1996 Lexus SC400 review from North America
"A true gentlemans car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
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| Smooth, Sleek, Comfortable and Fast |
| A true love affair, |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2008 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 70400 miles |
| Most recent distance | 74000 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda Millenia |
| Date of Entry | 23rd June, 2008 |