I have 2002 SC430. Black, Black, with TRD rims, Eibach springs, and a whopping 45,000 miles. I'm the original owner, with a 7 year, 100,000 warranty which will expire in February of 2009 (which has never really been used, with the exception of getting a stuck disc out of the ML Sound System.)

I am a BIG fan of Lexus. However, after over 6 years, I have the new car bug. I've got it bad. I keep waiting for Lexus to replace the SC430, but to no avail, the most recent announcement being about an '09 Pebble Beach. Geez.

So, I'm shopping. First, I won't pay over sticker for a car, just a principle thing. So even if Lexus introduces an SC successor, I'll have to wait 6 to 9 months for the demand to wane and pricing to come back to earth. So, I'm looking at the XKR Convertible, the Shelby GT500 convertible (don't laugh, I had a '96 Cobra Convertible, and it was a Blast!.... when it wasn't having the gear box replaced). But nothing seems to match Lexus in terms of thought and implementation. Do I take my $30,000+ hit on my SC (not complaining), sell it now, by a "gap car", and wait 2 or 3 years? Or is there something happening in the next 12 months that will make me sorry I moved now?

Lexus has been a little too hush hush about a new model release on a successor, and while I appreciate their commitment to the current style and the current owners, they're risking my customer loyalty by not giving me any decent road map. Or am I missing something? I know about the new Nissan, the new Acura, where and when and how much for the new Lexus.

Do I wait? Any "insight" would be appreciated. Much thanks.

 

definitely get a gap car. that's my opinion. the price of sc430 will take another dump when the new one is annouced / come out

 

As for not paying over sticker price, Go through the Costco Car buying program. They find a dealer that wont mark up the new SCs.