i currently daily drive a 01 toyota camry black on black leather with all the options and GPS.. while nothing is wrong with the engine, i'm starting to have issues with windows not rolling up properly and i have 170k miles already. i have about $20k and interested in the sc430. i also have a sc300 with a 1jz for drifting. do you guys think buying a $20k sc430 will be worth it or would it be a junk car? should i try and save up another $10k to buy a newer model sc430? I'd really hate to make the wrong decision here.. and i don't want to buy someone else's headaches. are there any other nice cars for about $20k?

 

Save some more and buy a newer model. Then again it is not always a guarantee. Take your time and search for the best possible purchase. Good luck.

Go read scdrotop's buyers guide to the SC. Well worth the read.

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...ned-sc430.html

 

I'd save up a little longer and go for a 06 or later. This is when Lexus "refined" the SC430 making changes to the transmission, nose and lighting both head and tails, and electronics. Even with that, the didn't lose the cassette player, yes I said cassette player until the very last year.
With that said, our cars are very reliable! +1 on reading SCDROPTOPs Sticky thread at the top of the forum and mandyfig comment about patience in finding the right car.

 

Did a quick search on www.cars.com for you and for $20k and under (didn't even go up to $22/$23k which you may be able to get for around $20k), but I figured TT&L etc you may want to start at $20k asking and work your way down from there...

88 cars nationally available.

Some nice ones if you sort by mileage...$19999 45k miles on a 2002 blue/tan with chrome, 50k miles on a red 02 very sharp $19999, a couple more silvers and blacks all under 60k miles 2002-2003 for right underr $20k. IMO these would be steals!!!! Check out the above link. $20k will get you an awesome SC430. Find the color combination, mileage, location and history that is best for your needs and get it!

http://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchr...ce&sf2Dir=DESC

 

Plus 1 on an 06, save money and go for it. In retrospect I would have done it. But I am happy on what I have.

 

I think it would depend on how long it will take to save up for a 2006 or newer. You really want to get into one of these beauties asap.

 

The SC's are "defacto" classic due to end of life. Better ****** your unit quick, but with thorough research.

 

I went to see one here in Tampa before I bought one in Bonita Springs with 55k other then wear on the driver seat and a ding in the antenna which would not allow it to retract the car was in great condition. Guy wanted 23k or so but I talked him down to 20k...I feel that if I would have persued it more I probably could have even gotten the car for less. So with 20k you can find a nice one with lower miles...I had to choose between the upgraded nav in the 05 and up and extremely low miles. I went with the low miles.

 

Are you gonna trade in the Camry to go with the 20K?

If so, you're already close enough to score a decent SC. They seem to be very reliable so an early model is a pretty safe purchase. I'd still buy a warranty with it, though.

If you can be patient the best thing to do is wait until you can afford a later model, since it appears you don't want any car payments.

 

thanks to everyone for the inputs and scdroptop for the guidance.. i read the stickies. I will have to sell my camry to get $20k.. honestly, even at 25k for low miles, i would pick one up. it shocks me when i see 02 models with only 20k miles. makes me think if people are cheating the mileage or they really don't drive their cars. how are the 3uzfe when it comes to reliability? i also have a 91 ls400 and it has over 300k miles. i know the 1uz lasts a long time. same with 1jz and 2jz. what kind of miles do you guys have on your 3uz? do you guys think that it can drive all the way to 200k miles? i know my camry wouldn't have any problems at all..

 

Check out these threads about high mileage vehicles. 200K miles?...no problem.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...m-at-150k.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...c430-here.html

 

I see no problem getting to 200K+ IF you following the maintenance recommendations. But other items my drive you crazy...i.e. tire wear, lack of trunk space etc etc...my SC is a pleasure car and is driven about once a week. Have another car as my daily driver when I need to go out.

 

As mentioned 200K would not be remote with the SC's if taken cared of. The SC is well built and it shows with teh materials used. Other than outright abuse, it should give you long years of service.

 

read the other posts as well.. seems like Lexus carried out their reliability on most of their cars. i've been reading more and more but there's definitely some cons with the sc430. it seems pretty difficult setting up a sound system in the car, run flat tire issues, and there's not much black interior, and depth issues with installing speakers. anyone's needles on the gauge cluster not working?? most sc300 and 400 have this issue..