Newbee here, been lurking at this site for some time; however this is my first post.

Wondering if there is a best year to purchase?

I have heard of some front suspension noises on 2002-2003, and some better electronics in the 2006 and up.

What else should I consider?

I could argue this back and forth as to which is best "for you" ! My take is that 06 and up offer some features not found on 02-05. However it comes with a price differential that can be steep for many. You need to look at the FAQ section in this forum and spend a good deal of time reading about facts and figures on this subject! In my case I found a previously certified 04 with low 43K miles and in pristine condition. I knew it was going to be a garage queen and would only be driven less than 4K miles a year. I also knew it would need a timing belt change et al. And also need tires. These items were offset by a price of $21K and , in my case, no interest in modding the car in any way. This was my intent and it has turned out well for me! You will probably be different and so I encourage you to read, read, read, and educate yourself on the best forum on the web. Good luck!

I believe if i were to chose "the best year" it would be 2006. First year of the facelift with the lowest price.

I agree. Check out the stickie regarding buying a SC430. As far as to whether there is a best year, that answer will be subjective because none of the years were bad or lemons. They were all fairly equally reliable with only a minor amount of changes from 2001 to the last model made. As mentioned by JPBJR & I-FORCE, the biggest change occured in 2006 and even that one wasn't all that major (bluetooth in '05 & lights in '06). Even the oldest cars ('01 & '02) are still fairly reliable. So determine your pricepoint, determine your colors and begin searching for the car of your dreams. (Low mileage & regular upkeep maintenance is good too.)

IIRC, the earliest models were hand built if that helps your decision at all.

2006 is the best bang for your buck as far as electronics and the face lift. But some prefer the 02-05 transmission and slightly higher horse power.

The 5-speed transmissions have a dip stick that allows one to check fluid level without taking it to the dealer and putting it on a lift to do so; the 6-speed transmissions did away with the dip stick. As a victim of a failed transmission due to fluid loss in a German car without a dip stick ($$$$), I would go for a less-expensive, low-mileage 5-speed car (pre-'06), as have I. The sealed transmission/lifetime fluid/etc. claims are BS.

The best year for an SC430?

It is the one that you own.

Good answer!!!!!!!!!!

the 06 is the way to go, later years are too hard to find and earlier years have the previous generation lights that nobody seems to want. 05 is pretty sweet cause its the first year with bluetooth which is what i have and i love my chrome twisty's but i would trade it for a 06 any day.

100% agree with you there.

Its sealed for life until the warranty runs out and then your on your own.

Go for a 06, the best price point and styling. Good luck.

Thanks so much for the advice. Sounds like the hunt is on!


Cheers!

Let us know what you find. If you need any help finding cars, I can help look because I get a kick out of that stuff for some reason.

They actually have the same horsepower. Lexus changed the formula they use to estimate horsepower.

As far as which model is better, it all depends on your budget and what you want to do with it. They're very reliable cars, but also very expensive to fix if anything does go wrong. So a warranty is always a good idea. Extended warranties may not be available on older models.

A 2006 or newer will give you a few cosmetic upgrades noted by others, as well as a 6-speed transmission. It's not any faster, but shifts more smoothly. If you don't plan to modify your car and can afford it, that's probably the way to go.

If you plan to modify your car, older models make more sense in my opinion. With the money you save, you can buy a body kit, wheels, etc. and have a more unique and better looking SC than a newer stock SC.