Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys,

I owned a 99 LS400 and a 04 LS430 UL model for a number of years. I know the engines and suspension in and out but I don't know the SC well. I am considering a 2004 with 91k miles. Can you guys comment on common SC issues to look for and how reliable is the convertible system?

Harold57

Check out the top thread in the stickies. (The top is very reliable, BTW.)

Here's the link:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...ned-sc430.html

jasone36

For reference purposes, check out the 12 items which went bad in my high mileage 2002 SC430:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...ell-sc430.html

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys, but after looking more closely at a few SC's I think another LS is better fit for me. That "rear" seat is totally unusable and honestly the cars styling is not doing much for me in person.

soarrabun

i am a huge fan of the 2004 and up ls. best car ever made, the new sc430 is hideous in my opinion.

Bgw70

Well thanks for bashing our SCs in the SC section.

sblevins

Not sure why you are trolling in the SC section - but thank you for enlightening us on how you think our car is hideous. I guess I need to sell my car now that I know you don't like it.

Jabberwock

Don't be too hard on Lavrishevo. Even though he does not appear to appreciate the style and beauty of the SC430, he has been a valued contributor to the LS430 forum.

I just purchased a 2004 SC430 and love the car's exterior and interior styling. The SC430's style and design is unique and is immediately recognizable to anyone that knows cars. Having said that there are folks that love the SC430's look and those that really dislike it. Different strokes for different folks, that's why there are different styles of car so everyone can find something they like.

Harold57

What do you mean when you say "the NEW SC430"? The last model of the SC430 was the 2010.

sblevins

Ah but I wasn't talking to Lavrishevo. My comment was to soarrabun, who I directly quoted. I agree, our car is very love or hate it, and I absolutely respect anyone that doesn't like it. My issue is with soarrabun who specifically came in here to say it is "hideous." I hate Audis, but don't go to their forums to trash what they like. Sorry but I have zero patience for haters and bullies, which soarrabun is. No issue with Lavrishevo at all, who is very respectful.

Harold57

I have to wonder what car soarrabun was referring to since he referenced the "new SC430". I wonder if he meant one of the newer models that no longer carries the SC430 brand but might have been considered the replacement?

Bgw70

according to his signature block, he owns the SC300, so I think he likes the SC300 and SC400 but dislikes the restyled SC, or the "new SC430" body style.

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

When I was younger and saw my first SC300/400 in 1999, I was hooked. I wanted one so badly and once I graduated high school in July 2001, I knew what I was looking for. Perfectly enough, at that time they dropped the SC430 and I was 150% in. I loved the sleekness and lines of the old body style, and the new style was perfect for me, PLUS a drop top! I was sold. Put mine on order direct from Japan, hand built, and just had to wait a year. I picked up my 2002 in July of 2002 and haven't looked back. All the negative comments are from people that have never owned one, including those toolbags at TopGear whom obviously missed the mark with their review calling it the "Worst Car, ever." Taking advice from them is like asking Donald Trump where to get a good steak or a nice tie. Yes with some modification this car is a blast to drive. It's a shame that Lexus didn't come out with those modifications out of the factory (ie. TransPressure set to firm, better tires, suspension upgrades, better body styling, upgradable electronics, etc), but I feel they were targeting a different demographic as they were pushing luxury cruiser rather than the sportster like the SC4300/400 was labelled. This machine has lasted me 14 years with minimal headache. I had a 1999 Chysler Sebring LXI before my SC430 and that thing gave me so many problems. Mopar parts are awful. I promised I would never go back to Domestic cars and haven't since. For anyone that utterly despises this car, they've never had the honor of owning one nonetheless, driving one. Anyone that has scartched the itch of the SC430, can admit to the true luxury and refined form of the SC430. Especially the mechanics and beauty of a topless drive in approx 28 seconds, and the low cost maintenance of owning it. This is my opinion and respect to anyone who disagrees, but it's especially hard to take criticism from those who have no experience with this car.

Harold57

Well written Shawn and you may be right about what he was referring to. I was just wondering whether he meant the 2017 SC, at least that is what this website is calling it.
http://cardissection.com/2017-lexus-sc-pictures/

jonas's RX

Hi Gang

Having owned " a few SC 430s " in the last few years, I can only tell
everyone what my experience has been with the car.

The SC 430 is truly a car that grows on you. After I bought the SC, I wanted
to buy a vintage Mercedes (280SL). When I finally sold my SC,
I realized how much I really like the car and came back looking for another SC.

I do agree the SC's look is not for everyone just like the older Mercedes SL's are not
for everyone, but the SC unique look does grow on you. I for one is still not very fond of
the " Spindle Grill" and the sharp crease seen in the new Finess Lexus lineup.

At the end of the day, it is " different strokes for different folks"
For me, I personally think the lines are timeless very similar to
the Iconic Pagoda Benz 280 SL