Shhh! Don't tell her but i think i'm doing it!
 

Well, call it mid-life or what have you but i don't think i can wait much longer to get my Sc430. SHE says it's not practical but i know she'll like the attention she gets when she's driving around with the top down( the cars' , not hers'-- although...). Okay, i've got that out of my system:

1. We've had 3 rx's , so i know average mileage with this brand shouldn't be much of an issue but any tell tale signs to avoid in the Sc?

2. As far as i can tell, bluetooth is not available in these models but i have seen posts here referring to a modification that allows you to 'mirror' your phone onto the nav screen via USB.

3. I think that the tranny got another gear in '07ish. Was this helpful? The reason i ask is that some people prefer the S2000 version BEFORE Honda changed the tranny gears.

4. Do they travel well? ie. I know it won't be as comfortable as our old LS but can i take it on a long run( 700 miles or so) and not feel beat up when i get out? I don't ever plan on using run-flats.

Thanks. If i put it in the garage right away, it could be a couple of weeks before she finds it and i should have time to get it the way i want it.

daddiojigg

In 2006 is when they went from a 5 speed 3:23 rear axle gear end to a 6 speed 3:76 rear axle gear. Starting in 2006 Lexus also did a face lift on the SC.

Dennis

How sweet! She (and you) will love it.
Can really only speak to the one trip I took: a 400+ drive with run-flats. Enjoyed every minute.
Look at the sticky threads before buying. It was very helpful for me. Have a mechanic inspect (including on a hoist) so you can negotiate down on anything you'll need to. I found a few things I was able to negotiate off the purchase price.
The only drawback I really see is the potential battery issue. Get yourself one of those small portable jumper boxes to keep in the car. Show her how to use it. Get a battery tender for in your garage.
I w/ be switching to an AGM battery soon and chking my alternator amps. I am hoping this will help. These cars draw electricity even when turned off. You do not want to have this in your garage for 2-3 wks, then show her the 'new' car & have it not start! Some lucky people don't seem to have these issues, but many do.
Lastly, don't rely on those cup holders for large drinks unless you want a lap bath. Some have modified theirs. I just stick a piece of Rubbermaid shelf liner in when using.

Bluetooth was available from 05 on. It works, but it is not state of the art.

Thanks iolmaster. i looked at literally hundreds of pics of used Sc's for sale but could not pick out any Phone buttons. 2005? Wow. I sure missed that one. I would think that they all would have them from then on. No?

I just pulled up a 2007 Sc430 owners' manual and could find NO mention of bluetooth. Are you sure? How do you access it?

If you haven’t already, go and read the stickies. They have everything you want to know about our SC430s

iolmaster is 100% correct. Bluetooth started in 2005. So, 2005-2009 had phone-call only Bluetooth. 2010 had both phone call and music entertainment.
2007 Navigation Manual https://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/d...f/OM24556U.pdf
page 133

Download any Lexus manual here https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrive...nuals-warranty

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...56fb7e88d6.png

Thanks BG!! IT'S BEHIND THE AUDIO BUTTONS!!! Never would have seen that. Who takes a side shot of the steering column?D'oh!.

drove back and forth from SF to LA in my 06 - got 25+mpg at 80-85mph both ways and it barely felt like i had driven 6 hours twice

Sweet. Think I will do it too, probably after my retirement.

I have a 2007 and the extra gear is a big improvement to an already good transmission. My suggestion to you is to tell her before you pull the trigger. I made the mistake of buying my SC430 on impulse, (without telling her) even though I had been talking about getting one for months. That was 6 years back and she has not forgiven me after all this time.

Maybe you should let her drive it once in a while!!

Good to know about that extra gear. Thanks.

You don't cry out Lexus in the middle of the night. Do you?!

Thanks to all.:thumbup:

I bought the DW the 2006 SC trying to make up for selling her 1971 MB SL 350 back in 1994 of which she is still pissed about. It was brought back from Germany and converted to US spec's. She Loved that car

Dennis

IMO if you’re not in a financial hole, I say surprise her. She probably will love the car and you.

As others mentioned, I would include your wife in the decision. Not too many wife's love to be surprised with a car note especially if she already thinks the car is not practical.