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

Here's why you should buy a Lexus SC300 or SC400. Except don't actually, because I want one and I don't want the prices to go up. The SC400 is the only rear wheel drive V8 powered coupe to come out of Japan during the golden era. And the SC300 is the 2JZ, 'nuff said.

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If you enjoyed this video, there are plenty more like it on the channel! If you have a request for a make/model I haven't done yet and would like to see, let me know in the comments!

[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!!

[johnnyk]

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!

[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 😅😅😅

[campaignslayer]

Sc300 with a factory 5 speed checking in 🤙

[hdz]

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.

[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.

[blazedxjan]

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

[thedastardlydashcam]

The greatest SC video on YouTube! Thank you!

[JimCush-qr]

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.

[KOClancy]

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

[nathanha]

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

[illuminate]

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

[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 🗣️🔥

[jacktomsky]

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

[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.

[ChristianTaylor]

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.

[odd]

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

[LOUROK-SR]

Briefly had a 95 300. It was so smooth.

[coryanderson]

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….