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Just Purchased an SC430 and some basic questions....
My first Lexus -- purchased from my mother (I'm approaching 50 so not kid "gift" per se -- but she certainly did give me a deal) but it seemed to be "special" to me given its condition and mileage. I'm normally a German car guy (yes, lots of fixing) but am liking the SC on day 1 for sure.
Just saying hello to the community!
2003 SC430
48,000 miles
Don't love the wheels
Looks pretty good....
Is all I have right now as I'm not an enthusiast (yet) and don't know what else is worth pointing out. My mother bought it in 2014 from a seller in Florida @ 35K miles and has "summered' it in Ohio since. Storage in the winter.
Some garage pics as it is about to rain (and perhaps tornados) here tonight in OH. I'm sure I will do better later!
I'm going to begin searching in earnest -- but can anyone give me an opinion as to if the timing belt would need to be replaced @ this mileage simply due to age? I think it is an 80K+miles item, but given the age of the car I'm uncertain as to if I should to it now preventatively. I realize this is an interference engine and the consequences of having it break. Also don't want to do something completely unnecessary!
Now I'm off to search for "tech" -- definitely need at least an AUX IN for the phone, but it also looks like there are some Carplay/Android Auto options out there.
First all, welcome to the forum and congrats on your acquisition.
With regards to the timing belt, it should be replaced at 90k miles or 9 years, whichever comes first. So even if the previous owner had changed the belt just prior to selling, it would almost be due to be replaced again anyway. There should be a sticker somewhere under the hood or on the engine stating just when the belt was last replaced. I'd recommend having it, the water pump and idler pulleys replaced unless your mother had it replaced during her tenure.
Yes the timing belt has timed out on age. The milage is 90K or 9 years I think. If you decide to change out those wheels keep me in mind as my son has that wheel on his 2005 SC 430.
Couldn’t find anything on the timing belt so will do that and the water pump now.
Bought the grease for the seals as recommended. The trans fluid was changed multiple times but appears the last time was 2015 and 10K miles ago. Change it again? Another miles vs time question I guess?!
Also ordered the Naviks Carplay/Android Auto product and will try to do an install post on that once it comes and I figure it out!
After a wash and a bit of claybar work today — some pics outside of the garage:
Nice color combo and wheels! Sounds like your SC has been well maintained and has very low miles for its age. I wouldn't worry too much about jumping on the timing belt immediately, but it should definitely be on your list of things to do. Enjoy the ride and welcome to the club/forum!
Well welcome to the club. It's looking really nice. I would not worry about the transmission fluid. I have 68,010 on my 2006 and the Transmission fluid has never been changed. I have 98,600 on my 2010 LS460L and that transmission fluid has never been changed.
Many congrats OP. Looks really good for her age ! That engine bay shot is really nice - sooo very clean. Those are TRD chrome wheels - some people love em and others, not so much. BTW not to go too far off topic but on the issue of convertibles that we can see - 997.2 cabriolet ? I have sort of become a German car person but I will have to say the SC430 is something I will not want to part with because it is lower maintenance than all these German cars and I get more favorable remarks from people in the gas station, at the DMV etc etc. when I drive the SC430 than any other car I have ever owned.
OBP the Porsche is a 997.1 with some upgraded LED taillights. I would not have bought the SC normally but "mom gave me a deal". Now that I have it, I love it and need to sell something. I'm up to six cars with two drivers. If anyone is interested in either of these at least one needs to go:
2011 BMW 328ix w/120K
2006 Mercedes CLS55 AMG w/147K
Also have an Audi A8 D3 and a Nissan Armada which I'm keeping!!!
I would encourage someone to buy the BMW -- very clean. And avoid the AMG..... (well perhaps not I just replaced the entire Airmatic system!)
Congrats. Great looking car even now. I drove my SC430 until 178k miles with no major issues. Very reliable car except for the in dash CD player. They get stuck often and have to mess around with it to fix it. Either case, very reliable car.
OBP the Porsche is a 997.1 with some upgraded LED taillights. I would not have bought the SC normally but "mom gave me a deal". Now that I have it, I love it and need to sell something. I'm up to six cars with two drivers. If anyone is interested in either of these at least one needs to go:
You fooled me with the LED tail lights on your 997.1. Back on topic, many 2005 and earlier owners have upgraded their SC430 tail lights to the 2006 plus LEDs. Could be an interesting project for you.
05-21-22, 04:11 PM
Just Purchased an SC430 and some basic questions....
