5k: 1992 Lexus SC400
By the early 1990s Toyota had solidified its position as a builder of reliable economy cars, but it was still working on breaking into the luxury car market with its Lexus brand. In 1991 Lexus introduced the SC; a sporty 2+2 coupe to compete with Mercedes SL & BMW 8-series. This 1992 SC400 is located in Franklin, IN and offered for the bargain price of $2500 via craigslist.
The SC400 was a good looking car when originally introduced in 1991 and it still looks surprisingly good today. Clean lines – originally penned in Toyota’s Calty design center in California- and classic 2+2 proportions make the SC a future classic in the making.
The SC400 is powered by a 4.0 liter 1UZ-FE V8 engine, putting out 250 horsepower and 260 ft-lbs of torque – all into a 5 speed slushbox automatic transmission. The engine will push the coupe’s 3600 lb mass from 0-60 mph in about 7 seconds – not fast by modern standards – but the smooth V8 has a decent amount of torque and never feels stressed. Suspension is a sophisticated fully independent system all around – but is typically under-sprung and under-damped. Don’t expect razor sharp handling – but it will be comfortable for a commuter. No pics of the inside – but Lexus made cars that will last and if this one has been taken care of it should still look nice.
You really can’t ask a lot for $2500 – but this car delivers: its got a silky smooth V8 – good looks and a decent chassis – not a supercar, but a decent grand tourer. For the price of a head-gasket replacement (which it will probably need soon) you can own this coupe. Do you sell your prized stamp collection and by a Lexus? We would.
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~ these are a wonderful example of Toyota's engineering and manufacturing prowess. in their introductory specs they bested the rival from BMW, the fantastic 850. not quite as pretty IMHO, but what a value! $2500 no-brainer
Ad is gone already. What was the mileage on it?
159k I think. Not a bad looking car – must have sold.
~ just as with Mustard Bil, an alert shopper got a hell of a deal. i think DT earned a commission here. i know you're only in it for the glory.
A good friend in high school's grandmother bought one of these new when large amounts of coal were found under some property she owned. She bought it in gold and I remember thinking how low and cool this looked back then. I distinctly remember the way the interior wrapped around both the driver and passenger in a comforting embrace of luxurious security that far eclipsed the cavernous feel of my dad's Buick. Seeing the car now, it still looks good and could easily roll off the line and be a decent seller if it got an upgrade in the power department. If only it weren't for the slushbox, I probably would have considered one of these.
The SC300 was offered with a manual transmission, but there weren't a lot of takers in the US. This is more of a personal luxury coupe, not so much a sports car. The typical buyer reflected that, and the take rate for the manual wasn't that high.
I actually own this car now. had 168k miles when i bought it in january. i paid $1850 for the car and it runs like a champ!