Price is not the issue in this case. I would love the open-top fun of the SC430, but cargo room is a concern. The times I would enjoy this car the most would be road trips along california's cost for camping and other weekend trips. If I cant fit my stuff and the stuff for a girlfriend, it negates the whole point of buying a roadster. So to those who own an SC430, have you been able to fit everything you need for a weekend getaway in your SC430?
Any creative ways to maximize cargo packing?
I was hoping some company made some aftermarket device that perhaps could temporary mount about the trunk that would add space for extra cargo. For around town cargo hauling, like home depot or shopping at costco, I plan to trade in my current car for a truck to supplement the SC430. I would think the SC430 would be a great choice for a young single guy like myself. I am leaning towards it, but I just want to convince myself that cargo room won't be a problem. How is the acceleration, ride, handling and wind/road noise compared with a GS430. I can't find a dealer locally here in Norther California that has one to test drive to compare. I heard the climate control system works so well, you can drive around in the winter comfortable with the top down, is this true? OK owners, tell me your likes and gripes with your SC430.

 

I'm a little biased towards roadsters since I also drive a Miata. That said...

If you get the run-flat tires you'll have a little room in the trunk for a couple of pieces of luggage or a set of golf clubs. And the rear seat is perfect for a couple of soft-sided bags. Do not ever think of trying to put a person in the rear seats.

You should easily be able to do a weekend for two, unless you're either golfers or surfers. And the SC430 is not the car to take shopping to Home Depot. But since you plan to also have a truck you've got that covered.

Climate control is good. The cabin can be kept quite comfortable when the outside temperature is in the 30's. But perhaps you shouldn't take my word for it, I also drive my Miata with the top down when it's cold out.

I really can't compare the SC430 with other Lexus'. Handling is better than my old XK8 but not as good as the Miata. The engine is great, but a little too quiet for my taste. With the top up it's as quite as my old XK8 coupe. I've been quite happy with the car and highly recommend it.

Dave

 

With spare tire you haven't got a prayer...with run-flats you can fit a two reasonable duffels filled of soft stuff in trunk (with top down of course). Back seat is critical. If you don't want to use back seat for storage go with the GS. I assume you are not talking equipment like tents and such...no way in the SC.

Or you can do what I do....my wife drives the RX with the stuff and I lead/follow in the SC!

 

hehe.

If price is not an issue...get both! and enjoy the best of all worlds. You get a full sized sedan that can kick a$$ on many other vehicles out there and you get a coupe/convertible in one. What more could one ask for?

MAC

 

Originally posted by piclistguy:

"I would love the open-top fun of the SC430, but cargo room is a concern. The times I would enjoy this car the most would be road trips along california's cost for camping and other weekend trips. If I cant fit my stuff and the stuff for a girlfriend, it negates the whole point of buying a roadster. I would think the SC430 would be a great choice for a young single guy like myself. I am leaning towards it, but I just want to convince myself that cargo room won't be a problem. How is the acceleration, ride, handling and wind/road noise compared with a GS430."

With a slightly lower ADC (.29 vs .31) you may actually hear less Wind Noise in the GS 430, but with the 240 AMP Mark Levinson Sound System cranked up in the SC and the Top up, you probably wouldn't care. The Standard 18" Run Flats on the SC are very quiet with the top stowed, and give an impressive Ride Quality, when compared to the GS with it's 17" Wheels, and 7" longer Wheelbase.

I found each Model to be great Long-Distance Boulivard Cruisers, with the GS having a Firmer, Tighter Suspension. But the SC will merit your confidence through all of the High Speed Turns that you have the nerve to try, up to it's 156 mph limit (149 for the GS) without you or the Car perspiring. Smoother, more Subtle and Compliant, without quite the emphasis on "Extreme" Road Handling Performance that the GS is built for, as say the likes of the 745 BMW Models.

And with less than 100 pounds difference in weight, the GS may be 0.1 mph faster than the SC, from 0 - 60 mph, but you'll stay right up there with them in a chase, and finally pass them at 156 mph, when their Electronic Speed Limiter hauls them in at 149 mph.. It's Leg Room is 0.9" more generous than the SC, although the SC's 43.6" will allow even 6' Guys to stretch out on the long hauls.

If you can pack your weekend stuff in the trunk and back seat, arrive / depart at / from your intended destination with the Top Up, and then plan on dropping (all of) the Top(s) once you're there, go for the SC. Even with the Top Stowed, the back seat should hold most everything you need to enjoy the weekend with, except the tent, especially if she drops the L. L. Bean Outfitter's Clothing, for Victoria Secret's Swim & Beach Ware!

And for less than $10 K more, this new SC IS the State of the Art for Exotic, Stylish, High Performance / Luxury Touring Sport Cars and is Guaranteed to give you an Adrenilene Rush, and turn more heads, than any other Domestic or Imported Convertible / Hard Top available to man.

On a sunny day cruising along the Coast, with the Top Stowed, and the RPM's racing past 3,500 and on through 5,500, the Exhaust and Engine Roar from those 300 Thororbred Horses will bring out the Tiger in her, and the Tamer in you, when you hit the accelerator. Man - What a Rush!

Check out the available Trunk / Rear Seat Space in any BMW, Mercedes, Saab, or Jaguar, to see if there's enough to handle what you'll need for a Touring Weekend. The SC will offer just about the same amount of available space, with the Top up.

If she can't get her stuff in the SC, dump her, go with the SC, and take your pick way before "Closing Time".

 

Piclistguy -- Like you, I'm a single guy -- I have, and love my SC430 for exactly the reasons you cite. Great for weekends or when going out on the town -- horrible especially if you're a homeowner and have only a single vehicle. You have a truck, I have my RX300 for Home Depot runs and when hauling more than one person is a requirement. Owing an SC430 really makes me have to have 2 vehicles for those reasons.

Using runflats, there is enough room for a couple of small bags in the trunk, but a couple of softside bags as Ex-XK8 suggested fit in the back seat really well. I keep a large (color-matched of course!) bath towel in the back on the floor behind the driver's seat -- spread it out on the ecru leather (I'm paranoid about messing up the light color leather) and put the bags on the back seat. I find solo trips on the weekend to the store, running errands, etc not a problem and most of the time the little I have to carry around fits in the space where the rear tire would be if I didn't have the run flats, or just down on the passenger side floor. If you really do go "camping" -- ala tents, packs, and the like, I'm not so sure the SC430 is a good choice -- I used to do that, but these days opt for a more cushy hotel/motel for the night and just occassional day hikes, so the coupe does a great job for me.

So, you, like me, are going through the same decision. I had an SC300 before the 430 -- It was my first Lexus and had it for 7 years. Thought a lot of going into the GS line to be more practical, but opted for the luxury of my hard-top convertible SC430 roadster. I couldn't be happier with it -- it's my pride and joy, and can't wait for Spring to get here! That top is going to get a lot more excercise!

 

Hmmmm... well, you live in California where you get to have the top down more than us midwesterners so why is it even a question? ....UNLESS, you don't like to stand out in a crowd, bring extra attention to your car or you and just be one of the crowd... then you'd want the sedan version because most people won't even give it a second glance and you can probably hide from cops with it better too because it isn't as flasy.

Space? Heck, I went on a 5500 mile road trip (2 of us) with my former Z3 convertible! ...and loved it! I have MORE room now in my SC430 and fully expect to take another big road trip with it. I have the bonus back seat room for extra stuff and this time I can reach behind me instead of having to stop and dig in the trunk for something!

My vote would be to go for the SC430.. without question! I have a sedan (An Infiniti G20) for my winter car. I wanted front wheel drive to handle the snow. My 'sedan' is mostly just my winter beater because even the SC430 easily carries all my groceries with the run flat option.

 

I got the best solution for you!!! get BOTH! I DID!!
i have both 2002 SC430 and GS430.. best of both world!!!

 

Sounds like to me he needs a GS430.
My 3000GT Has lack of space I hate it and mom won't let me drive the Lexus....She says I drive it too hard

Think of space this way....
Would you rather have it and not need it
Or Need it and Not have it?

 

yoi posted the ??? in the sc room... what do you think your answer will be