I'm buying a SC430 next month, not sure if new or used.

Anybody can tell about the differences the SC430 has had since 2002 ? I know they are minimal, but I heard for instance that the 2006 model has a different front design and different rear lights.

Also I'll appreciate if anybody has a clue if the 2007 model has any changes. I can't believe they haven't upgraded the sound equipment yet, at least they should provide one input for mp3 players.

 

2006 has new bumper, new hood and fenders (??), new headlights, new taillights, new 6 speed tranny, new dash guage design, new leather color choice, new wheels. other than that the car itself is pretty similar to 02-05

and 02-05? you can call it almost identical. 05 had new wheel cap design, and there were different generations of navigations throughout the yrs

07 should be same as 06.

the ml system on sc430 is still the old generation, there is no way they are going to redesign the whole thing on the car. just like ls430, it's still the old generations, no mp3. all new lexus imho will have mp3 playback

good luck and welcome to clublexus!

 

An important observation is '02 cars can be found WITHOUT navigation, rear spoiler, or runflats (no sensors). Subsequent years, although still listed as options, had all 3 features in the US.

The change in navigation came in '03 (Gen3), and '05 (Gen5, I believe).

Star caps became available in '04, and standard in '05.

Finally, a change I wouldn't have bought the car without, came in '04: Seats could be moved/reclined all the way to the back. Other than that, I think my '04 was identical to '03s. Oh, I forgot: '04s, and ONLY '04s had 400 hp (just kidding). Good luck.

 

Also, I think the front seats of the 04+ models can recline a little further.

Welcome to Club Lexus.

 

As far as I know, and I have been following the SC since April of '01, all of the above changes are accurate.

Also, to answer your question in the first post, almost nobody other than a true SC Afficianado (we should have a magazine with that name) can tell the difference between an '02 (which had an 18 month run) and an '06. If you are looking at one parked in a lot, I don't think there is any way to distinguish an '02, '03, '04 and '05. You can spot the '06 most easily by the white lens in the rear light cluster, but this is hardly conspicuous.

My car does not have a lot of miles on it, and is often mistaken for a new car, which pleases me greatly.

 

Hey, ELP_JC ...

It's gonna be really difficult finding a 2002 without those options.

According to my sales rep, there were about sixty (if that) 2002 models that were shipped without one or more of those three options. I bought my SC430 on 7/19/01 and did not want any of the so-called options, but I had no choice.

 

Thanks for your advice. The new transmission for the 2006 model sounds interesting, is it worth the extra cost ?

 

You're absolutely correct, but they can be out there, and I wanted to point that out. I ran into one of those locally, by the way (good luck selling it).

I need to correct a mistake I made by saying non-runflat cars don't have sensors: now I remember THEY DO. In fact, non-runflat tires were the reason why we get a warning if we don't inflate our tires over 40 psi when going over 112 mph. No need to over-inflate our run-flats, but we still get that warning over 112 mph. But I was only told that (I'd NEVER do such a thing ).

 

well, if you want it easy? just get one in hawaii, then it's no nav for sure (at least 02-04)

it shifts better, better throttle response and mapping. the car is faster too. you also get a different rear differential (3.76 gear instead of 3.26)

 

if u go few dealers and start getting prices via internet , thats a good start. After test driving ask a test price 500 over invoice. if u can find a dealer with 4 or more SC at this time of yr that would help. end of month is now, u should be able to make good deal. I just made deal for 58888. I pit 3 dealersship against each other until got this price.

 

I was decided to buy a new one but couldn't find the chardonnay color I wanted, checked with various dealers in the South Florida area and no one had it.
Finally got a used 2003 in gold with eccru interiors.
Thanks for your advice.

 

Found this as changes that were madein 05 in addition to the upgraded NAV system.

What's New for 2005
The 2005 SC 430 receives new shock absorbers for improved ride comfort and driving performance. All-season run-flat tires are now an available option in addition to the summer-use run-flats offered previously.

 

liquid graphite finish wheels. New colors offered are Starfire Pearl, Obsidian Black and Black Sapphire. G-Spyder wheels can be port installed now and will be featured on the 400 Pebble Beach editions painted in Starfire pearl which will have the pimpin' pimento red leather and double sets of black carpets. Very little change in pricing. Both driver and passenger will have knee airbags for better protection in a front collision.

Rock

 

Thanks for that info where did you find that cant wait to see the new pebble beach edition as well as the G-spider wheels and the new liquid silver finish.

 

good info there rock! i can't remember clearly now, but isn't the black sapphire the special color they will have only for the ls600hl? or i mixed it up with another color?! that would be very interesting!

so they are going to have 6 spider wheels for the PB this time???

nice touches on the knee airbags as well!