Did the SC 430 aged well after 16 years ?
05-24-18, 07:02 PM
#16
Lexus Champion
I think the SC is a fine, fine automobile. The later ones especially, I'd love to own one myself, but I am spoiled rotten by my LS430's ride which I know no SC could match.
SC was designed in the era when Lexus was at the absolute top of its game.
SC was designed in the era when Lexus was at the absolute top of its game.
05-25-18, 06:42 AM
#17
Just for the record, on our '05 SC430, I ditched the 18 inch wheels and horrible riding run-flats, then put on 17's and "55" sidewall Michelin Primacy's. The ride improved to the level of a GS300, which was what we had before the SC430. The Primacy's have been on nearly 30,000 miles and hardly show any wear. I couldn't be happier. It's the best thing I've done for the SC430.
See post #387 here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...itment-39.html
See post #387 here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...itment-39.html
Last edited by thombiz; 05-25-18 at 11:56 AM.
05-25-18, 03:48 PM
#18
I love mine, and still get compliments from stranger, especially when the top is moving up or down. My son loves it when I drives him to school with the top down. I think it age very well.
05-25-18, 08:35 PM
#19
Was at the DMV today getting state inspection done. Lady inspecting my car asked if she could exchange her BMW X6 for my SC430. It would make her feel young again, she said.
05-25-18, 08:51 PM
#20
Lexus Champion
Just for the record, on our '05 SC430, I ditched the 18 inch wheels and horrible riding run-flats, then put on 17's and "55" sidewall Michelin Primacy's. The ride improved to the level of a GS300, which was what we had before the SC430. The Primacy's have been on nearly 30,000 miles and hardly show any wear. I couldn't be happier. It's the best thing I've done for the SC430.
See post #387 here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...itment-39.html
See post #387 here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...itment-39.html
My car has the regular 17" wheels that don't look nearly as good as the 5 spoke 18s, but I'm happy because I have seen many observations that the LS rides noticeably worse with them. The magic carpet ride is what the LS is all about, so I'll take the uglier rims.
You guys do share the marvelous "old Lexus" V8 and tranny with me, I bet hardly anyone has any complaints about that! lol.
05-27-18, 09:39 AM
#21
I've always thought the SC was styled like two different cars. Ahead of the A-pillar, it's typical Japanese for the period, and looks more dated. From there back, to my eyes, it has always looked more Italian than Asian. And it's that back end that has always attracted me - the rear-quarter view still has the best lines on the car, and seems timeless.
Being in Canada, where these are unicorns, helps. Most people have no idea what they're looking at.
Being in Canada, where these are unicorns, helps. Most people have no idea what they're looking at.
05-27-18, 07:31 PM
#22
I've always thought the SC was styled like two different cars. Ahead of the A-pillar, it's typical Japanese for the period, and looks more dated. From there back, to my eyes, it has always looked more Italian than Asian. And it's that back end that has always attracted me - the rear-quarter view still has the best lines on the car, and seems timeless.
Being in Canada, where these are unicorns, helps. Most people have no idea what they're looking at.
Being in Canada, where these are unicorns, helps. Most people have no idea what they're looking at.
05-27-18, 11:03 PM
#23
Instructor
Thread Starter
Here is the the back of my SC 430 compare to the latest LC 500.... after 16year, You can see how much the Lexus has changed over the years! The Old Girl has aged well
the SC design is still unique from the rear ....
05-31-18, 12:33 PM
#24
Just took my SC for service yesterday. When the technician started the car up, I heard a sweet sound. I turned around and was surprised it was my car. It looked just like a new car among all the new cars.
05-31-18, 05:58 PM
#25
I tend to agree with Aaron about the design and the majority of its owners profile.
after many years in the car/rv biz we needed a “driver.” Something we can put 200k miles on for $30k max.
neighbor comes up with our sc with 18k miles on a pebble beach. Our solara convertible has 150k on it so a convertible is required. We use the solara to be a tow car behind our 40’ m11 Cummins motorhome.
i do have a super-duty 4x4 although.
The SC and LS we also bought recently should give us 400k miles reliably between them which is a major reason for their purchase.
Our 08 sc PB’s extra clear coat paint, the two tone interior and this ones chromed non sc mags really help it’s overall looks to us.
the ultra quiet ride, ,luxlink, aftermarket ML stereo and the is sway bar and front brace and pilot power pro tires offset the looks.
our 98 accord has 205k miles and the sc is the replacement.
Works well enough for our various needs
it does “go” enough to be fun.
This is comes from a old guy now who 50 years ago had a similar looks 58 corvette with a 427 in it.
after many years in the car/rv biz we needed a “driver.” Something we can put 200k miles on for $30k max.
neighbor comes up with our sc with 18k miles on a pebble beach. Our solara convertible has 150k on it so a convertible is required. We use the solara to be a tow car behind our 40’ m11 Cummins motorhome.
i do have a super-duty 4x4 although.
The SC and LS we also bought recently should give us 400k miles reliably between them which is a major reason for their purchase.
Our 08 sc PB’s extra clear coat paint, the two tone interior and this ones chromed non sc mags really help it’s overall looks to us.
the ultra quiet ride, ,luxlink, aftermarket ML stereo and the is sway bar and front brace and pilot power pro tires offset the looks.
our 98 accord has 205k miles and the sc is the replacement.
Works well enough for our various needs
it does “go” enough to be fun.
This is comes from a old guy now who 50 years ago had a similar looks 58 corvette with a 427 in it.
06-01-18, 06:40 AM
#26
Forum Administrator
iTrader: (2)
Let's get back on topic folks, thread pruned of needless rude commentary by some
06-01-18, 08:57 AM
#28
Ran across an 03 430sc at a restaurant a few days ago and the owners said they were looking at an 08 like ours and had nothing but maintenance service on theirs with 212k miles on it.
06-04-18, 12:39 AM
#29
Lexus Champion
Random question...
Does the SC have an exhaust note? I used to live in Los Angeles and SCs were EVERRRRRYWHERE. I swear I heard a muffled (good sounding) exhaust note once. My LS has zip, nada, silence.
Does the SC have an exhaust note? I used to live in Los Angeles and SCs were EVERRRRRYWHERE. I swear I heard a muffled (good sounding) exhaust note once. My LS has zip, nada, silence.
06-04-18, 05:29 AM
#30
Moderator
There is a clearly a different exhaust note (a nice little rumble is how I describe it) both on start up and upon vigorous acceleration on SC. I agree the LS is pretty quiet and mundane sounding in terms of its exhaust sound as expected on a car that is designed to be quiet. The quiet engine is pretty amazing given its power and potential speed (despite being a luxury barge).