Joe Peters

I don't have an SC430 yet but I'm getting close.
Driving a 99 Corvette Convertible that's paid for.
I hate the Goodyear runflats (nosie and harsh
ride on city streets).
Would you guys & gals give me the pros and cons
of this trade and what to look out for when looking
for a 2002. AutoTrader has 75 of them within a
hundred miles of my home in Fort Worth Tx.
Thanks in advance,
Joe

RodF

Joe

I traded in a 2000 Corvette for a 2002 SC 430. I'd like to say I never looked back but the Corvette has it's own look and feel that I sometimes miss.

That being said, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. The 12 months I owned the Corvette seemed like 5 years with the continuous irritating little things breaking and the EXTREMELY LOUSY customer service.

I've had the SC for 2 years now, and that time just flew by. That is because the service is great, and the car is just built so darn well that the problems are far and few between. And the stereo rocks.

I stil love the Corvette, and if I had either the mechanical ability to deal with it or the time to wait for the dealer repairs, I would consider owning one again.

But the SC is a source of pleasure for me, not frustration. so....

dseag2

Well said, RodF.

Joe, I've never owned a Corvette, but I did trade in an Audi A6 4.2 Quattro for my SC430. Although I never had any major mechanical problems (other than squealy brakes) in the 8 months I owned the Audi, I was subjected to the worst possible service for routine maintenance and couldn't face having to go through any major mechanical repairs. Consequently, I traded for the Lex.

I sometimes miss the A6's throaty exhaust note and the ability to take corners at virtually any speed, but it's a fair trade for an automobile that will provide the highest possible level of luxury, years of trouble-free driving, and a dealer network that stands behind the product.

I wasn't that impressed with the SC430 during my first test drive, and it actually took me a few months to come back to it, but now that I've driven it over 9,000 miles in 5 months I have a whole new appreciation for it. It is extremely comfortable, has a killer stereo and looks great. I know the exterior look is subjective, but not a week goes by that I don't have a stranger come up to me and say "great car". Nothing subjective about the interior... it is simply the most beautiful and well-finished available.

Re: the runflats, you'll find lots of info in this forum. I have a 2003 model that has the new rear bushings (also discussed in the FAQ) and the Bridgestone Potenzas. (From what I've read, the Bridgestones are preferable to the Dunlops.) Maybe my 25-mile commute to work is a little smoother than others in the forum, but I find the ride perfectly acceptable. You definitely feel railroad tracks, etc, and the car loses a little grip when cornering, but if you're not going to drive it at the limit you should have no complaints. On the open highway, it is... hands down... the most comfortable, secure car I've ever driven... including the A6, GS300, Acura TL, and SC300. There are quite a few SC430 owners who have traded the runflats for (non-runflat) Michelin Pilot Sports and are extremely happy with the results.

Hope this information helps in your decision. Everyone has their own needs in a car, but for me this is just about as perfect as it gets!

DSeag2