16 Aug 01
Lexus Soarer
Prices: £2000-£8000
Engines: 2.5 twin-turbo - 2491 cc, 280 bhp, six cylinders; 3.0 - 2997 cc, 230 bhp, six cylinders; 4.0 GT - 3969 cc, 260 bhp, V8
Check for: Service and ownership history, correct paperwork, correctly functioning electronics, accident damage, mph speedo and other modifications for UK registration
Known as the Toyota Soarer in Japan, but badged as a Lexus SC300/SC400 for the States and other markets, this coupe was never officially sold in the UK. Despite this, there are loads around on British roads, and the rather naffly-named Soarer has been one of the most popular personal or grey imports since its 1991 launch. Not really a sports car as such, it's more of an elegant grand tourer with a very high specification (including satellite navigation and TV displays on some models) and a lovely smooth, quiet ride. The pick of the bunch is, unsurprisingly, the 4.0 GT V8, which not only has the superbly refined engine as fitted to the LS400 saloon, but active suspension, which really makes it glide along. The 3.0 is generally overlooked, as buyers tend to go for either the V8 or the louder twin-turbo 2.5.
Early cars have got so cheap now that many have been neglected, badly bodykitted or otherwise messed around with; buy with caution, especially if the car you're considering is sporting lots of aftermarket add-ons. Don't be put off by the horrid white Soarers you see around - it looks far classier and altogether much nicer in a dark, metallic colour.
Toyota replaced this Soarer with an all-new, totally different model with an electric folding roof. In Japan, it's known by the same name, but to the rest of the world it's the Lexus SC430.
