Revisiting the SC after 20 years

https://www.drivingline.com/articles/better-than-we-remembered-revisiting-the-lexus-sc430/

 

https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/20...2-lexus-sc430/

i wrote this article back in 2016 and i still standby every word of it. there's a reason why im never able to let go of my SC430 (althouhg that silver sc430 was replaced by my white sc430 of the same vintage when el silvero was written off)

in a sea of Lexus(s)(ii) this one still stands out after 20+ years.

 

The fact is they are beautiful cars that for someone like me was able to buy cheaply because of some comments made by the TopGear stooges.

Thank you Jeremy, Captain Slow, and the Pygmy.

Prices are on the rise. Reliability is A-grade. Glad I didnt buy an SL 500 or 600 that Jeremy loved. How much to keep those hounds barking after a few years I wonder!

 

Great read, it’s amazing how one show can influence group think. These cars deserve recognition and take their rightful place in automotive history. Thanks for sharing this.

 

They are quiet. Probably regretting of what they said.

 

I haven't read the article yet, but I've been away from the Lexus game for a few years since selling my GS430. I've dabbled into Bmws and Amgs now I'm back into Lexus. I was looking at SLK55, LS600HLs and LS460Ls but I ended up recently picking up a SC430. It totally wasn't what I expected it to be but in the short time I've had it, its been a wonderful comfortable cruiser which was what I wanted. It is way more solid feeling than the newer 335i convertible that I've driven before and it is quite quiet, there's literally no squeaks or rattles even at high speeds. I'm still getting used to the car but I'm glad I don't have to worry about the whats gonna break this time feeling of Bmws and Amgs. I am hoping I can own the SC for long term without breaking the bank or hit with huge depreciation as clean low mileage examples are hard to come by.

Here's a recent video of daddy Doug talking about SC prices.

 

I have been owning the SC for 5 years now and spent 0 dollar for repair. The only money out of my pocket was for upgraded and refined items, and maintenance items like battery and oil changes.

Besides good looking, stylus, quiet, and comfortable, the SC reliability is not to be found in its rivals.

 

Ditto, except I'm going on 6 years of ownership starting this month!

 

Agree with the previous comments, although mine has changed quite a bit in the sixteen years I have owned it,

 

Oh wow dudes!

Those cars you own look ridiculous! Can you name another "older" car that looks so good?

Back in the day I used to help a buddy's dad who had an auction license in Nippon. Cars were so cheap that when we were going on a trip we would buy one - a Nissan El grand for example or something similar when going surfing, or if really cheap a Mistu GT3000, or a Celsior, or a 200sx for picking up chicks. We never spent more than a grand. What a waste looking back. We always used them for the period of rego then put them back in the auctions before the rego ran out.

The point is that I still check all the auction sales for SCs. The yen values of these cars have gone through the roof! If it wasnt for the collapse in the Yen, most of our cars would be worth north of 30% more simply on the rise in JDM prices in the last year!

Once the covid crap is over I can return to my Japanese home for a few months, and put a great SC in the garage reasonably cheaply. At least that is the hope.

Here in Oz, less than 100km on the odometer on an SC will get you north of 30k. Some are going for 40k. What is interesting to me is that you guys and us apply the same "number" to the miles/km travelled, though the difference is stark! 100km = 60miles. Cars lose substantial value here when over 100km.probably the same there when over 100k Miles? Probably because of perceived issues with regard life of parts, yet they are made by lexus and 100km is really nothing - kms or miles.

I bought my SC for 23k all up last year. It is a 2007. One of 12 sold in the whole of Oz for that year. It has 116km on the clock. A dude that came over to fix my mum's internet connection offered me 45k for it last week.

Hold the line! These cars are becoming rarer and more expensive by the year!

 

'The SC430 was a different beast from the previous generation SC400/SC300. That 400/300 was basically a Supra (well, a Soarer anyway) with leather and a Lexus badge slapped on the front. The 430’s mission was different.'

I agree the SC430 (UZZ40 Soarer) was on a different mission but I think you misjudge the previous model Soarer. Whether in 4 litre or 2.5TT form they were simply awesome.

Yes it shared some parts with the Supra but the Soarer was one of the most advanced cars of its time and had top spec LS400 levels of equipment. The SC430 is a great car but with GS levels of tech and finish. Research the Soarer properly and I think you may have to revise 'the truth' and concede that it's a whole lot more than a leather-clad Supra.

JC got the SC430 all wrong but he understood the previous model.

Toyota Soarer UZZ32

If the SC430 had been given the same level of attention afforded to the previous model, it would have been better built, more luxurious with better suspension and a lot more advanced tech.

 

well said Neil. I was a big fan of the earlier SC's as well but youre right, they are more than just a supra in disguise. i think everyone just saw the SC300's as a donor car for 2jz's and overlooked all their technical advancments (me included).

 

Yes very true, the SC300 though still a classy comfortable coupe was the least advanced and ripe for a 2JZ-GTE high power conversion.

After owning a V8 limited, a 2.5 GTT Soarer and an LS430 at the same time, I confess I am one of the foolish few who couldn't quite accept the SC430 for what it is. I thought it deserved the higher status in the Lexus line up that the LC500 now enjoys so my SC430 was always going to be a project in pursuit of something more like the earlier Soarer.

 

Mate, that looks great with the aero kit and spolier. Very reminiscent of the last model MR2 spyder