2002 SC430 in snowy New York?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: NY
2002 SC430 in snowy New York?
Hi folks
I joined this forum to ask for your help. I have a chance to buy a 2002 SC430. I have always loved the look of this car but never dreamed I could own one. In fact, I drive a Toyota Solara now in part because it reminds me of the SC430 from the back! I've done a lot of research, but there is one thing I still don't have a definitive answer for--winter driving. I know I'd need to get really good snow tires (I already checked some out at Tire Rack), but I wonder if anyone can tell me whether this just isn't a car you can drive in snow at all, even with snow tires. Some say you can't because of the low profile; others say you can. Any insights you can give would be greatly appreciated--this would be my year-round car and I'd have to be able to drive it in winter.
Thanks,
Peter
I joined this forum to ask for your help. I have a chance to buy a 2002 SC430. I have always loved the look of this car but never dreamed I could own one. In fact, I drive a Toyota Solara now in part because it reminds me of the SC430 from the back! I've done a lot of research, but there is one thing I still don't have a definitive answer for--winter driving. I know I'd need to get really good snow tires (I already checked some out at Tire Rack), but I wonder if anyone can tell me whether this just isn't a car you can drive in snow at all, even with snow tires. Some say you can't because of the low profile; others say you can. Any insights you can give would be greatly appreciated--this would be my year-round car and I'd have to be able to drive it in winter.
Thanks,
Peter
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: NJ
no go in the snow
I too am a new sc430 owner- I love the car and enjoy it immensely . One thing though, THIS CAR CANNOT BE TAKEN OUT IN THE SNOW. Don't learn this the hard way the way I did. That is, by getting stuck and stranded. I live in NYC and plan on renting a car for the small handful of days that snow accumulates on the ground. If there is any significant accumulation of snow on the ground, the sc430 simply will have no traction and will not budge. Only thing you can do is push it out. Then it'll just get stuck again 5 feet ahead. I mean it when I say it is that bad. I have to say that I love the car enough to still make it worth it. Now that it is getting nice again the ride in the sc430 is pure bliss. So I still recommend you go for the car. just beware the snow!!!
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: NJ
no go in the snow
Oh, gotta add this- after I got stuck the snow I took it to the dealer and asked about snow tires. They told me that it wasn't worth the expense, not much of an improvement at all. If you buy this car, it will be useless in the snow.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: NY
Originally Posted by petergerst
Oh, gotta add this- after I got stuck the snow I took it to the dealer and asked about snow tires. They told me that it wasn't worth the expense, not much of an improvement at all. If you buy this car, it will be useless in the snow.
Peter
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: NY
Originally Posted by tfischer
I'll tell you what I did to get through the snow, and it works great.
I got an RX330 AWD.
It's a good second ride to have when you can't take out your nice car.
I got an RX330 AWD.
It's a good second ride to have when you can't take out your nice car.
Peter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: FL
Peter, I hate to tell you buddy, but I lived in NYC for 25 yrs, I just moved to South Florida 3 months ago !!...."YOU MUST OWN A BEATER FOR THOSE RAINY DAYS" !!!...Taking out an SC430 in the snow is just asking for an accident, not to mention the salt corrosion to the underbody !! hope that helped..
Hughie...PSL, FL
Hughie...PSL, FL
Trending Topics
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 6
From: London UK
Having an SC as your only car is not a good idea. I dont even take mine out in the rain and you need something bigger just to go shopping in 
On the plus side if you only use the SC on nice days it wont need half as much cleaning
On the plus side if you only use the SC on nice days it wont need half as much cleaning
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,809
Likes: 0
From: NYC Raised But ATL is where I stay.
SC Weather
I just bought an SC430 last month and like you, I had a few concerns. Snow wasn't one of them, as has been stated we get snow maybe 10 days out of a whole year and usually 1 or 2 big "storms" a year. That said, the SC430 could not be a better pick for me. My previous whip was a Range and definitely "enjoyed" snow days but ice is ice I don't care what car you have. Well now that Spring is finally here, 65 degrees today and it was gorgeous. Man get that SC and get your lean on. You will love it. Here in NY the MTA Subway is our daily (as dirty and crazy as they can be). Plus you get free entertainment from all the panhandlers/ salesman. Good Luck
and it was gorgeous. Man get that SC and get your lean on. You will love it. Here in NY the MTA Subway is our daily (as dirty and crazy as they can be). Plus you get free entertainment from all the panhandlers/ salesman. Good Luck
Welcome
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: NY
Originally Posted by aquanuke
Having an SC as your only car is not a good idea. I dont even take mine out in the rain and you need something bigger just to go shopping in
On the plus side if you only use the SC on nice days it wont need half as much cleaning
On the plus side if you only use the SC on nice days it wont need half as much cleaning
Man, I'm bumming. I really love this car, but I haven't heard a single encouraging word about being able to drive it in snow. And in Rochester, we get a *lot* of snow.
I cannot comment on snow but can say that this car handles very well in very wet conditions as I experienced over the past 2 weeks. This with wide 275 rear tires. of course many things come into play such as alignment, suspension, tires.etc...
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: NY
From Tire Rack
I'll give myself points for trying! This is from tirerack.com. So, is there hope?? Man, I really do love this car...
The Blizzak MZ-03 RFT (Run-Flat) is Bridgestone's Studless Winter tire designed to provide temporary self-supporting run-flat continuing mobility in the case of complete air loss due to a puncture during winter driving exclusively for Lexus SC430 convertibles equipped with optional low-profile, run-flat tires. Blizzak MZ-03 RFT (Run-Flat) Studless Winter tires allow Lexus SC430 drivers to maintain their vehicle's sporty appearance and mobility while providing traction in snow and on ice.
The Blizzak MZ-03 RFT (Run-Flat) is Bridgestone's Studless Winter tire designed to provide temporary self-supporting run-flat continuing mobility in the case of complete air loss due to a puncture during winter driving exclusively for Lexus SC430 convertibles equipped with optional low-profile, run-flat tires. Blizzak MZ-03 RFT (Run-Flat) Studless Winter tires allow Lexus SC430 drivers to maintain their vehicle's sporty appearance and mobility while providing traction in snow and on ice.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 6
From: London UK
Originally Posted by flickfive
Holy cow--is there really a problem driving the car just in *rain*??
:
:
I love my SC just I have other cars for the bad weather. I find the SC gets very steamed up inside when its raining as it has a very small cabin, sure you can live with that and its ok. Just my Range Rover is just more practical for the bad weather, shopping and moving people and things around.
Have to say living in England if I had to live with only one car then no matter how much I loved the SC it would'nt be an SC for me. Either that or I'd be doing alot of walking
Last edited by aquanuke; Mar 30, 2006 at 09:55 PM.