1998 Lexus SC300: trims, real prices & how to pick yours

3 builds left the factory as a 1998 SC300, each a different combination of engine, transmission and body identified by the first eight characters of its VIN.

  • 2 main configurations
  • 177 vehicles built
  • 5 for sale right now

Which SC300 is yours?

Enter a VIN — the 17 characters on the windshield or the title — and we’ll match it to its exact factory configuration, typical price and equipment.

Works with any VIN — a different year or model takes you straight to its own page.

Pick your SC300

What actually differs

300 400
Engine 3L 6-cyl 4L 8-cyl
Power 225 hp 290 hp
For sale right now 3 2
Vehicles built 101 75
Same on every 1998 SC300
  • Fuel Gasoline
  • Body Coupe
  • Doors 2-door
Will it hold value?

A SC300 typically keeps about 85% of its price over 5 years — a 5-year-old one runs about $10,992 today.

SC300 depreciation by year →
Cost to run

17/22 mpg city/highway. Roughly $2,450/yr on fuel at 15,000 miles.

EPA estimate for the 1998 SC300

Safety, in plain English

What JT8CH32Y-W means

JT8 CH32Y · W
JT8
the World Manufacturer Identifier Lexus registered — assembled in Japan
CH32Y
together encode the SC line — Coupe, 4L 8cyl — as Lexus filed it, these five characters are read as one block, not letter by letter
W
in position 10 — model year 1998
9, 11–17
differ on every car: check digit, plant code and the serial number
1 rare configuration — mostly fleet, export or irregular VIN patterns. Fewer than 20 known vehicles each.

Already looking at a specific SC300?

Paste its VIN — we’ll open that exact car’s page: its configuration, market position and every listing we’ve tracked.