1993 Lexus SC400 from North America - Comments

This is easy - a short list:

- Battery (twice)

- Starter motor which was more expensive (~$700 at dealer) because it is not right at the bottom of the car like GM, etc.

- Drive electric window motor (~$500 at dealer)

- Electric antenna (~$125 at local mechanic)

- Tach needle lamp is out, speedometer lamp is intermittent too, seems to be too expensive to bother to fix.

- replace all rotors at about 50,000 miles during a complete dealer brake job (~$850)

- rear struts at 110,000 miles (~$400), I'll do to fronts soon for about $500 - less than half what the dealer quoted.

- I have done the other usual things, tires twice Goodyear GT+ $450 per set of 4, 30K, 60K and 90K service at dealer.

I have never owned such a reliable car. when I bought the car I thought it would cost a lot to up keep the car - time has proved this to be wrong.

The handling is great, it's quiet, powerful and comfortable.

When I was commuting 100 miles a day, I could make the drive and not feel beaten up.

Around town gas mileage has not been great, and highway trips seem to get about 19 mpg sometime 21 mpg.

Do not drive this car in the snow; it will not work. It is dangerous, not great on wet roads.

Coming from a Chevy truck that seemed to be enrolled in the repair of the month club this sc400 has been great!

The review is correct in stating this car is a poor performer in the snow. I had the experience of doing a couple 180s on a road trip in my SC400. Very scary. I do not confidently drive my SC400 in the snow, and unless I decide to throw some chains on my tires, I never will have confidence.

With the factory wheels and tires, the car does not handle well in the rain and you will find that you have to pull over to the slower lane and drive about 10 mph slower than other traffic.

The SC400 limitation in rain can be corrected, however: sell the factory wheels and tires on e-bay and upgrade to genuine Lexus 18" wheels that are made for the LS400 Sport Package. Then put on some tires specifically designed for dry and wet conditions (the ones that push water out, away from the tire). The difference is unbelievable.

I can now cruise confidently on the highway in wet weather.

I used to get passed by trucks going 10 mph over the speed limit. Now - this car handles better than those trucks and it can SAFELY travel 75mph on wet highway roads. Be sure to obey all posted speed limits in your area.

The added benefit to changing the wheels on this car is that it will also corner considerably faster and it will not lose grip. The confidence you get is incredible - just point and shoot every corner. It takes a bit of time getting used to the increased lateral g-forces and I almost wish the seats were bolstered better. I am considering upgrading my factory seats to a set of Recaro luxury seats (heated with all the bells and whistles).

If you go with a low profile tire, as I did, you will give up a bit of the ride quality (not as cushy) but your car will not seem to roll as much in the corners.

The SC400 is an incredible value. You can pick one up for as little as $4,000. You cannot compare most new $30,000 cars to this one. Believe me, I have gone on plenty of test drives.

The SC400 has received the very HIGHEST rating for the Sport Coupe class according to Car and Driver (in the HISTORY of the magazine). In fact, it was the highest rating of any car as compared to other cars within their class. A near perfect machine (for its time). Yes, you can buy MUCH better cars today from makers such as MB, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Porsche, etc... but be prepared to open your wallet to the tune of about $45,000 and up.

What we have here is a sensible Sport Coupe which can be a daily driver. I have over 201,000 miles (smiles) on my car and plan on holding onto it for at least another year.

ARP.