2002 Lexus SC430 Opinions Please
01-22-2009, 04:47 PM
#1
2002 Lexus SC430 Opinions Please
I have a 2001 CLS right now...but I happened to glance over at a SC430 today...and am curious to know what your opinions are on it?
Looks?
Quick or not?
Reliable?
Worth getting rid of my CL and buying?
All answers are greatly appreciated!
Looks?
Quick or not?
Reliable?
Worth getting rid of my CL and buying?
All answers are greatly appreciated!
01-22-2009, 04:48 PM
#2
The sizzle in the Steak
Well...the Lexus will have a reliable transmission.
01-22-2009, 04:58 PM
#6
Suzuka Master
It's a good reliable and comfortable cruiser. I would consider it fairly quick; the V8 does a decent job moving it but I doubt it would -wax- your CL-S. Have you looked at other alternatives (ie.S2K) or are you set on it?
01-22-2009, 05:01 PM
#7
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
It is a fantastic, posh, luxury cruiser. It has unique styling, I don't know when they came out but they still stand out, for better or worse. Solid build quality and reliability and the folding hard top is pretty trick, one of the pioneers in bringing back the hard top convertible. That said I don't see many people under the age of 50 behind the wheel, between price, image and styling it really isn't targeted at the younger market. It lacks road feel and is not a "drivers" car, but that may or may not be a good thing, depending on the owner.
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01-22-2009, 05:01 PM
#8
Im still in college, and still under my family's insurance...soo until the time I am not...i have to stick to their rules, and in this case that means buying an automatic...none of them can drive stick, even though it will essentially be MY car. the s2k is my dream car but that will probably not happen for another 2 years until i can make my own insurance payments..
01-22-2009, 05:10 PM
#10
It is a fantastic, posh, luxury cruiser. It has unique styling, I don't know when they came out but they still stand out, for better or worse. Solid build quality and reliability and the folding hard top is pretty trick, one of the pioneers in bringing back the hard top convertible. That said I don't see many people under the age of 50 behind the wheel, between price, image and styling it really isn't targeted at the younger market. It lacks road feel and is not a "drivers" car, but that may or may not be a good thing, depending on the owner.
01-22-2009, 05:14 PM
#11
The sizzle in the Steak
01-22-2009, 05:16 PM
#12
Taken from theautochannel.com:
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 18 / 23 / 19
0 to 60 mph 5.9 sec (mfg)
1/4 mile (E.T.) 14.4 sec
so its about a half second faster then a stock CL-S in the 0-60. Like said above, its more of a lux crusier. It will have a smaller trunk and luggage-only rear seats compared to the CL. as you can see the MPGs are about the same as the CL for the city but no where as good as the CL on the highway. And with a start price of 80k, its much more luxury then the CL. and has a more reliable tranny too. overall reliablilty should be equal or greater then the CL. my
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 18 / 23 / 19
0 to 60 mph 5.9 sec (mfg)
1/4 mile (E.T.) 14.4 sec
so its about a half second faster then a stock CL-S in the 0-60. Like said above, its more of a lux crusier. It will have a smaller trunk and luggage-only rear seats compared to the CL. as you can see the MPGs are about the same as the CL for the city but no where as good as the CL on the highway. And with a start price of 80k, its much more luxury then the CL. and has a more reliable tranny too. overall reliablilty should be equal or greater then the CL. my
01-22-2009, 05:18 PM
#13
Suzuka Master
I've driven one. Interior is top-notch, the honey walnut wood trim is lush, ML stereo is tits, back seat is useless except for a briefcase or 90 lb girl, hardtop convertible design is very smooth and not too slow. That being said, the ride is extremely detached as is typical for much of Lexus' lineup. The runflat tires are harsh, the rims pre 2006 look like pie pans, and the only people i see driving sc430s are old men and MILFs.
01-22-2009, 05:24 PM
#14
Suzuka Master
I like the face-lifted versions a lot as well, it certainly gives it a fresher look...
http://www.autoclub.com.au/uploaded_...008-780893.jpg
http://www.autoclub.com.au/uploaded_...008-780893.jpg
01-22-2009, 05:24 PM
#15
Taken from theautochannel.com:
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 18 / 23 / 19
0 to 60 mph 5.9 sec (mfg)
1/4 mile (E.T.) 14.4 sec
so its about a half second faster then a stock CL-S in the 0-60. Like said above, its more of a lux crusier. It will have a smaller trunk and luggage-only rear seats compared to the CL. as you can see the MPGs are about the same as the CL for the city but no where as good as the CL on the highway. And with a start price of 80k, its much more luxury then the CL. and has a more reliable tranny too. overall reliablilty should be equal or greater then the CL. my
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 18 / 23 / 19
0 to 60 mph 5.9 sec (mfg)
1/4 mile (E.T.) 14.4 sec
so its about a half second faster then a stock CL-S in the 0-60. Like said above, its more of a lux crusier. It will have a smaller trunk and luggage-only rear seats compared to the CL. as you can see the MPGs are about the same as the CL for the city but no where as good as the CL on the highway. And with a start price of 80k, its much more luxury then the CL. and has a more reliable tranny too. overall reliablilty should be equal or greater then the CL. my
the gas mileage might be a deal breaker because i do a lot of highway driving...
01-22-2009, 05:26 PM
#16
I've driven one. Interior is top-notch, the honey walnut wood trim is lush, ML stereo is tits, back seat is useless except for a briefcase or 90 lb girl, hardtop convertible design is very smooth and not too slow. That being said, the ride is extremely detached as is typical for much of Lexus' lineup. The runflat tires are harsh, the rims pre 2006 look like pie pans, and the only people i see driving sc430s are old men and MILFs.
01-22-2009, 05:45 PM
#17
Sounders FC
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The interior is nice from what I remember, good quality materials all around. The backseat is pointless but could probably hold a normal size bag or a blow up doll.
01-22-2009, 06:08 PM
#18
Senior Moderator
Tim and Rick pretty much nailed the assessment of the car...
I've always liked 'em and if I was made of money, I'd have one to take out on fancy dinner dates...
I think it's an older persons car, but the prices on some of the early 2nd Gens (01 and 02) have become very attactive.
It's a nice car, but the lack of available manual transmission should give you a clue about the sportiness (or lack there of) of the SC430.
Just buy a CLS 6spd and you can have the luxury you're used too, a bit of sportiness, and decent gas mileage (I get 27-29mpg out of my CL on the highway).
I've always liked 'em and if I was made of money, I'd have one to take out on fancy dinner dates...
I think it's an older persons car, but the prices on some of the early 2nd Gens (01 and 02) have become very attactive.
It's a nice car, but the lack of available manual transmission should give you a clue about the sportiness (or lack there of) of the SC430.
Just buy a CLS 6spd and you can have the luxury you're used too, a bit of sportiness, and decent gas mileage (I get 27-29mpg out of my CL on the highway).
01-22-2009, 06:58 PM
#19
CL in lawnmower status
^he just said he can't have a car with a manual transmission
i guess i'm the only one here who hates the styling of it
looks really weird to me, one of the girliest car's i've seen, and why get a 4 seater if the back seats are useless anyways?
anyways goodluck with it tho, as i would personally love to own a lexus, just not that one
i guess i'm the only one here who hates the styling of it
looks really weird to me, one of the girliest car's i've seen, and why get a 4 seater if the back seats are useless anyways?
anyways goodluck with it tho, as i would personally love to own a lexus, just not that one
01-22-2009, 07:13 PM
#20
I have 2 friends that drive the Lexus SC430. The car feels really small and has a weird driving position. Its not that slow but its not fast either. It feels heavy and handles like a boat.
I think thats all i can think of, didnt like that car at all but it does look good.
I think thats all i can think of, didnt like that car at all but it does look good.
01-22-2009, 08:34 PM
#23
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
The SC is a cruiser. If you can live with a very small trunk, and a two seater, then go for it.
01-23-2009, 01:29 AM
#25
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
you are 21 years old. the car doesn't fit you. perhaps, you don't fit the car. get something else.
01-23-2009, 01:36 AM
#26
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
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It is a fantastic, posh, luxury cruiser. It has unique styling, I don't know when they came out but they still stand out, for better or worse. Solid build quality and reliability and the folding hard top is pretty trick, one of the pioneers in bringing back the hard top convertible. That said I don't see many people under the age of 50 behind the wheel, between price, image and styling it really isn't targeted at the younger market. It lacks road feel and is not a "drivers" car, but that may or may not be a good thing, depending on the owner.
I have had a chance to drive one for an extended period of time and I actually loved it. Its a great great great car.
I know people who took one to autocross and it surprised a LOT of people.
Last edited by Sarlacc; 01-23-2009 at 01:40 AM.
01-23-2009, 01:43 AM
#27
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
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And where do you even remotely get the Solara as being the sister car to the SC? The two cars have NO relation other than both being Toyotas.
01-23-2009, 04:05 AM
#28
Drifting
I've actually seen some pretty nice ones. I remember back in the day someone one the legend board had a pretty nice one
http://www.acura-legend.com/vbulleti...s-sc430-60734/
there was also a guy trying a twin turbo set up, but I don't remember the outcome:
http://www.lextreme.com/sc430tt.html
I don't think they look all that good stock, but given that you rarely see them, especially w/ a few mods, I'd definitely rock one. Aftermarket parts might be expensive/hard to find as they are probably almost all out of Japan, but definitely could be something unique.
I haven't driven one, so I can't really say how they drive, but I'd expect it to be like any other lexus, which isn't great but not bad at all. Just can't think of it as a 2 door 'sports' car.
I haven't looked into pricing though. How much are they going for? I always thought they were ridiculously overpriced new, and I remember them being marked up so much when they first came out.
http://www.acura-legend.com/vbulleti...s-sc430-60734/
there was also a guy trying a twin turbo set up, but I don't remember the outcome:
http://www.lextreme.com/sc430tt.html
I don't think they look all that good stock, but given that you rarely see them, especially w/ a few mods, I'd definitely rock one. Aftermarket parts might be expensive/hard to find as they are probably almost all out of Japan, but definitely could be something unique.
I haven't driven one, so I can't really say how they drive, but I'd expect it to be like any other lexus, which isn't great but not bad at all. Just can't think of it as a 2 door 'sports' car.
I haven't looked into pricing though. How much are they going for? I always thought they were ridiculously overpriced new, and I remember them being marked up so much when they first came out.
01-23-2009, 06:03 AM
#29
Cruising in ATL!!
After owning it for about an year... I must say, I wish I made the swap even earlier. Granted, I enjoyed my 03 CLS VERY MUCH but SC430 (in my opinion) is suited for different people with different needs. In my case, I specficially wanted a luxury cruiser with a capability of turning into convertible. You'll notice a few improvement on 06+ models with 6-speed transmission, slight changes (front and back) but overall car is about the same since it came out of production in 02. As for me, it's stricly for my weekends only and I don't plan to carry any more people than my gf in it. So 'useless' backseat doesn't bother me. Actually i think it's better than two seaters just b/c it's an extra space to store your bags (even golf bag!!).
I realize 02 and 03 have came down ALOT lately with pricing. I guess V8s just ain't selling. I'd look for low mileage (less than 50k) and start from there. Mechanical wise, car should be fine even with high mileage, but you have to consider all the electrical components that went into this car (including hardtop mechanism) that may show wear after years...
Good luck with your search. I for one enjoy it ALOT.
I realize 02 and 03 have came down ALOT lately with pricing. I guess V8s just ain't selling. I'd look for low mileage (less than 50k) and start from there. Mechanical wise, car should be fine even with high mileage, but you have to consider all the electrical components that went into this car (including hardtop mechanism) that may show wear after years...
Good luck with your search. I for one enjoy it ALOT.
01-23-2009, 09:48 AM
#32
I've actually seen some pretty nice ones. I remember back in the day someone one the legend board had a pretty nice one
http://www.acura-legend.com/vbulleti...s-sc430-60734/
there was also a guy trying a twin turbo set up, but I don't remember the outcome:
http://www.lextreme.com/sc430tt.html
I don't think they look all that good stock, but given that you rarely see them, especially w/ a few mods, I'd definitely rock one. Aftermarket parts might be expensive/hard to find as they are probably almost all out of Japan, but definitely could be something unique.
I haven't driven one, so I can't really say how they drive, but I'd expect it to be like any other lexus, which isn't great but not bad at all. Just can't think of it as a 2 door 'sports' car.
I haven't looked into pricing though. How much are they going for? I always thought they were ridiculously overpriced new, and I remember them being marked up so much when they first came out.
http://www.acura-legend.com/vbulleti...s-sc430-60734/
there was also a guy trying a twin turbo set up, but I don't remember the outcome:
http://www.lextreme.com/sc430tt.html
I don't think they look all that good stock, but given that you rarely see them, especially w/ a few mods, I'd definitely rock one. Aftermarket parts might be expensive/hard to find as they are probably almost all out of Japan, but definitely could be something unique.
I haven't driven one, so I can't really say how they drive, but I'd expect it to be like any other lexus, which isn't great but not bad at all. Just can't think of it as a 2 door 'sports' car.
I haven't looked into pricing though. How much are they going for? I always thought they were ridiculously overpriced new, and I remember them being marked up so much when they first came out.
Im seeing some in the mid to upper teen's... around $16kish with under 100k miles...so not that bad of a deal for what you're getting...in my opinion.
01-23-2009, 12:17 PM
#35
Senior Moderator
01-23-2009, 12:58 PM
#37
if you like it go for it.
I think it's a luxurious cruiser and would love to own one.
I think it's a luxurious cruiser and would love to own one.
01-23-2009, 01:06 PM
#38
We have one at our shop right now having the blown speakers replaced. Warranty isn't covering it, and the dealer wants $400 for the right 6x9 speaker 
Nothing fancy either, just a regular old paper cone...doesn't even have rubber surround. And yes, thats the ML system.
That being said, its pretty well put together. I do think it has an ugly design though, and those wheels kill it!
Those wheels are FTW.......................
Nothing fancy either, just a regular old paper cone...doesn't even have rubber surround. And yes, thats the ML system.That being said, its pretty well put together. I do think it has an ugly design though, and those wheels kill it!
01-23-2009, 03:08 PM
#39