The Lexus SC 300 is one of the best luxury sedans of the '90s. Made by the division of a leading automaker, Toyota, the Lexus SC 300 is a unique model of its kind that offers a fuel efficient and full-bodied 225-hp-producing engine.

The first-generation Lexus SC made its way to the market in 1991. The SC 300 was introduced in 1992, and it offered a minimalist, yet sophisticated design. The 2-door coupe directly competed with the likes of the Jaguar XJS, the Acura CL, and later, the Cadillac Eldorado. Produced till 2000, there are several Lexus SC 300 year models available in the market right now. And the best part is they still run great.

We'll be analyzing the Lexus SC 300 with a major focus on the 1996 model. Let’s dive into the current price of the classic Lexus SC 300, its specs, and some tips to help you select the best.

Here’s What The 1996 Lexus SC 300 Costs In 2022

1996 Lexus SC 300
via: WheelWell

Depending on the mileage and condition, you should expect to pay an average of $2,500 for a Lexus SC 300 with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer. The price may also rise if the car comes with optional features or lower mileage. This can set the value above the $4,390 price point. A lot of these cars have been significantly used over the last 2 decades. So, their value decreases by the minute. These days, the lowest you can pay for a Lexus SC 300 is just around $1,408, in clean condition, and driven about 12,000 miles annually, according to Edmunds.com.

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Is The 1996 Lexus SC 300 Worth It?

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Via: Bringatrailer

Yes. The Classic Lexus SC 300 is a good vehicle, along with its lineages. These cars are particularly preferred for their great fuel economy, and as we pointed out above, their inexpensive price tag.

One of the things we admire most about the Lexus SC 300 is the simplistic styling visible on the inside and out. At the fascia, the SC 300 is given an aerodynamic design. It also features headlights that closely resemble the ones on the famous '90s Toyota Supra. Unusual to most cars made in the '90s, though, the SC 300 came with the iconic Lexus “L” logo in the place you’d typically see the grille. Most Lexus models had this frontal design, but the next model year introduced the grille. Among other things, this made the car’s design exceptional, to say the least. It got its vents and grille combined and integrated into the bottom bumper, along with the signal lights situated close to the wheel arc. The most simplistic design feature of the SC 300’s exterior is the rear. Its signal, brake, and reverse lights are combined, and run from the trunk door to both ends of the rear.

Under the hood, the classic Lexus SC 300 comes equipped with a 3.0-liter 2JZ-G inline-6. This makes 225 horsepower at a peak RPM of 6,000 and 210 lb.-ft of torque at 4,800 RPM. This engine had a relatively smaller capacity and output than the ones equipped in its competitors. Regardless, it makes enough power to put its counterparts to shame. But it was the center of the vehicle’s great performance, propelling it from zero to 60 mph in under seven seconds. The engine pairs with a five-speed manual transmission to power the rear wheels. For a better driving performance, all 1996 Lexus SC 300 models came with a standard four-wheel independent suspension. The models also have factory ventilated disc brakes with ABS. With regard to the fuel economy, the Lexus SC 300 delivers 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, for a combined 19 MPG.

Many SC 300 models came with a tan leather-trimmed interior, with matching door panels. They also received minor wood touches across the entire interior, particularly on the doors and dashboard area. You should expect some cool interior features from the 1996 Lexus SC 300 as well. These include a 12-Disc CD changer, as well as power-adjustable front seats with heated functions.

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Some Helpful Tips To Assist Your Search In the Classic Vehicle Market

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Via: Bringatrailer.com

When buying a used car, it's important to know all the common issues with the vehicle. This is especially important for a classic car that has either been running or has been idle for a longer time. With this info in mind, you’re able to distinguish the well-preserved models from the poor condition models, or as we call them, money pits.

Here are a few things to know about buying the 1996 Lexus SC 300 in 2022.

Transmission Issues

Transmission issues are common on a Lexus SC 300 2-door coupe. The faulty transmission system can lead to grinding sounds, shifting delays, and burning smells coming from under the hood. In worst cases, occupants can experience intense vibrations from the drivetrain. In the end, transmission issues can severely affect the fuel economy. Eventually, the escalating problem would kill the transmission system entirely. To lessen the chances of transmission problems, you should take every smallest sign of trouble seriously. Make sure to have the transmission fluid checked out and replaced when the odometer is between 30,000 and 60,000. On the other hand, if you come across a model for sale with such transmission problems, check the severity of the issue. If the car can’t run at all, walk away.

Rust

Rust is another major issue, not only on the SC 300, but on all cars made of steel. Unlike the transmission problem, rust is relatively easy to spot. Make sure to walk around the car and check for rust patches. But rust comes in different levels. Small rust patches on the body are easier to control than deeper ones, which will also cost more money. Aside from the body, check out the chassis for any signs of rust too. A rack can really help with this. Unlike the body, if there’s major rust on the Chassis, it’s not worth it. You might end up paying more money to keep the car in good condition than you paid to own it.