Any advice/recommendations on model years?
#1
Driver School Candidate
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Hello SC430 owners/enthusiasts!
I am in the market for my first Lexus, specifically an SC430. I've done a ton of online reading and I think one would suit me - and my budget - perfectly. Does anyone have any input regarding preferential model years - or any to avoid? Also, "facelift" and taillights aside, is there any advantage to buying a 2006-2010 as opposed to a 2002-2005? I really do like the dark wood trim and red/white taillights featured in the later models but could just as easily live without them. Any insight would be much appreciated!
I am in the market for my first Lexus, specifically an SC430. I've done a ton of online reading and I think one would suit me - and my budget - perfectly. Does anyone have any input regarding preferential model years - or any to avoid? Also, "facelift" and taillights aside, is there any advantage to buying a 2006-2010 as opposed to a 2002-2005? I really do like the dark wood trim and red/white taillights featured in the later models but could just as easily live without them. Any insight would be much appreciated!
#2
Lead Lap
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Welcome to the forum. First I would direct you to the stickie at the top of the forum page regarding buying a SC430.
Here is a recent request similar to yours:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...-in-sc430.html
Here is a recent request similar to yours:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...-in-sc430.html
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Taxpert87 (01-03-21)
#3
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Get the 06+. Besides the face lift, you’ll 6 speed transmission and suspension refinement.
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Taxpert87 (01-03-21)
#4
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If the LED Tails amaze you, you can always replace them on older SC's (pre-2006). Will cost you a couple of bills, plug and play.
However since these are LEDs, you will see an indicator light "on" on the dashboard. It is thinking that your tail-brake lights are not working on your rear.
I had to disable (means covered with black tape the bulb - that indicates you have a faulty-non working bulb on the instrument cluster with a black tape so that I don't see it).
No harm no foul. Very simple DIY.
However since these are LEDs, you will see an indicator light "on" on the dashboard. It is thinking that your tail-brake lights are not working on your rear.
I had to disable (means covered with black tape the bulb - that indicates you have a faulty-non working bulb on the instrument cluster with a black tape so that I don't see it).
No harm no foul. Very simple DIY.
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Taxpert87 (01-05-21)
#5
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
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If the LED Tails amaze you, you can always replace them on older SC's (pre-2006). Will cost you a couple of bills, plug and play.
However since these are LEDs, you will see an indicator light "on" on the dashboard. It is thinking that your tail-brake lights are not working on your rear.
I had to disable (means covered with black tape the bulb - that indicates you have a faulty-non working bulb on the instrument cluster with a black tape so that I don't see it).
No harm no foul. Very simple DIY.
However since these are LEDs, you will see an indicator light "on" on the dashboard. It is thinking that your tail-brake lights are not working on your rear.
I had to disable (means covered with black tape the bulb - that indicates you have a faulty-non working bulb on the instrument cluster with a black tape so that I don't see it).
No harm no foul. Very simple DIY.
#6
Lexus Fanatic
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From another thread. The thread did leave out the differential change that happened in 2006. Personally I also recommend 06+. If you can find a 2010 go for it! I was thinking about selling mine with some other things happening but I could not bring myself to do it. Love the vehicle too much.
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.
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.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 01-05-21 at 03:33 PM.
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Taxpert87 (01-05-21)
#7
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Here's a 2010 for sale in Georgia. 51.5 mi for 30K. Obsidian w/ ecru interior. I test drove this same 2010 color combo about 5 yrs back and didn't get it. Always regretted it! Happy I found an 09, but that 2010 was sweet.
it was nighttime, and I swear the Obsidian looked at first black, but seemed actually like it had a bluish undertone. It was so pretty!
Still, it's an older car and a mechanic check is always a good idea. I'd try to get a carfax or some history report on it.
https://www.edmunds.com/lexus/sc-430...ue&radius=6000
it was nighttime, and I swear the Obsidian looked at first black, but seemed actually like it had a bluish undertone. It was so pretty!
Still, it's an older car and a mechanic check is always a good idea. I'd try to get a carfax or some history report on it.
https://www.edmunds.com/lexus/sc-430...ue&radius=6000
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Taxpert87 (01-05-21)
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#8
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This 2010 looks sweet! I did not know that they finally installed a signal light on the side mirror. Was that an option to the end? I can smell a new car just from the pics.
#9
Pole Position
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Here's a 2010 for sale in Georgia. 51.5 mi for 30K. Obsidian w/ ecru interior. I test drove this same 2010 color combo about 5 yrs back and didn't get it. Always regretted it! Happy I found an 09, but that 2010 was sweet.
it was nighttime, and I swear the Obsidian looked at first black, but seemed actually like it had a bluish undertone. It was so pretty!
Still, it's an older car and a mechanic check is always a good idea. I'd try to get a carfax or some history report on it.
https://www.edmunds.com/lexus/sc-430...ue&radius=6000
it was nighttime, and I swear the Obsidian looked at first black, but seemed actually like it had a bluish undertone. It was so pretty!
Still, it's an older car and a mechanic check is always a good idea. I'd try to get a carfax or some history report on it.
https://www.edmunds.com/lexus/sc-430...ue&radius=6000
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#11
Pole Position
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https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...ml#post9993083
Last edited by GmanSC; 01-08-21 at 11:04 AM.
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Lavrishevo (01-08-21)
#12
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Gorgeous! You keep up your paint so beautifully. It's sooo glossy!
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GmanSC (01-09-21)
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