UofOMom

A customer asked me to move her car years ago and that was it....I fell in love. Now I am able to consider buying and I am having trouble locating just the right one. I love the amethyst color, and the indigo blue, even the midnight pine pearl. I want something racy! I'm in the Pacific NW and my budget really only fits something 2006 or earlier, low milage and preferably garaged. Isn't everyone looking for these things?! Any tips from the more experienced on how to snap just what I want? Thanks.

Emackny

iTrader: (6)

Welcome to CL...

You can try Auto-Trader, Craigs List, Ebay (be careful), and last but not least Carmax (I thank the nearest location is in Sacramento though). Give those websites a try.

Good luck!

IcEnPinKi

iTrader: (1)

As most would agree I would pick up a 2006+ model that already has the headlight, bumper/grill and tail lights updates. I can agree that this is one of the best cars I have ever owned. My SC is pushing to 10yrs now and still love it since the day i bought it. Knock on wood but Ive never had any major issues. Good luck on finding your car and post some pics when you purchase it.

barncat

If you check the Carfacts reports, look for a one or 2 owner car, and move fast if you spot a great, low miles car you should be ok. Check to make sure all maintenance records are there as well. Things to look for are blown speakers, (which mine had) run flats (you will probably want to switch out) and no history of accidents. I went through a dealer and they have agreed to pay for the 2 cracked rims I discovered when switching out the run-flats. I think the run-flats are to blame for the rims. Blue cars are out there, the others you mention are a bit tougher to find and you'll limit yourself a bit. Also, look at everything out there and get a handle on prices so you'll know what a fair price is. You'll be fine. Good luck!

Gutz13

I found mine on Craigslist. A 2006 with 28000 miles for $32,000 about a year ago. I love this car and know you will too! I had to drive about 300 miles to pick it up, but well worth it. Good luck!

cjs18

I do not disagree with anything mentioned in previous posts but in the event you would consider a 2002 model I saw this Twilight Amethyst one a few days ago in KC Craigslist. Even though it's an old listing the car is probably still available but it's very low mileage and condition might be outstanding. (That said, I don't believe you'd find anyone here who would recommend paying the asked price!). For this particular car, a couple of items that you might look at are the tires - it could even be running old original run-flats - and the timing belt, since the car is 11 years old. Both of these could be $800 expenses. Check service records. Even if you aren't interested it's an example of what you can find out there if you look now and then. Good luck in your search and welcome.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/2841693247.html

mandyfig

Good luck searching, the SC430's are rare items nowadays.

darnot10

Also check the lexus.com website, plug the VIN in and see what/if any service records there exist.

UofOMom

Keep up the great tips! And PM me if you find anything out there! The Seattle dealer says 70% of the sc430's were sold in Florida and California. I'm willing to drive but it has to be the right car. I did find the Lexus.com information where I can plug in the VIN# and get the service records and I'm aware of certain services that are required. Some people don't service at Lexus only so those won't be listed unfortunately. My husband is an 'old car' enthusiast so thank goodness he is good at looking at tire wear and knows about 'stuff'. I'm looking daily. Drove down to Oregon to take my son back to college after spring break and saw about 5-6 cars and you'd be surprised how there are some people who don't baby them like they deserve. I want a babied sc430! Gotta get what I want! Thanks all! Love hearing from you. UOMOM

elvis1955

tacoma/browns point here. bought my silver 03 last april from autoquest in georgetown (seattle)..great car...dealer is honest..etc. good luck. floyd

elvis1955

autoquest.net has 3 used sc430's...1 is gray 07 and the other 2 are 06's.
if you are in or near seattle, check 'em out. i rarely buy used cars and am normally highly skeptical of these kind of dealers (used cars w/kurt russell is 1 of my fave movies) but my experience was way above-board.
floyd

UofOMom

Thanks Floyd. Don't you know I'm also going to be picky about color combinations! I'm not looking for gray, granite, white, red exteriors. But, I was already in touch with them and they are looking out for me.

Harold57

UofOMom, Welcome to the forum.

Be sure to read the stickies at the top of the forum page. There is one that is specifically a "SC430 buyer's guide". Lots of helpful hints and pointers as to what to look for. Best of luck,
Harold

Stuntman22

I was like you. I never even thought about owning an SC430. I was in the market for some type of convertible toy. I was looking at 350Z/370Z's and Corvettes.
My good budy Shawn who has owned every car under the sun suggested an SC430. I went to see a few and fell in love.
I was scouring the papers, ebay and craigslist. Everything was outta control. Either a Zillion miles or a Zillion dollars. I started searching different ways by typing SC-430 and 430SC and bingo, some guy had an original owner 2002 SC430 in Midnight Pine with less than 12k miles. It was on the other side of Long Island but I had to check it out. When the dude opened the garage I was like "Holy Sheite" it was almost perfect. He had two other Mercedes and said he never drove the car cause his wife didnt like to mess her hair with the top down and his kids didnt want it.
Went the next day with a bank check for 24k and drove my baby home.
After a serious detailing, I am the king. I get asked all the time, what year it is and people dont believe she is ten years old.
I usually get bored with cars after a while. I think this one will be different. a Couple of minor mods on the horizon and I think this ones gonna be a keeper.
Good Luck with you car. The Italians throw money in the back on the floor. Supposed to be good luck. Here is a handful of change for you.
Lou