02 SC versus 04. Both with same equipment and both with 45K and both in superb condition. Colors do not matter and both have superb service records. The 02 is going for 18k and the 04 for 21.5k. What would you do??? Thanks

 

Personally, I'd buy the '02 and spend the savings on upgrades.

 

$3.5k can buy a lot of things. On a budget, you could possibly squeeze out these mods for $3.5k cash that are the most common/highly sought after mods for a SC430:

20" staggered wheels and tires $1500
Injen Intake $200 DIY install
Vais iPod System: $150 DIY install
2006+ LED Tail Lights: $600 DIY install
Megan EZ Coilovers $600 + $400 for install

Or you can get some super high end wheels and tires!

I agree with Liquid... get the 02 and get these mods with the money saved.

 

Def go with the 2002, they look identical to the 2004s, I agree with folks above

 

easy choice, i also agree go for the 2002 and save some money to other things if needed.


seems everybody's getting the 430sc. fever time.

 

and the 02's were handbuilt

 

I had no idea that the 02 was hand built! Upon further inspection the 02 needs an antenna shaft and has a couple of scratches on the front bumper. On the plus side it has a 3-M bra in good shape. Thanks for the responses so far. I am leaning to the 02.

 

The 02 has some historical problems which should be thoroughly check before making your offer:
1. Speaker condition all door woofer as well as the sub woofer - known quality issue, drying out causing cone tears
2. Motor and transmission mounts - It's not only the miles but the passage of time too. Have them inspected. Many are worn leading to annoying vibrations, especially at idle with the Air conditioning off
3. Speaking of time... has the timing belt been replace in the 02 its could be approaching 12 years old depending on build date.
4. Run Flat tires = poor ride quality
5. Regular tires do you have a spare or some other flat tire solution?
6. Mark Levinson amplifier issue... is it the OEM or was it replaced/repaired...
Just a few issues to consider with both cars.

 

Just found out that all speakers were replaced in the 04 5 years ago. Also I do like the saddle interior color better than the 02 which is black. Also found out that all speakers on the 02 and the amp. are original! Now the 3$k difference has me leaning to the 04. Also the timing belt on the 02 is original. Whoever said this was going to be easy!!!

 

04 if the speakers were replaced and you like saddle better however all else being equal I think of 02-05 to be the same as I do with 06-09. So if your question was 04 versus 06 I would def recommend the 06. Maybe you can get the price down on the 04 a little bit?

 

04 if its a Pebble Beach Ed ....otherwise, save $3,500 since they are likely the same condition regardless of the year

 

Just wondering if the 04' replaced speakers are ML speakers or others??????
You will need to do timing belt and water pump soon anyway, I would still get the 02' and use the savings on maintenance down the road.

 

Go with the 2004. Always buy the latest that you can afford. The 2002 is now 10 years old. Items like hoses etc don't last forever. The 2004 is only 8 years old and should be more reliable overall.

 

^ Solid advice. +1

 

I have decided to go with the 04. The final decision was aided by a test drive in which my wife smelled cigar smoke---ever so lightly in the 02!!! This may seem trivial to many but to us it is horrendous. Why anyone would smoke in a beautiful car like this is beyond me. In addition when I looked at the lighter to check it out it was missing---a sure sign the owner or previous owner smoked. The advice on this forum is very appreciated and I carefully considered each comment. But in the end I went with my intuition and the realization that the 04 was a previous Certified Lexus and just pristine! Thanks again for such great advice. John Bradley Jr.