finding a SC 430
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: ca
finding a SC 430
Hi, my name is Catie, very new to this site, but have enjoyed reading posts and info re SC430s. i am looking for one, and each time i find one that sounds really good, i research car faxes,body ,interior,take it to a lexus dealer on a pre buy inspection . i loved the one i recently saw, took it in . Much of the things it needed had to do with its age,about 20 yrs,but this one had moderate rust on the bottom,amongst some other leaks, etc;so i did not buy ,as i have been told that moderate rust just may be the beginning of troubles which you cannot see,and that if bolts and screws are rusted,that is a big headache . i am so bummed because it was maintained,and the paint and interior were wonderful. lexus estimated 5500$to take care of the mechanics. What advice can you knowledgeable folks offer -I am good with knowing a car that age may need a little extra age related care ,and i am ok with that. Catie
hi catie. welcome. what is it about the sc430 that draws your interest?
how are you looking for one? i find autotrader to be very useful.
have you considered getting one from far away and either going to collect it or having it transported?
how are you looking for one? i find autotrader to be very useful.
have you considered getting one from far away and either going to collect it or having it transported?
Pole Position
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,550
Likes: 1,370
From: IL
Hi, my name is Catie, very new to this site, but have enjoyed reading posts and info re SC430s. i am looking for one, and each time i find one that sounds really good, i research car faxes,body ,interior,take it to a lexus dealer on a pre buy inspection . i loved the one i recently saw, took it in . Much of the things it needed had to do with its age,about 20 yrs,but this one had moderate rust on the bottom,amongst some other leaks, etc;so i did not buy ,as i have been told that moderate rust just may be the beginning of troubles which you cannot see,and that if bolts and screws are rusted,that is a big headache . i am so bummed because it was maintained,and the paint and interior were wonderful. lexus estimated 5500$to take care of the mechanics. What advice can you knowledgeable folks offer -I am good with knowing a car that age may need a little extra age related care ,and i am ok with that. Catie
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: ca
Hi and thank you
They have great lines ,appear like a sports car ,and yet are luxurious,very little wind noise,engines run forever.It would be a second car so i don't want to break the bank
catie
They have great lines ,appear like a sports car ,and yet are luxurious,very little wind noise,engines run forever.It would be a second car so i don't want to break the bank
catie
Pole Position
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,550
Likes: 1,370
From: IL
Given your comment about rust, I'm pleasantly surprised to hear where you're sitting. Turns out you're in the perfect place. All you have to be is patient.
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: ca
absolutely ! California is a pretty good place re rust . Man, patience is difficult,especially ,because it seems they would probably all have some kind of issues which is ok ,but wise counsel. lol Catie
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Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 544
From: CA
The issue with all older cars, including the SC430, is the aging electronics, especially the multiple ECU's throughout the vehicle. Issue that arise from these failures can happen at any time and are expensive to diagnose and fix. So, you may find a rust-free example that checks out fine, but because of the cars age, can be a ticking time bomb of problems.
Not trying to talk you out of the SC430. I have one and love it, but, I know it won't last forever like a low-tech, 60's muscle car could.
Not trying to talk you out of the SC430. I have one and love it, but, I know it won't last forever like a low-tech, 60's muscle car could.
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: ca
hey thank you . I love how they look, but i was about to purchase one today 2006 15,900. KBB rated it a little high on price,not by too much maybe 1000$ but no wriggle room on price and i figured i will probably need to invest more,so i scrapped that idea. catie
Pole Position
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,550
Likes: 1,370
From: IL
The issue with all older cars, including the SC430, is the aging electronics, especially the multiple ECU's throughout the vehicle. Issue that arise from these failures can happen at any time and are expensive to diagnose and fix. So, you may find a rust-free example that checks out fine, but because of the cars age, can be a ticking time bomb of problems.
Not trying to talk you out of the SC430. I have one and love it, but, I know it won't last forever like a low-tech, 60's muscle car could.
Not trying to talk you out of the SC430. I have one and love it, but, I know it won't last forever like a low-tech, 60's muscle car could.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 544
From: CA
No, my SC430 has not had this type of failure, but others in the forum have. Too, the rate of failures is likely far lower than other makes/models of the same age. I imagine all vehicle manufacturer's are using the same electronic components in their ECU's. It's the capacitors that break down over time. My hope is after-market companies start offering rebuilt ECU's as they are extremely expensive to buy new.
My point was...the OP was worried about rust issues in 20-year-old examples, which really isn't a problem where she (and I) live in CA. A bigger problem is aging electronics...a concern with all older vehicles, unless one goes back to the pre-electronics vintages. Or, buy new and sell in ten years!
My point was...the OP was worried about rust issues in 20-year-old examples, which really isn't a problem where she (and I) live in CA. A bigger problem is aging electronics...a concern with all older vehicles, unless one goes back to the pre-electronics vintages. Or, buy new and sell in ten years!
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: ca
Hi Bitkahuna,
in beginning of July i sent out messages re looking for SC430. You and several other members were very helpful re pitfalls,and positive points re car. I found the most beautiful one - white,saddle interior, 2002 and only 72 k miles. it needed rear brake pads, a small paint issue on rear bumper,and the tires were from 2009,so i replaced them,brakes ,and had rear bumper sanded and painted. It is so beautiful ,I feel so blest i got it for 15k ,a little more than i had hoped ,but considering the great shape it is in. i think it was a good price. Thank you for the help in July.
Do you know where i woudl find the video that i saw o this site re how to upholster rear headrests?
in beginning of July i sent out messages re looking for SC430. You and several other members were very helpful re pitfalls,and positive points re car. I found the most beautiful one - white,saddle interior, 2002 and only 72 k miles. it needed rear brake pads, a small paint issue on rear bumper,and the tires were from 2009,so i replaced them,brakes ,and had rear bumper sanded and painted. It is so beautiful ,I feel so blest i got it for 15k ,a little more than i had hoped ,but considering the great shape it is in. i think it was a good price. Thank you for the help in July.
Do you know where i woudl find the video that i saw o this site re how to upholster rear headrests?
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 41
From: CA
Hi Bitkahuna,
in beginning of July i sent out messages re looking for SC430. You and several other members were very helpful re pitfalls,and positive points re car. I found the most beautiful one - white,saddle interior, 2002 and only 72 k miles. it needed rear brake pads, a small paint issue on rear bumper,and the tires were from 2009,so i replaced them,brakes ,and had rear bumper sanded and painted. It is so beautiful ,I feel so blest i got it for 15k ,a little more than i had hoped ,but considering the great shape it is in. i think it was a good price. Thank you for the help in July.
Do you know where i woudl find the video that i saw o this site re how to upholster rear headrests?
in beginning of July i sent out messages re looking for SC430. You and several other members were very helpful re pitfalls,and positive points re car. I found the most beautiful one - white,saddle interior, 2002 and only 72 k miles. it needed rear brake pads, a small paint issue on rear bumper,and the tires were from 2009,so i replaced them,brakes ,and had rear bumper sanded and painted. It is so beautiful ,I feel so blest i got it for 15k ,a little more than i had hoped ,but considering the great shape it is in. i think it was a good price. Thank you for the help in July.
Do you know where i woudl find the video that i saw o this site re how to upholster rear headrests?