About to go look at a 2002 SC430 - high-mileage, good condition(?), cheap. Mileage doesn't bother me, I have a '91 LS400 with 235K and I'd only be adding 3-4,000 miles per year. Main thing is that it is having issues after the installation of a new battery. Stays in 1st gear too long, CEL and top lights stay on. Any thoughts? If it passes my initial look, I will take it to my mechanic and do a legitimate inspection.

Please read through the sticky thread on buying a SC430...it covers most, if not all points you or your mechanic should cover or have questions about. Knowledge is power in a negotiation over price.

Not sure what you mean by “top lights”, i.e. are you referring to the two lights by the inside rear view mirror, or the light for the sliding roof top in the control panel. If it’s the latter, that’s a BIG red flag. Your mechanic should be able to capture the trouble code(s) causing the CEL in the speedometer and we’re pretty good here for explanations and solution(s).

Re transmission. Depending on year model, transmission my have been overfilled if there is a dip stick.

Thanks for the advice. All good points.

After further research, I'm convinced this is a scam. Only two photos with the listing and they BOTH have been taken from listings of two other cars — one a 2004 and the other a 2002. I'm moving on and reporting him to FB...not that it will matter.

Well glad you spotted before it was too much effort was put into it. Nevertheless, the sticky thread will educate you on the little nuances of the SC430 has you proceed on your hunt.
Here’s another tip..if go to drivers.lexus.com with the VIN from a potential candidate car you can see the dealer service history. Not independent shops or DIY work unless the owner has entered it manually.