Model year 06 is when changes were made. Different tranny, LED tails, etc.

 

You're right, got them confused...Still not much of a jump from 2005-2006.

 

Consider supply

 

Good point KaiserSea1.
It's interesting that starting with the 2006 the SC had technology insertions while supply was dropping, making them more rare. Yet the resale value is not reflected in the resale price. I guess from this you could conclude that it makes sense to buy a used 2006 for best value. You get into driving a SC430 at the lowest price with the most features. It still depreciates at the same rate as 2002-2005's, but you get the technology insertion at no additional cost.

 

Be interesting to see mileage versus price

 

This year is projected 70K depreciation putting its resale value at $5000, I'll take two.

 

I totally agree. Lots of plastic...very plain IMO.

 

I had a 2002 ragtop M3 and it was one of the most fun cars of all time. But my wife hated it because of the rough ride. When she;s not happy, I'm not happy. I have matured somewhat and just purchased a lovely '08 SC430. It's a totally different driving experience but I sure feel good in it and expect it to last a long time. Now my son recently bought a used M3 and he just had to sink $3200 into replacing most of the transmission. I warned him and he'll find out what a money pit he's purchased.

 

Lexus imo is the most reliable lux vehicle...does not matter which line. Ive owned an ES, RX, IS, and SC...all great cars. We sold the ES a few years ago and that thing is still running at about 240k. The RX never had any issues and was traded in at almost 80k.

Overall I dont ever worry about my car messing up, I almost bought a BMW and Im really glad I didnt now overall. I mean I would have spent less and had more horsepower but Im worry free and I have all the features I need.

 

+1 about Bimmers, Benzs and Land Rovers too---look and drive GREAT but in the end the ownership cost of maintenance just eats you alive. You pay for performance, as they say.

I've had nine Lexus automobiles spanning over five models and they all have given me none to very little trouble, as opposed to friends of mine that have had multiple thousand dollar plus issues with their comparable German vehicles.

I've looked at and driven many CLK's, 3-series, M3's, SL's, SLK's and other convertible competitors of the SC430 and although the drive/ride/performance is better I am not willing to trade off the dependability and comfort, ergonomics and style of the SC430. IMO nothing beats the SC's interior luxury and comfort. Perhaps the best in the Lexus class???? LS probably better...maybe the new LX too. # 2 or # 3 all time IMO!

 

Model / MSRP / HP / 0 - 60
Lexus SC430 $68,405.00 288 5.8
BMW M3 Convertible $67,550.00 414 4.9
Mercedes SLK55 AMG $66,650.00 355 4.9
Audi S5 Cabriolet Prestige $64,950.00 333 5.1
Camaro Convertible 2SS $39,650.00 426 5.1

SC430 is beat in all areas except for model but worth every penny

 

I researched multiple vehicles before buying my 1st lexus(94 LS400) i must have pulled 100 carfax reports on this car and what i found was simple amazing!!! I found 10-20
LS400's with over 400k miles on them!!! I tell you that engine is bullet proof! After seeing so many of them with 200k-400k+ miles i didnt hesitate to buy one with 150k+ miles. Also the SC430 that i bought last week has 155k on it and i didnt think twice about buying a car with that high of milage. Alot of friends and family thought i was crazy but the really just dont know!!

 

The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long. --Blade Runner 1982

細水長流. Chinese proverb over 1000 years old.

 

thougt I'd share some pics of the new IS-C from the Philly Autoshow. I think it looks awesome in the green color with the black rims. I haven't sit inside it yet, but others say it has a 'cheap plasticy' feel:

 

exotic looking....not for me, but I respect the creativity and uniqueness

I bet it screams!

The IS-C is clearly for a different target market. For the time it's been out, I only know of one SC430 member who bought it on CL. I'm sure there are more. That clearly states that IS-C owners are not necessarily the same market as SC430 owners...OR that we just don't want to give up our cars for that.