1996 Lexus SC 400 4.0 gas from North America

Summary:

Best car I have ever owned!

Faults:

Driver's seat leather wearing.

Radiator replaced at 220,000 km.

Both rear shocks leaking and replaced at 229,000 km.

General Comments:

Best and most reliable car I have ever owned. I just drove a 2010 Lexus ES350 and my old SC rides just as smooth and quiet as the new one!

No rattles or squeaks yet and this car is 15 years old.

The engine is still perfect, no vibration at idle.

I have not had to even replace a single lightbulb yet in this car!

Great passing power on the highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st November, 2010

1996 Lexus SC 400 4.0L V8 from North America

Summary:

Civilized and well balanced!

Faults:

First, gotta say the car's a rebuilt... so everything may not be as perfect as it should be (such as paint retouch).

Power steering oil leaked in the alternator, causing failure.

Brake got stuck at the passenger front wheel; had to repair calipers + new disc and pads.

Brake vacuum hose just went out, causing the brake to become impossible to apply; had to install stronger clips.

Changed front ball joints (both driver and passenger side) with lower arms around 172 000.

I've had a check engine since I bought it 3 years ago, but it's about the catalytic converter, but I never changed it since a Lexus tech told me it doesn't affect performance or fuel efficiency. (suppose to only affect environmental standards).

Had to change spark plugs and wires around 149 000 miles.

Did preventive maintenance such as transmission fluid complete flush, frequent motor oil/filter change, air filter.

General Comments:

This car isn't designed for high-end performance.

The 4 speed automatic transmission would've been more complete with a fifth speed... (such as on the 98 + models).

But then again, for a 14 year old car, it's just so nice!

Powerful, good looking, very comfortable, reliable and much more.

Ride in normal mode and you can cruise gently like on a fluffy cloud.

Turn it on ECT mode (sport), floor it and just listen to the great sound of that V8.

The handling is very fair for such a big coupe. But since I got 235 on front and 265 tires on the back, it handles very nicely!

Winter driving isn't an issue at all. There's a lot of snow in the winter where I live, and I don't have traction control. Gotta be careful with the throttle when you don't wanna lose it... but then again, snow drifting is just so perfect, since the car has great balance for its size!

A lot of nowadays luxury and sports coupe owners will take you pretty seriously on the streets, even though you paid 3 times less and own a car 10 years older!

Especially thinking about 350z, G35, Boxster, S2000...

But still keep in mind, that if you're looking for a car to be a ricer, you might wanna go with a Soarer, SC300TT or something with a manual transmission.

If you're hanging out with tall people, they might not like your backseats, since legroom's pretty short. Otherwise, the backseats are really comfortable, even more than in some recent sedans... (such as the BMW 335xi 2009 for example)

My next car might be a 1998+ SC400, since they've got a 5 speed, and the engine's power is up to 290hp instead of 260... or a GS400 or GS430 with 300+ hp...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 2010

1996 Lexus SC 400 from North America

Summary:

A true gentlemans car

Faults:

The light on the AC/Heater panel is not working, and at night I cannot tell which function is on.

Air flow appears to be malfunctioning. Full air works perfect, but all other settings appear to be low.

There are some minor paint dings that dealer or previous owner applied touch up paint to.

I had to repair two small rips in the vinyl area of the door frame (near the seat belts).

The volume control knob on radio shows some wear.

Otherwise this car was treated with TLC, full time garage, and constant leather conditioning- as the seats have very little wear on them.

When I bought my 1995 Mazda Millenia in 1998, I wanted the SC300, but could not afford it at the time. Car is fairly new, but no problems to report.

General Comments:

This car is a true luxury sedan, yet offers more of the cockpit feel of a sports car. The leg room is ample -much greater than the Millenia. I am 6'2", 225lbs, and am at the upper end of the size limit for the cockpit. I know it's time to cut my hair when my hair hits the bottom of the sun roof.

This car is not a quick off the line sport car, but rather a great highway cruiser. Low road noise, and a great power band from 60-100+. Mileage has been a plus, I just got 24.3 MPG on a big road trip (better than listed for the vehicle - and I was going 82 MPH most of the way), and I have averaged between 20-21 MPG on my small, 75% highway commute. Back seat room is good for kids only - when full sized adults are in the front. The trunk room is decent.

A fun to drive car that gives a quiet and smooth ride, and has decent economy for a 260HP V8.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2008