1994 Lexus SC400: Regular Car Reviews

Fake Supra? How dare you! The nerve of someone to refer to the 1994 Lexus SC400 as a fake Supra. Okay, sure, they share components and even run on the same platform, but I'll have you know that the Lexus SC400 came first! But is it the better car? Or will it forever live in the shadow of the Mk4 Supra, the Mercedes-Benz CL Class, and other luxury sports cars of the 1990s? Regular Car Reviews is back with an all-new edition of Race To the Bottom, as The Roman continues his search for the worst cars in the world - by reviewing a car that is famously considered not bad at all. Kind of counterintuitive, but here we are.
For Brian's thoughts on this 1994 Lexus SC400, head on over to our second channel:
/ @regularandroman
Support RCR on Patreon: / regularcarreviews
For more deep dive content, check out these investigative videos:
The Dangers of Dealership Markups: • These Car Prices Are R...
The Life and Death of Saab: • The Life and Death of ...
The Life and Death of AMC: • The Life and Death of ...
Chapters:
00:00 My Lexus Is Best Lexus
01:00 Giveaway bumper
01:49 Fake Supra? How DARE You!
02:44 What was Lexus trying to do here?
05:43 Is the Lexus SC400 a good car?
07:25 Problems with the SC400
09:42 Retro luxury at its finest
12:41 The argument against modification
14:05 Unfair comparisons to the Mk4 Supra
15:43 Fragility and fatherhood
18:38 Final Thoughts and Current Standings
21:17 Outro song
Find RCR online:
Website: regularcarreview.com
Twitter: @regularcars / @theromannick
Instagram: @regularcarreviews / @theromannick
Thank you for supporting Regular Car Reviews!

[@jacobdexter4060]

i don't wanna win that 370, i wanna win that sc400

[@samgome01]

I wanna win that sc400 interior for mine

[@bracedgod4505]

Slap the Lexus badge and you got yourself an sc370

[@jkumadapharaoh8514]

@@samgome01ew

[@samgome01]

@@jkumadapharaoh8514 grey supremacy

[@temper.temper]

​@@jkumadapharaoh8514same thing ya dad said when ya mum birthed you

[@CGJ7755]

As someone who owned an SC400 from age 19 all the way to age 34, I squeeled with joy when I saw RCR was doing a segment on it... this is amazing.

[@svenllama]

Was it the best car you've ever owned? I've had a crush on these for 30 years.

[@Alan-hw3jg]

@@svenllamaI’ve been restoring a ‘92 SC400 for the past few months. Fuck this car.

[@marcusrenner514]

Squeeled, I'm in.

[@svenllama]

@@Alan-hw3jg Haha, noted!

[@CGJ7755]

@@svenllama For the time I was driving it, i'd say it was equal to what I drive now, I have an '05 Q45 now, which suits me better at age 35-45 than that, but when I was teen-20s the SC400 was the best choice.

[@cavedog1279]

Correction - the SC400 never came in manual transmission. The SC300 was available with a manual, but never the SC400.

[@jamesgizasson]

My spirits soared, then plunged headlong into the earth in less than thirty seconds... thanks. T^T

[@Chucifer]

Sc300 also came with a 2jz

[@christianmerzacco392]

IIRC anything Toyota manufactured with the 1UZ V8 powertrain (LS/Celsior, SC/Soarer, Crown, etc) was paired with an automatic. There are manual swap options for people wanting that sort of thing.

[@albinoyak2755]

​@@Chucifer1jz, not 2j

[@Chucifer]

@@albinoyak2755 please do a Google search.

[@thatf_inguy8220]

I grew up in a lower middle class household located in a lower middle class town. For the vast majority of families, it was the caprice wagon, an old pickup, an old suburban, maybe a cavalier or other mid 90s domestic shitbox. Its all we really knew. In my early high school days, I became friends with a kid whos father was an eye doctor. His father had purchased a brand new 1992 SC400 in 1992 and had it for about 5 years when I first had the chance to ride in it. I will never forget it. He drove 3 of us to a concert. I remember every detail of that car. The soft, supple leather, the amazing sound system with an actual subwoofer (we were listening to Moby and it hit just right). I remember noticing how well the car handled. It legitimately felt like it was on rails. It just glided over the road. The interior build quality and materials were like nothing I had ever seen before. My friends were all just focused on whatever nonsense young teenage boys are yapping about while on a car ride and I was entranced by the sight and feel of this car. It left a real imprint on my brain. I would later go on to own an GS400, which I loved dearly, but I never had a chance to own the SC. I still think about that car. I suspect that if I were ever to own one, it would not live up to the hype that exists in my mind from that first experience. So I will let that memory live on, untouched, forever.

[@CGJ7755]

Same. Lower middle class family and all others in my area. Around my college years I started taking an interest in Cadillac STS and Lexs SC400s and bought one when I was 19, low miles and beautifully maintained. It was like nothing else me or my friends had ever seen or driven before and it totally thrust me into the world of high-end japanese luxury cars that Ive never looked back once. They are enthusiast cars now, and require expert care and someone who understands them as they are all 30+ years old.

[@fredjones554]

They are still beautiful but they may not be childhood memory beautiful.

[@mattberger9037]

Funny enough, my dad is an eye doctor and bought a gold 93 SC400 new when I was 6, had it until 2002 when he traded it in for an 01 Q45, it was having some problems and needed to be traded in. Every Friday he would get off work early and pick me up from school. It was the best part of my week. He’s never purchased a new car since, still babies his 04 SL500. I miss that SC400 so much, he let me drive it down the road at 11. Whenever I see one, it hits me in a certain nostalgic way that I don’t know how to describe. One day, after all is said and done, I’ll have an old one and feel like a kid again.

[@RafiiV]

The leaky power steering fluid on the alternator hit home 😂

[@CGJ7755]

Owned one for 15+ years, I had to do the dreaded p/s pump and alternator fix.

[@dawnpoint]

My GS400 and my parents’ 2UZ Land Cruiser both got the “dish soap bottle alternator shield” after the alternators crapped the bed.

[@bennybop5387]

Ptsd is real on this one. 😅

[@CGJ7755]

From my first hand experience, the p/s pump also required a new pressure hose/valve which is a dealer only part, and yes, the alternator. It was like a $1,000 project back around 2004 when I did it.

[@nopers2223322]

One uzi problems

[@Emucratic]

The perfect car for middle aged Japanese middle managers going through midlife crisis. That's who they were marketing this too.

[@cranes2009]

Japanese salarymen don’t have midlife crisis since the 90’s. It’s a consistent crisis.

[@camryt]

That’s S2000

[@javenradt1314]

That’s a whole lotta mid

[@Samus5164]

It was actually designed in California as a competitor for the larger BMW and Mercedes grand tourers like the 8 series. Toyota Japan loved it so much they sold it worldwide as the 3rd generation Toyota Soarer.

[@retrocompaq5212]

@@Samus5164 yup but we good the good engine, the japan 1-2jz gte was pure trash, the v8 was slow not nimble at all and underpowered af but at least its very reliable with proper maintenance

[@aaronswink8554]

No snark: What do you get when you start with a bar of soap and a huge block of clay and let some experienced designers get creative? You get one of the most beautiful designs of the 1990s combined with a stellar interior and legendary reliability. For the under-25s here who weren't alive when this came out, the seismic shift (shot across the bow) that Lexus did with the LS400 and the SC400 was unreal. It was the ultimate middle finger to the Germans that forced them to up their game and take notice.

[@violetokamii]

Absolutely, it's rumored that this car is responsible for the R33 GTRs bubbly design. It's said that it was a frightened reaction from Nissan create a rounder design to compete. It makes sense yet not confirmed.

[@logicerrormusic]

We all know that Race to the Bottom will find its crown jewel of trash once The Roman gets his hands on an Hummer H2

[@ozzie_goat]

Hummer H2 enjoyers when they run out of gas after driving 10 feet

[@Buck_Bentley]

The Hummer H2 is the car you get to live your 2000s MTV Cribs dreams!

[@LimitedTimeRoman]

I would LOVE to get my hands on a Hummer. There's a joke in there somewhere but I'm too lazy to make it right now.

[@adorablecenturion8436]

​@@ozzie_goatcommon hummer owner L

[@SwampusMcGarniglus]

i Repo'd a Hummer H2 2 months ago, i couldnt believe someone still had a loan on one. Yes of course it was yellow

[@LukusCannon]

Roman I’ve been subbed for around a decade, RCR videos being a regular part of my Monday for most of that time. I used to always skip your outro music, I wouldn’t watch video’s you narrated… But I’ve warmed up to you and your style, and viewers like me have really liked watching you come into your own. I look forward to your videos now, and I appreciate what you bring to RCR

[@aaronswink8554]

They make a great team. Roman is the more down-to-earth presenter who seems less inclined to dump on everything and find the proverbial silver lining...he can probably find a bunch of positives in a broken down Yugo! I love the reviews where they work together. This is by far one of the most entertaining car channels on KZbin and with the exception of some rare misses (the original Elantra N review a month ago that got taken down which fell so, so flat), I like their style.

[@brianmiller1077]

He writes and talks like I think. By that I mean the "and who wouldn't want ..." type things. Loved the twist on Radiohead's 'No Supra-ises'

[@LimitedTimeRoman]

Thank you! It means more to me than I actually know how to say, which is odd for someone who writes words for a living.

[@Snicker60515]

Even now, people ALWAYS seem to miss the point with these types of cars. I had a 2000 Accord V6 coupé I bought used in 2004 and I remember folks down here in Puerto Rico mention to me how "sporty" it was, and I always ground my teeth in the back of my mind because even then my 25-year old self always thought: "this isn't a sports car or even a sporty car just because it has two doors, it's just a PERSONAL car". You know, that car that's just for you and a passenger, with a big enough boot that you can actually see utility in it, but something that doesn't invite everyone aboard like a sedan or an SUV does. Comfortable leather seats, a lazy automatic transmission, reasonably quick, but with just enough verve in the chassis to make you feel safe if you do indeed decide to drive briskly. And seeing this car reminds me of that car in so many ways. And even though they may have the same bones as the Supra, that's the last thing that comes to my mind when I see one of these. This is a personal car, just like the other coupés mentioned in the video. The world really is poorer now that there are none of these types of cars left available for purchase brand new...

[@CGJ7755]

I remember when I got my 92 SC400 around 2002, it was selling for much less than you could buy an Accord coupe at the dealer, like, thousands and thousands less. It was amusing to me because people were still buying the accords.

[@Snicker60515]

@@CGJ7755 the only reason I bought my 2000 was because I wasn't approved for financing for a brand new 2004 model with the 6-speed because I had basically no credit history at that point. I found mine a few dealers down the street from the local Honda dealer I went to see the '04 at and I was cross shopping between that one, a Mazda 3 hatch, and a Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. Lexus never even entered into my mind at that point and the only reason I was interested in the Accord was because my dad had an EX 4 cylinder at the time and I was very fond of that car.

[@nfullenwider]

You just described why I loved my Solara so much. There was plenty of space *if* I took a passenger or two, but the car was mainly for me. I really wish "personal" cars could come back, an SUV or truck is way more daily car than I need.

[@Sepi-bx5qd]

Unpopular opinion: unlike MkIV Supra, this actually looks good (extremely good to be precise) and I'd rather have a V8 than a straight 6 no matter how legendary the 2JZ might be.

[@Sam-go3mb]

If a hypothetical v8 and an i6 were exactly the same power output - which would you pick? I think straight 6's sound amazing

[@Sepi-bx5qd]

@@Sam-go3mb Straight 6:s sounds good, yes, but I think V8:s sound even better. So, a V8 would be my choice.

[@Sam-go3mb]

@@Sepi-bx5qd Yeah I definitely get it. Agree in general tbh, but imo a 2jz sounds better than a 1uz for some reason.

[@Mis73rRand0m]

You should have a listen to some ITB 1UZ's... they were very de-tuned from the factory like everything else Toyota.

[@chriseaton2730]

Doesn't need a manual. It's a GT car not a sports car.

[@jamesgizasson]

Everything needs a manual... E V E R Y T H I N G ! >:[

[@andreydildin]

​@@jamesgizasson came here to say this.

[@andreydildin]

Mk4 supra doesn't need one either then, huh?

[@chriseaton2730]

@@andreydildin They serve different purposes.

[@andreydildin]

@chriseaton2730 yeah, that's what the marketing team said. But when you get down to the nuts and bolts, do they really?

[@Lueserloo]

I fucking love Roman videos

[@baundiesel]

Why?

[@LimitedTimeRoman]

Thank you! That really does mean a lot to me.

[@Brandon-wo2tz]

That's funny because I can't stand Roman's videos!!

[@Nightwalker86]

The Lexus SC430 is a fantastic car. It's well built, styled well, is very comfortable like a luxury car, and then they set it to a convertible. It's the ultimate geriatric Sunday cruiser. It's just not sporty, and was never built to be. Case in point, my dad bought a convertible Mustang as a retirement present to himself- the 4 cyl turbo, automatic. It's never going to be driven in any sporting way, it's just a convertible Sunday cruiser. The Lexus SC430 performs that job brilliantly.

[@jamesgizasson]

Watch that ecoboost like a hawk. They don't live long. :0

[@sonoffrank]

My first car is an 02 SC430 😊

[@gordonmills2748]

Sales manager at the radio station I worked at in the mid 90s had a green SC400. He thought he was the cock of the walk. He was like, 50 then, and is probably dead now. Too dark?

[@MyKeeP81]

they are great cars. i had one at 19

[@shaalis]

It's probably for the best. Ya don't want some 100 year old demoposing in those seats .

[@DanTheMailman330]

Bummer. Let me know if his widow still has the car.

[@dawnpoint]

Every one of these 90s Lexus V8 cars are the official cars of Car Enthusiast with a Phobia of Unwise Decisions. Source: I had a GS400 all through college and when that got hit I immediately bought a GS430.

[@thekomedian730]

Hilarious description

[@nagasako7]

Roman when cybering, the CAPSLOCK STAYS ON

[@jja2000]

I've liked the design of this car much more than the mk4 supra because it lacks the childbearing hips the supra has. I'd even say that it would be much more on brand if this would've been the "supra" instead of the mk4.

[@rcfp2006]

The official car of "Yeah, it's basically a Supra"

[@DrewLSsix]

I thought that was the creceda? Or the IS300...

[@Samus5164]

@@DrewLSsix Cressida is the LS400, Altezza is the IS300, Aristo is the GS300. The SC (later the 3rd gen Soarer) used the A80 platform that the Mk4 Supra was eventually built on. :)

[@retrocompaq5212]

every single of these jdm ive worked on, the most common job is to replace the engine, trans or rear diff, man these cars were garbage, im glad ive havent seen one since at least 15years

[@violetokamii]

Its a Gen3 Supra and Gen4 combined chassis wise. However its not 100% of either.

[@scootinhootin6928]

Not a poor man's supra, a cope man's supra

[@TheMeanmarine13]

One of Romans better videos I would say. I don't know what you changed but this one actually made me laugh out loud. Good work bro. I think you've found your sweet spot.

[@LimitedTimeRoman]

Thanks! I'm always gonna keep trying.

[@ocratitude]

Iv owned my 98 SC400 for over a decade now, and I still absolutely adore it. Your comentary was spot on.

[@Dogman36]

i owned a 99 SC400 with the fancy intake, my father owned an 83 Corolla SR5, and his father owned a 79 Celica XX. its an unspoken tradition in my family to drive RWD 2 door Toyotas. hopefully my son one day picks the RCF over an FR-S lol

[@admiralrustyshackleford119]

(pulls up in a Mazda Miata) "Look dad I got one of them Toyotas you're always going on about..." 😂

[@Dogman36]

@@admiralrustyshackleford119 my sister drives a Yaris iA lmao

[@TonyBasuro]

Oh man, the 83 Corrola SR5. What a Notchback.

[@ExtremelyAverageMan]

I also follow in these footsteps with my regular cab Tacoma!

[@Dogman36]

@@TonyBasuro he had liftback

[@Stjaernljus]

Is this Matt Farah's Milion Mile Lexus?

[@veratisu]

Nah. It's Adam's *indeterminate* miles Lexus.

[@retrocompaq5212]

crazy how california is different on cars, a lexus in north canada last about 5 years until its completely rotted

[@Where2bub]

No

[@Pyjamarama11]

I loved my Soarer It was so well built Just to open the fuel cap, you had to remove ten screws, eight bolts and twenty four clips

[@Suzuki1000MB]

So your review in a nutshell hits the mark. Subdued Supra for sure. Working on one is very similar as well. The Supra though sportier feels like it has a cheaper build quality, the interior underwent massive retooling for weight savings and its shows. The SC has a tight solid ride quality as long as the suspension isn’t showing it’s almost 30 year old wear and tear. For the money a clean one is a BARGAIN as long as you don’t mind working on it once in awhile and sourcing parts. I bought one recently that needed some maintenance items and a few body/cosmetic repairs. What a nice looking and driving car!!! Turns heads wherever it goes and I look forward to driving it on longer trips. Who has the insane money for a MK4 Supra these days??? I’ve driven them new back in the day during my stint working at a large Toyota dealer. They were nice driving cars but definitely not worth what they’re going for now

[@ApSykesThewolf]

Fun fact: the SC came before the MK4. Oh and half the suspension was taken from the SC for mk4 use

[@mk2thg92]

And the other half was from the Aristo

[@gkjsooley]

Beginning in 1972 all SAABs got heated driver's seats as standard equipment,

[@Valkyrie_Coach]

“I miss him for all the things he didn’t get to teach me” I lost my dad when I was 19 (c.2011), and since then I have become a father, and a husband, and there are so many questions I wish I could have asked him. We enjoyed railroading and aviation when I was growing up, and I have since become a locomotive engineer and I am working on my pilots license, and there’s so much I wish I could tell him. I’m sure it’s been brought up before by you, Roman, but I guess this time around it finally stuck that you lost your dad as well. You are seen and your emotions valid. 🍻🖤

[@battleelf6523]

WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT A RELIABLE JAPANESE V8 REAR WHEEL DRIVE LUXURY LEATHER INTERIOR COUPE?

[@GeorgePatteDustin]

If Lexus had dropped a manual transmission, many people would be saying, yesterday and today, "Who puts a manual transmission in a luxury car?"

[@ShineeIshAsiAn]

The SCs even the 430 weren’t bad, just misunderstood. I hope one day history can smile on them.

[@Low760]

I hope not. I want the motor cheap for projects.

[@Grimm-Gaming]

Yeah! It also helps i love luxury cruisers that LOOK sporty but only look sporty. Specifically 2doors.

[@bennybop5387]

History already is, you see the prices for them?

[@louiearmstrong]

SC430s and MR2 Spyders are underrated,

[@Grimm-Gaming]

@@louiearmstrong i miss my sw20

[@SirNippletonMcSugarteets]

AYOOOO I OWNED THIS CAR

[@francisj4058]

AYOOOO

[@nukesrus2663]

AYOOOO

[@PhoenixsWorldVideos]

AYOOOO

[@Shillmehowtolive]

Ooooayyy I had the sc400. Loved it.

[@nocatschrysler]

I OWN a car they’ve reviewed… but it’s a Pt Cruiser ☹️

[@kswiftful]

I had an SC300 when I was 19. It was the best car I've ever had. I did have to change the ECM, catalytic converters, and countless spark plugs because one of fuel injectors were stuck open. Unfortunately it was totaled due to a t bone. RIP Valerie

[@nopers2223322]

I had one fresh out of college and I miss it

[@MoonfaceMartin88]

"Mom, can I have a Supra?" - "No, we have got Supra at home."

[@Shawn_Babcock]

So better than a Supra?

[@admiralrustyshackleford119]

"Supra? No lil Jimmy it's pronounced Saturn, Saturn..." 😂

[@MyKeeP81]

the sc400 is a superior car

[@SwampusMcGarniglus]

my coilovers say supra on them. so theres that.

[@seabomb1]

God I miss 1990s Lexus/Toyota. I need an SC 400 in my life

[@nate8466]

I just bought a 1996 SC400. Never thought I would see this channel review one it’s awesome to see that. I love the car so much it’s amazing. It’s currently in the shop because I’m doing preventative maintenance for timing belt & water pump, but I cannot stop thinking about it. I had the exhaust done and gosh is it a beautiful sound. This is definitely a car I will be keeping forever.

[@bernardusarntz7657]

Good move

[@roflcopter117]

I'd get it just for the Nakamichi tape deck

[@bawintermage8351]

That Red Lobster snap was personal!!! 😅 Where will we go after getting Kanye'd by our exes?

[@davidparkin9017]

All it needs is a modern navigation headunit, upgraded cooling system, timing chain instead of timing belt, an eight speed transmission and 30% better fuel economy.

[@azariahclark6450]

The "No Surprises" parody at the end was a nice surprise. Pun intended.

[@NealWinters]

Everything in that interior will still work in 30 years.

[@PaddyMcMe]

True. I've got a 2004 LS430 and there hasn't been a single fault or failure in the cabin.

[@zrwz66]

This is EXCELLENT writing.

[@LimitedTimeRoman]

Thank you! This made my day.

[@CaptainTexas92]

It’s a nice grand tourer, you could take it across the U.S., Canada, or Japan in quick reliable comfort. It Doesn’t have to be a 700 horsepower fire breathing sports car or Bentley or rolls equivalent just needs to be good at what it does.

[@Warrison_]

Watching this, and at the fragility bit, made me feel more at ease knowing that my man Roman also gone through living without aa father. This video just made me feel easier, and relaxed. Happy Fathers day to you Roman, to giving us obscure regular cars.

[@LimitedTimeRoman]

Thank you! Happy belated Father's Day to you as well!

[@capmadman6486]

Seeing all of these 90s cars show up is nice. Tho I should really get ahold of yall sometime so we can laugh at my 97 Rodeo

[@zo1dberg]

Almost bought a Soarer here in Australia 23ish years ago. Bought an R32 Skyline instead. Don't regret it.

[@violetokamii]

Dont drive the JZZ30 version because you might get a regret lol

[@S-Kidz]

the dial on the gauges look like spatulas

[@brockjennings]

Nice, heartfelt tribute to your dad. I miss mine too, but he did give me his "love of cars" gene and lots of shared automotive memories.

[@GOdelta2]

I miss my bright red ‘99 SC300, “Liam”. So many ragrets selling him in 2017. Looked like-new on New Years Day 2015 when I bought him - $8k, 75k miles. I can still feel the hangover from the drive down the CA coast. My mom always compares my current cars to it when I visit, like how it glided over speed bumps on canyon roads. Recently I found that Liam’s next owner killed him after evidentially torturing him with gross wheels & silly racing stickers. RIP.

[@heikkiremes5661]

As Henry Cavill as the Witcher said: "Fuck". RIP Liam. :(

[@artofendgame]

Yoh the line: "Skills provide security, but don't provide security within themselves." Great line! Very deep dive in to a realm of my own life i wasn't expecting from a car channel on KZbin. Good perspective.💯

[@CoreyZ232]

I've had my SC400 for about a year now - sitting at around 85,000 miles. I put a new timing belt, new brakes, a head unit (the factory stereo is incredible) and some coilovers, wheels & tires on it. I loved it immediately and it's grown on me more and more as time has gone on. Really just a wonderfully well put together car in all regards and feels like even more of a flex for how understated it is. Great video as always!

[@discombobulatedshaggy9041]

I have a 92 as a daily driver and the only thing broken on the car is the automatic antenna. Seriously one of the best cars ever made!

[@bigjay1970]

So, so true!🤔🤫🤗😇

[@mikieiacono8362]

When I was 18 working at dirt lot used car lots - THIS was the best car I ever drove, TT z cars, supras, Porsches - the sc reigned supreme

[@dronetrucker]

I bought a non running SC400 to 2jz and CD009 manual swap, i decided to get the car running and driving before swap, after driving it i sold the 2jz and the CD009, this is a great car

[@user-yo3fu5bi1j]

Roman is becoming one of my favorite KZbinrs!

[@StratfordWingRider]

My Dad at the 2.5 litre 1JZ twin turbo Soarer. It was really something else. Didn’t take much for him to open up the exhaust and the intake and get a decent whack of power. He found he could surprised cars on the highway, as it was a bit of a sleeper at the time. I remember how long and heavy those massive doors were too. Not very supermarket friendly.

[@05Elantra98GSGang]

My 1998 Lexus GS300 has tighter steering and handles better than the 1996 Lexus SC300/1997SC400 I drove it’s wild that a sedan handled better than a coupe I feel like the SC was a comfy highway cruiser while the GS was made for highway cruising and handling California canyons or blue ridge parkways mountain passes

[@Low760]

As was a supra really. Similar suspension but different damper and spring rates. But good for parts for hot rods.

[@JeiceNismo]

That gray interior is beautiful. Owner of 3 of these ... right now a 97 sc300 👍

[@FIowersForMe]

I have the exact same one im trying to make it go alive little faster lol

[@91_C4_FL]

I want a retro-luxury personality.

[@garydeleon1230]

did you really call a timing belt/wp and a radiator replacement a mechanical failure? calling routine maintenance a failure is the same thing as getting mad that the gas needs to be refilled when you drive it

[@CalTN]

He did say, "Perfection doesn't exist" as a way to justify the statement. Sloppy writing, I agree. Mechanical failure through wear is an inevitability, not a feature that can be engineered. Non mechanics/engineers reviewing cars to be entertaining I guess.

[@ynotw57]

If it comes with a SuperUnknown CD in the changer, it's worthy. Also, your song was fantastic. Always look forward to a Roman parody.

[@zedsez]

1UZ is a better engine than the 2JZ

[@Samus5164]

I bought one a few years ago from someone who had really abused it, and have been restoring and upgrading it since. I'm really glad to see them getting more attention! Some things to note for anyone who *would* potentially like to buy one: - the interior leather is fantastic quality, but something about the stitching just does not hold up with age. It's near impossible to find SCs without awful looking seats, if still original. - the interior trim around the window breaks. It just does. - the power steering pump is located right above the alternator, and the gasket will eventually go out on it, it's inevitable. When it does, it'll kill your alternator. - they only came with open diffs. The Mk4 Supra Torsen bolts right up, but most have been abused by now and aren't worth the insane price people want, BUUUUT that also means aftermarket Supra diffs work. A majority of the suspension, brakes, and driveline are identical to the Mk4 Supra. - popular manual swaps (continuing the similarity to the Supra) are the R154 transmission out the Mk3 Supra and the W58 out of the Mk4 (or the rare factory manual SC300). Since the GM AR5 transmission is essentially identical to the R154 (Pontiac Solstice transmission), it also works with an adapter and everything else you need for auto to manual swaps. - look for rust! they're very durable cars if taken care of, but people DON'T and a lot of them are hiding rustybois.

[@CGJ7755]

If you pop off the skirts, the rocker panels can be a fuckign nightmare

[@Samus5164]

@@CGJ7755 glad the pre-facelift skirts are a lot less prone to rust. 🤕

[@CGJ7755]

@@Samus5164I had a 92 and when they took the skirts off to repaint it after 20 years it was not doing well under there

[@WasstschoBasstscho]

Ahhh, the Bubble Lex'. Favorite car for rappers in the golden era of the 90's...

[@cesarromero3957]

Main reason why I keep rescuing these Scs. I can't get enough of them, they are truly great cars.

[@rturner4205]

I have an old neighbor who has a black one of these, the previous owner didn't want to sell it to some kid, and I don't doubt it for a second with how nice it was.

[@konstantinosbiratsis2601]

Supra = Soft Grand Tourer 3.0 I6 SC = Soft Grand Tourer 4.0 V8 They are equally soft, I can't believe that in the American mind the Supra is ingrained as a sports car, only modded ones are close to sports cars.

[@InterstellarKev]

One of my faviortie cars I ever Owned. Bought one for 3000 cash back in 2011 had 150k miles on it. Man did that V8 sing! Its design is so timeless. Jim Press, president of Toyota North America at the time, had a custom SC400 that had a Manual and others have swapped in but yeah never from factory only the sc300. My friend had a 2jzgte in his 1998. Also yes most parts switch out evenly with Lexus LS 400 and Toyota Supra most bolt right on.

[@casper_gti2707]

It’s not a fake Supra, it’s just an Upscale Supra, not meant to be the fastest on the block

[@HarcourtBullV]

Thanks for the Father’s Day wishes. Very touching to hear about your father. Great work Roman!

[@HaonProductions]

Was that a Neutral Milk Hotel tape? What a time to be alive.

[@augustcampbell2375]

Was gonna get one of these but missed out at the last minute :( also this is absolutely. The best car that Roman has reviewed in a while

[@staterafukumoto]

as someone who recently purchased a GS 350 i feel like it's really rare to have an overall bad experience with a lexus.

[@JavierCR25]

It’s a beautiful grand tourer, just like the CL, the 8 series… but none are appreciated and usually all are falling apart, except this one. CL and 8 series never came in manual either though.

[@andreydildin]

8 series came in manual

[@JavierCR25]

@@andreydildin Very very rare oddity, as in like less than 10% I believe, but yes indeed.

[@GameFlife]

i really enjoy Roman narration. Good work man am looking forward to next one

[@-TriP-]

Wait, they brought back Trapper Keepers?

[@SnackOnSnack]

"Not sure what they were trying to do here" they were developing the A80 Supra. There's a reason why they share the same chassis, rear end, front end, and frankly, overall design. My 1992 SC has a 2JZ in it which is Identical to the turbo Supra engine from the head gasket down (aside from the ring gap, and also turbo oiling ports). The head actually breathed better on the N/A engine than the turbo because without a turbo, the JZ engine performed like garbage without one hell of a head. The SC400, however, has hardly any aftermarket support aside from exhaust and intake stuff so you can't really make much more power with those without some serious $$$ (superchargers, aftermarket turbo kits, etc....). The SC400 was an excellent car, but I honestly think that the SC300 suits enthusiasts a bit better, seeing as it's got a much more enthusiast friendly platform

[@caltech25]

What a left turn - from a funny car review to a beautifully poignant message about identity and fatherhood. Definitely a unique review.

[@erikestela1117]

I had a 96 SC400 years ago before it fell victim to black ice on the road. I miss this car often and wished back then that there would be an RCR review. Finally.

[@acrain7]

I loved seeing both yours and Brian's reviews in tandem, and this is easily my favorite review of yours! I'd argue that the SC400 doesn't need to feel any sportier, as it's really just a GT car at heart. (however, the SC300, with a manual, is a riot! The juxtaposition of the tighter manual experience and plush tan interior is such a joyous experience.)

[@112fail]

i have an 98 gs300.. got it nonrunning cus it was dirt cheap and has a 2jz.. its an automatic but it is what it is

[@lego4virgo]

I wonder if my daughter's Mazda 5 could be the 'race to the bottom' that Roman is looking for? 🤔

[@AgainWhoops]

Glad to have the songs at the end back!

[@inuGrant]

when I was a kid the sc400 was a drug dealer car that being said i loved my 92 sc400

[@abrahamaguilera5788]

It was intended to be a luxury touring coupe for older rich people in the 90s. That's why only the 300 came with a manual in some years. The only 400 that came with a manual was built for the CEO of Toyota at the time.

[@kllntime101]

There's something about the looong coupe that I love. If I didnt already have a GS300, LS430, and Cressida, I'd be all over one of these.

[@ejlexus9252]

Considering the mk4 was built off and around the soarers older chassis layout the whole "fake supra" talk should really calm down I love my 95 Renaissance red 400 and uz is placed behind the front wheels it will out corner a mk4 stock for stock... straight line not so much

[@groovygrapedrink2249]

I have a manual sc300 and it has been an absolute gem, you can still find these dirt cheap but the gs and especially the is are climbing in price fast.

[@2cnz969]

Wow finally a review on this car. I absolutely love my SC400 but I disagree with the modification comment. Spending as much time as I do on the Lexus forums and seeing what people have done throughout the years is amazing. Also sitting and looking at Australians taking this engine and just going nuts is crazy too! It just IS it’s own car. It happens to share parts with the Supra (thankfully) but it stops there and all the slightly modified or bumper swaps I’ve seen really make SC’s awesome. We just have to stop putting KBD body kits on these cars though.

[@PaddyMcMe]

I'm an Aussie and over here these are VERY popular but primarily as the Soarer version since they're so cheap. Easily one of the best looking GT's of the 90s, and it IS a GT not a sports car. Gorgeous car. Also it NEEDS to be seen in person to fully understand how good it looks, the rear especially, pictures/videos can't communicate how long and low the body is, it has the stance of old Jaguars.

[@spiderjerusalem1019]

Muricans: V8s! JDM Fanboys: Handling! Euros: Luxury! Lexus: Why not all of them? . Lexus, the "Jack of all trades, master of none" of the automotive industry.

[@Dunwelll]

Roman! Doing great, keep it coming!

[@dannysmith9882]

An SC300 with a manual, mild turbo, quality dampers, and modern tires is the strongest intersection of value/speed/handling/comfort/reliability on the market. The SC400 was regarded by the press as perhaps the best car in the world when new, and now they are among the best available at the bottom price tier. This review was remiss in not developing the relationship between this and the supra (and sc300 and soarer). Its mind boggling these are so cheap while supras are so expensive.

[@quuxummephitida1219]

WHO LET TRENT FALKENRATH (cha-ching!) OUT OF TIME PRISON??

[@nickw5682]

Lmao the neutral milk hotel cassette, a hipster must own this

[@SCaddiction]

15:44 - 18:37 I’m a 16 Year old with a SC400 and currently going through problems with my dad for a couple months now, this part made me tear up

[@LHRSBN]

Let’s give a round of applause to the great customer service you’re sure to receive at Lexus main dealers which generally don’t cost as much as their competitors.

[@some7595]

Jeez 6 in the morning upload, can’t wait to finish

[@JBM802]

RCR makes early mon mornings easy!

[@AnthonyChukreyev]

Absolutely bonkers to me that this was a 1994 car. When I see these on the road, I instinctively think it’s a 2005-2009 era car despite knowing exactly what it is.

[@JGGdesign]

I own a 1995 SC400... it's low milage stock, special car.