jasone36

Friends,

I would like to ask you, SC 430 owners, in your opinion how reliable are the older, high mileage SC 430s?

I am considering a 2002-2004 SC 430 with around 100,000 miles for my daily driver car (80 miles per day). The goal is to hold on to the car for 3-5 years.

Can you guys please share your thoughts on reliability of high mileage, early model SC 430s?

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

Just getting broken in.

VVTiBob

Very early SCs were mostly hand built and have a history of being very reliable. The caveat is a good history of maintenance. For example, the manufacturer recommends a timing belt replacement at 90K or 72 months. My 02 has just reached 60K but turned 10 years old last April. So I had the timing belt changed last February.

If you have a car in your sights, get it's VIN and you can go online at the Lexus Driver's site to see its maintenance history at dealerships. (Will not show other maintenance UNLESS the owner entered it manually.) You can also spend a few bucks and have Lexus do a complete inspection for you, before making a purchase.

IMO the motor is very reliable. However, parts do wear out. O2 sensors, shocks, obviously brakes and those nasty runflat tires. There is a GREAT sticky thread near the top "Buying a SC....." put together by SCDROPTOP, a member who has contributed a great deal of time and effort into finding great SC buys. I'd suggest reading through his thread, it has great insight.

Gutz13

Reliability is one main reason I bought my Lexus. Another is safety. But driving everyday to work in the SC . . . PRICELESS!

Poqman

Just hit 102k miles and mine runs like new. Absolutely no concerns if all the maintenance has been done.

fubie

Just turned 100 here, and she runs like a dream (knock on burlwood). Do make sure the timing belt/water pump was replaced recently or count on spending 800-900 or so.

jasone36

Thanks for chiming in guys, and a big thanks to VVTiBob for the detailed explanation about getting dealer records. This is an important tool for a potential buyer.

I recently saw a 2002 SC430 sell for $9,150 on Cars.com. Granted, the car had 117,000 miles on it, but I wonder how much life this car could have left in it. This is the type of price range (maybe a bit higher) and mileage I am targeting. I am hoping a car like this wouldn't turn into a money pit.

The link is here: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

mandyfig

For an 02 (I have not seen the link), that's a steal.

Very hard to predict useful-headache less years and miles, too many variables. The thread on how to buy is your best bet. Sorry to say that hard work on research is the only thing that can make you feel how valuable the new-old car will be.

Otherwise shoot for at least an 04, 05 or even an 06.

Good luck.

talwang

iTrader: (4)

~THIS VEHICLE IS INOP, IT HAS BAD ENGINE~ lol

if that is your price range, get an used corolla.

mandyfig

I am with Talwang, seriously an SC for less than $10K., too good to be true. Stay away from it.

jasone36

you are right, the car is not running.




QUOTE=talwang;6610469]~THIS VEHICLE IS INOP, IT HAS BAD ENGINE~ lol

if that is your price range, get an used corolla.[/QUOTE]

Jhanf

I just bought an 04 with 50,000 for 24k and feel like I won the lottery!

ALBINO

You may have won the lottery....
I have a 04 WGC/Black with 37K in mint condition from Orlando, that I am selling for 27K....

KaiserSea1

My 03 just hit birthday #9 after build date. I drive 150 miles a day, 85mph a/c on avg 23mpg and has never had a mechanical repair.

tinshield

The add says that it has a bad engine!