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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Lexus
The Lexus SC is a genuine grand-touring icon, and the American used market is where the best examples live.
Model profile
Two very different generations wear the SC badge. The first (1991-2000, chassis code Z30) was a curvaceous two-door personal luxury coupe, sold in the US as the SC300 and SC400 and closely related to the Toyota Soarer. It is now a cult classic, prized as much by collectors as by tuners.
Powertrain and equipment
The first generation offered a choice that enthusiasts still celebrate.
The first generation was a fixed-roof two-door coupe in SC300 and SC400 forms, both well equipped by the standards of the day with leather, premium audio and Lexus's hallmark build quality.
Vehicle selection
SC430s are relatively plentiful and were often low-mileage, garage-kept second cars, so clean examples with full history appear regularly, especially in California, Arizona and Florida.
The SC suits a buyer who wants a well-built Lexus grand tourer with genuine character — whether that is the analog, collectible appeal of an SC300/SC400 or the open-top comfort of an SC430.
Vehicle data
| Vehicle class | Luxury grand-touring coupe / convertible |
|---|---|
| Body styles | 2-door coupe (gen1); retractable-hardtop convertible (SC430) |
| Length (SC430) | approx. 4.52 m |
| Seating | 2+2 / 4 |
| SC300 engine | 3.0 L 2JZ-GE inline-6, approx. 225 hp |
|---|---|
| SC400 engine | 4.0 L 1UZ-FE V8, approx. 250 hp |
| SC430 engine | 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8, approx. 288-300 hp |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual (early SC300), 4/5/6-speed auto |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Generations | 1st (Z30) 1991-2000; 2nd (Z40, SC430) 2001-2010 |
|---|---|
| 0-100 km/h (SC430) | approx. 6.2 s |
| Assembly | Tahara, Japan |
| Typical US mileage (used) | SC430 40,000-110,000; gen1 varies widely |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The SC is famously durable, but each generation has known items. The 2JZ-GE and 1UZ-FE engines are exceptionally robust; on the 1UZ, the timing belt (interval-driven) and starter — buried in the valley of the V8 — are the classic jobs to budget for.
Germany and Europe
US SCs carry US-spec lighting (no rear fog lamp), MPH speedometers and US-market audio and navigation. Headlight aim and DRL behaviour follow US standards and need correcting for German approval.
US-market headlights use the FMVSS/SAE beam pattern, which differs from the ECE pattern required in the EU, so they may need adjustment or replacement with ECE-compliant units for registration.
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Questions and answers
Yes — the US offers the widest choice of well-kept SC430s and increasingly collectible SC300/SC400 coupes, often rust-free from warm states.
Exceptionally, mechanically. Budget for the 1UZ timing belt and starter, and test the SC430's hardtop mechanism thoroughly.
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
Import VAT and other taxes or costs are assessed separately under the applicable rules and the circumstances of the individual case. A blanket answer for every vehicle would not be reliable.
The SC300 appeals to enthusiasts for its 2JZ six; the SC400 for its V8 smoothness; the SC430 for open-top luxury.
Cars over 30 years old in appropriate condition may qualify for H-Kennzeichen; we can advise during the approval process.
Usually yes, since US cars rarely carry a European CoC. We coordinate §21 approval and TUEV.
Yes. As an independent broker we handle sourcing, escrow, freight, customs and approval on your behalf.
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