Pros and Cons of the Lexus SC300
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i know about the weight. it has great creature comforts, and putting a gte in there shouldnt much of a problem either.
i know about the weight. it has great creature comforts, and putting a gte in there shouldnt much of a problem either.
JustAnotherVictim
Supramania Contributor
2JZ-GE or 2JZ-GTE engine, so reliable, its very boring and understated, but it has a nice bodystyle i think. Think a Mk4 Supe in a shell not too dissimilar to the Mk3 
JustAnotherVictim
Supramania Contributor
Best year is probably '97. First year of the new body style, last year they came with MT, last year of non-VVTi, and you can pick one up for between $8k-$13k. That ranges between good condition and excellent condition. I've been looking into one of these cars, and am heavily considering it. That's not too much cash for a "sport luxury" car.JustAnotherVictim said:
There is a '98 RSP non-spoiler auto on EBay with fairly low miles for $12.5k. Not bad.
JustAnotherVictim
Supramania Contributor
Yes I meant 2jzGTE, and I can afford it I'm just looking to hear everyone's opinions on the car.
JustAnotherVictim
Supramania Contributor
You could always NA-T it as well, jesse on here and also hotncesseny or whatever his name is has done NA-T 2JZ's in mk3 already. After watching Jesse's internals build the engine is not really much different, swap Headgaskets, rebuild everything gasket and seal wise, swap the cranks and you've got a turbo almost, the head is very different though but you can buy FFIM for the NA 2JZ, even with all the mods it's cheaper than the 4 to 6 k for a 2JZ LOL.
Plus you'd already be single.
I love the SC300 body, it's a sleeper luxury MK4 almost and nobody sees them coming even though the SC300 community has gotten large and fast in the last few years.
I say DO IT
Plus you'd already be single.
I love the SC300 body, it's a sleeper luxury MK4 almost and nobody sees them coming even though the SC300 community has gotten large and fast in the last few years.
I say DO IT
Hang on - you cant even drive your Mk3 cause your mum is refusing to let you drive it - why would an SC300 be any different?
I've owned two in the last 2 years, both 1jz swapped.
Pro's?
-Comfortable for 2 people
-MKIV aftermarket = SC300 aftermarket
-More useable features then new cars
-Looks better and nicer interior then a MKIV
-Can be NA-T, 1JZGTE, 2JZGTE, or V8 force induced
-Can be auto, 5spd, 6spd
Cons?
-Nasty interior colors. It's really hard to find one with Black or Grey (took me 6 months to find a gray leather car).
-You have a better chance at winning the lotto then finding a 5spd factory car.
-99.999% of them are open diff.
-bland styling without a body kit.
They have the usual maintance quirks, but are better then a standard car. Very easy to work on. Anything mechanical that fits a MKIV, fits an SC300. Brakes, suspension, drivetrain, seats, anything engine, exhaust, rims... etc
They are 4 seater cars, but fit 2 adults only. Back seats are useless. The trunk is HUGE!!!! Factory radio is very good. They handle very good with a decent suspension. They are not too heavy, they weigh like 50lb more then a MKIV due to nicer interior. Im tired of hearing weight arguments, if you want a light car buy a civic, otherwise just install a nice turbo and make 500whp
Very very reliable. My single GT40-88 car I daily drive to work and back every day, rain or shine. My wife daily drove my other 1993 1JZGTE SC300 everyday for a year. I've driven the 1993 on 8hr roundtrip roadtrips non stop hauling 500lb worth of turbo manifolds, it's seen everything. They don't break, period.
Stock 2JZGE fuel miledge = around 20mpg average. 18mpg if 5spd.
Stock 1JZGTE = around 20-22mpg
Single 1JZGTE = Upwards of 28 mpg.
Pro's?
-Comfortable for 2 people
-MKIV aftermarket = SC300 aftermarket
-More useable features then new cars
-Looks better and nicer interior then a MKIV
-Can be NA-T, 1JZGTE, 2JZGTE, or V8 force induced
-Can be auto, 5spd, 6spd
Cons?
-Nasty interior colors. It's really hard to find one with Black or Grey (took me 6 months to find a gray leather car).
-You have a better chance at winning the lotto then finding a 5spd factory car.
-99.999% of them are open diff.
-bland styling without a body kit.
They have the usual maintance quirks, but are better then a standard car. Very easy to work on. Anything mechanical that fits a MKIV, fits an SC300. Brakes, suspension, drivetrain, seats, anything engine, exhaust, rims... etc
They are 4 seater cars, but fit 2 adults only. Back seats are useless. The trunk is HUGE!!!! Factory radio is very good. They handle very good with a decent suspension. They are not too heavy, they weigh like 50lb more then a MKIV due to nicer interior. Im tired of hearing weight arguments, if you want a light car buy a civic, otherwise just install a nice turbo and make 500whp
Very very reliable. My single GT40-88 car I daily drive to work and back every day, rain or shine. My wife daily drove my other 1993 1JZGTE SC300 everyday for a year. I've driven the 1993 on 8hr roundtrip roadtrips non stop hauling 500lb worth of turbo manifolds, it's seen everything. They don't break, period.
Stock 2JZGE fuel miledge = around 20mpg average. 18mpg if 5spd.
Stock 1JZGTE = around 20-22mpg
Single 1JZGTE = Upwards of 28 mpg.
Last edited:
Ric said:
I can't believe that you want black interior, living in Florida. I had grey leather in Florida and it was pretty hot, and sticky as well. I now live in Arizona, and if I get a SC, it's a must for it to be Platinum or White - probably white, because the interior is a light color.
5-speeds are not really RARE; they are just much less plentiful, and you have to look around and be patient if you want to find one. Years <'98 have them. That brings us to the next thing:
Bland styling? I think that is a bit rough. <97 body style is bleh, but after they updated, I think the car looked rather nice, providing that there is a factory spoiler installed. The body is not much of an issue however, because '97+ body parts are bolt-on to earlier models.
A 5/6-speed GTE swap is really tempting on one of these cars.
good
mkiv stuff drops in... nearly everything.. suspension, brakes, trans, diff, engine, seats, etc...
moon roof sunroof..
bad
heavy.. as heavy or more then a mkiii..
97+ style is hot.. the rest is ehh..
mkiv stuff drops in... nearly everything.. suspension, brakes, trans, diff, engine, seats, etc...
moon roof sunroof..
bad
heavy.. as heavy or more then a mkiii..
97+ style is hot.. the rest is ehh..
Ok how does this work??
Stock 2JZGE fuel miledge = around 20mpg average. 18mpg if 5spd.
Stock 1JZGTE = around 20-22mpg
Single 1JZGTE = Upwards of 28 mpg.
first your suppose to get better mileage on cars if they are stick shift. Also how can a Single turbo 1JZ get better mileage then a Stock one? Turbo doesn't waste but saves u more gas??
Stock 2JZGE fuel miledge = around 20mpg average. 18mpg if 5spd.
Stock 1JZGTE = around 20-22mpg
Single 1JZGTE = Upwards of 28 mpg.
first your suppose to get better mileage on cars if they are stick shift. Also how can a Single turbo 1JZ get better mileage then a Stock one? Turbo doesn't waste but saves u more gas??