I have been a member of this site for a while, and mostly stay in the sc300/sc400 area. The reason I am here is that my mother drives a horrid vehicle, 2000 Volvo C70 drop top. I am trying to get her to buy a slightly used sc430, and I think she might. My question was are there any common problems with sc430s? Anything I should look out for in specific?

My family is not exactly well educated when it comes to automobiles, with the exception of me. So I always have to go check out their cars with them before they buy.

I appreciate any help you can offer.

Thanks
Josh

 

A search will bring up a few post, but the SC430 is considered the most reliable car made. That said the most common complaint are the run flat tires to which exist a great many post here. Swap them out for real tires and she will be set to go. Some complain about other issues, but those are really complaints on their purchasing ability and what they are looking for in a car more than a real issue with the car.
Best of luck

 

Josh, why the SC430 rather than a Mercedes SL500?

Just curious ...

What are you looking for in a car?

 

Here we go................................................

 

the sc430 is rated one of the most reliable cars out there just like what lee said. we have had ours since end of 04 and we love it. i haven't read any major issues with the car at all

 

Here we go one more time everybody's feeling fine, here we go now,
(yes, yes, yes, here we go 'N SYNC has got the flow)
Bounce your head to the beat we've got everything you need, here we go now,
(yes, yes, yes, here we go 'N SYNC has got the flow)


With that out of the way, the reason I asked is because a SL500 used wouldn't be that expensive, wouldn't be that bad in maint if it's a worked out one, have a faster drop top, and to many people be a better looker.

It's nice to have options open.

 

Why no SL500? I am not really a fan of german cars in the first place, and since in like four years she will want something else I plan on buying the SC430 from her at that point in time.

Thanks for the answers guys, I figured lexus had made yet another vehicle of amazing quality and it sounds like I was right. I have a strange love affair with all of the SCs. I had wanted a SC300 since I saw my first one, then when the 430 was released it was the same thing all over again! I think soon we are going to go test drive a sc430 and see if she likes them as much as I do! I know that she will at least notice a huge differance in quality between the sc430 and that volvo hunk of crap she is driving now!

Thanks again guys, I appreciate the help. Hopefully sooner than later I will become a part of your SC430 community!

Josh

 

How about HORRIBLE maintenance and looker is dependant on one's opinions. What is a ,"WORKED OUT ONE". You mean a car that has already had everything replaced once ?

 

I looked at SL500's before I bought the SC430. I agree the SL500 is better looking. I bought a 2003 SC430 with 11,800 miles and the Lexus CPO warranty for $45K, car looked new, plus it was Black on Black which is the only color I would have a SC430 JMPO . Closest SL500 I could find compared to the SC430 for miles and condition was $68K and it had 23K miles and the warranty was a 1 year warranty so they really did not compare. Trust me I looked for months for a used 2003+ SL500, I really wanted one, but there is a big cost difference between the SC430 and the SL500 and the quality advantage goes to the SC430 and the looks advantage goes to the SL500 but the SL was not worth the 50% higher price. Also I checked on insurance costs and because the SL500 has a shelf behind the rear seats and the SC430 puts a "joke" rear seat so the insurance for the SC430 is 50% cheaper then the SL500 insurance. That saved me $100 per month . Love the SL500 just can't justify the addition cost. Wish I could.

 

If you are looking for quality than you found the right car.
Mine has 91K+ miles and no major issue for all 4 years, after waxing and conditining the leather still looks like new. Check the car history at the Lexus dealler to make sure the matenace schedule was followed and make sure that car was not recked, otherwise happy hunting for the right color combo.
The "pro's" on this site are amazing you'll find all the answers you ever need.

 

Wow 91k! You must like driving it! Haha My sc300 I bought as a certified lexus pre owned vehicle, and I have put 60k on it in 2.5 years

I was just looking at prices of used sc430s and I could actually afford one now! I forgot they came out like 4 years ago. It looks like I could snag one for about 30,000. If I wasnt in the midst of starting a business I would buy one right now! Maybe when summer comes

Josh

 

Most of miles are not mine, I bought it in February. Original owner, lady Realtor did all the services at the same dealership where she bought the car, kept it garaged and traded it back in to the same dealer. They got all small things that I found fixed plus all the latest services, new tires, new brakes and etc. and I paid about what you have above. If you drive a lot you might want to check the ones with smaller mileage, but for your mom depends what she values most. Getting one certified from the dealer will put you in a good car with a piece of mind.