1998 Lexus SC400 V8 OWNER'S REVIEW

This is a quick walk around showcasing and reviewing my daily driver car, a Renaissance Red 1998 Lexus SC400.
With only 1024 made, the 1998 SC400 is a limited production luxury sports coupe, that features the VVT-i 1UZ-FE V8 Toyota engine and a new for 1998 5-speed automatic transmission with gated wood shifter. The SC series is rear wheel-drive. The car produces 290hp stock and 310lb ft of torque, and averages 18/25 mpg. I drive this car everyday for work and for pleasure and it has been a fantastic machine. The chasis was modeled from scratch- the SC is not a 2-door LS, nor is it a spin-off on the Supra. From 1992 to 2000, Lexus SC400 punched high above its sticker price, but didn't yet have the brand recognition to really take off. In 2001, the SC430 replaced the 400, but was designed to be an old lady's convertible toy, losing the sleek Japanese sports car characteristics of the 90s SC. The SC series was discontinued completely in 2010 and replaced by the current Lexus LC500. Feel free to ask any questions or leave comments below!

[@quinns.318]

Let it keep flying under the radar🙏🙏🙏

[@marcdargitz2949]

I've owned both 300 and 400 and currently have a custom 96 SC400 dd/track car. These cars are actually superior to the Supra in terms of offering a superior performance platform. Why you ask? #1: 5 inch longer wheel base(high speed stability),#2, stiffer chassis (non hatchback)#3, front mid engine(better weight distribution)...I could go on and say, with upgraded suspension, weight reduction, bigger brakes, etc, you'll actually have a superior car to the legendary MK4 Supra! The SC's are a "diamond in the rough" and one of the finest engineered coupes ever built to date.. never sell, as newer isn't always better..that's only advertising propaganda... luring consumers into buying, buying and more buying! LOL🤔👍

[@augustinekirchoff479]

You are speaking straight facts

[@cedricmiller4370]

You just told the truth newer isn't always better because the new Lexus lineup generation years 2016 and newer specifically don't feel as classical or jazzy as the old school Lexus models it's like the new Lexus coupes and Modern day GS no longer standout like the ones from the 90s when you'd see a Lexus coming down the street they looked so deluxe and big boy grown man complexed they really stood out back then compared to new models

[@Maplecook]

@@cedricmiller4370 Reading your comment about the way the old Lexus cars were more able to turn heads, you reminded me of something... Back in 1993, when the ES300 was still a new car, the looks were unlike ANYTHING else on the road. It looked fresh, futuristic, and sexy...even though today, nobody bats an eye at a 30 year old ES300. Back then though, that car's front, one-quarter, overhead view was used as the label art on at least one brand of extreme shine car polish that advertised, "get that stop-and-stare shine!" My point: this Lexus was so cool looking in its day, that -- even without showing the L on the hood -- it had lines that would just make people crave it.

[@cedricmiller4370]

@@Maplecook yes you correct In 1993-1996 if you had a Lexus you was very well achieved for yourself. They looked even nicer back then if you had the Lexus written in Gold color trim

[@kevinjones6829]

I had a 98 SC400 in the same color scheme, and absolutely loved it. I got t-boned in it on my way to work one morning, and it was totaled out. It was devastating. I spent the next two years looking for an acceptable replacement. Finally, I found one last spring. I'm now the proud owner of a 99 SC400 with currently just under 30,000 miles - she's practically brand new. While I do love it, I really liked my 98 because I adore how this car looks in red (my 99 is white), and like yours, my 98 had the cold weather package, which includes the heated seats and traction control switch. You got a beautiful ride, my man! 👍

[@SaifDurraniSC400]

White sounds absolutely beautiful my friend. I’m on the hunt for one, currently trying to sell my 02 es300 with 315,000 kms on it. Once that goes I’m buying an SC, along with a rusted, hail damaged beater civic to drive in the winter. I don’t want my soon to be SC to even see snow

[@lobo7103]

I drove my 94 sc400 from Oregon to Texas with no problems 👍and still running strong

[@ericki.3322]

This man's camera work is exceptional,they is no camera,he's our eyes.

[@peterbarry4792]

I've got a 95 400. Manual swapped... I see why they didn't do it from the factory. They'd be wrapped around trees and light poles all over the country...lol

[@JC-ft4ri]

And still with the automatics, a lot have a rear dented quarter panel.

[@KaiPonte]

What transmission and conversion kit did you use? I plan to manual swap my '93 400. (My '99 400 I plan to keep stock.

[@peterbarry4792]

I got a W58 in there. I was lucky. The guy i bought the car from did it already.

[@1a1_sc400]

@@JC-ft4ri I know that one from experience lol

[@JC-ft4ri]

lol@@1a1_sc400

[@triplep6062]

I'm not into red cars but the SC's look good in red. I own a 98 SC 400 in white and it still makes heads turn.

[@Singleturbo-sk9qp]

I have a black 1998 sc400 and a 1999 sc300 the 400 is my daily and I love it

[@simonrozenfeld7830]

love the car, also really nice job with the video work! i just got a sc400 92, its a great car, but I think the reason these car are not crazy expensive yet, has mainly to do with the way the transmission works, its tuned to be a very smooth, long shifting car. For me, the long shifting/great handling and very stiff body makes it really fun, but I can see how other may not like it. but id recommend buying one anyday, especially when you can get one for about 5 grand; make sure its a good one though! To be frank, if you can get a car like this one depicted in this video, all stock, you will be super happy:)

[@samaccurso]

My everyday driver for past 10 years has been my 98' GS400, now has 212k miles, I saved it from certain death when I first bought it, was very neglected & had every type of leak - oil leak, transmission leak, coolant leak, power steering leak, even small brake fluid leak, believe it or not it still ran pretty decent. I've fixed all that & now driving this car is such a great experience, plan to always keep it!

[@luistorres2544]

I’ve seen a ton of people say they’re cheap and I have found a few that are 3k, but most are $11k 🤦🏽‍♂️ I barely started looking and hopefully a dirt cheap one pops up. Very elite video, it definitely made me want to save and find one

[@Seiunnoko]

Went to a Car meet a couple days ago and saw a red SC400 with gold badges just like this one in near perfect condition. Such gorgeous vehicles. Can't wait to fix up my SC300

[@ybdizz]

One of my favorite color on a sc! I have a 97' original 5spd W58 and I love it!

[@jorgealvarado3512]

Love this car, a Supra with a V8!!!!! My 1996 Es 300 has almost 300k miles and still running strong AF

[@KaiPonte]

Nice video. The SC/Supra platform is one of the most beautiful coupes, in my opinion. Love this color option. One of my friends has a 300 with over 300,000 miles on the odometer. My 400 has less than 200,000 miles. I love driving this car and hope to keep it forever.

[@Mr_New_Orleans]

Thanks for the video. I have a 97 sc 400 and I love it.

[@curtisjknight6367]

Far better on the eyes than the SC430 that came later .

[@scootinhootin6928]

While the latter of the 90s sc400s had more hp, the

[@isaiah3673]

Very nice I have a 94 sc400 love these cars 🤙🤙

[@slypod8493]

Your cluster lights should be fine! Those went out on pre 97 models. I always thought mine would go out and it never did in my 10 years of ownership of a 98 sc300. I liked it so much I bought a 99 haha. Nice car man!

[@G8fulguy]

GM! I have a ‘97 SC300 and my instrument panel has gone out. It’s a 5 speed manual and I’ve had it for so long (since 2000), so I can “kinda” gauge my speed. Please give any suggestions as to how/where I can get it fixed. Beautiful car Dude! Thanks for the video!

[@slypod8493]

@@G8fulguy interesting. How many miles? Mine had 180k and not a single light was out

[@G8fulguy]

The last “known” number of miles was 228,990 miles. This was March 2015. So, there’s probably a lot of ‘uncharted’ miles on it. It still runs good. I would love to get it back on the road. It’s the best car I’ve ever had which is why I still have it. I’ve owned Mercedes, Chevrolets, Fords, a Pontiac, Nissans. You name it, if I wanted it, I’d buy it. Please let me know your thoughts on getting my Lexus repaired. Thank you!

[@chrisb3514]

Taninautoelectronix will repair and restore those clusters . They do a fantastic job. Google them! (Tanin Electronics)

[@insqnjty]

that "uhmm" gets me everytime

[@citroni1776]

Ikr

[@sonicCherryBell]

Thanks for the video. A ceramic 35% tint job on that will prevent any more sun damage from the back and sides, and would look good to boot. Also leather conditioner is your friend ;)

[@BH-BH]

A sweet ride

[@Oivey2000]

envious. i always wanted to drive one of those. i have an '06 SC430 with the 3UZFE V8, but wondered what the 1UZFE (which is what you have) would drive like. it was a very popular coupe back in the day

[@TonyVelazquez-jg5du]

Yo tengo un lexus 98 me encanta mi auto

[@Mefrom_Here]

I love my sc300

[@ericnguyen4666]

That's crazy lol. I used to watch your beyblade videos and now wee have the same car

[@123malajoy]

Beautiful SC400. I would love to buy this from you when you are ready to sell.

[@standardarm63]

With everyone speeding i dont like long hoods for getting onto the street from parking lots.

[@b_moneygo4515]

Love this beast

[@2cnz969]

Love the video just got myself a 97 SC I was wondering where did you get that phone Mount from? This car has no space to put my phone and I really like where it sits in your car

[@ReptilWithIpods22]

it was a gift! I believe they are on amazon

[@beniaminsg]

Beautiful car

[@9kvnley343]

I’m watching this video in 2024 because I’m really looking into buying a sc400 , my question is with the 1997+ models do they actually have traction control? I know the earlier models have traction control but I’d like to know if the later models do since I don’t find any information on that or not. Thank you

[@evandannenhirsch4967]

97+ still do, there is a switch under the steering wheel to turn it on or off

[@KaiPonte]

Beautiful color!!!

[@stundexim5]

they made it from 91 not 92

[@JM-Unleashed]

Very cool! Enjoy 👍

[@turbogears900]

Good review

[@securitycoolyo]

You really pronounced it (chass-is) its pronounced (cha-sē) or (chassey) if you cant understand. That is all. Nice SC by the way.

[@christopherlopez9458]

You don't have to worry about 97+ guages burning out. Toyota changed the needles and back lighting

[@JC-ft4ri]

my 98 sc400 has fuel needle blown.

[@searchdaone8130]

It’s funny you say classic when it the very first year of this car 1992 just hit the 30 year mark maybe marketing it a classic but let’s keep it that way lol

[@143poppa]

What happened to the Honda

[@GotherYT]

Bruh I thought he said " it bumped up the horsepower to 90" at first that was awkward

[@newtonwilliams3778]

Did you sell this yet

[@TN-es1og]

Bro you need to stop saying UM. wtf. Good content but stop saying UM MAN. Count your Ums dude

[@stereolababy]

maybe learn how to pronounce chassis too

[@TN-es1og]

It’s hurting my head how many times you say um lol your videos are good but you need to work on the um bro anyways good luck

[@SargenttSkroonk]

Um... umm... umm

[@mrmysteriotx]

This video, summed-up, in one overused word; "um".

[@Benjiaboy]

Better get rid of it before it hits 160k miles. Otherwise it'll become an endless money pit and leave you stranded somewhere. The SC400s are a maintenance nightmare, better get the SC300 instead. From oil leaks, bad power steering pump, and over $1000 to change the starter. People need to understand these are not cheap cars to own, and will cost as much as a used bmw or mercedes to own. Get a Camry or Corolla if you want a daily driver. My 98 SC400 with 200k miles has been nothing but a money pit. Something always keeps breaking. Worst car I've ever owned.

[@ReptilWithIpods22]

well i guess you bought a beat up lemon bro, rip sc300 and sc400 have no notable difference in reliability. 1998+ models of either one are a bit more sorted out and durable than the earlier ones. Im at about 170k now with not ever an issue and only the most basic maintenance. Of course while it is a durable and reliable car, it is not a "cheap" car. I don't think anyone should be cross shopping an old Camry with an old sc400. The camry will be a way better daily if money is tight

[@will-ip5mv]

maintain your POS better

[@1a1_sc400]

I daily a broken 93 sc400 and I would say, If you’re a mechanically inclined like me it’s as cheap as a Corolla to keep them running, yes I bought a lot of tools and spent way too many hours on it, but it’s like an investment. Remember that it’s a 30 year old car. I took it to many road trips with my family I always did a full inspection before a trip and fixed everything and it never let us stranded. I even put a hitch on it to haul my dirt bikes. Mine had a rough life by the way 3+ accidents, 6+ owners, unmaintained and it needs over 5k$ in parts to make it like new again. Once restored it should do 20y ez with regular maintenance. It’s a great car for the right person!

[@hussainladha5770]

R u looking to sell it by any chance e

[@ReptilWithIpods22]

unfortunately no