After 13 years I've finally decided to retire my '93 SC400 and have a unique opportunity to choose between two CPO SC430’s identical in color inside and out. The ’05 has 40,000 miles on it and the ’06 has less than 15,000. Out the door with tags and taxes the ‘05 is $7200 less. My dilemma is this, is the difference in mileage and technology between the two worth the $7200? I’m aware of the 06‘s upgrades to the headlights, taillights, voice activated NAV system (I don’t think the ’05 has that) and BlueTooth ready, which I didn’t see listed on the ’05. I’m sure there’s other differences that some of you more knowledgeable enthusiasts know about and would help me make a more informed decision. This isn’t about affordability, it’s more about getting the right car for the right price. As much as I’m going to enjoy passing on the 400 to my granddaughter, I’m going to miss all the quality time I’ve spent in it... but I’m sure I’ll enjoy the 430 just as much. Your opinions will be deeply appreciated. Thanks

 

If I could do it over, I'd get an '06 model for all those upgrades over the earlier models. Transmission, head/tail lights, bluetooth, etc...it'll cost more than $7000 to have it done to my '02. That being said, $7000 is alot of money. But 40000 miles versus 15000 is a big difference as well (although with these cars, it don't really matter 'cuase they'll probably last forever ).

 

The difference may be less than $7200 if you are willing to travel to get the best deal. You may even find a 2006 priced lower than a 2005. For example, I used the advanced search at autotrader for 2005-2006, less than 30,000 miles and less than $40K for all areas: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...=1247155638584

 

In terms of actual book value, assuming equal condition, and taking mileage into account, the difference in values is $5,175.
The extra gear in the tranny, tail lights, bluetooth meant little to me, however mileage was a huge factor when I made my decision. This car with 15k on it isn't even broken in yet. You're essentially getting a new car that was rarely driven.
You don't mention the dealer's asking price, but if you could pick up the '06 for around $35k, that's what I would do.
Good luck!

 

Go for the '06, what can you do with the extra cash anyway? Earn 2.5% on a CD and pay more income taxes?

 

I have a 2005 SC430 w/ bluetooth. If you really want you could get an 05 for much less $$ and upgrade the tails for ~$800. I wouldn't touch the headlights. The tranny is different from the 06, but I personally don't think it's worth it. The 2005 also has 12 more hp (300) as opposed to the 06, which has 288. Some ppl won't care, but it's nice to see 300 over 288. The nav interface is the same except for the update.

In my opinion, I would get an 05 if money is an issue. If it's not, then get the 06. The vehicles are so similar, that minimal upgrades can make the 05 basically look like the 06+.

 

Another way to look at it is to consider both cost and mileage. (Age is almost a wash, except with regards to warranty.)

With the '05 you will be getting a vehicle with 25kmi more than the '06. So basically, for $7200, you are getting a vehicle with 25,000 mile more headroom with the '06. Unless you drive just an ungodly amount of miles per year, that is way more than an extra year's worth of car (& driving). Determine how many miles you will drive it per year and from that you can see how many extra years you can potentially get out of the '06. If it is less than 1 year, go for the '05. If it is 2 or more, go for the '06.

You should be able to get 200,000 miles out of the SC430 before needing to start doing a lot of maintenance in order to keep it enjoyable (& operating).

In addition to that, you will have an extra year's worth of warranty available to you.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the insight. I'll let you know what I decide.

 

they all have the same horsepower. the only thing that changed was the method they used to estimate it. 288 is probably more accurate.

 

I had an '03 for 2 and 1/2 years and upgraded to an '06 2 years ago and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the '06. The upgrades are worth it. I think the only difference in horsepower is the change of measuring the actual horsepower by the gov't. I believe the engine is the same. I love my '06.

 

+1 on this idea, just got a one year CD for 1.5%, I'd be better off putting my money under a mattress! Go for the 06 since you keep your cars for over 10 years, you'll be more satisfied with the new features every time you drive your new SC

 

I've been on the fence but was always leaning toward an '06, especially knowing my personality, I usually try to go for the latest and greatest or most current. Don't want to tax my budget beyond an '06, but starting to think the price difference might be justified. Although, that $7500 could get me a nice set of wheels

 

Where can you get 2.5%?..LOL
More like < 2%.

 

Get the 06 if it is in your price range.

05+ only



06+ only



09 only

 

Just put the deposit on the '06