morning, again, dead. Jumping did not help. disconnected battery cables and reattached - still nothing. Interior lights work, but when I try to adjust power seats, they barely move and the lights dim to almost nothing. Assuming it's an electrical issue...but very confused. Any thoughts? (It was raining last night - so not sure if that had anything to do with it) Scheduled to have timing belt/waterpump/serpentine belt all replaced this week...but need it to start to get car to the garage...
1227 views
My Lexus sc300 keep not startinh3
Hey I really need help. I have a Lexus SC300. Its my joy ride car. So I don't drive it much. Like out of a month maybe once but that's every few months tho. Cause I work 5 to 7 times a week all day. But it be moved once a week for street sweeping. I am the one that give it 5 to 8 mins every time I start it up before I drive off. I also keep the gas on full. But I been working so much im not home to move it so someone do it for me. But 3 weeks ago, I go to get in the car for a nice ride and it want start. ...So I check the gas and its on E. So I went to the gas station got gas, enough to drive to get a full tank..(Hold up 1st it was a full tank when I last was in it. So the man said the gas evaporated.(I dont know if that's true but something happened.) 2nd my car is on a slight hill.) I came home a little after went to get in it it didnt start. I sent it to the shop. Changed the water pump and a turn up. I went to pick it up and drive home and parked it. Went the next day to drive it and it didnt start. I sent it back. Now he called me on Wednesday to come pick it up, today just now i went to start it and it didnt start. These is crazy I leave him it start I get home and try it. It want start. I have a new battery and its sounding like it want to start but it want..PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME!!!!
51 views
Bypass the factory amps, to power the radio.
have the colors for the FR/RR, & FL/RL colors from the trunk amp, off the small plug, I need the color diagram and what everything else goes to. I want to bypass the amps so I can put in my radio without having the power to it going through the amps. BF and I have been fighting with this all morning
80 views
light stays on
the Vixier light stays on all the time
27 views
Top Comparisons
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1993 Lexus SC Pricing
Original MSRP
$35,100 to $42,330Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Premium Brand: Nakamichi Audio · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent