Hello all,

My first post on this website... I've been checking out different threads on SC430 for awhile now and finally found something local that I'm really interested in. I wanted to get some of you current owners' feedbacks on this fine automobile!!

2004 SC430
black/black
Navigation
38,3xx miles
First owner (Corporate fleet vehicle according to carfax)
Clean carfax (No major/minor accident)
First date of purchase 9/2004 so I still have 11,000 or 7 months of factory warranty
Not certified
Asking $34,000 plus taxes + tag = $36,495 including my local tax

Based on visual inspection, something you would normally expect on 3+ years cars... (several bumps/scratches) The car is located at local Lexus dealer. It was in the process of getting it certified but I've notified the salesman that I'm not interested. His intial asking pricing was $37,990 with certification. This would be my first lexus (Acura owner) so I have no experience with their reliability or service but I'm willing to take the risk that I wouldn't need any extended warranty and so forth...

Asking price includes the following items:

New set of Dunlap tires (run-flat... I know I read some of your threads but they are willing to put what came with the car initially)
Temperature screen needs to be replaced (Service manager assumed it was due to chemical when the previous owner tried to clean it)
40,000 service ($125 value??)

According to KBB value or other sales, this deal sounds rather good. As dumb as it might sound, purchasing it thru Lexus dealer somewhat ensures me better condition of the vehicle.

So let me know what you guys think. They also have 04 SC430 Black/Ecru with 44,xxx miles asking $1000 less. However this will not include a new set of tires.

Thanks for your input

 

^^^Sounds great for an '04!

I'd go for it. Can you haggle it to $35k OTD?

 

not really. they wouldn't even consider $36k OTD...

What happened was that I missed out on this one ridiculous deal at local BMW dealer. They had one 04 SC430 w/ 29,000 miles, clean carfax, no accident, all service done at local lexus dealer asking $32,999!!! And when I found out how much it ended up being, it was $31.5K OTD?!?!?! By the time I got there, car was ready for pick-up.

 

I guess I'm more curious to including all the extra work they are willing to do, is $36.5K OTD really worth it?

I don't see major differences in 02-05 so does it make sense to stick with 04 models? May be save little and look for 02?

 

Nah. Just go for it!

 

A Florida dealer just sold a 2002 with about 25K miles on Ebay for $26K. I would rather have that one. If you want a warranty, you can get a low miles SC430 covered up to 100K miles for around $2K through Warranty Direct.

If you want that $34K car, I would find out what a set of normal smooth riding tires cost from one of those discount tire dealers and insist that the Lexus dealer come down on the price for that amount and you buy your own new tires.

From my research, the asking price for out of warranty SC430's varies by the miles on the car and franchise dealer or not. The car you are considering, is just about out of warranty. And there isn't much functional or appearance difference between the years except for navigation. Not standard on the 2002. It seems all franchise Lexus dealers want several thousand more than anyone else. Oh, yeah they sell them certified, but that has a negative aspect too. Warranty only good at a Lexus dealer.

 

Then how about something like this?? 2002 w/ 38k miles asking $26,000??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...em250209536524

I'm not sure if i'm allowed to post an ebay link. Please delete if not allowed.

Anyways, all I know is that they are putting Dunlap tires. Not sure on what type...

But in reality is what they're asking reasonable? or even consider good?

 

It is more than I am able to pay, but looks like a reasonable deal and a nice car. Ask them to send you a copy of the "clean" CarFAx report. The tires look new, you might ask them to tell you the brand, size and type. Does everything work? The CD changer and top for example. So, I guess you mean they will accept an offer of $26K and end the auction?

 

Can I get more opinions on this pricing? I'm going in tonight to make final decision... please???!!!

 

IMHO, a good price. I picked up the same car black/black with 16,800 miles on it one year ago for $42K and change. 38K mileage is only 9,000 miles per year - which is great. I really liked an earlier post/recommendation to have the dealer reduce the price equivalent to the new tires they put on - and you go out and get a good set of non-runflat tires... This is a must, as the ride is totally different/great without the runflats. Other than the tires,, just get as much from the dealer as possible, wipers, detailing, etc. Then put your head down and write the check!! Get er done.

 

fyi, i picked up an 02 with 36k for 34K certified till 125k or 5 years. i felt safer with the warranty. this was in VA

 

That's a pretty good price for an '02 w/ reasonable low mileage.
I'd test drive it and check for the following before making the final decision:

- TPMS sensors haven't exipred yet (meaning that if they are original ones or have been replaced recently)

- Trunk struts (make sure that when you open the trunk, the trunk lid will lift up for you if the trunk struts are still working properly)

- Washer fluid (make sure there's no leakeage)

- Mark Levinson Stereo System (make sure the CD's don't jam or skip)

- convertible mechanism (make sure that the hard top closes smoothly and that there are no hang-ups or delays upon presson the "CLOSE/OPEN" button")


These are some items I would look for if I was in your shoes, but it doesn't necessarily mean you have to look at these factors based on your decision. I'm just providing my experience w/ the car that I have encountered since '03.



Other than that, if you feel okay w/ the car and have done your extensive homework and research, then whatever you decide, you should be happy with it.

good luck...teeman3

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