1992 Lexus SC400 from North America - Comments

27th Sep 2005, 20:12

"14years old? I can't tell"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

When I bought the car the speedometer needle was burnt out, but that seems to be a chronic problem with this model. also the air conditioning unit backlight was burnt out along with some buttons backlight. this is also a chronic problem with this vehicle, a minor thing that requires 10 a bulb and instructions to replace it yourself on the net is fairly simple. lexus recommends you "recondition" the unit which is a waste of money if the AC unit still works, but needs bulbs. A very strange thing is the lock mechanism keeps unlocking it's self like I'm pushing the door unlock and keeps clicking, not sure what causes this, but when I disconnected the driver side controll panel, it still did it, but it does it sponteneously. the routers needed replacement at about 155k, but that was because they were spun, got rid of the vibrations. one of my breaklights went out, the leather has lasted and was in good conditon considering the age of the vehicle, but it seems that it is "peeling" a small layer on the back seats, I'm not sure if it is because of the conditioner I'm using or if someone used a coverup spray to make the leather look good (dealers will do anything for a quick fix) the brakes squeak, but I think its because they are cheap (dealer again) and the trunk lid doesn't stay up very well. the hand brake cover has begun to fall apart and the Cigarette ligher doesn't work (no cell phone charging)

General comments?

Besides the minor anoyances like lights that go out this car is very supurb. I love the powerful acceleration and the fact that it has a power switch as to save gas. I'm not sure what the gas mileage is on this car, but it isn't as bad as I've seen considering it's a sport coupe with a v8. The sunroof works and doesn't leak the ABS is good. I paid 10k for this vehicle a year ago and was scared because it has 145k on it. I won't doubt lexus/toyota anymore because this car runs, drives and is absolutely reliable. I would definetally buy another one and am currently thinking about buying an IS 300 because I'm 6feet tall and would like to carry my friends around sometimes. the back seat isn't very comfortable for anyone other than children, thought I drive in pairs so I don't care much. Id highly recommend this car! it's way ahead of it's time for being a 92.


5th Apr 2006, 20:58

I've had mine for 3 years now, drive it about 10,000 year, put summer tires on, definitely needs winter tires for any traction. I figure whatever maintenance is still cheaper than a car note and this might be the last car I ever own. How many of these do you see on the road. It'll definitely hold it's value if you maintain it. Still looks and feels new. I like to get behind the wheel.

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14th Apr 2006, 22:37

My son just bought a 92 sc400 from a private party for 5000.00 dollars. It is the best car I have every driven. My son and I own a small garage in a small town in western Colorado, we have had the car in the shop every weekend trying to find anything that we could repair. So far nothing has been repaired. He loves the car and so do I.

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10th Jul 2006, 21:41

Hello,

I purchased a 1992 Lexus SC 400 in March 2005. It was a 1 family car. It was first purchased by the Mother who owned the car for about 6 years (50,000 miles), then her son bought it from her. I purchased the car for $5,600 with 165,000 miles.

I love this car very much. The sound system is awesome - The car shifts soo smooth. It is now July 2006, and the car has 182,000 miles.

The car has been VERY reliable. I put 4 new Bridgestone Potenzas on when I first got the car, along with a front end alignment.

A coil went bad and Lexus replaced that for a little over $200.

The freon had to be topped off last summer, and the AC is ice cold!!

Other than an 02 sensor and brake pads front and rear, the car hasn't needed a thing.

The car is still very powerful, smooth and quiet.

I have heard of one SC400 with almost 300,000 miles - no trans or engine work had to be done yet.

I owned a 1987 Mercedes Benz 560SEC before this car, and I love this car more - that car listed for over 70,000 dollars in 1987.

If anone has any questions, please email me anytime at TPASS419@aol.com

Thanks a lot, Tom from NJ

The timing belt was done at 145,000, so that won't have to be done for a while.

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1st Jan 2007, 20:24

I have a 1992 sc 400 and I hear a huming type of a sound when I am @ idle or even driving about 20 to 35 mph. Can any one tell me if they had this problem and please let know thank you very much...hawaz123@sbcglobal.net...

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15th Mar 2007, 01:02

I own a 92 sc400 w 104K on it. Had the car since 37K...owned it for 10 yrs. Lately had trouble idling on randon occasions... it turns over and starts fine then slowly chokes out. I then have to start and rev the engine a bit high to get it back to normal 750 idle... any ideas? Pls email me at genuinerep@earthlink.net. Thx.

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28th May 2007, 18:13

I bought my '92 SC400 in November of 1995. It had just under 60,000 miles on it at the time. It now has more than 182,000 miles on it and the only issues I have had with it are burned out instumentation lights and a cracked cooling system overflow container.

I use Mobil 1 motor oil and have changed oil at no earlier than 25,000 mile intervals since the day I bought it and it runs as smooth and reliably as it did the day I bought it. (I have done this with all the cars I have owned since the late 1960's with no ill effects.)

It is the most magnificent car I have ever owned and I still don't see anything out there that looks as good. I love this car!

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23rd Mar 2008, 11:26

Bought a 92 with 160,000 last month. had the instrument panel lighting problem. Sent the panel to a co on the east coast. They reengineered the panel (lites are now red and looks good)

Does anyone know what the button under the accelerator is? (mounted on the floor) the car is mechanically fit and runs fine. after 15 years its definitely time to replace upholstery, carpets etc.

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21st Apr 2008, 00:24

I bought this car about six months ago, and it cost me 6,400 bucks in near PERFECT condition. I was very worried about buying a car that was 16 years old and had 133,000 miles on it, but it just Doesn't MATTER, its amazing just how reliable, POWERFUL and reliable this Lexus/Toyota is.

I had the local Toyota master mechanic scrutinize the car top to bottom, left to right, but everything was in working order, and he was utterly amazed at how smooth that 16 year old 1UZ-FE V8 idled and pulled, even admitting it was 10 times better than most new cars on the lot!

Overall, I LOVE THIS CAR, don't be afraid to buy one at the right price. Definitely a classy car, that packs a jaw dropping punch in the eye for guys who think its just a "Lexus", as they watch your taillights race away ;)!!

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4th Aug 2008, 12:40

Bought my 92 SC400 new in Aug, 1991 (17 years ago). Now has 198K miles on it. Finish still looks like new, as do orig chrome wheels. Runs GREAT. Yes, I rebuilt instrument 'needles' and replaced climate control LCD, but mechanically it is flawless. Rebuilt front end suspension last year. I have averaged 19.8 mpg. Now drivers seat is worn through in 2 places, and a seam in real seat back has split, but I still won't give up this car!

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14th Oct 2008, 03:30

Hi, I bought a 92 SC400 like a month a go. I love this car, it cost me $3,000. I'm from Sacramento CA, but there is a yellow light that's come out its on top left. I don't know what is it? And is there anyway I can put a turbo in there? If you guys can help, plz mail me system_6@hotmail.com

Thx.

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15th Dec 2008, 07:14

This car was ahead of its time. I own a Porsche 944, Audi Q7, and Mercedes C class, and I drive the SC more than any of them. My SC has 300,000 miles on it and runs like new. I have had many cars and I must say, to me the Lexus is the best built car.

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30th Jul 2009, 17:38

I just bought a 92 SC400 about 2 months ago. My problem is that I let it sit for 3 days and now my engine light is on, plus the (TRAC OFF) light. Also my A/C compressor will not engage anymore when turned on. I disconnected the battery on it for 2 hours to try to clear the computer out, but no change. If anyone knows what might be wrong, please get back with me. (PETE)

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4th Nov 2009, 19:36

I just bought a 1998 SC 400 with only 70k miles. It is perfect (paid $9300). I used to own another 1993 and it lasted easily with 150K miles. This model is an excellent car. It is far ahead of its time in auto technology. I have seen many of this model run 200k miles easily before any repairs.

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