Another new owner saying hi!
04-29-15, 10:26 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Another new owner saying hi!
I have been looking for a SC430 for quite awhile. I hoped to find one locally in SE Wisconsin, but the few there are around here are overpriced with high mileage. There are some available in the Chicago area, but the nice ones are usually gone before I can get there. I finally found a nice 2005, one owner with 38k miles, at a very reasonable price for this part of the country, at a dealer in Highland Park. It had the VSC, VSC Off and Check engine lights on, which might have helped the cost. I have done enough research to know this probably means an error in the warning system and was worth the risk. As it turned out, it was easy to get reset for free.
The original owner took care of all the maintenance that was needed, but that was all. It has some cosmetic issues (some door dings and chips along the door edge, broken cup holder, torn and missing floor mats and a burned out side marker light). I'm sure this helped keep the cost down. But, I like it and these are easy fixes. I wouldn't mind a little more horsepower (Injun intake?) and driving with automatic transmission takes some getting used to.
Anyway, hope to be here for awhile and hope I have something worthwhile to contribute.
The original owner took care of all the maintenance that was needed, but that was all. It has some cosmetic issues (some door dings and chips along the door edge, broken cup holder, torn and missing floor mats and a burned out side marker light). I'm sure this helped keep the cost down. But, I like it and these are easy fixes. I wouldn't mind a little more horsepower (Injun intake?) and driving with automatic transmission takes some getting used to.
Anyway, hope to be here for awhile and hope I have something worthwhile to contribute.
04-30-15, 12:48 AM
#2
welcome! you seem to have found the right one since you are handy with maintenance/repairs. Super low miles and all the little issues can be easily taken care of; what color combo did you get?
enjoy it and you will really love the car as we all do!
Dave H
NC
enjoy it and you will really love the car as we all do!
Dave H
NC
04-30-15, 01:56 AM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Welcome to CL and post up some pictures when able!
04-30-15, 07:38 AM
#6
Welcome! I know the problem of finding good ones in the midwest. I ended up flying to Houston for mine and roadtripping back to Iowa with my teenage son. We had a great time.
Sounds like a little TLC and yours will represent well.
Kelly
Sounds like a little TLC and yours will represent well.
Kelly
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04-30-15, 03:42 PM
#9
Lead Lap
Welcome to the forum Balr14 and congratulations on your acquisition. Enjoy. Post some pictures when you get the chance.
05-13-15, 10:26 PM
#11
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Right now it's at the local Lexus dealer getting checked out. My headlight aiming warning light came on and I don't think my headlights are doing the aiming thing. One thing I have noticed is that the ride is pretty harsh. It sticks to the road very well, no lean, no sway,no roll. I'm not complaining, just curious; it isn't what I was told to expect. With another 150 hp it would be perfect. But, I wouldn't have a license, so I guess it's a worthwhile trade-off! 
05-14-15, 06:29 AM
#12
Right now it's at the local Lexus dealer getting checked out. My headlight aiming warning light came on and I don't think my headlights are doing the aiming thing. One thing I have noticed is that the ride is pretty harsh. It sticks to the road very well, no lean, no sway,no roll. I'm not complaining, just curious; it isn't what I was told to expect. With another 150 hp it would be perfect. But, I wouldn't have a license, so I guess it's a worthwhile trade-off!
).
05-14-15, 10:40 AM
#13
Lead Lap
Any idea if the previous owner(s) made any mods to the car?
05-14-15, 11:16 AM
#14
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
The harshness in the ride is due to bad rear struts.... which seems odd at 38k miles. Anyway, the dealer wants $1800 to replace them. Are there better options? Something that lasts longer?
Also the light leveling sensor needs replacing. But the dealer says it's a system I don't need unless I'm hauling something heavy, which is not going to happen. $600 to fix it seems like a lot for something I don't need. Maybe later.
To answer the questions:
The tires are nearly new and I don't know if they are "run flats". I will check.
The previous owner was a Chicago area doctor who did only required maintenance and nothing much else. The local Lexus dealer says the mileage is accurate and it looks like the previous owner spent a lot of time short, urban commuting. There is a lot of wear on the radio buttons, indicating someone spent a lot of time sitting in the car.
Also the light leveling sensor needs replacing. But the dealer says it's a system I don't need unless I'm hauling something heavy, which is not going to happen. $600 to fix it seems like a lot for something I don't need. Maybe later.
To answer the questions:
The tires are nearly new and I don't know if they are "run flats". I will check.
The previous owner was a Chicago area doctor who did only required maintenance and nothing much else. The local Lexus dealer says the mileage is accurate and it looks like the previous owner spent a lot of time short, urban commuting. There is a lot of wear on the radio buttons, indicating someone spent a lot of time sitting in the car.
Last edited by Balr14; 05-14-15 at 11:28 AM.
05-14-15, 02:04 PM
#15
Lexus Test Driver
$1800 seem to be way too much for struts. I would look to find an independent shop and have them look at them. I believe mine has the original struts with 67k miles. My ride is smooth and tight.