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C350 vs. Lexus SC430?

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Old Oct 16, 2007 | 06:05 PM
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Default C350 vs. Lexus SC430?

I know this is not an apples to apples comparison, but which would you prefer the C350 or a Lexus SC430. I am single & dont haul around that much cargo. I love the convertible top of the SC430, but it is a little bit small. The SC430 also draws more attention & has more of a fun factor, however it is still a Lexus.
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Old Oct 16, 2007 | 06:18 PM
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I've never owned the C350. I've owned SL500 and 600, XKR, and several other sports cars. I've owned an SC430 (for a grand total of two days previously). I'm currently waiting to take delivery of my second SC430.

Between the two choices you've presented I think the SC430 is the better choice. I think its a better looking car and Lexus has much better fit and finish in my opinion. Also unless your driving an AMG (and even when you are in some cases) or an SL I think a lot of Benz just get lost in the crowd, while teh SC430 is always a looker, even if you dont love it. And lets admit it, when you look into a car like an SC430 you want people to notice.
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Old Oct 16, 2007 | 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by delirium
I know this is not an apples to apples comparison, but which would you prefer the C350 or a Lexus SC430. I am single & dont haul around that much cargo. I love the convertible top of the SC430, but it is a little bit small. The SC430 also draws more attention & has more of a fun factor, however it is still a Lexus.
C350 is more of a practical and petite everyday car. Easy to park and friendly on gas. Chicks look great in this car... you are female, rite?
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Old Oct 16, 2007 | 09:22 PM
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No I'm a guy... funny, when i ask this questio on another board, they are saying the SC is a chick car!
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Old Oct 16, 2007 | 09:29 PM
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C350 is a good car, however I wouldnt buy it if it wasn't an AMG package with rims etc. Cause basic is a bit iffy to me.

Sc430 is a different car. Drop top, v8, 2 seater (who fits back there?)...Stock rims are ok, and no premium package is really required to enhance its look.

Two different cars, whichever fits your needs is what u get...My .02

Last edited by Rollin'ES3; Oct 16, 2007 at 09:33 PM.
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Old Oct 16, 2007 | 09:39 PM
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Originally Posted by 00es300
C350 is a good car, however I wouldnt buy it if it wasn't an AMG package with rims etc. Cause basic is a bit iffy to me.

Sc430 is a different car. Drop top, v8, 2 seater (who fits back there?)...Stock rims are ok, and no premium package is really required to enhance its look.

Two different cars, whichever fits your needs is what u get...My .02
Good post 00es300, same feelings here, go with what fits you needs. Your car, your money, your enjoyment. The SC430 does garner a lot of attention so be prepared for that.
Both nice cars.

Last edited by Pearlpower; Oct 16, 2007 at 09:52 PM.
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 12:41 AM
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if there is no obligations for you to take people around, the sc430 is going to get you a lot more attention. but it's definitely not a very practical car if you have to take things around (it does have a decent trunk, but if this is my only car, i wouldn't get sc430)
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 08:38 AM
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Originally Posted by delirium
No I'm a guy... funny, when i ask this questio on another board, they are saying the SC is a chick car!
Well I don't think its odd that you'll get preference for an SC430 on a Lexus board lol.

Actually I can totally see that "SC430 is a womans car" opinion. When I bought my first SC I sold it almost immediately because I couldn't shake that feeling, that the base SC really looked a lot like a womans car. Then I saw some pictures of three white SCs together from a small Cali get together that had me reevaluate that opinion.......

You should poke around in the pictures section and see what these cars look like when you drop just a little bit of love on em. Its incredible.

I also don't really agree that it doesn't take some input to "pimp" an SC. The stock wheels in my opinion are awful, so you have to change them. Once you change them you probably want a body kit. Wheels and body kit probably require a bit of a drop to look just right.....and then you have it. I personally wouldn't go thru the trouble of doing rebadging and some of the other stuff like changing lenses and such but I'd add Luxlink, iPod integration and bluetooth (if I was buying older than 05). Bottom line is if you like to profile (and my guess is that most of us do) then either of these cars will require some "extras" to convey your sense of personal style.

One other point to consider. The SC430 is the crown jewel of Lexus, the C class is the starter car of Benz. If you compare the standard features on each car that difference pops out pretty quickly.
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by rominl
if there is no obligations for you to take people around, the sc430 is going to get you a lot more attention. but it's definitely not a very practical car if you have to take things around (it does have a decent trunk, but if this is my only car, i wouldn't get sc430)
This is a big consideration for me, it would be my daily driver. I save the 911 for the weekends.
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 04:40 PM
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if i already had a 911, i would probably get something different
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 04:48 PM
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I agree, my choice prior to the SC was a 911cab or M3cab. My choice is obvious. I would think a nice 4 door would be in order as you have the 2dr itch handled IMO.
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by rominl
if i already had a 911, i would probably get something different
Yea, I think I will have to go with something more practical since i already have a sports coupe...

So maybe the C350 since it will have a bigger trunk, fold down seats and useable rear seats...

i just wish i had a hard top convertible! But nothing really compares to the 911 in terms of driving fun!
Attached Thumbnails C350 vs. Lexus SC430?-dsc01907.gif  
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Old Oct 17, 2007 | 06:36 PM
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porsche is all about driving fun man, i wish i could have the luxury to own one.

in your case, c class is probably a better choice imho. though i might even think of something bigger like the gs or the e class. the rear seats of the c class is usable but i wouldn't feel that comfortable. it's still kind of small
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