The 1992-2000 Lexus SC400 Coupe - The Ultimate Escape Pod

Better Than New

00:00 - OPEN: The 1992-2000 Lexus SC400 Coupe - The Ultimate Escape Pod

In this episode, you'll hear about an early 90’s car that I like to think of as the ultimate escape pod. It was a sport coupe from an emerging Japanese luxury brand that featured silky smooth V8 power and a uniquely designed exterior that set the bar so high, that car magazine editors fell in love with it, along with the buying public. And this car dominated the luxury sport coupe category for years, just like its sibling did in the luxury sedan category.

01:05 - Lexus Enters The US Market in 1989 With the LS400 Sedan

Back in 1989, Toyota, shook-up the US automotive landscape with the introduction of the all-new Lexus Luxury brand and their first-ever US vehicle, the 1990 Lexus LS400 sedan.

03:30 - INTRO: The 1992-2000 Lexus SC400 Coupe - The From Scratch, Original Encore to the LS400 Sedan

Rather than alter their successful LS400 sedan by deleting the rar doors, shortening the wheelbase and calling it a coupe, Lexus instead designed their first Coupe - the SC400, from scratch.

06:25 - SC400 Engine & Drivetrain Changes Over Time

• 1992-1995 SC400 Coupe - 250-hp & 260-lb.ft of torque with 4-spd automatic transmission.
• 1996-1997 SC400 Coupe - 260-hp & 270-lb.ft. of torque with a 4-speed automatic transmission
• 1998-2000 SC400 Coupe - 290-hp and 300-lb.ft of torque with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

08:50 - Handling & Braking - It's a Gran Touring Car, Not A Sports Car

Both the LS400 and the SC400 coupe were rear-wheel drive and offered excellent driving dynamics. However, potential buyers should keep in mind that the Lexus SC400 is not a sports car, but rather a luxury sports coupe in the gran touring tradition - a car that can be driven quickly and confidently for hours on end as it whisks its driver to their destination in quiet, luxurious comfort.

09:55 - Is the Lexus SC400 Coupe A Reliable Car Today?

In a word, yes. However, the newest SC400 is 23-years old, so it's best to keep that in mind and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection done before purchase.

12:50 - What To Look For In An SC400 Coupe

• All years of the SC400 Coupe would make an excellent daily driver
• I would focus on finding an example in excellent condition with one or two owners first.
• If you want the most horsepower, the 1998-2000 cars with Variable Valve timing and the 5-speed automatic are best.
• All the standard used car considerations apply (low-miles, no accidents, access to service records, avoid cars that have rust)
• Get that pre-purchase inspection!

17:30 - Used Lexus SC400 Pricing

• $5000-$8000 - You'll find some interesting examples, but this is the low-end of the range and not where I would expect to find a solid combination of quality vs price
• $8000-$12,000 - This is my sweet spot. I would expect to find the best values in this range, with the sort of cars you would want to keep and drive for several years at the top of this range.
• $12,000-$15000 - These cars will be some of the best one or two owner examples with well under 100K miles, recent major services completed, shiny paint and tires and brakes in good condition
• $15,000-$18,000 - This is where I think you’ll find the best examples of the SC400. You can pay more than this, but you’re probably wasting money based on current valuation

21:15 - Close - 1992-2000 Lexus SC 400 Coupe

With its combination of unique styling, luxurious refinement and V8-enhanced performance that the Lexus SC400 offered when new, it truly was the ultimate escape pod.