jimxo

Can anyone tell me what model year I should consider. I know 05 06 there were some changes but not sure what they were.

What kind of price to these car hold?

TIA

Jim

CBG

I would say buy a 05 and up and make sure it is in good/excellent condition with vairly low miles and you should get a good car.
Are you planning on buying one from a Lexus dealer or private party. I think you will get a better car from a dealer but you will also probably pay more. If you are buying from a dealer get a Lexus Certified Preowned Car because they are going to be in the best condition. I know a couple people that bought used SC430s from private parties and both bought other peoples problem cars.
I just bought a couple months ago a 2005 SC 430 in almost mint condition with only 17,000 miles on it for $30K from a Lexus dealer in my area. If buying from a dealer go into a dealer in the middle of the month and if you see something you like show intrest in the car but don't buy it then no matter what kind of "deal" they say they are giving you. When I first went in they were asking $39,900 for the car I wanted. I went home and did some internet searches on what the car was worth and the places I looked said the car was worth $38k-$41k so the dealer was in the right price range. But after going back a couple times they would only come down to $37.9k. And I knowing how bad the car industry is lately I said thank you but no thanks on that $37.9k and walked out. I waited till the end of the month and went back in on the last day of the month and got the car I wanted for $30k. Because they have to meet a quota and will drastically reduce price especially on used cars on the last day of the month to meet that quota.

Good Luck on your search and hope this helps you, Cliff

JohnnyCake

This really should be put on the FAQ with the major improvements for each year.

aquanuke

Ive answered that question atleast 3 times in as many months

jimxo

Thanks kids, I checked ebay and found more 05's with better prices and a few with low miles. I don't have any time frame so I will be begin to get educated on this car. I have been lucky with internet cars in the past and did a good job running vin # with the Lexus dealer network and carfax. I may order a car inspection as well. I think the dealer route may work well to with the slow auto market.

I'll be hanging around this forum a bit more.


cheers!

FASC

I have recently bought 2006 SC 430 from Lexus dealer. It is CPO has satellite radio, radar detector and 3M clear shield. Has only 9000 miles on it. I had similar question about 05 and 06. I have test driven both. 2006 has some interior and exterior changes and has new 6 speed transmission. You can do more research to look for changes in 06. So far I am very happy with my choice. My suggestion is to go for one which you really like if you can afford it. Hope this helps!

bbatts

I recently purchased (Oct. 08), a used, red/saddle 05 with 12K miles for 33K on ebay. I flew into see the car, was impressed and drove it home. It is still in the original warranty period till mid 09, in the event I run into a problem. The 05, with full warranty, fit my price range very well. As an 05, I have the 5sp automatic trans. Since I get 28+ mpg on the highway, I see no advantage for extra expense going to 06 to get 6sp.

BB

BB

jimxo

12k miles for 33k...that's is a deal you can be proud of

There is a 05 on ebay for 31k with 22k miles down in BUSH country (TX)

I think the SC430 may be our next car.....I'm a bit early to jump in right now until the markets improve.

Thanks for all your imput.

jimxo

I'm back after 2 years and plan on buying a convertible this year.....I hope to be a SC430 owner soon. My wife actually like the new Mustang GT....YIKES!

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

I bought an 04 for 30k at the end of December, had to drive to Bonita Springs to get it but it was worth it. It only had 86XX miles on it when we bought it. It still smelled new. The dealer even installed 4 new tires and a new battery on it because the car had been sitting in the garage of someone's vacation home. The only things from the 05+ cars I wanted were the AUX input, 4th Gen Nav, and the LED tails. Luckily I have been able to make those modifications myself. AUX from a Vias Tech SLU, 4th Gen Nav swapped in instead of the 3rd Gen (plug and play swap) and the LED tails are soon to come. I also dont see a need for the 6 speed transmission but thats just my personal opinion. For the price + miles I just couldnt pass up the offer. I added warranty + prepaid maint. for about 2700 and lexus even has a 10% down no interest payments for 12 months to cover that.

mandyfig

Robert where, how much did you get the 4th Gen NAV? Thanks.

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

ebay has them for 400-600 all depends on what year the car was pulled from I guess if you get lucky you can get one for less. Do not buy from the dealer. Just make sure your looking for the right computer its part # 86841-50090

mandyfig

Thanks, I shall be looking for one. Does it include the DVD?

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

depends on who you buy from, i know some specifically say they do not include the disc...mine had the 2007 map disc so i lucked out.

VVTiBob

Mandyfig
When I got my 4th Gen earlier this month it had a DVD in it. Was a few years old so I decided to buy a new one and sold my Gen 2/3 disc. Let me know if you're interested if you find a 4th Gen Nav system.