The Lexus SC300/400 is the Most Underrated Japanese Sports Car From the 90s

[@AcuraAdvice]

CORRECTIONS: VVT-i was added to both SC's in 1998 coinciding with the SC400 5AT and the updated engine covers. I had a preexisting belief that it coincided with the '97 cosmetic update so when I read info stating it came out in '97 I didn't realize it meant it came out in '97 for the '98 model year. Turns out there is no manual SC with VVT-i (still want one tho). 🤦‍♂Clearly I am not a real Lexus owner and will not be welcome in Cimarron Hills. The '95 update DID change the front bumper and fog lights. The design of the "grill" on the lower part of the bumper changes and there are lines that extend across the centre of the fog lights. Pre '95 fog lights do not have this line. Thank you to those of you that pointed these out to me in the comments!!

[@thedastardlydashcam6977]

Correct. Hence the 1997 is considered by many to be the most desirable year. Original engine and transmission (better and easier to mod) but with the updated styling. The truly unique year. The 1997 is the model year you see in video games i.e. Forza Horizon

[@francocagayat7272]

if Toyota gave it the optional 5.0 V12 320 HP from the Toyota Century limo, and call it the SC500, to make it a rival to European luxury coupes too back then: -Mercedes Benz CL600 -BMW 850Ci -Jaguar XJS V12 -Ferrari 456 GT Among those,

[@johnnyk6906]

still looking beautiful and no sound system today can match the Nakamichi. I miss them a lot.

[@TheCrawdadman]

This is the SC video i have been waiting 7 years for since i got mine, thank you sir!

[@KOClancy]

I daily my 94 Soarer 2jz-ge JDM import and I literally could not be happier with it. GREAT video

[@hdz30]

Glad to finally see a really nicely made video about the SC! I’ve got a ‘97 5 speed and it’s honestly such a blast to drive. If you can find a manual example it’s worth the money.

[@7m75.]

Manuals in those gotta be helllllla rare 🤔

[@hdz30]

@@7m75. yeah they are, I was really lucky to get mine. Not sure how hard it is to manual swap one but it’s a popular thing people do

[@7m75.]

@@hdz30 yeah that’ll be cool , I just found out these came in convertibles too 🔥🔥🔥 haven’t seen one in person yet

[@campaignslayer]

Sc300 with a factory 5 speed checking in 🤙

[@Rab1d_Un1c0rn]

Factory 5 speed, with 87k, broken lol

[@campaignslayer]

@@Rab1d_Un1c0rn that’s crazy low miles. I have 226,000 on mine.

[@harleyhorse4879]

There’s a lot down the street from me that has a 5-speed. Said he let it go for 9k

[@Rab1d_Un1c0rn]

@@harleyhorse4879 I bought mine for 9k and now it's been broken for a year lol

[@harleyhorse4879]

@@Rab1d_Un1c0rn that’s no bueno

[@JimCush-q2r]

I have a 92 SC400. I have owned it for 20 years, and simply loved it. It shares garage space with my 1939 Buick Special 2-door sedan. Talk about two odd couples! But that's a lot of the fun in collecting cars. One is sporty and a gas to drive, the other is classy in a stodgy way, but garnering smiles from all ages.

[@AcuraAdvice]

I approve of both 👍

[@mndlessdrwer]

The 1UZ-FE from the LS400 and SC400 really was the pinnacle of Toyota's engine engineering division. It isn't the most powerful or fuel efficient, but it'll run forever so long as you change the oil.

[@thedastardlydashcam6977]

The greatest SC video on KZbin! Thank you!

[@nathanha8760]

In Japan the JDM version the Soarer GT-T had the 1JZ-GTE along with the 5 speed manual.

[@3ZN357]

I’d love to drive that for a day

[@blazedxjan]

great video! i had a manual is300 but always wanted the sc300, still do. this has reignited the fire lol

[@TysonHugie]

I'm a fan of these, esp in the '97+ look as you mentioned. They made an incredible color called "Royal Sapphire Pearl" that is absolutely gorg. Didn't realize there was a climate control vent underneath the steering column - how convenient. Side note, if Jeff from Cimarron Hills want to sell his Vigor, have him get in touch with me.

[@illuminate4]

Another noteworthy thing: with the VVT-i update to the SC300, the 2jz got its own "GE" rods. Before this, they were using the same rods found in the GTE motor. This means that if you get a VVT-i motor your tuning potential without doing an engine overhaul is drastically lowered (those VVT-i rods can only handle like 350 before they explode compared to the previous rods 500-600) edits for grammar cuz I'm nitpicky

[@AcuraAdvice]

Thats very interesting and good to know thanks for sharing that!

[@ChristianTaylor3]

Love seeing SC300/400 videos pop up every once in a while. I’ve got a 95 sc300. Been driving regularly for 10 years. Fun car but it is slow lol. Gonna boost it one day and dct swap it to keep it auto.

[@dackbowland1876]

Dct?

[@Sbreslin59-js2zz]

Is the 400 any better?

[@dackbowland1876]

@@Sbreslin59-js2zz 400 is more expensive to modify, if that is what you are looking to do. Way cooler and more satisfying to have the v8 though imo

[@Sbreslin59-js2zz]

@@dackbowland1876 hard to find a decent one now too. Probably just leave it stock to start out though

[@m.newman7722]

I drove a 1995 SC400 for several years in the 90's in Southern California. I really enjoyed that car, now driving an RC350 F-Sport, which I feel, almost 30 years later, is even better, but for that era, a really wonderful car to drive. Very comfortable and quiet, with decent performance. People would come up and compliment the car to me, on a regular basis, and they still look good today in retrospect. The car was problem free and the only expense was routine maintenance. This was a really nice commuter sport coupe, not a sports car. Interestingly, I had ordered a Corvette, waited 8 months to come in, with delay after delay, and the features I had custom ordered from Chevrolet, had not been installed on the car, got my deposit back and obtained the Lexus. Driven Lexus ever since. Chevrolet did me a favor.

[@reallivemark]

Shipping my 98 soarer after living in Japan for 5 years. Can’t wait to ride it ins states now

[@SCaddiction]

As my name suggests I know a lot about these cars and You’re video is Top 5 on my list of great SC reviews all your information, images and research couldn’t be any better great video man 🗣️🔥

[@AcuraAdvice]

Thank you!!!

[@largetarp]

8:07 No, series 2 sc/soarers do have different front ends, there is no middle bar in the front bumper it is replaces with a grille piece, the fog lights are different and the way the sides of the grille connect to the bumper are different.

[@AcuraAdvice]

Oh wow I can't believe I didn't notice that before! Thank you for pointing that out!

[@largetarp]

@@AcuraAdvice alot of people dont realise haha, i like my s2 soarer its unique.

[@Asianwitamexicaname]

great video!! sc/soarers for life!

[@odd1119]

just getting my soarer back on the road and man i love driving this car so damn much

[@jacktomsky6812]

I’ll have to say this and the mk5 prelude are criminally underrated I was cross shopping them

[@BattyMckicknPunch]

I have a Mk 5 Prelude and this car appeals to me greatly.

[@MrRavakian]

Love it great video! A long time owner speaking. Owned a 93 model, a 97 model AND a 98 model sc300.sadly no manuals or 1uz just yet but I think you buy one of these for long distance trips/ fancy dates and get yourself a manual corolla or something for the hills.

[@MrRavakian]

This car may be paired well with a miata, which you won't be able to drive long distance as much but go have fun with the manual.

[@nsxt290]

Very nice car those SC models. Very clean& simple. Honda had it right with their 90s cars. And making it in Japan is worth the money.

[@rastomasstanford7708]

Bravo What a great video 🎉

[@tiorange1235]

8ball and Mjg's favorite car

[@coryanderson5210]

The college I went to had a huge international presence. One of the favorite cars at the time were the s2000s, and they’re a few of these sc400s worked up. I always thought they were super clean and would be a sweet daily cruiser for one or two people. This video takes me back. Had a family member with an ls400 which I always liked, and it was super reliable….

[@LilDiabloRob]

Aka the poor man’ mk4 Supra. As of this comment 2024, the drift guys are buying em up and prices has skyrocketed. 😡😡😡😡 I still want a 90-99 SC300. Don’t won’t the 400. SC430 was a good concept but car is too small even for me and I’m 5ft8 and 150lbs 😅😅😅

[@DaniG.German883]

Driftards ruin everything

[@61936]

Still 6-8k for one in decent shape isn’t bad for a 90s Japanese sports car compared to everything else out there where that’s what people are asking for a 350z that’s rough around the the edges

[@Charlymorfin]

Poor mans MK4 Supra???? No, it's the Gentleman's supra, the Soarer is the upper class with the 1JZ-GTE.

[@boombox789]

Get an Auto, swap is relatively easy. They cost $6k and there are plenty of em.

[@Y0uKnoWh0]

Just checked and I've owned my 5-speed SC300 for 13 years. I love it.

[@LOUROK-SR20]

Briefly had a 95 300. It was so smooth.

[@danielman10009]

Great video! I remember 18-year-old me buying my first car in 1987 and thinking the Acura Integra was not a good buy, because Acura was a "new" brand. (Little did I know) Love the critique about the climate control and radio! I have a '93 and '99 SC400. The five speed blows away the four speed for responsiveness and overall fun. As a 55-year-old guy, I absolutely love the five speed. Mine has 200,000 miles and i just swapped out the 17" aftermarket wheels for stock 16" Lexus wheels. 1990's classic style.

[@Rab1d_Un1c0rn]

Make sure you get your ecu checked too. I had my main and fuel pump ecu go at the same time lol 😊

[@DF-ec9de]

Bringing tears to eyes seeing this. Loved my Lexus SC 400 cpe it was a beast. Mine was the 1995 model, got hit and totaled.

[@MyKeeP81]

i crashed my 94 and totataled it

[@LOWLUHCALLIN]

Actually id prefer an automatic in the snow than a manual just so you could manipulate the rocking back and fourth movement to get out of situations. @6:30

[@LOWLUHCALLIN]

Plus the shift mechanism is perfect for exactly what i said. No gate notches like the GS or IS auto shifters. Even then the lexus cars have snow mode which does allow for a spongey and less sensitive throttle, as well as not allowing the gear box to downshift under hard acceleration, or atleast not 2-3 gears at a time. Really nice and sophisticated.

[@LOWLUHCALLIN]

Funny enough, when i slammed my M30 the R - D shifting saved me a few times in the deep snow of Indianapolis

[@Charles-ek5tf]

0:44 hey that's my car! The bring a trailer buyer backed out and I managed to get it for a bit cheaper from the seller locally 😆

[@UZForLife]

I just went and looked at that auction. How has the car been to own?

[@NooNoo-k4m]

I own a 93 sc300 and a 94 Toyota crown honestly the best cars I own atm

[@1MADZ]

My mom had a Baddass SC300 pearl with all whistles. Loves that car

[@nickadams2451]

Would love to know what happened to the concept car. Did it survive? I would like to think Toyota kept it in the archives.

[@andrewskannavides428]

In Australia these were brought in as "grey imports' in the 90's.. By the mid 2000's they were at every wrecking yard and got trashed. All everyone wanted from them was the v8 motor to retrofit into project cars !!

[@jonathanramoslexusmaster298]

i own four sc's one is factory manual imperial jade have cinnabar red one which is na-t then i have an 051 white one it has 2jzgte vvti swap. emu black stand-alone big fuel system soarer trans s372 at 25 psi certified ripper. it's my daily then i also have a sc400

[@kavkaz879]

This was gold

[@danielcastillo443]

YES, Definitive Story here 👏🏾Client would pay $500 down,select paint, leather, keyless entry, custom badges, matching LEXUS Ceramic Cup but NO clutch per Sale report spreadsheet!! Soared Luxurious/Indestructible Toyota🚙

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

This was hands down the best looking car from the 90's IMO & still is today. I've driven both the SC300 & SC400. My grandma owned a black on tan 1992 SC300 that she drove for twenty years & replaced it with a new 2012 ES350 in 2012. My friend had a 1992 SC400 in the same color combo as my grandmas that he bought a few years ago (I believe he just sold it). They both felt very similar in terms of power delivery & handling. I've always been a huge Lexus fan in general. Have owned two of them so far as my first was a 2017 gray on red IS200t F-Sport that I drove for a little under two years & currently a beautiful white on red 2016 GS350 F-Sport that I bought four years ago.

[@AcuraAdvice]

Totally is the best looking car from the 90s 🙌 I have driven a SC300 and SC400 as I had a friend who had a 300 (imported from the US) and his Dad had a 400, I found the power difference to really only be noticable at highway speeds

[@alexlarson2466]

I love these. I feel one reason they are underrated is compared to the Supra, they have a much more conservative design. I personally love it, but I think that's because my first car was a XV10 Camry, which had that "Baby Lexus LS400" styling, but the rear window matches this SC more, as it's much less convexed (the rear window of the first gen LS400 reminds me alot of Hondas/Acuras of the time, especially the Vigor). I wonder if that's part of why SCs are so underrated. Particularly the rear half/butt has kind of the "soap bar/bubble" shape that kind of looks like a fusion of LS400 and a gen 3 camry coupe, and so they didn't have the obvious sporty hips and look of a Supra.

[@sleepyaj1372]

Shhhhhhhhhhhhh I’m trying to buy one of these and I can’t have people realising they’re good

[@mndlessdrwer]

I'm not sure if it's a flaw in the interior materials bill or if the people who owned them just absolutely trashed the interior, but when I was looking at these as a car option in the mid-2000's when they were still vaguely feasible used car options, I couldn't find a single example with an interior that was still in good condition. It might just be a US thing to abuse the shit out of our car interiors. It's also very reasonable why Toyota didn't bother to invest extra money into a manual transmission option for the SC400. They knew their market well enough to understand that people who bought their luxury cars didn't want to be bothered to shift gears. They just wanted the appearance of sportiness and enough power for it to push them into the seats under hard acceleration. Faffing about with extra gears is something for their track car, not their daily. It's hard to use your optional car phone when you have to shift gears.

[@willyhwang1059]

To this day The lexus with least cluttered exterior design And the most graceful

[@redrum707monkey]

i always say Soarer is my number 1 JDM

[@justinkase1360]

What wheels are on the FD @0:21?

[@Audiojack_]

They're HRE wheels, HRE C103 I think.

[@bernardusarntz7657]

I have sc400'97'fine car and a sc300 99 also nice model

[@MegaLoghome]

The "Prelude" make sense now...

[@scaleartsg]

97 sc in black ❤

[@AcuraAdvice]

🙌

[@Mr_New_Orleans]

I have a 97 sc 400. How can i add power to the 1uz engine?

[@SME5724]

Love the SC300 ❤

[@Clapped_SC]

Ik its only a sc400, but i got mine for $2k just a couple months ago so there still out there 🤘

[@PANTYEATR1]

I've seen a couple of videos reporting only one SC400 being made with a manual transmission for a high ranking Lexus executive. Is that true? 🤔

[@AcuraAdvice]

I dont know I hadnt heard about that, but I do know some ppl on youtube have manual swapped them. I would love to do that some day!

[@TLCHobbies]

Wow, you put my car in your video... Well the pictures before I bought it.

[@AcuraAdvice]

Which one is yours?

[@TLCHobbies]

@@AcuraAdvice There's one that you keep showing. It has a blue microfiber towel covering the license plate. There's also an interior shot of the exact same car. I know because I have all the pictures. But I don't mind it though. I, like most SC owners, hope the value of these cars go up.

[@AcuraAdvice]

@@TLCHobbies ah cool thats a nice one!

[@sentiencepsn2714]

Oh come on. The sc430 wasn’t that bad. Maybe those first gen wheels. And the run flats. And the suspension pre-face lift.

[@manbatmiso]

Deserved a manual for sure IMO

[@Sbreslin59-js2zz]

Looks like a bumblebee car

[@NXVASTAR]

got my 95 SC400 for 1700 with 141K miles almost a year ago

[@rushmatic]

SC300 was available with a 5 speed manual, I had one a very long time ago.

[@hueyfreemaniii6214]

He addresses that in the video

[@jonathannauck7453]

I’d kill to find a manual sc300. Incredibly hard to find-such a sleeper car!

[@Krasibana]

Owner of 2 SC's right now. A 96 SC400 with over 200k miles for 19 yrs now & A Modified 2000 SC300. I also Had this 99 SC400 Too bad I was hit from behind & the 99 SC was totalled. Here is the video of the 99 SC400 - right b4 i bought it : kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnKxlYF7ob5kj7csi=Cvkc5_zbMpKDBHqJ

[@navinstrument8353]

To me SC is the best lexus design

[@btrdangerdan2010]

Nissan Sentra video next?

[@Stone15656]

Yo is that a Soupbruh 😮😢😂 (80000000hp on stock) 😭

[@katzicael]

if you think That's special, check out the (Mazda) Eunos Cosmo 20B...

[@Jack-jw3rd]

"the sc400 - while not perfect - ..." *cuts to auto transmission PRND2L* lmfao fr, the trans sucks so bad, I have a spare in the garage rn (clutch speed sensor and solenoid 2 gone bad; must replace them, cheaper to buy a whole trans)

[@FIowersForMe]

I’m 20 years old have have about. 50 grand what version of the sc should I get I would like one with the most power obviously and would like the learn manual but yeah I just want the coolest and most powerful model that I could upgrade for cheap hp if anyone can help me decide thanks

[@EvanDannenhirsch]

The ultimate SC will be a 1997 SC300 5speed manual but they are so rare it doesn't really matter how high your budget is, there might only be like 50 in existence left. Aside from that, a '93-'96 SC300 5-speed will be the best model to buy and stick a turbo in. If you want the coolest and most powerful modded spec, this is it. Lastly a '98-'00 SC400 is also a super rare gem that BY FAR has the most stock power and features of any SC. They are also the most reliable and have a greatly upgraded 5 speed auto that is smooth to shift yourself and is unbothered even at 130+ mph. These are also super rare with under 1k made each year, but unlike a '97 5-speed you can find these super pristine for about $20-25k. Any SC is still a solid beautiful car and I'd say if you saw a good deal on a pristine car from any year, 300 or 400, you can't go wrong with it.

[@FIowersForMe]

@@EvanDannenhirsch I was looking to buy a sc-400 but I found a sc-300 1197 automatic is in perfect condition these can be manual swapped and turbo swapped if needed

[@Benjiaboy]

Say away from the sc400, get the sc300 instead.

[@FIowersForMe]

@@Benjiaboy I just picked up my sc-300 today 1997 man and it’s mint

[@jestar5237]

episode on the 9th gen civic?

[@AcuraAdvice]

Civic video is in the works. Its taking awhile because I'm doing all 11 generations, but its coming!

[@JAYD3EChannel]

Vvti was added in 1998

[@AcuraAdvice]

You are right 🤦‍♂️ that also explains the conflicting info I read about the transmissions, they said 5 speed came in 1997 but they meant for the 98 model year, and same with the engine. I always thought the engine was with the cosmetic refresh, but nope I was wrong! Thanks for the correction!

[@Pelllaw26]

Honestly, my take and growing up loving this car. It looks nice, but if I'm getting a luxury car I'm straight up getting a pimpin car. Ls400 was it's competition tbh. I'd take an ls400 for a luxury car. My younger self would love the SC but not for a luxury car. Honestly looks a bit ugly without body kit.

[@rcjb]

Mine is a 1997

[@OLDS98]

Thank you for the video. It was quite interesting and informative. This car was sold as Toyota Soarer in Japan. I saw a video on You Tube some time ago. It was this car with a cloth interior and digital gauges. Too bad they did not sell that trim in the United States. Here is a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIvHcoGcYtCEhdk and kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3-wf2qbnLCUmsk and kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmKVq4mNpsShfs0

[@francocagayat7272]

can it also have a 5.0 V12 320 HP from the Toyota Century limo too? and call it the SC500, and be a rival to other luxury coupes like the Mercedes-Benz CL600, BMW 850Ci, Jaguar XJS V12 and the Ferrari 456 GT, and be the most affordable among them,

[@AcuraAdvice]

That would be cool!

[@francocagayat7272]

@@AcuraAdvice yah right Sir, that could have been cool if Toyota have tried it back then,

[@2URLex]

Dissing the 430 is a crime

[@Dtt4]

Not exactly sports cars. But Grand Tourers.

[@blue_lancer_es]

Yerp!

[@maureencora1]

The 2001 SC 300 was a Joke. Give Me 1992 - 1999 SCs

[@Benjiaboy]

I would avoid these cars at all costs. Lexus SCs are the japanese endless moneypits. If you want reliability get an avalon or camry. Parts are very expensive on these cars.

[@EvanDannenhirsch]

the SC is not a moneypit at all. They are built to last and do not have any major weak points that will total the car. Parts and labor are more expensive than a Camry or ES300 because these were a limited production very high end car. It's true, these cars are not for broke people who need a good cheap beater. But they are solid quality cars that hold value, and can be enjoyed and upkept by an average person with a job Of course if you buy a neglected pos that needs everything done, it will be in the thousands to fix but thats how literally any luxury car is.

[@Benjiaboy]

@@EvanDannenhirsch Have you ever owned an SC400? Parts are very expensive. I currently own a 1998 SC400 that was dealership serviced for most of its life and that car has been nothing but a headache to own. Stuff was always constantly going wrong, the power steering leak issue is a huge design flaw that will leave you stranded one day. I'm strongly considering junking my car.

[@TheCrawdadman]

I have a 95 sc300 and 2000 Camry, best of both worlds!

[@Benjiaboy]

Lol, these cars have so many weak point. Power steering pump and alternator are an example. I'm so glad I sold my 1998 sc400. Don't buy into this lie that these are reliable and cheap cars to own cause they are not. They cost just as much or even more than an equivalent bmw or mercedes.

[@ExecuteBrandon]

It’s a GT car, not a sports car. Styling is interesting, but not inspiring.

[@billywild5440]

You talk too damned fast.

[@lexusls4305]

SC430 >SC400

[@toyotafather]

Disagree. Have owned both

[@GoogleAsho-qs1vx]

I own 2 sc400 cd009 swapped with a spitronic ecu and harness and a sc400 2jzgtevvti swapped from an aristo with a zf transmission supra diff ls400 big brake kit on both my manual swapped sc400 is my daily drive it 30 miles to work everyday

[@eugene8962]

Still can’t find a decent ‘98 sc400 for less than 20k😢

[@Jay-cp8bp]

just picked up my 92 400 for 2500!😎🫡

[@AcuraAdvice]

Nice! Thats a deal!

[@JimCush-q2r]

I have a 92 SC400. I have owned it for 20 years, and simply loved it. It shares garage space with my 1939 Buick Special 2-door sedan. Talk about two odd couples! But that's a lot of the fun in collecting cars. One is sporty and a gas to drive, the other is classy in a stodgy way, but garnering smiles from all ages.

[@Mr_New_Orleans]

How can I add power to my 97 sc 400?