Hi. I picked up my new '03 SC 430 White/Saddle this weekend. I traded in my '00 GS300 for it. I have noticed a few things and wanted to get some feedback.

1. I have noticed a rattle from the passenger side which appears to be coming from the door or the retractable roof. Is this a common problem with hardtop convertibles?

2. I know the ride is harder with run-flat tires, but I notice a fine vibration when I press on the gas pedal and also notice the gas pedal requires more pressure to respond than my GS 300. Any comments?

I'm definitely enjoying the new experience with the SC 430

Thanks

 

I also noticed a slight rattle over rough road surfaces when I first got mine last October, but before I can complain to the dealer, has mysteriously disappeared ever since. There has been complaints about this by other owners before and you can probably f ind them by searching the forum.

The most recent Lexus other than the SC430 I've recently driven is the loaner ES300 for the first scheduled maintainence and the gas pedal of the SC430 is significantly heavier.

Congrats and enjoy your new car !

 

Wheezemd, I think you'll find from searching the forum that intermittent rattles are pretty common in this car. The relatively hard-riding runflats have a lot to do with it. My '03 has had a rattle in the dash and in one of the roof pillars since shortly after I took delivery. I've learned to live with them because my dealer isn't interested in doing anything outside of routine maintenance. Anyway, I just keep the stereo cranked.

As for the acceleration, I've also noticed the SC430 is fairly slow off the line compared to my previous GS300 and Audi A6 4.2. Most of the torque is in the mid range, so the rush of speed comes on slow, but once you get going you blast off. I find that I get the most enjoyment when I downshift manually. This is definitely a cruiser... not a performance car... but it's very enjoyable.

DSeag2

 

The first thing you need to do is to take off those damn run-flats. Until you do, you will more than likely continue to get strange noises...that come and go.....and most certainly, you will suffer the hard ride and handling. Alas, I waited 2 years and 26,000 miles to change out. But when I did, 3 weeks ago,............ WHAT A DIFFERENCE.!!!!!!!..its a whole new driving experience...One that should be enjoyed with a $60K plus Lexus. In addition, all clicks, squeeks..and other evil sounds.....they are COMPLETELY GONE.... The Michelin Sports A/S and the SC430 suspension make for a great team. Save your RFs for the next owner.