SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

Lexus SC 430 Reliability

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Old 05-06-18, 11:29 AM
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jonas's RX
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Default Lexus SC 430 Reliability

Gang

I was just thinking today after paying $10 for a Mercedes plastic Grommet
(I had to replace for my Mercedes )how lucky Lexus/Toyota
Owners are.

With my SC 430, other than the typical oil, battery
and tires, the car has been pretty much bulletproof
in reliability. After the SC has now been in production
for over 15 years (2002) , you still don’t hear too many
Stories for failed convertible top, engine trouble, electronic
issues.

I also have an older 96 Mercedes (w202) and it has been ok
but whenever I replace a simple part, it would be 5X6X the cost
Of your typical auto part. Fortunately my Mercedes does not have
too many electronics
Old 05-06-18, 11:44 AM
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Bgw70
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I agree and I must say, compared to my 2008 Honda Accord, the SC430 has a much better design, quality f parts and ease of maintenance.
Whenever I have to remove a cover or part on the Accord, the clip usually breaks and must be replaced.
the Lexus IS not like that. The plastic clips can be reused many times.

my sister has a 2010 Camry and it is similar to the SC430. Higher quality...needless say, this is my last Honda.
my next four door will most likely be an older low mileage Lexus with a V8.

Just not sure which model because I really don’t know anything about the other models.

like, what is the difference between an LS vs GS. I think that is what they are called.
Old 05-06-18, 05:39 PM
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texsexlex
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Originally Posted by Bgw70
I agree and I must say, compared to my 2008 Honda Accord, the SC430 has a much better design, quality f parts and ease of maintenance.
Whenever I have to remove a cover or part on the Accord, the clip usually breaks and must be replaced.
the Lexus IS not like that. The plastic clips can be reused many times.

my sister has a 2010 Camry and it is similar to the SC430. Higher quality...needless say, this is my last Honda.
my next four door will most likely be an older low mileage Lexus with a V8.

Just not sure which model because I really don’t know anything about the other models.

like, what is the difference between an LS vs GS. I think that is what they are called.
....one of the biggest difference between the two, is that the Ls was set out to be the "luxury" or top of the line vehicle that Lexus offers. The Gs has alot of the same features, but it was aimed more as the "sports"sedan. The Gs also was available as a 350, which is a 6cyl & a 450, which was a 8cyl. I've been looking at both models because I would like to add one of the bigger models to the family also.
Old 05-07-18, 06:07 AM
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riknchar
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I own a 2006 SC430 and a 2010 LS600hL. I really think this is an unbeatable car combo! I can drive the SC on warm summer days with the top down, and drive the LS the rest of the time for tomb-like silence and smooth comfort.

If you want a lower priced big 4-door Lexus, look for an LS430. 2004-2006 model years had lots of modern amenities, and very nice, low-mileage specimens can be had for $10-14K. The LS430 is about as bullet-proof as the SC430, with the same engine setup. If you need AWD, want to buy an extended version, or if you have more money in your budget, look for a 2010+ LS460. You'll get even more modern electronics, and an extremely reliable, quiet, safe car. You can find 2010 LS460s for around $20k.

I just bought my "unicorn" LS600hL two weeks ago. The LS600hL is the absolute flagship of the Lexus line, with a 5.0L V8 and a hybrid drive system - total output 438hp. I have the executive seating package on mine ($12k option), so the back right seat reclines, has an ottoman, has a shiatsu massage function, and is insanely comfortable. Mine is a very unusual Peridot Mica color (dark green). Original MSRP was $126,600. I paid $27,250...
Old 05-07-18, 07:18 AM
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GmanSC
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Talking about reliability, Toyota is the king. I sold my 1991 Lexus LS400 at 343K miles on the odo, still got 2.5K for it. My daily driving car, also my driver training car, an 07 Corolla, currently has 267K miles on the odo. My wife's, an 07 Prius, also has 250K miles on the odo, and still running well.
BTW, someone just stole my wife's Prius catalytic converter when she parked the car at curb side in front of our house (only took him under 3 minutes, we got him on camera). The police who took the report told us this crime is very common now a day. The insurance company just paid $2500 to replace the catalytic converter. So if you own the Prius, watch out.
Old 05-07-18, 07:51 AM
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jonas's RX
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Sorry to hear about the theft GMAN

As for durability, I agree Toyota is
Simply the best with this snd

My buddy has a 2013 BMW X series
and his Drive light bulb just went out

Total cost to replace the bulb (= entire panel )
$1800 ! In comparison my RX 300 just had
A light go out. Granted I pulled the dash apart
myself thanks to club lexus and just replaced the bulb=
total cost
$4
Old 05-07-18, 09:01 AM
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MitchalTX
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Originally Posted by GmanSC
Talking about reliability, Toyota is the king. I sold my 1991 Lexus LS400 at 343K miles on the odo, still got 2.5K for it. My daily driving car, also my driver training car, an 07 Corolla, currently has 267K miles on the odo. My wife's, an 07 Prius, also has 250K miles on the odo, and still running well.
BTW, someone just stole my wife's Prius catalytic converter when she parked the car at curb side in front of our house (only took him under 3 minutes, we got him on camera). The police who took the report told us this crime is very common now a day. The insurance company just paid $2500 to replace the catalytic converter. So if you own the Prius, watch out.

Can you post the video?
Old 05-07-18, 09:43 AM
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Sorry, I can't. The police wanted the same thing. For some unknown reason, I could not save the file to the USB drive. I will try again.
Old 05-07-18, 09:54 AM
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Originally Posted by GmanSC
Sorry, I can't. The police wanted the same thing. For some unknown reason, I could not save the file to the USB drive. I will try again.
you could always take a video of the video. Could be necessary for prosecution if they catch them.
Old 05-07-18, 09:59 AM
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Caflashbob
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We own three Toyota products.

2007 solara convertible tow car for behind our motorhome. 150k miles bought with 5k miles on it.

2008 sc430 PB. 29K miles

2008 ls460 56k miles.

i agree with the post about the sc and LS being an idea combo.

My folks had early 60’s Cadillacs and the luxury ride back then was brought back to me in driving the LS.

61 caddy got 11 mpg at 88 mph all across the country.

the LS would easily double that mpg I bet



Old 05-07-18, 10:23 AM
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Harold57
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Originally Posted by riknchar
I own a 2006 SC430 and a 2010 LS600hL. I really think this is an unbeatable car combo! I can drive the SC on warm summer days with the top down, and drive the LS the rest of the time for tomb-like silence and smooth comfort.

If you want a lower priced big 4-door Lexus, look for an LS430. 2004-2006 model years had lots of modern amenities, and very nice, low-mileage specimens can be had for $10-14K. The LS430 is about as bullet-proof as the SC430, with the same engine setup. If you need AWD, want to buy an extended version, or if you have more money in your budget, look for a 2010+ LS460. You'll get even more modern electronics, and an extremely reliable, quiet, safe car. You can find 2010 LS460s for around $20k.

I just bought my "unicorn" LS600hL two weeks ago. The LS600hL is the absolute flagship of the Lexus line, with a 5.0L V8 and a hybrid drive system - total output 438hp. I have the executive seating package on mine ($12k option), so the back right seat reclines, has an ottoman, has a shiatsu massage function, and is insanely comfortable. Mine is a very unusual Peridot Mica color (dark green). Original MSRP was $126,600. I paid $27,250...
What kind of mileage do you get with the LS600hL?
Old 05-07-18, 12:49 PM
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Harold57: I get around 22 mpg in town and 26-28 mpg on the highway in my LS600hL. In my 2010 LS460L AWD, I averaged closer to 17-18 mpg in town, and roughly the same highway mileage as my LS600hL. Keep in mind, though, that the hybrid drive in the LS600hL is not really intended for fuel efficiency. It's more to give the LS600hL the power of a comparable V12 engine with exceptional quietness and smooth torque delivery. It also makes the LS600hL qualify as a super-low emissions vehicle, for what that's worth. I'm a huge fan of the LS models, and especially love the LS600hL!
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Old 05-07-18, 05:52 PM
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jonas's RX
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Back to the main topic

Have you guys seen the depreciation curve with the Mercedes,
BMW?

An S Class that cost over 130K at the 5 years mark
you would be lucky to get back 35K !

In comparison with an LS that cost 100K , it might st ill
be worth 50K

I have owned 4 SC 430 and each time when I Sold them
I might be down 2-3K. Most of my SC are low mileage
Cars though...
Old 05-08-18, 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by riknchar
I own a 2006 SC430 and a 2010 LS600hL. I really think this is an unbeatable car combo! I can drive the SC on warm summer days with the top down, and drive the LS the rest of the time for tomb-like silence and smooth comfort.

If you want a lower priced big 4-door Lexus, look for an LS430. 2004-2006 model years had lots of modern amenities, and very nice, low-mileage specimens can be had for $10-14K. The LS430 is about as bullet-proof as the SC430, with the same engine setup. If you need AWD, want to buy an extended version, or if you have more money in your budget, look for a 2010+ LS460. You'll get even more modern electronics, and an extremely reliable, quiet, safe car. You can find 2010 LS460s for around $20k.

I just bought my "unicorn" LS600hL two weeks ago. The LS600hL is the absolute flagship of the Lexus line, with a 5.0L V8 and a hybrid drive system - total output 438hp. I have the executive seating package on mine ($12k option), so the back right seat reclines, has an ottoman, has a shiatsu massage function, and is insanely comfortable. Mine is a very unusual Peridot Mica color (dark green). Original MSRP was $126,600. I paid $27,250...
....love that car Rik !!!...this is actually what I want, but may end up purchasing a 460, just depends on how long I hold out before purchasing...lol
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