SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

Road Trip Advice

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Old 08-30-11, 11:49 AM
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Stotlar
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We are flying from Arkansas to Wisconsin on Friday to drive home my wife's anniversary present - a 2005 SC Blk/Sdl with 31K miles on it. I bit the bullet and have already purchased the Lexus Platinum warranty so that part is covered. It's a long drive in an unfamiliar vehicle - any words of advice?

Thanks in advance.
Old 08-30-11, 12:02 PM
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grabber2
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Check the tire, tire pressure, brake, coolant, air filter, check if any light is on (except TPMS), and change engine oil. This should be good enough, the sc430 is a very solid car.
Old 08-30-11, 01:11 PM
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PLAYTYM
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I drove from Palm Beach Florida to Vermont when I got mine! It had bold RFTs and a navigation system that still hasn't been upgraded since '02.

I drove it like I stole it and only had to adjust air pressure once.

GREAT CARS!!!!
Old 08-30-11, 03:01 PM
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Have the seller show you how to position the fold out flap in the trunk so you can put the top down. Also, keep the suitcases small! When top is down only a small duffle or a couple backpacks will fit in trunk -- though you can use the backseat too.

Oh...and bring hats. I've also found driving with a hoodie is a good way to go.
Old 08-30-11, 03:20 PM
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Be ready for a long, comfortable ride. It's a good road trip car. If you have a mini spare in the trunk, that's a plus. If not, a can of fix-a-flat and a portable air compressor is a good idea.
Old 08-30-11, 03:32 PM
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Justin2JZ
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Tape up the front.
Old 08-30-11, 03:34 PM
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A1Lexis
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Originally Posted by grabber2
Check the tire, tire pressure, brake, coolant, air filter, check if any light is on (except TPMS), and change engine oil. This should be good enough, the sc430 is a very solid car.
Do all of the above, bring some CD's, drop the top and enjoy the ride back to Arkansas.
Old 08-30-11, 04:50 PM
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Expect some noise and harsh ride from the runflat tires.
Old 08-31-11, 05:52 AM
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Buy a radar detector because the car likes to go fast. It will be hard to hold her down. If you decide to go through a car wash, turn off the radio so the antenna doesn't get broken off. Enjoy.
Old 08-31-11, 05:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Stotlar
It's a long drive in an unfamiliar vehicle - any words of advice?
Suntan lotion.

And welcome to the forum.
Old 08-31-11, 07:10 AM
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76210Guy
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Originally Posted by JohnnyCake
Suntan lotion.

And welcome to the forum.
Absolutely agree: I keep a tube of SPF45 for my face and ears in the console all the time.
Old 08-31-11, 08:19 AM
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Gutz13
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I just got back from a 1200 mile trip in my SC and enjoyed every minute! A hat, suntan lotion, good music with the top down, enjoy the ride! It is unbelievably comfortable for such a small car. If it gets cold outside, keep the top down and turn up the heat, feels like it's 75 outside! Have a good ride
Old 08-31-11, 10:39 AM
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grabber2
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Originally Posted by Gutz13
I just got back from a 1200 mile trip in my SC and enjoyed every minute! A hat, suntan lotion, good music with the top down, enjoy the ride! It is unbelievably comfortable for such a small car. If it gets cold outside, keep the top down and turn up the heat, feels like it's 75 outside! Have a good ride
That's must be fun!!

However, I don't agree that the SC is a small car. Once you park your car next to a s2000, Miata, SLK....the SC430 is big but not in term of useful space
Old 08-31-11, 11:10 AM
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Be extra cautious driving if you are not used to a smaller car/convertible. Watch out for the big rigs. Otherwise, have a ton of fun!
Old 08-31-11, 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by grabber2
That's must be fun!!

However, I don't agree that the SC is a small car. Once you park your car next to a s2000, Miata, SLK....the SC430 is big but not in term of useful space
Indeed. The Sc430 is not a small car at all. It is very wide (actually wider than many mid-size sedans, such as the Infiniti G sedan), and that's why it is spacious inside, at least for the front seats.


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