DDLexus

Does anyone have a recent copy of the CR evaluation of the 2003-2004 SC430? I have a dated copy of the publication and I wanted to know if the individual ratings have improved or declined after a few years of survey responses. A screenshot/photo of this car's consumer report card would be great!

abbeyrd

From Consumers Reports Apr 07

JohnnyCake

Interesting that the audio went from crappy to great to crappy. Were there really major changes those years or is this unexplainable?

Wonder what ""used car verdict" means -- can't be an average since the 06 is mostly excellent but has an average "verdict."

Gojirra99

Yes, it's the 03's audio that problematic ? I've never had any problems with mine yet . . .

KSUFlasher

I knew the 03 audio was pretty bad, but what happened on 06?

talwang

iTrader: (4)

Many of you already have partially blown door woofers and sub woofer without knowing it yet.

I fixed all the 3 woofers with a tube of speaker glue even only my driver side door woofer had sounded blown occasionlly.

DDLexus

What's the problem with the 2003 Audio system? Is there anything Lexus is willing to do to resolve these problems?

I'm considering buying a 2003 and worry about this. More details please.

MDames2

iTrader: (1)

I have owned a 2003 for 10 months. The audio is fantastic. I have had no problems at all.

martini3

'03 here w/ blown driver's door speaker.
while still under warranty, last year, I brought it into the dealership and complained about this issue. the tech said that there's nothing wrong.
so i decided that he was an idiot and didn't bother to go further w/ it.

It's a slight humming sound especially tuned into the AM talk radio news.
I can hear it buzzing or humming on the driver's side speaker while the passenger speaker side sounds fine.

sometimes, it really disturbs me on certain channels and songs that I listen to.

I believe Mr. Talwang has a DIY on fixing this so that's what i'll be doing soon to resolve this issue.

Also, I have summarized the following minor issues that I have encountered since '03:

- driver's speaker (humming or buzzing sound on certain channels and songs)
- TPMS (one of them went dead and the light sensor is still on) I can live w/ it until I get new tires or turn the TPMS off manually.
- trunk struts wore out after 2 1/2 - 3 years (replaced under warranty)
- passenger brake light went out last month (12/1/07) and got it replaced.

Other than that, it's the most reliable sports touring car I've ever had given the minor issues that this car has w/ all the electrical and convertible mechanisms.

Of course, I can't depend on the warranty anymore cause I've expired and the dealership wants to charge me a "highway robbery" one for an extended one.

Luckily, I have a very reliable and experienced mechanic who really knows the in/out's of Japenese cars.

thanks..teeman3

talwang

iTrader: (4)

Tee, you need to disable your TPSM asap.
The blown speaker is an easy fix, but I do suggest you check passanger side and sub while you are at it.

DDLexus

teeman3, thanks for the information. Sounds like MINOR problems on your 2003. Anyone else care to comment?

CenterIsl

I've only had my 02 for a few weeks, but have trolled this forum extensively...

I had the trunk strut problem, but there's an EBay seller who sells replacements for $75 a pair and there's a great writeup here on doing it yourself (about a 1/2 hour job).

The TPMS issue is more complicated than just expired batteries (again, there's a writeup on replacment) if you want to move to non-stock wheels.

Not sure exactly what's behind the CR statistics, but be aware that many in the automotive press evaluate the SC430s with the factory run-flats. Lots of threads on this forum universally denigrating this...not a reliability issue per se but has a variety of ramifications (e.g. harshness and rattles).

One other reported issue is the outside rearview mirrors wearing down the plastic gears, which causes them to move erratically (if at all). My personal suspicion is that this is in the up/down direction, and happens to folks who set the mirror switch to L or R, which causes the mirrors to go down - and up - every time you put the car in Reverse. There are replacement mirrors on EBAY, and there's a good writeup here about redoing just the guts.

One thing not commonly mentioned is the rubber seals on the hardtop, but this is something that just _has_ to start cropping up now that the seals are getting 6 years old (on the first cars). Regular use of 303 protectant should help some, but they are rubber and they're going to degrade (and, ultimately, allow water incursion).

tfeni52355

I've had my 2002 with 15K miles for only a month. What a find! I still can not get over the beauty and styling of this car. Absolutely Red, Ecru Interior.

Replaced the struts in the trunk with those from EBay. $65 fix. Easy 10 minute job.

Noticed the mirrors moving when I reversed from the garage. Is there a way to disable that?

Also you mentioned the "303 protectant" for the rubber around the top. Is this a product available at Auto parts stores?

I am thinking of switching to Amsoil 0-30W synthetic oil since the car is mainly driven under 20 miles per day roundtrip. Any feedback appreciated.

Thanks for getting this newbie up to speed!

CenterIsl

Leave the mirror switch midway between L and R.

Probably. I got my last spray bottle at a marine store, but it is pretty common.

Hoo boy, that's a can of worms. Lots of passion around this in other online forums. I think it boils down to having "faith" that pure synthetic is worth the significant added expense over dino -or blended - oil.

[/QUOTE]

tfeni52355

Thanks CenterIsl !