Nice car, paint looks good, why are you painting it? Don't you like the color?

 

Well after having a 2002 SC430 for many years, I traded it in. I missed her and so I just bought a 2004 SC430. Most of the mechanicals have been done. I just need to replace the front rotors. My main fun will be replacing the speakers which have routed out. That too is normal

But hello again!

 

I recommend Bosworth Customs in CLT. They have done extensive work for me and I am taking my SC in next week for paint correction. You may also want to consider a wrap. It is less expensive than a paint job and can be easily changed. All colors and patterns. You can find them via Google.

 

Welcome back to the club.

 

New member here

details;

silver
black
stock audio (planning on installing new device to replace the cassette deck section)
no major options or packages ATM
No mods done other than removing runflats
im a previous owner of a “91” LS409
current owner of “13” RX350
and now “05” SC430

no pics yet as it’s in storage, hiding from those harsh Canadian Winters
im based in Ontario

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

I just purchased a 2005 SC430 in Absolutely Red with Saddle Leather (stunning combo), with 101,000 miles at 18% of original list. It has traceable owner and service history, starting with a 2 year lease in NJ, then about 2 years in KY, and it spent the last 6 years in Denver (where I am). The owners kept to the maintenance scedule. The timing belt was replaced at 86k. The Lexus dealer did a complimentary inspection and found only one item, the door lock actuator. I did buy a 3yr/3k b2b 0 Did service plan ($2400) but I may ditch that and get a full refund. It is only a top malfunction that concerns me. The 2005 has simple bluetooth connectivity and I can place/recieve calls. But no phone libary for voice dial commands. It has Audiovox alarm/remote start system installed, but no FOB for this (I suspect it was first owner). I have to get under the dash and remove the black box to get the model #. It would be worth buying the correponding FOB to see if it still works.

The car is in supurb condition, but like any used car, it needed some attention:

Drivers' door lock actuator is inop: Unfortunately I missed this on my personal pre-buy, but a the price I was getting I don't think the dealer would have budged any way. The is a guy on eBay who sells refurbed OEM actuators, and while I've seen videos of removal, I think I want a pro on this one. My Toyota dealer says about 1.5 hrs labor charge. Lexus dlr wants about $650. This could be covered by my service plan, but I may pay out of pocket.

Trunk struts weak: Again, I missed this on my pre-buy, but this is an easy fix. I opted for OEM struts from Bell Lexus Scottdale's eBay sit, and self-installed with a flat-head screwdriver in 4 minutes. Lexus dlr wanted $89 each strut-labor only. There are all kinds is posts about doing this; you only need one correct one, and here it is:
You prop the trunk lid up with a broom handle or equivalent. You use a small flat head screwdriver and pry it in behind the clips on the back of the strut heads. It will pop off and the head will remove easily. When you install the new strut, be sure that it is in the same orientation as the original. A cave man could do this.

Only 1(aftermarket) Master Key: I ordered an OEM master key from the local Lexus dealer @ $200, cutting incl. Bell had one for $170 and would cut it for free if was on site. I've read a lot on programming the key to the car transponder, and then programming the remote the car. The dealer wants another $40 for that. I will try it with the forum instructions first, but again, there are all kinds of post about. There is only 1 way to program a master key for a 2003 SC430, and hopefully one of the posts I read covered that.

Out of date NAV CD (Gen4): I bought the last update disc (2015) on eBay (v15.1) from for $14 and installed it. Lexus dealer charged the prior owner $280 for the disc and installation, which is just ejecting the old disc and inserting the new one. The Nav disc comparment cover is missing; that's $18 at Bell.

Dead battery and bubble on sidewall on one of the conventional tires: Fortunately the dealer covered these - after my "As Is" purchase. I am forever grateful. There is no spare with this car and give the rarity of flat tires for me, I can live without it. I did buy 4 certificates from Discount Tire, which covers R&B, repairs and replacement from road hazards.

Some paint wear on center wheel covers: These are the star type, not flat disc, and only 2 on the same side. Finding used or new replacements has been fruitless so far. I can't even get an autobody shop to repaint them. This is a work-on.

Front bumper cover paint mismatch: The last owner hit a post or something and had the bumper cover repainted; it is more brown in the paint and while not bad, bugs me. My guy will repaint it for $450. While he has it removed, I will replace the headlights, as doing so requires removal of the cover (I suppose the dealers weighed in on that decision). If you haven't seen the procedure for replacing the rear side market lights, hold your breath for that bill.

Missing First Aid and Tool kits: Both easilly replaced aftermarket, and more complete.

PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS
-Window tint, refurb and clear mask cover on headlight lenses, door ding removal ($400 for all)
-GTA Bluetooth installation (self-install) $159. The unit has UBS and 3.5mm outputs, which I will extend into the center console box with a supplemental plug.
-I was able to get a Scosche magnetic mount secured on the upper left of the climate control section, and it holds my iPhone perfectly for Waze viewing.
-Possibly new wheels, but at $1300 for replacement, I'm not enthusiastic about this.

I could get a NAVIKS unit to add a backup cam, but this is an involved install and frankly, I can just look out the back window.

While I own a mint condition 1998 LS430 (200k mi), I fell in love with the SC430 just on the 3 mile drive home. It's a fabulous car. I can't wait for the warm weather for some top down driving. The heated seats are the bomb with top down in cooler weather. Also, you can drive with the drivers window open (top up) with no wind effect.

 

Congrats and welcome to the club.

 

DefaultThese are the best looking Lexus wheels I have seen on an SC. What aftermarket wheel could possible look better? I have the G Spyder wheels and want to ditch them because if their weight. The chrome is a little too flashy for my taste, as well. I'm looking at Enkei RPF1's which are about 10lbs lighter.

 

New Member Tom Wilson:
I acquired my 2008 SC430 four years ago with 42K miles for $30K from the original owner who kept the car garaged and had it serviced at the dealer It now has 55K miles. I do all my own maintenance and repairs. Have been a Toyota owner since 1980 and a Lexus owner since 2010. I currently own the SC, a 2011 ES, a 1985 MR2 and a 2001 Tundra SR5, 4x4. I've been working on go-karts, mini-bikes, motorcycles and cars for 55 years as a hobby, and this is the best car I have ever owned! Here's the details:

1. Red
2. Tan
3. Mark Levinson
4. G Spyder wheels; Nav; Run Flats (about to dump); HID's
5. No modifications, but looking to change the wheels to Enkei RPF1's (still working on sizing--thinking of going from 18's to 17's)
6. Others considered: Porsche Boxster
7. San Jose, CA
8. Post pics or links to your car (you can upload pics in our gallery)

I've been using this forum for years to get information. I joined recently so I could interact with members and share what I know.

 

Welcome to the group. I also have 2008 SC430 which I got a few months ago. Mine is in dark grey color.
By the way, I also live in San Jose. I will keep an eye on red SC430 while I drive in the area.

Justin

 

Welcome to the forum.
5. Should keep 18 in wheels and go with 45 profile tire, ride comfort will improve significantly. Unless you really want to go with the lighter wheel, grab a can of plastidip (white/silver/black?) and spray the wheel to check out the look. You got a good set of wheels.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll check out the fitment of the 18" RPF1's with 45 series tires. Is it easy to remove the plastic coat paint once finished?

 

Yes, just peel it off whenever you want.

 

like digitac said, it just peels off...look it up on YouTube for tips...here is a tip for ya.
put more than one coat on the wheels.
its easier to remove when it has multiple coats and is thicker...then it comes off in large pieces.