MagicNC

Condition being comparable. 2003 with 30K miles for $25 or 2006 with 30K miles for $30K.

I've been looking for a nice SC430 (silver or gray). So many to chose from and I've been checking carfax and Lexus Driver Service Records. Read every bit of information on this site as well (fantastic resource).

Am I making a error in logic thinking low miles is the primary consideration if the condition of the car is both good?

76210Guy

Good many differences, both cosmetic and technology. Taillights being a significant difference alone with wheel options. Run a comparison and see. I have a 2007 myself and had the option of a 2008 at the same time and opted for mine - basically no difference so I saved $6k. You will spend that extra and get a lot - the refreshed exterior and more.

SCDROPTOP did a great sticky about buying an SC. Check it out.

talison24

With these cars 50/60k is as good as 25/30k so I see no reason to pay extra for that mileage on the '03. I would never pay more than $21 for a 2003 but I would pay close to $30 for an 06. just sayin'.

VVTiBob

There's really no comparison technologically speaking and IF you're a person who wants to, or needs to, talk on the phone while driving, listen to music from a satellite or iPod device or wants a six gear in the tranny. Then it's the 06. The 06 also gets you a refreshed nose, newer headlamps and bumper cover, the taillamps you mentioned, and then there's the refreshed dash cluster with the electroluminscent instrumentation. Not found on the 03. Not to mention, depending on the interior color, "A" pillar posts and headliner in a color other than ecru. So it may come down to the tires. Has either car had the run flats replaced with regular tires? Does either car already have a spare tire?
They are both good cars, but for a 5K difference I'd go with the 06, the 03 is a little high.


Oh, BTW, welcome to the forum! Sounds like you've already found the good stuff.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

Aside from the rear tails, the front lights and instrument cluster as well as the manu-matic shift option are the main features, but the bluetooth and iPod capabilities makes the 2005+ cars more modern than the 2002-2004. 2005-2008 have same nav systems...same bluetooth and iPod capabilities. 2003 you will only be able to add an Aux cable not full charge and no integration. Also no BT at all till 2005.

I'd almost take the 2003 if it was a better color and had better history, though. To others points, you can add the tail lights...if you don't care about bluetooth and can live with the Aux cable only for iPod...the maintenance is worth a lot on a 8 year old (almost nine geeeeeez) car.

I would ask these questions:

Has the 36 month, 72 month services been done on the 2003? Timing belt? Water pump? Battery, tires, serpentine belt? Brakes, etc? On a car this age, regardless of miles some of these things SHOULD have been done.

On the 2006 I would find out at least if the 30k service has been done (36 month) and check first round of brakes, battery tires should have been done too.

I also need to know any paint work done? All records, keys, books? leather condition? Dings/scratches?

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

2006 no question

Yes

If those are your only two choices, I'd get the 2006. But a better comparison might be a higher milage 02 or 03 in good condition vs an 06. Where you could potentially save $10,000. Then it becomes a bit more difficult to decide.

JohnnyCake

+1, absolutely.

huy33

Agreed - once you see the LED taillight and the headlight, you'll want the 06

MagicNC

Saw an 06 with a little over 30K miles. Asking around $30K but noticed the service history mentions work indicating body damage back around 14K. Probably pass on that one. The other puzzles me more.

06 with 30K miles. Almost the same asking price ($31k). The car is at a local dealer but the service records indicate the local Lexus Dealer actually had this car previously. This begs the question, why wouldn't the lexus dealer simply certify this car and sell it themselves? Could it be "uncertifieable" and therefore sold at auction to a local mom and pop? Something to avoid or not a big deal?