Thinking about a 2002 Lexus SC 430
03-01-12, 11:16 AM
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Thinking about a 2002 Lexus SC 430
Hello all!
I am an es and LS owner as of right now but after looking at some of the pics of the Lexus SC 430 Model I have become interested. But when I was searching on edmunds and some other car revierws some people wrote some bad things about the SC 430
, things like a lot of wind noise issues and tires. So I want to know is the SC 430 Models reliable like the LS and ES? Anyone know of what I need to look for when buying a sc 430 model.
Thanks
I am an es and LS owner as of right now but after looking at some of the pics of the Lexus SC 430 Model I have become interested. But when I was searching on edmunds and some other car revierws some people wrote some bad things about the SC 430
, things like a lot of wind noise issues and tires. So I want to know is the SC 430 Models reliable like the LS and ES? Anyone know of what I need to look for when buying a sc 430 model.Thanks
03-01-12, 11:28 AM
#2
I have an 02 with 95K miles, well maintained.
First, there are several forum thread 'stickies' (always on the top of the forum list) that you should read. With that said:
1. I don't have wind noise. There is a particular little piece of rubber that gets stretched when the window goes out of adjustment, but these cars otherwise are not noisy, IMHO. Now with the top down there is a little rush of air
2. Tires. There is a consensus that the Run Flat tires that many of these came with have such a stiff sidewall that it makes the ride stiff and jarring. That's why many of us have gone with premium conventional tires. I've owned Mercedes, Audi, etc and my SC ride is right in place.
3. Drivetrains are bulletproof. Top mechanism is complicated but if it were inherently unreliable this forum would be flooded with complaints of the top mechanism. It is not. Stickies point out problems with door speakers.
Great car. My daily driver. Wouldn't hesitate to jump in and drive across the country. Comfy car (as long as you don't try the back seat), luxurious, head turner.
First, there are several forum thread 'stickies' (always on the top of the forum list) that you should read. With that said:
1. I don't have wind noise. There is a particular little piece of rubber that gets stretched when the window goes out of adjustment, but these cars otherwise are not noisy, IMHO. Now with the top down there is a little rush of air
2. Tires. There is a consensus that the Run Flat tires that many of these came with have such a stiff sidewall that it makes the ride stiff and jarring. That's why many of us have gone with premium conventional tires. I've owned Mercedes, Audi, etc and my SC ride is right in place.
3. Drivetrains are bulletproof. Top mechanism is complicated but if it were inherently unreliable this forum would be flooded with complaints of the top mechanism. It is not. Stickies point out problems with door speakers.
Great car. My daily driver. Wouldn't hesitate to jump in and drive across the country. Comfy car (as long as you don't try the back seat), luxurious, head turner.
03-01-12, 02:03 PM
#5
mine 02 sc430 has 101,000 miles when I bought her; but well maintained ; interior like brand new! Very good car; I like her better than the LS. I don't have any wind noise and I'm not running Run flat tires.
Last edited by lexie; 03-01-12 at 02:08 PM.
03-01-12, 02:37 PM
#6
I'd mention that at least 02 and 03 the FRONT seats hardly recline at all, so longer trips for me do strain my back (more than 5-6 hours).
03-01-12, 05:02 PM
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With our resent move to Florida, I find that we take the SC more over the ES. Unless it's raining or a little chilly. The SC is usually in the garage with the top down, ready and waiting. I don't have the wind noise, and I did get rid of the run flats. Go for it. You only go around once. If she would let me I would get rid of the ES and get another SC, so we both have one.
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03-01-12, 05:16 PM
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03-02-12, 04:01 AM
#11
Compared to my friend's 06, hers reclines way far back, almost flat w the seat forward.
My 03 just reclines a bit...and its something i'd never check on a test drive but i'd like a few more degrees for the long roadie.
That said, its still a blast to take on long beautiful drives. My plate reads CNVIEWS
My 03 just reclines a bit...and its something i'd never check on a test drive but i'd like a few more degrees for the long roadie.
That said, its still a blast to take on long beautiful drives. My plate reads CNVIEWS
