History/Description: Lexus’s nichey SC 430 was a 4-seat hard-topped convertible with V8 power, rear-drive, and a hefty price-tag that peaked well over $80,000. With the goal of bringing Lexus’s brand of reliable luxury into the premium roadster marketplace, the SC 430 enjoyed a long life that spanned from 2002 to 2008.
All models got a 4.3 litre V8 engine with horsepower ratings varying between 288 and 300. Look for a 5-speed automatic on all models, as well as feature content including dual-zone climate control, leather seating, navigation, power tilt steering and plenty more.
Memory seating, adaptive headlights and a Mark Levinson audio system were on board, too. Look for high-end touches like wood trim and large chrome wheels. End of the day, Lexus kitted the SC 430 up nicely for a battle with the world’s best premium drop-tops.
What Owners Like: Owners rate the SC430’s performance as tops, saying the torquey V8 engine delivers plenty of pickup. Handling, style, a quiet ride, overall smoothness and a feel of tremendous quality help round out the package. Many owners cite the SC 430’s Japanese assembly as the reason for its overall solid and well-put-together feel.
What Owners Dislike: SC 430 owners say the ride quality can be rough or jarring on poor road surfaces, while the steering wanders about on uneven surfaces. Blame this on the wide tires. Other owners note higher-than-expected body lean in corners, and typical convertible complaints about limited rear-seat and trunk space also apply.
Common Issues With A Used Lexus SC 430: Start your SC 430 test drive by checking out the wheels and tires. Some owners report premature tire wear, as well as blown tire belts and even bent rims thanks to low-profile, run-flat tires and the stiff suspension. If the wheels are damaged, or the tires are worn or ‘bubbled’ out of the side wall, call it into pricing negotiations.
A full and comprehensive inspection of all interior electronics is also advised. Be sure to check for proper operation of the SC’s stereo system too, ensuring all speakers are outputting sound and don’t sound distorted or ‘blown’.
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| 2002 Lexus SC 430 (Photo: Lexus) |
All models got a 4.3 litre V8 engine with horsepower ratings varying between 288 and 300. Look for a 5-speed automatic on all models, as well as feature content including dual-zone climate control, leather seating, navigation, power tilt steering and plenty more.
Memory seating, adaptive headlights and a Mark Levinson audio system were on board, too. Look for high-end touches like wood trim and large chrome wheels. End of the day, Lexus kitted the SC 430 up nicely for a battle with the world’s best premium drop-tops.
What Owners Like: Owners rate the SC430’s performance as tops, saying the torquey V8 engine delivers plenty of pickup. Handling, style, a quiet ride, overall smoothness and a feel of tremendous quality help round out the package. Many owners cite the SC 430’s Japanese assembly as the reason for its overall solid and well-put-together feel.
What Owners Dislike: SC 430 owners say the ride quality can be rough or jarring on poor road surfaces, while the steering wanders about on uneven surfaces. Blame this on the wide tires. Other owners note higher-than-expected body lean in corners, and typical convertible complaints about limited rear-seat and trunk space also apply.
Common Issues With A Used Lexus SC 430: Start your SC 430 test drive by checking out the wheels and tires. Some owners report premature tire wear, as well as blown tire belts and even bent rims thanks to low-profile, run-flat tires and the stiff suspension. If the wheels are damaged, or the tires are worn or ‘bubbled’ out of the side wall, call it into pricing negotiations.
A full and comprehensive inspection of all interior electronics is also advised. Be sure to check for proper operation of the SC’s stereo system too, ensuring all speakers are outputting sound and don’t sound distorted or ‘blown’.
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| 2006 Lexus SC 430 (Photo: Lexus) |