Dozer42

Hi guys,

I'm finally making the move and buying my SC430.

The question is whether to go new or used.

If given the choice between a new 2004 for $58,000, or a certified pre-owned with exactly the same options, 19.5k miles for $48k w/3 year 100k mile warranty, which would you go for?

Note: I drive around 15k-20k miles per year, and plan to keep the car for 2 years, +/- 1 year depending on what new toys come out.

I am a power hungry fiend, and might well put a tein coilover suspension on this, and possibly even supercharge it as I have done to my Z06. Then again, I might just be happy with it 95% stock and go suspension & lightweight wheels/tires to keep the warranty intact.

Thank you for your input and advice.

dseag2

I would recommend you go with the 2002 and save the $10,000... and I actually bought my 2003 brand new for $60k. I would have settled for a leftover 2002, but there wasn't a Silver/Saddle to be found when I made the decision.

There have been virtually no changes to the SC since its introduction. You can look back at old threads on this forum and see that the rear bushings were replaced in the 2002 to improve the ride. That's about it. If it hasn't been done already, it is something the Lexus dealership should do at no charge.

Before you do make a decision, as a former SC430 owner I'd like to give you some advice...

If you are truly a "power hungry fiend" as you mentioned, I'm not sure you'll be happy with this car. First of all, because of the drive-by-wire throttle it is not all that quick off the line. Once you're in mid-rev range the power is amazing, but it takes time to get there. Secondly, the steering is very light and if you take corners at high speeds there is significant body roll. THIS IS NOT A SPORTS CAR. It is a beautifully finished, relatively fast, totally reliable, luxury cruiser with the best possible sound system available.

You really have to consider your priorities. There were several of us on this forum who traded in our SC430's within a few weeks of one another... one for a Porsche Boxster, one for a 350Z, and me... for a GS300SD with all the L-tuned goodies. I chose to stay in the Lexus family because you can't beat the fit/finish. No offense to the other owners on this forum... the SC430 is a GREAT car. It's just meant to be more of a relaxed cruiser than an all-out barnstormer.

BloodDoc

I would also recommend the preowned SC. Let someone else eat the depreciation. In December, I purchased a 2003 Indigo/ecru with 11,400 miles for $49,500. This was my first used car purchase. It was a dealership car (no private owner) and was almost what I wanted. I had planned to order a 2004 in August, but was blindsided when Lexus dropped the Indigo/Black combination. Couldn't find exactly what I wanted, but for over $10,000 less than new, I can live with the bamboo yellow woodwork. If the car meets your needs, get it and smile all the way to the bank.

Dozer42

Thanks everyone for you're input. I've just put a deposit down on an SC430!!!

Did I go with the new one at $58k?

Or the used one at $48k???

Well, therein lies a short story...

I had a line on a used one in SoCal for $58k (58k!??!). It's a 2003, Egyptian Sand/Saddle, 8,153 miles, Maya TS 19" 2-piece aftermarket wheels, asking $58k.

I emailed and offered $51k. They didn't email back.

I called the next day, and again offered $51k. They said they had offers from local dealers at $54k.

I told them that was too high, as the other one on the east coast was being sold for $48k (w/shipping). They said they'd sell to a local dealer, we hung up.

I emailed the dealer back east and had him write up the paperwork on the $48k 2002 w/20k miles.

An hour later, the SoCal dealership calls back, and they offer $53k.

We finally settled on $52k, and the paperwork is done, I should pick the vehicle up this weekend! WOOT!

Gojirra99

Congrats !! Nice wheels too.

Technics

Beautiful car and wheels too!!

Doc C

Beautiful car!!! Good deal too!! I love the Egyptian Sand color. Although I've said before, this car could be puke color and still look good. I originally ordered an Egyptian Sand one, but got Indigo instead. All the colors look good on this car. Happy motoring!! Good luck.

Doc C

Carpe Diem

Wow!

And a question. You bought it sight unseen? Or maybe I should say without seeing it in person?

George

Dozer42

Yes, I did.

Well, I put a refundable deposit down, then drove 350 miles to purchase it. After verifying it was in perfect condition, then they got the cashier's check.

I also bought my Z06 the same way, on Ebay that time actually. It was in Virginia, I'm in California. Bought it on ebay and a friend of mine who lives 50 miles from the guy in Virginia went there, inspected the car, loaded it on a truck to Cali, and completed the transaction.

After week 1 BTW, the SC430 now has over 1200 additional miles.