I am wondering if there are any visible differences between the 2002 and the 2005 SC430. I understand the navi may be a different generation, but are there non-cosmetic differences?

The 2006+ obviously is different features-wise.

 

Optional twisted wheel covers and introduction of the PB edition with badges/emblems on the fenders and color coordinated head lamps.

 

i would say no overall unless you got the PB since you can just buy the twisties and put them on instead of pie plates, 06 is where changes happened

 

Doesnt the 03+ have tiptronic too?

 

The first PB was in 04. It was pearl blue (wheels were too) with ecru interior. 400 built. Visibly the 02-05 are virtually the same-just the price differs and then not by much (sometimes).

John

 

I've had both and I can't tell any difference except for the wheels. I can usually spot a 2003-2005 based on wheels but so many people have got new center caps now it's really hard to be sure. Thanks John on the PB info-I was going to jump in on that!

Comparing the two, they are practically identical except for the Nav and bluetooth on the 2005 and up. But for me the bluetooth is huge for me to have (I am in sales and always yapping) so that's a huge upgrade for me on the 2005 versus the 2002. Also, the nav is much much better IMO and you can use a different Vais iPod unit that allows you to bypass the welcome nav screen (huge benefit) and plug your ipod directly in and have steering wheel track controls, which you couldn't on the 2002-2004 models. 2005-2008 have same nav units.

I believe somewhere Lexus stated that they softened the suspension on the 2005 but I can't tell. By 2005 spoiler and nav were standard, and the 2002 they were options. http://www.lexus.com/cpo/model_library/SC/2005.html

2002-2005 didn't have the manumatic/tiptronic shifters. Only 2006+. I shift all the time and did in my 2002 with the c-gate shifter and actually prefer it over the 2006. It's more robust and rugged IMO and you can really get the RPM's up there!

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the responses, and especially thanks to scdroptop who explained it all in detail

 

Scdroptop when you do c-gate shifting will it damage the transmission, particularly when redlining in each gear?

I tried once on my 2002 and it was such a rush of power in 1st and 2nd. But Since the gates are not straight, thus c-gate I guess, it is a little tricky to do without looking at it.

 

I've been c-gate shifting for a couple of years now on my 2005 and I did it for about two years (took me a while to discover this GREAT feature right here on CL) to discover after owning my 2002 for a while.

I would say use common sense in all situations. I wouldn't redline any car to be honest with you comfortably...unless you give me my 93 RX-7 twin turbo back with my 9k redline on it!

I take it up to 5k or so and that's enough of a rush for me! I'm just careful. Second to third is my fav...just a blast. Second I get up to about 60mph then third up to 85-90After doing it for a while it's pretty seamless and easy. Some c-gates that have never been used that way (going left to right, etc) will seem a little stiff at first. I actually like the stiff shifting of it versus the up and down chrysler-like manumatics of the 2006+. No diss on them, but I prefer the c-gate shifting personally more now. I had a chance (some of you may remember me laboring over this!) to buy a sweet 2006 over my 2005 but I just decided I didn't like the manumatic as much...too much like the ES manumatic. I wished it was more like the IS/GS feel which has more punch and feels sportier. At the time I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee for my company car and it too had the same type of shifter on it and I really didn't like it for the same reasons. The c-gate is more liberal and also more interactive IMO...that's why I like it.