SBSSC430

I am the proud owner of a new 2004 SC430 with now a little over 2600 miles. I know there was a break in period for the frist 500 or so during which I made sure to drive at different spedds however, recently (last couple of days) it is beginning to feel like the engine is running better and the car performing more as anticipated. Not sure of this makes any sense.

Either I am getting used to the car (came from a BMW 540) and therefore it is behaving as I expect or the car is beginning to "learn" more about me and therefore performs as I expect. Accelleration seems smoother, transmition smoother and the "sweet spot" while on the highway (the speed that I just find myself at comfortably) is now around 75 rather than the 65 it has been since I got the car.

I don't recall this adjustment period on my BMW (a certified pre-owned BTW).

So - am I making this up? Is it me, the car or what....thanks!

LeslieRC

I think you're right. My first SC430 was a 2002 that I purchased "new" with 5300 miles on the odometer. It had been the Sales Manager's car. I traded that car in for a 2004 SC430 that had 3 miles on the odometer and I noticed a significant difference in "feel" and performance right away. The `04 was stiffer and a little sluggish at first. Now that I have put 4400 miles on the `04, it feels much the same as the `02 did.

JCtx

Your post in encouraging. My car still feels a lethargic, even though I already topped it out once, and ran it between 100 and 120 mph for 110 miles. I'm just shy of 2K miles right on its first 'birthday'.
I feel it a little better on take-off, but my main complain is downshifts, where it still needs considerable 'encouragement' to invoke one, even with 'power' mode. Hope that changes, but if my past 3 Lexii V8s are any indication, I'm not holding my breath.
Good day.

bjoraker

I don't understand why some sc430 owners don't drive their car more. I have nearly 2000 miles after 2 months of driving. Is it just a Sunday pleasure cruiser for you with low mileage vehicles or do you have multiple cars that you spread your time around in.? For the record, I drive my sc430 as my primary vehicle.

1NICESC430

BJ ...

I think ELP_JC is unique in having so few miles on his car and I'm sure he'll explain why.

I purchased my car in July 2001 and now have 9673 miles on it. I put my car away during the winter which is usually around Thanksgiving to Easter. I do not drive it to places where it's likely to get banged up by inconsiderate, stupid, or incompetent people. Because I'm semi- to mostly retired, I no longer have to drive to work every day; I "work" out of my home. This also means I'm closer to my refrigerator all day long which has led to ... well, that's another story.

At the same time I bought my Lexus, I traded my Acura CL for a Subaru Outback which does very nice winter work and is great for hauling stuff.

bjoraker

Nice to see others driving their car a lot too. I will be driving my car thru the winter... We'll see if that works out or I end up suddenly buying a winter beater. I also worry constntly about some idiot banging up my car in a parking lot, but it is still pristine so all that care has been worth it.

bt430

Bought mine in June and I've got close to 6000 miles on it. I felt it went through a break in period as well. At around 3500 miles the engine came to life or I just forgot my last car was an M5 All kidding aside it really did perk up. I also forgot how much fun a smaller car is especially one with a pretty big 8 under the hood. Even though I’m 100HP lighter the SC430 can certainly get out of its own way and in a hurry if you want it to.

BT

antigeek

My '02 is fast approaching its 3rd birthday.
It is my only vehicle, and I just took it in for its 30K maintenance (including a dead battery).
It's no longer pristine, but that's because I drive it. I do wish I had bought the hood-protecting film, but I'm glad I didn't buy different wheels (it seems I've been unkind to the rims on occasion).
Still, I get compliments on a regular basis.

Of course, living in Texas, I have more months to take advantage of the easy-opening top. I definitely don't recommend driving it in the snow -- I tried it late one night to see how it'd do, and it didn't. And thank goodness for Traction Control or I would have been stuck.