Is there a Difference?
08-25-18, 08:20 AM
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Is there a Difference?
So a 2002 SC430 with 40,268 on the clock has come to my attention. I have not gone and looked at it yet as it is from a private seller about 35 miles away. As I understand it the guys mother bought it from the original owner a while back and now he has it and really does not want it. He is asking $15k for it which I think is a little high even with only 40K on the clock. It tracks well from Oct of 01 when it arrived at the Lexus dealership up until Feb 24th of 2014 when It had 27,749 miles on the clock at Parker Lexus in Little Rock. Then it drops off of the radar service wise until now with only 13,000 miles on the clock over the last 54 months. From the Lexus service history it does not show any TB/WP change. It does show that the brake fluid had become contaminated and the calipers and rubber had swelled and they were replaced and the system flushed. This was at 20,656 miles back it late 2012. So a car that was 10 years with on 20K on the clock had been sitting awhile. It does show the air bag recall. My son in VA has an 2005 SC 430 so I have driven one and looked around closely. Is there any real differences between an 02 and a 05 SC 430? Anything to look for in an 2002 other than the TB/WP issues which I know would need to be addressed ASAP.
08-25-18, 08:58 AM
#4
Lead Lap
The 2005 added Bluetooth, IIRC. I can't remember if one of the stickies has feature information regarding their introduction times.
08-25-18, 09:05 AM
#5
Moderator
there are not a lot of differences between an 02 and 05. I suppose the biggest one is the Nav system went from Generation 2/3 to Gen 4, and receiver added BT. But these days neither has new software data DVDs being issued. The big changes came in 06 when Lexus completed a refresh cycle. Headlights, taillights, transmission, suspension etc etc.
You probably find problems and need to look closely in the followings areas for any 02-05 cars:
speakers with deteriorating foam torn cones, all may be “blown”. Broken motor mount(s) - rough vibration low RPM idle usually perceptible stopped, in drive with the AC on. O2 sensors at or near end of life. Valve cover gaskets will probably need replacing as they are nearing, or have reached the end of their life or are beginning to parish. Power steering reservoir seal leak, discoloration on alternator. And, of course the retractable roof should be closely inspected. One way to look for problems: run your fingers over the portion of the aluminum roof panels above the rear 1/4 windows, should feel very smooth, no waves or ripples in the metal. If you perceive anything from the touch it’s an indicator of a weakest in one of the two motors, or a previous failure. That’s a $5500 repair should one fail. Should also inquire about the battery’s age replacement history. Cars that sit for long periods kill their batteries without a disconnect or tender. Tire age, spare kit or run flats. Original pie plates wheel or alternative change?
You probably find problems and need to look closely in the followings areas for any 02-05 cars:
speakers with deteriorating foam torn cones, all may be “blown”. Broken motor mount(s) - rough vibration low RPM idle usually perceptible stopped, in drive with the AC on. O2 sensors at or near end of life. Valve cover gaskets will probably need replacing as they are nearing, or have reached the end of their life or are beginning to parish. Power steering reservoir seal leak, discoloration on alternator. And, of course the retractable roof should be closely inspected. One way to look for problems: run your fingers over the portion of the aluminum roof panels above the rear 1/4 windows, should feel very smooth, no waves or ripples in the metal. If you perceive anything from the touch it’s an indicator of a weakest in one of the two motors, or a previous failure. That’s a $5500 repair should one fail. Should also inquire about the battery’s age replacement history. Cars that sit for long periods kill their batteries without a disconnect or tender. Tire age, spare kit or run flats. Original pie plates wheel or alternative change?
08-25-18, 09:29 AM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
So a 2002 SC430 with 40,268 on the clock has come to my attention. I have not gone and looked at it yet as it is from a private seller about 35 miles away. As I understand it the guys mother bought it from the original owner a while back and now he has it and really does not want it. He is asking $15k for it which I think is a little high even with only 40K on the clock. It tracks well from Oct of 01 when it arrived at the Lexus dealership up until Feb 24th of 2014 when It had 27,749 miles on the clock at Parker Lexus in Little Rock. Then it drops off of the radar service wise until now with only 13,000 miles on the clock over the last 54 months. From the Lexus service history it does not show any TB/WP change. It does show that the brake fluid had become contaminated and the calipers and rubber had swelled and they were replaced and the system flushed. This was at 20,656 miles back it late 2012. So a car that was 10 years with on 20K on the clock had been sitting awhile. It does show the air bag recall. My son in VA has an 2005 SC 430 so I have driven one and looked around closely. Is there any real differences between an 02 and a 05 SC 430? Anything to look for in an 2002 other than the TB/WP issues which I know would need to be addressed ASAP.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...erest-you.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...d-sc430-3.html
08-25-18, 12:28 PM
#7
Pole Position
Thread Starter
njsteve
As you can see Steve I have over 700 posts to your what 27. Yes I know how the search function works but thanks for the tip. As far as a scam. Here in the Midwest scamming is not quite the problem let's say as it might be in New Jersey? The guy's mom has Alzheimer's disease and can no longer drive down to his Dad's office or to the hairdresser which is the only places she drove for the last several years and so he has the car now.
Dennis
As you can see Steve I have over 700 posts to your what 27. Yes I know how the search function works but thanks for the tip. As far as a scam. Here in the Midwest scamming is not quite the problem let's say as it might be in New Jersey? The guy's mom has Alzheimer's disease and can no longer drive down to his Dad's office or to the hairdresser which is the only places she drove for the last several years and so he has the car now.
Dennis
Last edited by DJWLDW; 08-25-18 at 12:38 PM.
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08-25-18, 12:37 PM
#8
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Bgw70
Thanks very helpful. I am not sure I want an 02 I am not even sure I want one period. It would just be a toy for my DW who is still pissed off the I traded away her European 1971 MB 350SL in 1994. She has a long memory. Although it might give me a chance to drive the LS 460L a little more. If I could get it for 10K maybe?
Dennis
Thanks very helpful. I am not sure I want an 02 I am not even sure I want one period. It would just be a toy for my DW who is still pissed off the I traded away her European 1971 MB 350SL in 1994. She has a long memory. Although it might give me a chance to drive the LS 460L a little more. If I could get it for 10K maybe?
Dennis
08-25-18, 02:26 PM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Bgw70
Thanks very helpful. I am not sure I want an 02 I am not even sure I want one period. It would just be a toy for my DW who is still pissed off the I traded away her European 1971 MB 350SL in 1994. She has a long memory. Although it might give me a chance to drive the LS 460L a little more. If I could get it for 10K maybe?
Dennis
Thanks very helpful. I am not sure I want an 02 I am not even sure I want one period. It would just be a toy for my DW who is still pissed off the I traded away her European 1971 MB 350SL in 1994. She has a long memory. Although it might give me a chance to drive the LS 460L a little more. If I could get it for 10K maybe?
Dennis
right now it’s the 2008 V6 Accord or the 2002 SC430...my wife has the 2007 SC430 now.
the 2002 is nice and still fun...if the “price is right”, so to speak, do it!
i bet the DWs 350 SL story would be great to hear over a beer or two!
BTW, I will need a coach, when the time gets closer, to find that LS460!
08-25-18, 02:59 PM
#10
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Bgw70
The LS forum is a great place to get up to speed on what you are looking for. I have put 45K on the LS in the last 54 months and yes it is a dream to drive on long trips especially the 460L version. I only get to drive it on long trips or when it needs gas. The DW is not very forgiving even after 50 years.
Dennis
The LS forum is a great place to get up to speed on what you are looking for. I have put 45K on the LS in the last 54 months and yes it is a dream to drive on long trips especially the 460L version. I only get to drive it on long trips or when it needs gas. The DW is not very forgiving even after 50 years.
Dennis
08-25-18, 09:06 PM
#11
Pole Position
Hic! I missed my LS!!!
08-27-18, 08:14 AM
#12
Instructor
my next car is going to be an LS460...I have never been in one but I bet they cruise nice!
right now it’s the 2008 V6 Accord or the 2002 SC430...my wife has the 2007 SC430 now.
the 2002 is nice and still fun...if the “price is right”, so to speak, do it!
i bet the DWs 350 SL story would be great to hear over a beer or two!
BTW, I will need a coach, when the time gets closer, to find that LS460!
08-27-18, 08:19 AM
#13
Instructor
Bgw70
Thanks very helpful. I am not sure I want an 02 I am not even sure I want one period. It would just be a toy for my DW who is still pissed off the I traded away her European 1971 MB 350SL in 1994. She has a long memory. Although it might give me a chance to drive the LS 460L a little more. If I could get it for 10K maybe?
Dennis
Thanks very helpful. I am not sure I want an 02 I am not even sure I want one period. It would just be a toy for my DW who is still pissed off the I traded away her European 1971 MB 350SL in 1994. She has a long memory. Although it might give me a chance to drive the LS 460L a little more. If I could get it for 10K maybe?
Dennis
09-08-18, 07:42 AM
#14
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Just and update
The price for this 2 owner private sale 2002 SC 430 with 40,268 miles on the clock is now down to $13,500. I believe it is going in the right direction. Still watching but what are your thoughts on offering $10K given the fact that it will need TB,WP and spark plugs for sure?
Dennis
The price for this 2 owner private sale 2002 SC 430 with 40,268 miles on the clock is now down to $13,500. I believe it is going in the right direction. Still watching but what are your thoughts on offering $10K given the fact that it will need TB,WP and spark plugs for sure?
Dennis
09-08-18, 03:48 PM
#15
Instructor
Hey DJ
If you can get this SC for $13.5, I would jump on it
as long as the car has never been hit and all the panels
are original. I rather pay more ( which I did when I bought
my pearl white SC) than to get a car that has been
repainted .
On the the other hand, if the car checked out but it
was repainted at some point, I personally will not buy
the car regardless what the car is selling for.
My current SC is an 02 with 47K on it and I paid
20K for it 2 years ago. I probably paid 2K more
for it back then but the car was in excellent shape.
My feeling is pay a bit more and get the best SC
you can afford. To me,2K more will not make me
lose sleep .
my 2 cents
If you can get this SC for $13.5, I would jump on it
as long as the car has never been hit and all the panels
are original. I rather pay more ( which I did when I bought
my pearl white SC) than to get a car that has been
repainted .
On the the other hand, if the car checked out but it
was repainted at some point, I personally will not buy
the car regardless what the car is selling for.
My current SC is an 02 with 47K on it and I paid
20K for it 2 years ago. I probably paid 2K more
for it back then but the car was in excellent shape.
My feeling is pay a bit more and get the best SC
you can afford. To me,2K more will not make me
lose sleep .
my 2 cents
