I'm a newbie to the SC430 forum and can't believe the wealth of information contained here! I just purchased a midnight pine/saddle 2002 SC430 about two months ago (early November) and absolutely love it. I had a 1992 SC300 before that for over 10 years and never traded it in because I couldn't find another car I loved as much as that was and as dependable. I thought about the 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK since I loved the new look, but it was a little too small for me and I was worried about reliability. My dad, being the wise one that he is, said, "Why would you ever get something other than a Lexus since you've had such a good experience with it?" He was right! I couldn't afford (okay, didn't want to pay) a new one and looked at used gold (Egyptian Sand??) with ecru interior. I liked it until I saw a brand new dark green with the saddle interior and burl walnut wood on the showroom floor. The metallic paint is incredible and the saddle with the black interior is stunning with the wood. I was in love the minute I saw it and had to have it. To make a long story short, I found a used one on the internet at a Ford (go figure) dealer nearby two days later for even less money than the gold one, and I am the proud owner now. Yes, I was one of those people who actually drove it with the top down even on brisk (i.e. 45 degrees) Wisconsin mornings. With the windows up and the heat on, it was wonderful.

I have only one problem--wind noise coming from the top back corner of the driver's window. I can't tell if it's the top rubber molding or the vertical piece between the two windows. I have tried everything and had it at the Lexus dealer also. They were able to make it a little better, but it still whistles and drives me bonkers. I don't think this is unique to my car since the 2005 model I test drove had the exact same problem and same location. I also don't think it's because they both were green either, but I'm baffled. Anyone had this problem??? I am desperate!

Finally, I immediately changed the wheels after buying. While the "dinner plate" or "flattened bowling ball" wheels did grow on me a little after time, I bought new chrome ADR wheels on eBay (luckily the original fun-flats tires had already been replaced with Michelins). While my pressure monitors fit in the wheels (I never thought that was even an issue until I read some threads), my first problem was with lug nuts of all things. The ADR wheels needed "tuner" lug nuts which are basically much thinner than regular to fit in the small holes. After getting those on eBay (believe it or not, this was my third purchase on eBay after the wheels--love eBay!), the installer discovered that one of the valve stems on the sensors was broken and I had to replace the entire unit. While waiting for the sensor from Lexus which apparently is not covered under warranty, I thought I would go crazy from the buzzer. Anyway, the ADR wheels are on and what a difference. Sorry for rambling! If anyone would like to see a picture of my baby, let me know. It seems like many readers are interested in pictures, but I didn't want to be presumptious or sound like a bragger even though I think I have the best color combination and wheels!

Sorry for the length--can you tell I'm a little excited about my car???

 

I have had no experience with the wind noise problem you describe and I have owned 2 SC430s, one of which was the same as yours (I own an `04, and I used to own an `02). Things you may want to have checked in this regard include whether the rubber molding needs replacing (I had to replace the molding on the `02 because water was leaking into the car), whether the windows track and close properly, and whether the retracting roof mechanisms are all in sync. If you have the rubber molding checked, make sure that they check the molding that runs across the rear portion of the roof (above the rear window), since that was the molding that was defective in my `02. Also, don't let this problem discourage you about your car; the SC430 is peerless in quality and engineering.

Continue to enjoy your SC!

 

welcome to clublexus! glad to see another sc430 owner here

on my 05 sc430, i don't have any windnoise at all, everything is dead quiet with the top up, even at 90mph. i guess it might be an isolated incident. maybe just check the molding beween the window and the roof? what did the lexus dealership do last time anyway?

about the pressure sensor, guess it's never cheap... i have the runflats still and man are they stiff, hopefully i can get wheels soon. but more than likely i will still get wheels that will fit the pressure sensor. i figured if it's there i might just as well use it

oh and definitely post some pics! we all like to see pics here

 

I definitely wanna see some pics. You sound so excited. Don't wanna be a sour puss but why the ADR's? They are one of the cheapest wheels you can buy. Some of them look okay but it doesn't seem....well, let me stop. I don't wanna say more. Let's just see what the car looks like. Post pics pleaz.

 

Just a thought.... Is the radio antenna up or down? Does it make a difference?

TjZ

 

if it's all up i would expect it to catch a bit more noise than usual?

 

Pine and Saddle leather, 02, and don't have the noise at all with the top up. I think the previous post about checking the window moldings and tracking of the top are probably on track...mine is whisper quiet (as quiet as my LS400) with the roof on....and I HAVE to agree with you, I love our color combination.....would type more, but I have to drive into town! Congrats, Capper

 

Sorry for the delay, but it is not the antenna. No pictures yet to upload since it either snowing or is freezing rain (i.e. car gets dirty in one block) here in Madison. Hopefully soon.

I think I have no alternative but to have the windshield seals/gaskets replaced by a local body shop. The Lexus dealer in Brookfield (outside Milwaukee) does not do body work either. I know I'm being picky, but it's like a faucet dripping at night to me.