jkt

Used to hate the look of the sc, saw some pics of ones with aero kits and better wheels and now want one. Any difference in years? looking to spend around 30k.

Yes

nothing major until 2006. they gave it a slightly different front bumper, LED taillights and a 6-speed transmission. if you look hard enough, you can probably find one for $30k, maybe a little more.

Jackalope

2003 Lexus SC: This upper-crust convertible added optional Lexus Link service as its sole change for 2003. Also available for the LS 430, Lexus Link was basically GM's OnStar system, with similar emergency assistance and concierge services, but monitored by a separate Lexus-only staff of operators.
2004 Lexus SC: A limited-production Pebble Beach Edition debuted for 2004. Only about 400 were to be built. Each featured Azure Pearl paint, Ecru leather upholstery, a rear spoiler, run-flat tires, special badging--and even a leather golf bag.
2005 Lexus SC: SC 430 lost its Lexus Link assistance system, but otherwise saw only detail changes this year. For 2005, the SC 430 got revised shock absorbers and a navigation system with more-detailed screen graphics and a larger DVD database.
2006 Lexus SC: A 6-speed automatic transmission and cosmetic touch-ups marked this upper-crust convertible for 2006.
2007 Lexus SC: The addition of standard front-knee airbags marked 2007 for Lexus' convertible.
2008 Lexus SC: The 2008 Lexus SC 430 carried over unchanged.

jkt

Thanks for info. found a 2005 for 29k with 43 k miles. good deal?

PHXSC

KBB, private party sale, good condition, has it for ~$30k, so that price is right, depending on condition.

Yes

personally, i'd try for an '06. there aren't many buyers. so you have the leverage to bargain the price down.

robsvdp

I've seen a number of '06s on ebay with Buy It Now prices of $30k. Not sure why, but seems really cheap. I test drove an '05 and ended buying an '06 because I just couldn't get past the sluggish transmission. The '06 is better, but by no means a great transmission.

Jackalope

Not bad. I bought my 05 a month ago for that price, but mine only had 18K miles.

Lexusaurus

I just bought an 04 with 55,000 miles for $21,500. It's in great shape. My mechanic inspected it, and it has a clean Carfax (one owner). Deals are out there.

Jackalope

Yeah, on EVERYTHING. Just saw a Mercedes SL with 40K for $40K. If I'd seen it before I bought my SC, I might be driving a three-pointed star right now.

Yes

I had an SLK before my SC. I'll never buy another Mercedes again. Their reliability is a joke.

SCM3

Agree, my SLK55 was a rattle trap. I loved the power, but the SC is a much better car.