IS convertible vs SC430

PhilipMSPT · 10-02-08, 10:02 AM

In one corner, the SC430. Albeit the older contender (yup, tape deck...), it has the refinement of a spunky (and gas guzzling) V8 on a smooth chassis.

In the other corner, the IS250c. Newer technologies and amenities, better gas mileage, and a more approachable price tag.

Which of the two would you choose if you walked into a Lexus showroom today?

ffpowerLN · 10-02-08, 10:07 AM

IS250C vs. SC430: SC430 hands down.

IS350C vs. SC430: I'll take the IS350 sedan thank you very much...

Personally I think Lexus dropped the ball big time on the IS HT convertible, the styling really sucks a$$...

aquanuke · 10-02-08, 10:12 AM

I would still choose the SC. In my mind its still the flagship model if on the old side. The IS will always be the base model even with a few bells.

KiNg430 · 10-02-08, 10:27 AM

their goes the future of the sc430 down the drain.

jason702 · 10-02-08, 10:45 AM

if they come out with an IS-F convertible, i'd go with that. otherwise, i'd stick to the sc430 if i had t stay with lexus. realistically though, i wouldn't buy a new sc. the technology is too old.

LeslieRC · 10-02-08, 10:47 AM

The Lexus design team blew it on the IS250c in my opinion. I wouldn't hesitate selecting the SC430 if the choice was between these two cars. I hope this car looks better in person! I can only assume that the Lexus design guys played it safe and imitated the 3-Series and Volvo convertibles instead of seeking to be innovative. Lexus production cars seem to be a far cry from their show prototype counterparts.

IcEnPinKi · 10-02-08, 10:56 AM

sc430 without a doubt..

mrblister · 10-02-08, 10:55 AM

hands down the sc430 . I guess i am old school. I dont drive it much so gas milage means nothing. When I do drive it top down

Gojirra99 · 10-02-08, 10:56 AM

I will be keeping my 6-year-old SC430 with only 30,000 miles, over the IS250c or IS350c without any hesitation whatsoever.

Habious · 10-02-08, 11:02 AM

I think the IS250C looks pretty good but, I still think the hard-top convertibles look best in black...that way, the panel seams are not so visible (the panel seams on the EOS and the Sebring are awful).

One piece of very-important information you didn't post in your comparison...price. A new SC430 is somewhere north of $65K. What's a fully-loaded IS250C going to sell for? Not that "starting at" or "base price of" crap....fully decked out...heated/cooled seats, push-button start, NAV, ML package, the works...because the SC430 only comes fully-loaded (as loaded as one gets).

intdiamond · 10-02-08, 11:16 AM

I think we're not comparing apples to apples here. The two cars are not in the same category. The IS thus far is not at the same luxe-level as the SC. It's a great car, don't get me wrong, but not of the same caliber as the SC. Maybe once/if the ISc-F comes out, we can re-evaluate the comparison. Further, the SC is 'old' as far as new technology found in brand new models, so the comparison is skewed on that aspect as well.

Finally, maybe the MODS should merge this thread into Lee's sticky r.e. the new gen SC discussion.... there's plenty of opinions going around pertaining to this subject.

temperamen · 10-02-08, 07:08 PM

The IS250C has a manual option. The SC430 does not.

I don't drive automatic 2 door cars, ever =X

In terms of styling, and just about everything else about the car the SC430 is wayyy better. I am doubly disappointed (yet again) that the SC430 does not have a manual option, and that my only recourse for a 2-dr manual Lexus is in this somewhat disappointing model.

Gojirra99 · 10-03-08, 11:19 AM

except that Toyota/Lexus manuals are not that great, I have yet to have driven one as good as honda/acura/bmw's manual transmissions.
Have you driven the manual IS250 sedan ?

temperamen · 10-03-08, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gojirra99

except that Toyota/Lexus manuals are not that great, I have yet to have driven one as good as honda/acura/bmw's manual transmissions.
Have you driven the manual IS250 sedan ?

I've driven the IS300 manual and it was nothing to write home about, their manuals seem totally like an afterthought. I would expect things are business as usual with the IS250. Still, for me it's more fun than without, especially when 2-dr vehicles are never DDs for me

It was and still is the only thing stopping me from picking up a used SC430. While it does fills the role of a luxury cruiser, what if I wanted a little spirit while I'm on the twisties?

However I really hope they do something with the SC other than axe it because the IS250C is nowhere near a replacement for it.

rominl · 10-07-08, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gojirra99

except that Toyota/Lexus manuals are not that great, I have yet to have driven one as good as honda/acura/bmw's manual transmissions.
Have you driven the manual IS250 sedan ?

same here, my is300 was manual, and i have to say it's pretty sluggish. nothing like the honda or bmw i have driven, those are much better

and on the new IS convertible? blah......