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That is a nice collection you have there. I saw your TA earlier, that is why I posted mine. Mine is a 94, I bought it in 95, so I've had it a while. Still looks brand new. Like the SC430s, it's probably a future collectable.
I acquired this 2002 SC 430 in a sort of a horse trade. It came out of an old barn. Haven't gotten to the cosmetics yet...
Condition Plus side:
Services/repairs, at Lexus dealers, the timing belt service, a spark plug service(s), 5k mile services at the Lexus dealers for (most) its lifetime, oil pan gaskets, a new mechanical top, both upstream 02 sensors replaced, the tranny fluid looks new as does the coolant, new radiator, new pumps, pulleys and tensioners, new serpentine belt, and various and sundries. It has a well-functioning Mark Levinson system (the man is an acquaintance of mine), decent Kuhmo fronts and Yoko rears, wheels, one Takata airbag replaced, black leather interior has responded well to proper Apple Care; car seems to like me Minus side:
The paintwork needs chippy attention. The wheel nuts want replacing. The front passenger side seems to "bottom out" over even moderate pitch/potholes - the tech reassures me but I don't think it is right. Wife doesn't like the wheels. Power steering fluid wants replacing, at least. Make various groans and moans that seem to be diminishing as I drive it. Another Takata airbag wants replacing, over 100kMiles, it sat for about a year.
My efforts so far
I've put three tankfuls of Shell 93 + Techron in each fill, a new air filter, cabin filter, 0-30 Mobil One and filter, Apple Care Leather Cleaner and Conditioner several times on the seats, cleaned and tightened a leak from the power steering system well before it destroyed the alternator, ordered a paper Service Manual of several volumes, and sort of made a pest of myself on the Forum.
Why I may keep it:
I can garage it
I have a G500 for all the other things I like to do
It has tinted windows that are practical/attractive - I can see out of them too
It looks great as a coupe; not so much as a convertible IMHO
After having MB for several decades it reminds me how cheap it was to maintain my Legends and NSXes
It's a Lexus
It's a Toyota
I don't have to endure MBUSA
It's has the Japanese quality and honor in it.
It's a rescue dog-car (no canines allowed)
It's fun to drive
Some inexpensive tweaking will make it a more fun to drive car
What I may do to it - please help me with order of importance - goal is to improve handling and preserve comfort
Install new instrument Cluster from Tanin on order!
New aerial, automatic key, and something else waiting to be installed
Stoptech Slotted brakes, hoses and pads on the front - at least - with the Black hats
Have the front end gone over - probably replace the up/lo control arms and ball joints
Figure out what the mystery shocks are (Spatts? - not Sachs - anyone know about them?) and possibly replace them, but with what?
Replace the power steering reservoir, fluid and hoses
Reduce unsprung weight
Obtain proper front and rear sway bar upgrade for the street only (No no coil overs too much $$$ and sway bars come first.)
After chips are repaired what should I do for the paint? Products?
Hello,
My name is Skyler (in the above photo on the right) and I'm from Atlanta, GA. I'm 32 and a native Georgian.
Professionally, I'm a Certified Construction Auditor and also perform several "specialized" audits, primarily in the Government Industry. I enjoy Tennis, Piano, Ballet/Opera, Auto Shows, Driving in my beautiful SC430, and spending time with friends and family.
My SC Stats are as follows: 1. Indigo Blue. 2. Saddle interior color with walnut-grained panelling. 3. Mark Levinson Premium Sound System (considering upgrading to be more easily compliant with the Georgia Hands Free Driving Act). 4. Standard/Factory options. I'm only the 2nd owner. It has always been garage kept and serviced at Hennessy Lexus Atlanta. 5. No modifications and I like it that way right now. It's never even had a minor accident. I purchased it at a mere 125,000 miles and it had the timing belt changed along with a full 120k service "tune up". I intend to keep it serviced only at Hennessy and to have all the work done (including routine oil changes) done there as well, in practice with the previous owner. This will hopefully give me a few hundred thousand miles out of "Lexie" (as I call her). 6. I own an ES300 as my commuter car, my SC430 has been just my "fun" or "weekend" car. 7. Atlanta, GA-US. 8. Enjoy the pics! Cool Story: I waited and search a while (years) to find this color/interior combination! It definitely paid off. I've only had the car since January and it is an absolute pleasure to drive. I don't mind Atlanta traffic as much in this car!
Wow! Don’t know if you “enhanced” (used a filter) the photos of the car, but the paint absolutely sparkles in the sunlight. Looks brand new! Not bad for a car coming up on 20 year models old. Congratulations on the find. The interior looks great too.
You are correct about the ML audio system it is truly dated and sorely lacking today’s tech. When is the last time you actually saw a cassette tape? Let alone used one. Fortunately many of us have updated our head units, leaving the amp intact, while others have replaced everything. So we have a wide array of substantial experience.
Welcome to the forum Skyler and congratulations on your acquisition. It looks like you got a good one! (I have a similar 2002. That is one of my favorite color combinations, though the other colors are quite nice also.)
You are correct about the ML audio system it is truly dated and sorely lacking today’s tech. When is the last time you actually saw a cassette tape? Let alone used one. Fortunately many of us have updated our head units, leaving the amp intact, while others have replaced everything. So we have a wide array of substantial experience.
Monday, actually. I'm quite enjoying going through my old collection of music that I haven't listened to in years.
Wow! Don’t know if you “enhanced” (used a filter) the photos of the car, but the paint absolutely sparkles in the sunlight. Looks brand new! Not bad for a car coming up on 20 year models old. Congratulations on the find. The interior looks great too.
You are correct about the ML audio system it is truly dated and sorely lacking today’s tech. When is the last time you actually saw a cassette tape? Let alone used one. Fortunately many of us have updated our head units, leaving the amp intact, while others have replaced everything. So we have a wide array of substantial experience.
No filter, I had just hand waxed it with some good old elbow grease and it brought the paint even more alive. I don't have a garage, as I live in a condominium community just outside of Atlanta, so I am shopping for a month-to-month storage space for the car. Meanwhile, I wax it 1x a month by hand and treat the leather saddle and black rubber with ArmorAll so that it always looks fresh and new. It has no cracks whatsoever and you're 100% correct my friend, I get asked frequently if it's a new car and I just smile and say it's very new to me.
I’d be proud to say, no, it’s nearly 20 years old.... BTW do a search on “Clay bar” for taking car of the car’s finish. It may even make it look better, and, depending on contaminants in the clear coat, improve the cars’s slipperiness.
Greetings SC lovers. I have been a long time lurker but first time poster. This is my 2005 Midnight Pine Pearl on Saddle purchased last summer. Picture taken last weekend in Laguna Beach, CA on my PCH drive.
Greetings SC lovers. I have been a long time lurker but first time poster. This is my 2005 Midnight Pine Pearl on Saddle purchased last summer. Picture taken last weekend in Laguna Beach, CA on my PCH drive.
Yes I am a long time resident of Huntington Beach, CA.
Oh, hello neighbor . I’m across from Westminster Mall. Yeah, would it be great if we run into each other? Mine is 07 Obsidian Black on Black. Love the SC, would not trade for anything. People could not believe it’s 12 years old car.
04-27-19, 05:48 AM
