What do you guys think of the Lexus SC430?
03-06-2007, 05:47 PM
#41
Suzuka Master
doopstr,
like you, i have a taste for hardtop convertibles. you can't beat the safety and security compared to a softtop. the irony is i traded in my 2003 350z for a 2005 rl because i needed more space and wanted more of a luxo-cruiser. i live in a pothole-infested city and every day would be a bone-jarring experience. i've had the rl for 2 years and tech and interior-wise you can't beat it. sound system is top notch, bluetooth, voice recognition, and nav system phenomenal. that being said, i do miss the sporty feel i experienced with the 350z, even after throwing on a-spec rims and racing tires on the rl. plus, i'm in my early 30s and single so others ask wtf i'm doing with a 4-door.
this prompted me to test drive a 2005 dark blue sc430 with 500 miles on it last year, good deal, 52 K. the other cars i looked at were the 2003 merc sl500 (horrible reliability) and slk55 amg (now that's a chick car). none of the other hardtop verts available suited my taste.
first of all 2002 was the first model year for the sc430 and with it came customary electrical type bugs that have been ironed out in subsequent years. secondly you'll be stuck with fugly rims that look like metal pies, you can upgrade that pretty easily. also the run-flat tires are jarring as all hell, if you upgrade your rims you'll want to switch to more comfortable tires, maybe pirellis or michelins.
the ride is silky smooth and definitely more of a luxury-cruiser than sports car. low end torque is marginal but after about 4K rpm the v-8 engine starts hauling ass. with the top down it's the most quiet convertible i've ever driven. top goes down in under 50 seconds, car does have to be parked for you to lower the top. mark levinson sound system on the 05 sc430 is the only stock audio system that comes close to the 300 watt bose system on my rl.
i say screw what others say and buy what you like, lexus reliability is legendary. i'd recommend the dark blue, white, or matador red mica for your exterior. the blonde wood interior is pure sex...not many can afford the 67K price tag of a new sc430. sounds like you're more into comfort and luxury than performance and the s2000 is loud as hell.
good luck on your search.
like you, i have a taste for hardtop convertibles. you can't beat the safety and security compared to a softtop. the irony is i traded in my 2003 350z for a 2005 rl because i needed more space and wanted more of a luxo-cruiser. i live in a pothole-infested city and every day would be a bone-jarring experience. i've had the rl for 2 years and tech and interior-wise you can't beat it. sound system is top notch, bluetooth, voice recognition, and nav system phenomenal. that being said, i do miss the sporty feel i experienced with the 350z, even after throwing on a-spec rims and racing tires on the rl. plus, i'm in my early 30s and single so others ask wtf i'm doing with a 4-door.
this prompted me to test drive a 2005 dark blue sc430 with 500 miles on it last year, good deal, 52 K. the other cars i looked at were the 2003 merc sl500 (horrible reliability) and slk55 amg (now that's a chick car). none of the other hardtop verts available suited my taste.
first of all 2002 was the first model year for the sc430 and with it came customary electrical type bugs that have been ironed out in subsequent years. secondly you'll be stuck with fugly rims that look like metal pies, you can upgrade that pretty easily. also the run-flat tires are jarring as all hell, if you upgrade your rims you'll want to switch to more comfortable tires, maybe pirellis or michelins.
the ride is silky smooth and definitely more of a luxury-cruiser than sports car. low end torque is marginal but after about 4K rpm the v-8 engine starts hauling ass. with the top down it's the most quiet convertible i've ever driven. top goes down in under 50 seconds, car does have to be parked for you to lower the top. mark levinson sound system on the 05 sc430 is the only stock audio system that comes close to the 300 watt bose system on my rl.
i say screw what others say and buy what you like, lexus reliability is legendary. i'd recommend the dark blue, white, or matador red mica for your exterior. the blonde wood interior is pure sex...not many can afford the 67K price tag of a new sc430. sounds like you're more into comfort and luxury than performance and the s2000 is loud as hell.
good luck on your search.
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