^No, the hardtop is the only way it comes. The 430 has always been a hardtop convertible since it was introduced, to compete with the SLK.

I drove an 07 SC430 at a Taste of Lexus event last year and I really liked it! I thought it was a fun drive with the top down. Coming from an Acura owner, I just couldn't get over the low bang-for-the-buck ratio. I think getting it pre-owned is def the way to go.

Good luck at the gas pump

 

Congrats. Its a nice ride. Here in Japan, a 2001 goes at about $24K. Not cheap.

More like banged for the buck. It's about $10 G's too much. I guess it ensures a "certain" customer base. Getting it used is the way to go. Gramps does not abuze these things.

 

Congrats....how about some more pics?

I wasn't going to say this but....a coworker of mine has one too. It is a great looking car and I do enjoy when we go out to lunch in it. I was say that I'll buy it when they want to unload it. Oh yeah....SHE is in her 50's

 

Congrats!

 

I take it you're Korean as well or just a big fan of Korean drama? what do you mean by that anyway? I have to admit, there is somewhat sense of status symbol that I was aiming for when I intially wanted this car. I mean it was my first Lexus and face it, SC model is one of the more expensive vehicle they offer after LS.

At the same time, things you mentioned above were the main reason why I bought it. I knew I wanted convertible being my weekend car... hardtop for my own safety... and realiability to keep my maintenance cost less. SC seemed like the best option for it. And I love it!

 

You can potentially fit a small person behind the passenger side but i don't think it's really recommended. My take is, Lexus offered two rear seats to deviate from 'two seaters' model. When it comes to insurance rate, it can be considered as sports car with four seats potentially making your rate lower.

Also, this allows both driver and passenger to recline your seat further. (something you're very limited to in any roadster) Even Salesmen told me it's basically to store more luggage that you couldn't fit in the trunk. That's how I plan to use it. Like I said, it's planned to be use as my weekend car so I don't plan to take more than one person at a time.

 

As far as purchasing it used, it totally depends on your preference. Some people have the tendency to prefer a new car because they can't trust the previous owners. While I felt the same way, getting it new was completely out of my price range. Plus, SC430 is soon to be discountined or (remodel at least) so I didn't think any reason for buying it new at higher cost.

First time pumping gas today... 19 gallons tank but I pumped 17 gals when the light came on. It wasn't as bad as what I expected it. I knew there were some things to compromise with V8 engine but liks I said before it's my weekend car so gas isn't too bad. I don't have to pay gas for my DD (company vehicle) so I guess I have more breathing room there....

 

I would love to but what's the name of free website that can host pictures? My previous pic was from my facebook account...

 

say hi to sicklex for us

 

Nice car. I've always loved those.

 

I'm not Korean but watch too many Korean movies / TV series (translated) due to my wife loving to watch them. There was no meaning to the comment ... just an observation. And yes, Koreans are just like any other Asian country -- status is very important!

To reinterate: I like the virtues of the car, just not the application. If it only had a bit more 'sporty' lines to it, I think it would be a fantastic car.

 

I'm sorry but who/what is sicklex??

 

Status can be important to some but people often 'over-do' it... For me, buying one of the least-expensive/not-equipped/lacks-performance vehicle just for the badge seems such a huge waste of money.

I don't know about you guys, but I couldn't justify buying 03 325i or 03 C230 with hardly no options vs. 03 CL/TL fully equipped for same money. But then again that's just me.

As far as SC, I don't know other models in comparable price range that offer same options... To me, this car stands OUT and I love it!

 

as opposed to a female man or a male woman?

 

i for one think its a really nice car... i was looking at the previous gen sc400's when i was car shopping but couldnt find anything to my liking... hows the power compared to the cl??

 

nice car!

My buddy has an 02. Personally not a fan of the looks but the interior is absolutely gorgeous and well its a LEXUS!

 

I admit, interior is definitely better than what I'm used to. My butt is loving the quality of leather for sure... Not sure if the wood grain is authentic but it certainly is appealing. Whole mechanism behind NAVI screen and Stereo system is great when I want to hide them all. Only thing I can wish for would be a better/bigger cup holders... Then again I probably wouldn't want anyone drinking/eating in this car yet!!!

Come to think of it, you have to expect these on $65k-70k cars... I was just not aware of it.

 

I haven't really driven it 'HARD' enough to compare w/ CL.... whole V8 is scaring me alittle. I kinda want to see what kind of mileage I'll get under normal driving...

Additional torque is definitely a plus... lot of things look good on paper but you gotta remember, it's much heavier than CL.