Has anyone heard anything about when they might redesign, or if at all in the next few years they will be doing this? I know the older SC's were each around for about 3 years before being redesigned somewhat....SC430 has been out 3 years now, maybe small revisions next year?

 

Thats a good question. Anyone know?

 

I wouldn't expect to see any major redesign until 2007 or 2008 based on how well the SC430 is selling the way it is right now.. With the new GS on its way for 2005 we should see how the design theme will revolve around for other Lexus cars.. It wouldn't suprise me to see a hybrid assisted powerplant in the next SC.. Just my 2 cents.. Happy New Year All!!

 

Don't have any information, but if you do a search under "SC430 redesign" you'll find a thread started 10/30 with the very same question and input from quite a few members. My guess is minor facelifts (bumpers, taillights, wheels, etc.) for '05 model year, but that's pure speculation.

 

I hope it doesn't (hey, I'm an '04 owner), and there's hope if the GS is any indication: It's in its 7th year of production, and the only 2 things that changed were the taillight and grille designs; not even a piece of bodywork. The V8 was upgraded for ALL Lexuses, so I don't count that as a specific change. They were also deletions, like the awesome E-shift on the V8 (although added to the 6).

Realistically, I also expect minor changes soon. I hope they're 'retrofittable' like they were on the GS, in case we like them better. Contrary to my ex-GS, which I never liked too much on the outside, I don't see how this car can be improved. My wheels were my only gripe, but with the new star caps in place, I won't replace them; they complement the car perfectly IMO; not too sporty or too plain (like with the pie plates).

Take care.

 

I think the above post is correct.

The SC400 was in production for about 10 years, with almost no changes other than that dreadful grill they added to the car in 98 or so. Nobody liked that, so not all changes are good. I drove one of those for almost 10 years, and still think it is one of the best looking cars ever (before they added the grill opening).

There is not much Lexus can do with this car other than minor cosmetic changes, since the front and rear ends are pretty much dictated by the engine size and the top storage. Also, as noted above, they are selling well. I saw a list of the top 10 cars that move off the dealers' lots the fastest, and the SC430 was number 3 or 4, so there is no strong reason for Lexus to mess with a car that is moving off the lot as fast it arrives. My dealer tells me he seldom has more than one or two on the lot at any one time.

Finally, the only major cosmetic aspect that got major negatives was the pie plates, and that problem has been solved with the new replacement caps. I never like the pie plates a lot, but did not dislike them enough to buy new wheels. I put the new caps on as soon as they came out and have been very happy with the new look, which did not cost too much.

I would doubt that this car will be changed in any significant way until about maybe 2010, which would be 9 years (from March '01).

I was very happy with my SC400 for about 10 years (my brother owns it now) and I suspect I will continue to be happy with this one for at least that long, provided the top keeps working. Of course, I only put about 5 or 6,000 miles a year on it, so it should last a long time.

I'll be glad to last that long myself.

 

I know it's off topic, but I also think it is still one of the best looking cars ever. I even purchased a used '99 SC300 a couple of years ago because I couldn't afford one when they were new (and yes, there actually is someone out there who didn't mind the grill!) Unfortunately, I traded it pretty quickly because, even though it had always been my dream car, I came to realize how lacking it was in modern conveniences. I thought I could make the sacrifice for beauty, but the automakers have spoiled us with new technology.

I guess the old saying "you can't go back" really is true! Now, if Lexus could only bring back that So. California design team...!

 

The 9/22/03 issue of AutoWeek spotlighting the 2004 Sports Car Buying Guide said of the SC430, "An all-new SC bows in about three years." That's all they're saying.

 

I know some of you guys are going to hate this but whatever changes are made can't happen soon enough. Yes the car is attractive but not to us last gen sc owners who want new coupes. There's no sleekness that is usually seen with coupes. It too bulbous. I find myself seriously considering a G35 hoping Infiniti has improved on their dreadful transmissions (I've owned 2 of them).

Remember, this is just one man's opinion. Stay cool.

 

No offense taken here, Reggie, and I owned an SC430. I only bought one because I wanted a coupe and there really wasn't anything else I considered an alternative. I think the first gen coupe was much prettier, and I could live without a convertible if Lexus would bring back something similar. With that said, it's hard to argue with success. I think you can consider the SC430 a sales success for Lexus, so there's really no reason for them to stray too far from the current formula.

Re: the G35 coupe, I was set to trade my SC430 for one, but I felt like I'd be giving up a lot in the interior department. The G is beautiful outside and a blast to drive but just doesn't have the feel the Lexus has. Traded for a GS instead. Waiting for Lexus to come out with a coupe version of the next gen GS. Then everybody will be happy!