It is normal, if that only happens initially.

 

I thought it's just the brakes... my SC has always made this clunk too when braking when making turns slow forward or back. I also have a Acura TL and MDX... same story. It's the brakes engaging and it typical to my three rides.

 

When I had my '02 in for its 60kmi service, I asked them to check out the brakes and the sway bars/suspension components (just in case).

They increased the tension on the clips, replaced the brake grease (used in that area) with something similar/better (unfortunately, I didn't write down what it was they used) and painted some copper coating on the pathway. The noise has gone away. I don't know how long it will be gone, but it is nice having it gone.

Perhaps Lexus engineers should take notice...

 

Noise still has not come back, but when I drive up my driveway slowly with the top down, right next to this wall, I can hear the faintest creaking when the suspension moves, again from the front.

I have to say, the car's mass is generally appreciated but noticable at times like these.

 

Creaking could be the sway bar bushings and/or the springs/struts settling. Both very common and generally do not get noticeable. All cars regardless of the make/model will make sort of noise.

When I was in school and sold Chevys I had a couple that test drove a Camaro RS. The car had been sitting a few days and there was rust on the iron rotors (very common on all cars). Once they heard the groans and moans from the rust they KNEW the car was defective and proceeded to turn around and park it. They left over something as silly as that but their expectation was that the car should not make any noise-from a 80's Chevy no less.

Sounds like the dealer corrected your issue. Now drop the top, crank the stereo, and enjoy it.