1999 Lexus SC 300 3.0 2jz-ge from North America

Summary:

Anvil

Faults:

None - A/C, alternator, power antenna, paint, original brake pads, and leather are all original and perfect.

Had the timing belt and water pump done at a specialist.

I serviced the trans, steering, and coolant fluids, along with Mobil 1 and OEM filter every 5k.

She has been garaged, and babied with occasional Italian tuneups. Her performance was good in the 90's, but now just so-so with V6 Camcords and Minivans now faster.

The MPG is mediocre, with only four gears, 3000 RPM at 70: about 22. In town 18.

A/C and stereo are outstanding, and the ride firm but controlled.

General Comments:

The car rides firm, compliant, yet luxuriously: decently, if sporty.

Woodwork and leather are gorgeous.

Not for the generously proportioned Americans. Tall OK, over 190#, no.

MPG is so so.

The backseat is for children or little old people only.

The trunk is small; two sets of clubs only.

Otherwise, the cost per year is similar to a Corolla for maintenance, but not gas.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2014

22nd Apr 2014, 15:06

Rather have an anvil than an anchor!

1999 Lexus SC 300 V6 from North America

Summary:

Sedan-like feel in a snappy performance coupe

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong.

Had a Lexus dealership and a local mechanic check over the car. Both agreed the car is in superb condition. No leaks anywhere, everything original, and original screws have not been turned -- indicating nothing has been replaced.

General Comments:

Have had this SC300 just a short time. I am impressed with both its performance and its comfort. It's a silken drive. My other car is an exotic, and the Lexus compares favorably to it. It's got some power, and handles quite well. For its age, it's pretty impressive -- with a lot of futuristic features that were ahead of their time, and still function perfectly.

Acceleration is smooth. It has no problem leaping from 60 to 85. The gas pedal is extremely responsive, almost too much so. Braking is smooth and effortless -- though I do like to pump them a little till the car warms up.

For a sports coupe, it was pretty pricey, at nearly 50,000 loaded, when it came out in 1999. It's not an easy car to find in sterling condition, but a little searching should net you a great, reliable, serviceably-quick vehicle.

Inside it's luxurious. Features are easy to locate and use. Overall I give this car high marks. If you're looking for a sports coupe that is fun to drive, handles well, and can be used for quick hilly jaunts or long straight drives, a used SC300 is well worth the price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st March, 2007

22nd Mar 2007, 22:28

The SC300/400 are both amazing cars. We have 3 SC400s in the family. I bought my wife a 1993 SC400 for Christmas 1992. She had been driving a 1989 Mercedes 560SEL for the safety of our children. When the kids finally didn't need a car seat she wanted something sporty again. She really wanted the SL500 but I surprised her with the Lexus. At first she was a little hesitant, but after driving the car for a few weeks she fell in love. It wasn't until 1999 that she replaced that car with another SC400. The 93 is now my daughters car and people don't realize that its 14 years old. The car is in mint condition and only has 92,000 miles. My wife had to have the new SC430 when it came out in 2002 so her 99 SC400 was rarely driven. Only has a low 34,000 miles on it. For my wife's 40th birthday I surprised her with a Mercedes CLK500 convertible (2004). The Mercedes has a better ride and handling, but the Lexus fit and finish is incomparable. The wife rotates the SC430 and CLK500 each week. I just took delivery on a 2007 LS460L. Will write more on that in the months to come after I get familiar with it.

1999 Lexus SC 400 4.0 V8 from Netherlands

Summary:

Fantastic looking, great performing, luxurious beauty

Faults:

Driver's side seat belt does not roll all the way up. Needs to be replaced.

Because of the belt the pocket in the door is damaged. Needs to be replaced, repair not possible.

General Comments:

Incredible looking car, non-aging beautiful looks.

Handling in dry is fantastic, but in wet it needs very good tires.

Performance is great, specially this 1999 VVT-i version.

Always stays luxurious at any speed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2007

27th Jan 2009, 21:04

You lucky man. I have a 1992 SC. We don't get the 1998-2000 versions in Canada.

23rd Mar 2010, 16:25

I believe my upper or lower control arm bushings are worn and in need of bushing replacement. This is a 92 SC 400 with 125000 miles on it. Can I use the existing arms and change bushings, or does the whole unit need replacing? The car has been well cared for. Don't know why the bushings wore out.

5th Mar 2011, 12:49

99 SC400 - best car owner... period.

RELIABLE, comfortable, corners & brakes well, power decent, quiet, reasonably economical. Visually stunning and timeless.

26th May 2017, 03:03

I have a 2003 SC430 and I live in Quebec, Canada.