GKlexus

I am thinking about buying a previously owned SC430. What issues have you had with the retractable top??

Z3NK1

iTrader: (2)

I had a problem at one point where it would stop when it was 90% down, turned out to be a hinge bolt that had wiggled loose. The lock washer on the end had fallen off, and there's no way to replace it without buying the whole hinge assembly. Problem was rectified by just pushing the pin back in, and it's been fine since.

Other than that, no issues.

Solman

Two years=zero problems. Roof goes up and down several times a day in sunny california. VERY reliable.

tfischer

I've had this car since it came out, and have been reading this forum the whole time. Although this data might not be based upon a statistically valid sample, my overall summary, which is congruent with my personal experience, is that this car has very few problems, and the top, despite its complexity, is hardly ever an issue.
For what it's worth, the same company that makes this top makes the top for the MB SLC (or, at least, did for quite a while) and that top also is quite reliable.
In other words, no issues with the top at all. Also: you might search here for "Consumer Reports." A few years ago the SC430 scored the best number ever recorded for a single model in the history of the magazine.
Look it up.

TEXAS83

2002 sc430 = no problems with roof ever!

Hemicuda

Yea, I was parinoid about the top too. Talked to several dealers they nevere had any problems. Watching the top go up and down is amazing. I just love the car, can't beleive I waited this long to buy one! Go for it, you only live once

VVTiBob

No worries about the top. But check the pistons on both the trunk and engine covers. The trunk pistons weaken over time and do not function well. If the car you're considering has been serviced at Lexus, they have a national database of its history.... Negotiate and require a print out of the its history. Then you'll have piece of mind AND a great car.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

I've owned two SC's and no problems...knock on wood.

I've also spoken to a national trainer for service technicians that was visiting Sewell one time and they said they very very very rarely see any SC roof problems. Now the ML speakers are an ENTIRELY different issue!