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Not to brag but I am old and have owned a lot of cars from most major marques including many of the exotics. A while back I purchased a used 2006 SC430 to be my convertible while in FL. Although I am not a snowbird I do spend a considerable amount of time down here during the winter months. This was my first Lexus. One of reasons for choosing the SC430 was because of the hardtop convertible feature. IMHO most rag tops just look awful with the top up. I just love this feature and the engineering behind it. I have been so impressed with the build quality of the SC430 and how well it drives and functions 20 years after leaving the factory that I decided to take the plunge and purchase an LC500 convertible. Too late to order a new one I found a 1-owner example at a Lexus dealer that came with a CPO warranty. The car is fantastic but like many others I feel an updated SC430 would have been a superior product. I love the technology such as the blind spot monitoring, Apple CarPlay, rear camera and the sound is incredible. Yet an updated SC500 with the folding hardtop, updated styling, modern electronics and the glorious engine would have truly been a world beater. It might have transformed the SC from the "worst car in the world" according to some idiots to one of the best ever. Indigo Ink Pearl Caviar (metallic black)
And I will post in another thread about reliability or should I say the lack of. I will be posting my beloved SC430 for sale soon if anyone is interested. Thank you
Not to brag but I am old and have owned a lot of cars from most major marques including many of the exotics. A while back I purchased a used 2006 SC430 to be my convertible while in FL. Although I am not a snowbird I do spend a considerable amount of time down here during the winter months. This was my first Lexus. One of reasons for choosing the SC430 was because of the hardtop convertible feature. IMHO most rag tops just look awful with the top up. I just love this feature and the engineering behind it. I have been so impressed with the build quality of the SC430 and how well it drives and functions 20 years after leaving the factory that I decided to take the plunge and purchase an LC500 convertible. Too late to order a new one I found a 1-owner example at a Lexus dealer that came with a CPO warranty. The car is fantastic but like many others I feel an updated SC430 would have been a superior product. I love the technology such as the blind spot monitoring, Apple CarPlay, rear camera and the sound is incredible. Yet an updated SC500 with the folding hardtop, updated styling, modern electronics and the glorious engine would have truly been a world beater. It might have transformed the SC from the "worst car in the world" according to some idiots to one of the best ever.
Indigo Ink Pearl
Caviar (metallic black)
And I will post in another thread about reliability or should I say the lack of. I will be posting my beloved SC430 for sale soon if anyone is interested. Thank you
Wow, just WOW -- Congrats on both your SC and LC — Well done you 🙌
It’s late, and I have more to say… I will edit this post tomorrow when I have more time to write.
* EDIT: Didn't get a chance to update this post yesterday, but one of the things I wanted to mention is...
We agree with you as far as the soft-top convertibles and they way they can look over time. That's why we wanted the hardtop convertible and didn't want any of the alternatives.
Several ways we found to update our SC430 was to add the Apple Carplay / Android Auto Nav Kit 4.0 wireless w/ HD backup camera. We also added the Bluetooth audio adapter with mic, One-touch Automatic Convertible top opener, Throttle controller with ThrottleBox, and mph HUD. These mods are all courtesy of SC430Mods.com and we COULD NOT be happier with ALL the mods.
They are all DIY, plug and play. We run google maps on the Nav screen and still keep all the OEM functionality of the wooden doors, etc.
We would def take a look at your SC when you go to sell, if you were closer. I know that's not an excuse as some people have cars shipped or fly out and drive back. Right now, we are perfectly content with our SC.
Congrats again on having both!!
We shall see what the future holds for us...
OP congrats on your new LC. Looks great. I went through the whole process of deciding what to do with my 2005 SC ( sold to a good home in March/Apr this year ) and really entertained shelling out the $ to bring it to full modern standards like what you referenced. Evaluated the LC but decided against cos in NJ we have one disadvantage that you won't have to deal with in FL - with top up driving the view out the back for the LC is pretty constrained compared with the SC because of the small rear window. And like you I preferred the hard top rigidity rather than the soft top. Enjoy many miles of top down driving in your new LC in FL and hope the 06 SC goes to a good home like mine did. I think compared to you I went down-market a little bit and got an older, small, loud German muscle car to replace my SC ... But like you, I kept up with the NA V8 ....
@Sharpgt how much are we lucky SC430 owners missing out? I've sat in a few LC500's and yes the interior quality is much improved and very "modern" and I'd get one if I had the money, but at 3 to 4 x the cost of a SC430 is it worth it? How do you find the actual day-to-day living with and driving experience comparison (SC430 vs LC500)? Not talking about acceleration, but overall "normal" driving?
I agree there is a lot I find more appealing in the SC but the LC is stunning. Too many cars and not enough time or room. I just listed the SC for sale on the marketplace. Hopefully it finds a new home here I would rather see it with someone who appreciates the model
SC430 to LC500
