myfirstrx

run flats vs. regular tires w/ spare

If I buy an sc w/ the spare tire kit already installed, can I just take it out if I ever decide to change to run flats? Or is there more involved than just removing the spare tire and whatever bolts it into the trunk? I hate the fact that Lexus charges $400 more for the run flat option (run flats are only about $30 more per tire at tirerack), but takes away the spare, so they actually save money on the deal, by the way.

price of a new sc430?

for the people who said they bought their sc430 for 59k and 60k out the door, can you tell me how much it was before tax and license? Im in Calif. where the tax and lic. is very high, so I want to compare the price you got before tax and lic.

any TSBs I should know about?

I ask this because my RX300 has a potential oil geling problem (requiring completely new engine installed) that I have read about on the forums happening to others. Lexus sent me a letter that they would fix it if it happened before the car is 8 years old. Is there anything on the sc430 like this?


thanks

AsianGirl007

iTrader: (1)

The extra money is for the "run flat" sensors on each wheel, which I believe, is not available to put on aftermarket. Also, please check your pm's.......



Anyway, in California all SC430's come fully loaded with runflats and spoilers. No way to get it without. But people don't generally mind since with runflats you are saving space in trunk. And you get the tire pressure monitering system in the dash.

Carpe Diem

Yes, he's right about the sensors. I think the dealer's price is $100+ each! But he's not telling you that if you have runflats and want to convert, the dealer wants a pretty price for the spare kit and install. I seem to recall someone quoting $1200 and someone else getting a "deal" at about $500! And then you've got a set of sensors that you might get $100 for the set on ebay.

Regarding the spare, yes you'll remove it and the mounting bracket. Then you'll need to replace the well deck cover and carpet. Im not sure about the deck cover but the carpet is only about $30. Probably close to $100 for both. Then you'll have the dealer program the sensor system to "read" the sensors installed.

If you really do that and decide to sell the spare, please let me know. We can also work in the cover and carpet.

George

VASCER

I have a 2002 SC purchased in 2001 without the runflats and equipped with the spare tire setup. This car has always had the tire sensors installed so I have to assume they are not just for runflats as indicated above.

AsianGirl007

iTrader: (1)

You are right. I thought about it after I posted and realized tire pressure monitering system is on the LS as well and that car doesn't have runflats, so it just tells you if your air is too low. In the 3 years the car's been out, I think I've only come acrosss 2 or 3 with regular tires so I had to think about it for awhile.