From Texas to California--DONE!
05-13-14, 08:26 PM
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
From Texas to California--DONE!
Some of you may have followed my trials and tribulations of swapping one dream car for another. Here's my timeline:
June 2008: Purchased 2002 SC 430, White Gold w/Ecru. 24k miles, Loved that car. 6 years later, it still has only 41k miles and looks as good as 2008.
Any month 2010: Loved the last model year of the SC, but disappointed it is the last year and also disappointed that just a little over 300 were made. I promised myself I had to get one of those but holding out little hope since many dealers did not get even one and the dealers that had them were marking them up.
January 2014: After a 3 year hunt, I came across a 2010 that was matador red with camel interior. It has 27k miles and is still under factory warranty. Price was reduced from $42k to 39.5 through negotiations. Autotrader had plenty of photos-looks good to me along with sales promise that it is pristine. I paid premium price to ship it in enclosed transport.
Two weeks later: Arrives in fancy transport---DIRTY. Before driver leaves I noticed small dents in hood. Upon closer inspection, hail damage is on hood, top, and trunk lid. Driver leaves and I head to car wash. Big mistake not going there prior to driver leaving-Industrial fallout on most of car.
Four Weeks later: My new SC finally goes into the body shop. My insurance is paying $8k for all damages as previously mentioned and I pay two $250 deductables. I then tell body shop to repaint whole car because of other unreported dings and small scratches. Paint job was done with all metal off except roof-interior is masked. Additional $1500 for me! My cost is now $2500.
Neither my insurance or myself were able to collect from the dealer or the transport company.
GALLO FORD in Texas!!!!!!!!! Beware....
April 2014: 6 weeks later, all body work is complete and I am happy as can be.......until some A-hole decides to pass me on the right and cut it short---too short! Back to the body shop-again? A week later and a call from the body shop--"we had a little accident and broke your windshield" How about we don't collect your deductable and we use an aftermarket windshield. Uh, I don't think so. I do know the difference and have every expectation of getting my deductable back.
April and May, 2014: Still under factory warranty covers new seat belt that doesn't always retract, new AC display for sketchy glass, new 7 year battery replacement, and thanks to Lexus corporate, an XM antenna.
Summary: Total money in 2010 SC $41.5k, Sale of 2002 SC $22k, For $19k, I have an SC that is 8 years newer, newer technology, Love the red, (but also love white gold), and mileage went from 41k to 28k.
Regardless of what you think of my experience, I think I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I went from the first SC to the last, hence my plate (1 of 329) and I save my SC from all the demons and mistreatment she endured. I won't let that happen again. and now for some pics for your pleasure.....
June 2008: Purchased 2002 SC 430, White Gold w/Ecru. 24k miles, Loved that car. 6 years later, it still has only 41k miles and looks as good as 2008.
Any month 2010: Loved the last model year of the SC, but disappointed it is the last year and also disappointed that just a little over 300 were made. I promised myself I had to get one of those but holding out little hope since many dealers did not get even one and the dealers that had them were marking them up.
January 2014: After a 3 year hunt, I came across a 2010 that was matador red with camel interior. It has 27k miles and is still under factory warranty. Price was reduced from $42k to 39.5 through negotiations. Autotrader had plenty of photos-looks good to me along with sales promise that it is pristine. I paid premium price to ship it in enclosed transport.
Two weeks later: Arrives in fancy transport---DIRTY. Before driver leaves I noticed small dents in hood. Upon closer inspection, hail damage is on hood, top, and trunk lid. Driver leaves and I head to car wash. Big mistake not going there prior to driver leaving-Industrial fallout on most of car.
Four Weeks later: My new SC finally goes into the body shop. My insurance is paying $8k for all damages as previously mentioned and I pay two $250 deductables. I then tell body shop to repaint whole car because of other unreported dings and small scratches. Paint job was done with all metal off except roof-interior is masked. Additional $1500 for me! My cost is now $2500.
Neither my insurance or myself were able to collect from the dealer or the transport company.
GALLO FORD in Texas!!!!!!!!! Beware....
April 2014: 6 weeks later, all body work is complete and I am happy as can be.......until some A-hole decides to pass me on the right and cut it short---too short! Back to the body shop-again? A week later and a call from the body shop--"we had a little accident and broke your windshield" How about we don't collect your deductable and we use an aftermarket windshield. Uh, I don't think so. I do know the difference and have every expectation of getting my deductable back.
April and May, 2014: Still under factory warranty covers new seat belt that doesn't always retract, new AC display for sketchy glass, new 7 year battery replacement, and thanks to Lexus corporate, an XM antenna.
Summary: Total money in 2010 SC $41.5k, Sale of 2002 SC $22k, For $19k, I have an SC that is 8 years newer, newer technology, Love the red, (but also love white gold), and mileage went from 41k to 28k.
Regardless of what you think of my experience, I think I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I went from the first SC to the last, hence my plate (1 of 329) and I save my SC from all the demons and mistreatment she endured. I won't let that happen again. and now for some pics for your pleasure.....
05-14-14, 04:40 AM
#6
Instructor
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Formerly Easton, Pa. Bradenton FL, now Osprey Fl.
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Happy at long last!!! Please enjoy the ride from here on in. It can only get better. Quick question, is the bluetooth, ex, ipod, etc. a stock thing? Wish ours had all that stuff. Maybe someday.
05-14-14, 05:00 AM
#7
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Everything that is on the car is stock with the exception of luxlink. I also had the stock wheels chromed. Love the head unit. XM isn't really necessary with Internet radio, but since it's there anyway, why not? Even with the tribulations, my dream has come true. It was difficult finding a 2010 in the right color that was still under warranty. Because it's under warranty, I will be able to extend the warranty until 2020 with my insurance company. I've used them before and they are the equivalent of Lexus, except you can take the car anywhere, although I use only my local Lexus dealer. Price is great. 6 years, zero deductable for $1100. Yes, I got the right car. I put it on par with getting my little pup from a rescue. I rescued a great SC from an abused owner/dealer. But I'm the one who's lucky here-great car and a great dog!
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05-14-14, 06:13 AM
#8
Congratulations on a great ride and joining the "SC430 Red Club". 
I wonder if it could be found out how many 2010 Matador Reds were made to put yours in an even more exclusive club?
I wonder if it could be found out how many 2010 Matador Reds were made to put yours in an even more exclusive club?
05-14-14, 06:23 AM
#9
05-14-14, 08:15 AM
#11
This SC blows me away on how stock it is and it is just stunning. Great paint job!
05-14-14, 01:15 PM
#12
Congratulations on a great finished product John! Now carefully pull it into your garage, drape a car cover over it, don't touch anything, close the overhead door and back away slowly, carefully and deliberately! Hahaha! At least for one weeks time, lest something else should happen! Just kidding. Get in that SC430 and enjoy it! 
