jeffgwaltney

Conundrum so asking the wise SC owners here...

Have a neighbor who is original owner of a mint 99 SC400 with around 70k miles...I can buy for prob $5-7k - he keeps it immaculate and always services at local Lexus dealer so all services always done and up to date (yes timing belt water pump done etc - he does anything needed to keep mint)

I’m looking for a weekend fun car to supplement my mint 99 LS400(only 122k miles; I’m 2nd Owner and have owned since 2004 and done all services needed - even has a new starter

should i buy neighbors SC400 or should I continue looking for a great SC430? And if 430, is 04-05 ok or should I hold out for 06+? Not willing to spend more than 16k and in no hurry...

thx in advance for thoughts and opinions; this is a very astute group of owners so your opinions do matter and carry weight in my thought process

DJWLDW

Jeff

I would look for a 06+ if the budget will allow it. There is a real nice 07 in town with 72K on the clock but it has not had the TB/WP done and the guy is asking $17,500.

Dennis

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

It's all personal opinions but I was intentionally looking for an 06 up. Buy what makes happy. They are a joy.

Harold57

Jeff, it all depends on just what it is that you want. Of course most of us on this forum are biased (including me) but I suspect that almost everyone here will point you towards the SC430. If hard top convertibles are what squeak your sneakers, then there's no doubt that you should get the SC430. If convertibles don't really do that much for you, it's a toss up and depends on what features fit your desires. From my standpoint, the hard top convertible and the larger engine would definitely make the winning difference. So then to narrow it down to which SC430, you've got a few variables:

• age (doesn't seem to bother you one way or another),
• color
• and a few (non-drastic) upgrades that occurred in '05 & '06 (BT, suspension, transmission, lights).

Other than those items, almost all SC430s are very similar (same engine, interior & body shape throughout the entire '02 - '10). I own a 2002 and am very happy with it and have been since 2006 when I bought it.

Most of us here tend to agree with JohnnyCake, without the convertible top, it's just a car...

jeffgwaltney

Thx Dennis - what town? Color etc? I’d be glad to contact owner if I knew how

jeffgwaltney

Thx Harold - all very good points and advice - yes ultimately 430 adds something that 400 can match (open top) - guess it’s all in patience, the Individual “specimen” and provenance/history of care...

tho here in south lighter color prob preferred (I already have 1 black LS to maintain; beauty when clean, challenge to keep that way! Lol

Harold57

Yeah, I hear you on the color. This is my first dark color for that very reason (dark cars in Texas can be brutal), but once I saw the Indigo Ink Pearl color in person, my mind was made up. (There are a couple other colors that rank in the top for me also, but the blue was too nice to pass up for me.)

jeffgwaltney

Thats a beautiful blue - what other colors you like?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Here is some more info I found. One thing often not mentioned is the updated rear end gear ratio with the 6 speed transmission. Give the car a little more Getty-up and go. Don't forget electronics have a lifespan. The older they are the more prone to problems. An 09 or 2010 would be my personal favorite. There was an 09 I went to see before I found my 06. It was a nice car and unfortunately was already sold when I got there. Dealer wanted $24k and it had nearly 90k miles. No thanks.

Quoted from another old thread —

What's New for 2003
Other than the Lexus Link emergency and concierge service becoming available, there are no changes for the SC 430.

What's New for 2004
There are no significant changes to the SC 430 this year, though Lexus will offer a Pebble Beach Edition package, which includes Azure Pearl exterior paint, black bird's eye maple interior trim, run-flat tires, a rear spoiler and a black leather golf bag.

What's New for 2005
The 2005 SC 430 receives new shock absorbers for improved ride comfort and driving performance. All-season run-flat tires are now an available option in addition to the summer-use run-flats offered previously.

What's New for 2006
For 2006, the Lexus SC 430 receives a new six-speed automatic transmission and adaptive front headlamps. Updated exterior styling includes a new front fascia, wheels and taillamps. Inside, the SC gets a new gauge cluster, shift plate and revised trim.

What's New for 2007
Driver and passenger knee airbags are standard this year, and the front passenger seat now has an occupant detection sensor for airbag deactivation.

What's New for 2008
Now entering its seventh year, this generation of the Lexus SC 430 sees just a few detail changes for 2008. Among them are redesigned and illuminated scuff plates, a black license plate accent and new wheels for the Pebble Beach edition.

What's New for 2009
The 2009 Lexus SC 430 remains unchanged from the previous year except for the addition of turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.

What's New for 2010
The 2010 Lexus SC 430 gets fresh 18-inch alloy wheels, puddle lamps in the exterior mirrors, and an updated navigation/audio interface with a tweaked display, real-time traffic and weather, satellite radio, iPod/USB connectivity and Bluetooth audio.

In 2005 they offered bluetooth for all SC's as well and in 2009 delete the tape deck.

2006 Lexus kills the absolute red and pine colors-a good call? I don't think so . 2006 was the last year for the indigo ink pearl, although has anyone really ever seen a 2006 version? I have never!

Longest running single color code for the SC? Might surprise you...Twilight Amethyst Pearl!!! Ran from 2002-2008. Although again, has anyone ever seen 2006+ of these?

One of the most underappreciated updates IMO on the 2006 (most think tranny, head lights and tail lights, right???) is the illuminated gauge cluster during the day! Thank God! Wish I could do a guage cluster switch out on my 2005.

Some other astonishing facts about the SC: 2001 AND 2002 sales reported 14,000 and nearly 15k units. 2009 sales reported 720 units. Wow!!! Can't get much lower!

2002 was the only year the SC increased sales from previous year. Interesting...you would think Lexus would have udpated the SC more significantly in 2004 not 2006, then maybe in 2006 they could have done some powerplant and tech advances?

scrdstr-- That statement is true. They increased the rotor size for 2005+. It IS different from the 2002-2004 brakes. I ordered drilled and slotted rotors for my 2005 SC and they MADE SURE that it was a 2005 because aesthetically the cars look the same (02-05), but the brakes ARE different. (mainly that the 2005 brakes are larger)

Harold57

Jeff, Tiger eye (lots of folks call it root beer) is another favorite, but I like almost all of them because of how deep the color looks. They almost all have a luxurious look to them. I'm not a fan of green but their Midnight Pine is pretty nice. The Matador Red is nice also.

Lavrishevo, that is a pretty complete list! I'm sure that I've seen that before but had forgotten about it. Nice find.

jeffgwaltney

Great stuff Lav and Harold! Thanks!!

430SLOwner

If you can buy the 400 for maybe even somewhat less than your lower number (please check link below), I would say buy the neighbors car, keep the extra cash, and read William O'Neil's book "How to Make Money in Stocks"....
https://www.edmunds.com/lexus/sc-400...praisal-value/

DJWLDW

Jeff

Bentonville 479-531-1767. It is black. Check out CL for Fayetteville AR.

Dennis

Oldsig

This is Betty Blue (My '06 Indigo Ink Pearl). Bob

Harold57

Cool. Looks like Betty Blue has some nice company too.