Gekko

And why did you finally decide on the Lexus SC430?

Larry

As far as models I looked at Hally Berry, Claudia Shiffer and Christie Brinkley. As far as makes I looked at Lexus, BMW and Mercedes. I settled on Lexus

2SAVVY

In this exact order I did my test drives in one day:

BMW Z3 (M Edition)
Porsche Boxster S
Lexus SC430

The Z3 was very, very close since I loved the sound of the engine and exhaust but the interior sucks to be kind.. The top was the worst of the bunch too.. At least on my test vehicle that is..

Porsche the wife killed that little dream.. Long story..

Honestly I think I got the best of that 3 with the SC430..

1NICESC430

Yeah, yeah ... okay, Larry. You told us which make you settled on, now tell us which *model* you ... ahem ... settled on.

ceboyd

Since I already owned the Z3 at the time, I was tired of that canvas top and dealing with the hard boot so I really loved the idea of the hard top on the SC430...

BUT... I wanted to be sure so I went ahead and test drove the Mercedes SLK (the v6 I believe it had) and hated it..
Then I drove the M3 Convertible (02 model) and loved that BUT was tired of BMW and the ride was a bit harsh too so then I drove the SC430 and instantly knew it was what I wanted!

BTW: I did NOT drive the Boxster S because I already own a Porsche 911 and figured it was sort of silly to own 2 Porsche's AND my 'other half' now has an 02 Boxter S and we have this little rule about not being allowed to own the same car at the same time... (grin)

The OTHER reason I opted against the BMW M3 Convertible was because of the repeat nitpick issues I had with my former Z3 (door handles that wouldn't function when unlocked, seat motors that burned out twice and window motors that were replaced 3 times -- all within 2 years of ownership of my 2000 Z3) --- so I was afraid about potential problems with the M3 too!!!! ...and knew all about the reputation of Lexus etc. etc.

Phu

I thought about the Boxster S, GS430, and SC430. Hated the looks of the softop not to mention the top would be a b*tch in the winter here. I loved the GS but wanted something that would stand out from the crowd and something that looked sportier. After test driving the SC, it was love at first drive. The amount of attention the SC gets was also a factor in my decision. The self-folding hardtop was the deciding factor. Had mine for about 1 1/2 months now and love it. No regrets whatsoever, ell only when I try to fit someone in the back seat.

ceboyd

My mom has had the priviledge of sitting in my back seat twice (she is 5'5").. and my dad did once (he is 5'10" and was VERY uncomfortable)....

not a great car to take 2 people to the airport -- lol!!!

1NICESC430

CEboyd ...

It was probably the only time in the history of air travel that someone sat in an airliner seat and said, "Gee, this is so comfortable and roomy!"

ceboyd

I never even thought of that! I'll have to remember that comment the next time they ask me for a ride to the airport... Lucky for me they pack light... but they prefer the ride to the airport cramped in style rather than pay $30 for a cab ride... and at least I get a free ride to the airport too when I need it (in a bigger car though -- hehe)

Larry

Ed, I settled on the SC430 since my wife wasn't to thrilled with the other "models".

Cboyd.........your folks were comfortable in the back seat ? Are they circus people ? How far did you have the front seats moved up ? Are you a midget ?