So this is a nice little problem to have . I am the new owner of a 2003 Black on Black SC430 with about 50,000 miles. I can't decide what I want to do. I could trade it in on a brand new Black on Black IS350 and just owe a little, or I could keep the SC430 (which has NO payments ) The SC430 is an awesome car... but I just can't decide if I want a new car with a warranty and the ability to run 13.7's stock, or if I want to keep the hard top convertible. I have been a soarer guy for years so I feel a sort of connection with the car, but a brand new car would be nice.

Opinions?

Thanks,

Rob

 

Drive the SC430 for six to eight months until there are more IS350s on the market, then trade at just before the end of summer.

 

Sounds like a better idea. Plus I should enjoy the drop top during our nice weather down here... You know before it gets over 200 F .

 

Well, in my opinion, if the only thing your concerned with is having a warranty then I wouldn't rush to unload the SC430. Sure, Lexus repairs are what some cars are worth, but 50k miles on anything engineered and manufactured by Toyota still makes it a baby... it's still got a long life to live.

You also have to take into consideration what's most important to you, when it comes to a car. Only you can decide what you truly want out of your car. I, personally, would prefer to roll around in drop-topped ultra-luxury. Others would prefer the superior sportiness of the IS to the SC's cushy-ride. You'll just have to decide which one will leave a bigger smile on YOUR face.

 

hey that's not a bad idea, dave!

i would definitely drive the sc430 for a while and see. they are two very very different cars

 

The warranty issue, at least for now, IMO, is a moot point.....a 2003 SC still has roughly 2-3 years left on the drivetrain warranty and 1-2 years on the general warranty.

Dave is correct that you might get a better deal on a new IS itself in 6-8 months, but you also might get less for your car as well on a trade-in...it will be 8 months older and will have lost more of its value. So, of course, while we can't predict the future, in the end, my rough guess is that it probably won't make much difference either way, money-wise.

 

no more general warranty coz' of the 50k miles. and if he drives it more then the drivetrain warranty will go out well before 2-3 yrs too

but then again this is a lexus, so if you maintain it well, i probably wont' even worry a bit about it until 80k miles easy

 

keep the SC430

 

I'd keep the SC430...no doubt about it.

 

Keeping the SC430 at least until the end of Summer is a great idea. Then you can decide whether you want to trade for a IS350 & see what kind of deals you can get then.

Having BOTH is a better idea though

Or you may want to keep the SC430 until early next year, when the new IS hardtop convertible comes out, not sure you can still get 13.7 sec. with the extra weight though . . .

 

jeez, tough one. the new IS350 is very nice and tight. great handling and great agility for a small compact sedan. but there's nothing like the ultimate open-air driving experience.

good luck w/ your "back and forth" thought process. teeman3

 

The IS 350 is nice great car but I would keep the SC 430!

 

Good point, Henry. I did not take the 50K into consideration.....I should have noticed it.

 

Add me to the "keep the SC" crowd.

 

Done, Im keeping the SC430 for a while!