SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

LS430 to SC430

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Old 10-11-11, 04:34 PM
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Jabberwock
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Default LS430 to SC430

Anybody go from an LS430 to an SC430 and regret it?

I have a nice 06 LS430 but really have no need for such a large car at this point. We are down to one HS boy in the house and he will get DL in a few months and have his own car.

Rather than buying an SC as a third car which we really don't need, I am contemplating trading my LS in on an 06-09 SC430. I work at home and basically drive 6-8k miles a year on errands..pleasure..etc. Thoughts?
Old 10-11-11, 05:14 PM
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momssc
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I'm thinking of getting an LS but keeping the SC. Tell me about yours. Where in Texas are you?
Old 10-11-11, 05:43 PM
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mandyfig
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The SC will be perfect! Go for it!
Old 10-11-11, 05:44 PM
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mandyfig
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And yes get the 06+. But if you can afford it get the 09! Best of luck to ya!
Old 10-11-11, 09:10 PM
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grabber2
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I had driven my friend's LS430 for few day and I conclude that the LS and SC are totally different even through they share the same engine. The ls430 are much comfort/quiet/smooth than the SC. The LS steering feel like driving airborne while you still feel connect to the road on the SC. The SC is more fun to drive. Since you already got a highlander, I strongly suggest the SC.
Old 10-11-11, 11:33 PM
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talwang
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I would like to get an 09.
Old 10-12-11, 02:42 AM
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gripau1
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As the LS430 has a longer wheel base, its a nicer drive on the freeway. I love the quietness of the LS430.

The SC430 is a sporty car but forget about using the back seat for any passengers.
Old 10-12-11, 07:40 AM
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VVTiBob
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IMO if it for pleasure driving and reconnecting with the road, then it's something you will enjoy. Especially with the top down. I can't get enough if that in S CAL. But if you're expecting Lexus comfort too, you will be disappointed. While the cabin is "Lexus" quality, it's very small compared to LS. Gas mileage, as strange as this may sound, is comparable. The sound system is not as nice as the one in the LS.
As to 06 to 09... there are few differences and really depends on mileage and how long you intend to keep the car. On the other hand if you were to find a 10, then you'd find a substantial upgrade with the integration of electronics. Finally, if you haven't read through the sticky near the top, one of our new moderators, SCDROPTOP, worked hard putting together a great buyer's guide for SC430s. Hope this helps.

Last edited by VVTiBob; 10-12-11 at 11:17 AM.
Old 10-12-11, 07:50 AM
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Gutz13
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I'm was in the same position you're in. We had a larger Lexus but it was totaled when I hit black ice. We bought our 2006 SC430 and have not looked back. We have 1 daughter in HS who just got her license 6 months ago. Most of the time she drives herself. We do have a Subaru that seats 5 when we need it. I also work at home and use the SC430 for mostly pleasure and errands around town. We have gone on a few long trips in the SC430 and like it better than the big sedan, especially with the top down! My wife has back problems, but the seats in the 430 are great and she has no problem sitting for long periods in our car. We use the back seats for our luggage and the trunk for smaller items. I would recommend getting the
SC430, Rides like a large sedan and much more fun to drive!
Old 10-12-11, 05:14 PM
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huy33
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Originally Posted by mandyfig
And yes get the 06+. But if you can afford it get the 09! Best of luck to ya!
They made the 2010 SC430 with the new nav. and includes the ipod adapter. No Pebble Beach Edition for the 2010 though so take your pick.
Old 10-12-11, 05:16 PM
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huy33
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Originally Posted by VVTiBob
Finally, if you haven't read through the sticky near the top, one of our new moderators, SCDROPTOP, worked hard putting together a great buyer's guide for SC430s. Hope this helps.
Oh snap, scdroptop is a forum moderator now? We better not cause problems.
Old 10-12-11, 05:20 PM
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Lust4Lexus
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I would TOTALLY love to have an SC to compliment my LS. If I was single, I would probably have one, but then again, it would get small very quickly. I love the roominess of my LS, and the trunk space is really impressive. I'm scared to think that the day my 430 and I part ways I may never find a car like it. That includes the 460...
Old 10-12-11, 05:51 PM
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VVTiBob
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SCDROPTOP is a moderator now .... oh yeah, I mentioned it in my last post. You're right we better mind our Ps and Qs.... Geez he's has a LL and now he's a moderator... could be too much concentrated power... in the heart of Texas.
Old 10-12-11, 07:53 PM
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Jabberwock
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Couple of years ago, I was looking for an SC430 but could not find one in mint condition that I could afford. So started looking at LS430s and ended up with that instead. They were easier to find in low mile mint condition and they were less expensive. I love my LS, but I really want a convertible and really don't have garage space (or budget) to have both an SC and an LS in addition to my wife's car. I do worry about letting the LS go and regretting it because the SC has more limited utility - 2 seats, small trunk, etc
Old 10-12-11, 08:47 PM
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VVTiBob
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Get rid of the run flats and pick up a spare and you'll find there really isn't any trunk space.

Last edited by VVTiBob; 10-12-11 at 09:32 PM.


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