XZLR8

Good morning.

I stopped by the dealership yesterday with my RX330 and ended up taking a testdrive in a SC430 while I was there. I gave up on convertibles a while back because, no matter how nice the canvas roof, they never truly had that "coupe" feeling with the top up. Anyway, as you already well know, the SC is impressive in that regard. I also thought it would seem a lot more confining/cramped than it did. I was pleasantly surprised all the way around.

And so, if you'd indulge a couple questions:

(1) Any known changes or updates planned for '05? Rearview camera, XM radio, etc.? Is it slated for a styling refresh soon?

(2) I would want any car I own to have winter capabilities. Obviously, with other vehicles in my garage, the SC wouldn't be my only means of transportation in Ohio winters, but I'd want to have the option. Do most owners switch to snow tires or all-seasons? If so, does the car do well in snow (not talking blizzards, but small amounts)? How much handling sacrifice w/ winter tires?

(3) I didn't notice any parking sensors during my testdrive. Does the SC have them and I missed it?

(4) I'm not a fan of the pie-plate rims. I know that I've seen SCs on the road with Lexus 5-spoke rims of some sort. I neglected to ask the dealer about them. Is that just an option?

(5) Has anyone tinted the windows? I assume you still can with a folding handtop and rear window. Pictures?

Anything else I need to know? I plan to go back for a longer tesdrive at some point... maybe over the weekend.

I do appreciate any input. I noticed that there's a FAQ thread, so that will be my next destination. Who knows... maybe all my questions have already been answered there.

Thanks in advance. Have a great weekend.

Gojirra99

(1) Haven't heard of any changes yet for 05. I would hope they will have some upgrades & a minor facelift for 05 if they want sales to remain strong since they haven't upgraded this car at all since it's introduction in Spring '01.

(2) In the climate where I live, we have very little snow(a couple days per year tops). My Michelin Pilot Sports A/S is fine year round.I've heard the SC is very bad in snow, but you should be fine with good winter tires in light snow though.

(3) No parking sensors, nor are they an option here. They 're available for the Asian versions I've heard.

(4) The new 5 spoke wheel cover is easily available & I've heard some dealers have them on the car as standard.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

sexy has answer most of it. for 5, i think you can still tint it. the glass doesn't fold or anything so you should be good

1NICESC430

> In the climate where I live, we have very little snow(a couple days per year tops).<

HUH?!
A place in Canada with very little snow? Pray tell, where is this lush Canadian paradise?

Gojirra99

Vancouver, British Columbia, relatively mild year round, never too hot nor too cold Rainy winter though & the taxes sucs Still consistently ranked one of the top one or two cities to live in the world. Now start packing & move up here

1NICESC430

>Now start packing & move up here <
Oh yeah, sure ... looking for another contributor so you can lower your high taxes, eh?

Wait a minute .... BCers don't say "eh", eh?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yeah, vancouver doesn't really snow much at all

XZLR8

I appreciate the information. I also took some time and read through much of the FAQ thread. Good stuff!

Does anyone know if the 18" rims from the LS with the sport package fit the SC430? I want to do something different than the standard pie plate rims, but I'd like to stick with something Lexus. I thought these may look good. I believe they're a graphite finish. Thoughts?