SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

Thoughts on 2008 or 2003 SC430

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Old 08-31-17, 04:22 PM
  #16  
kevin3344
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How is the service history? You can also have the interior cleaned up a bit and the scuff on the bumper buffed out.
Old 08-31-17, 06:29 PM
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Coleroad
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Bgw, it's got a pretty good service history. I like that it's unmolested. I'd order a new set of floor mats. Don't know how much the carpet on the drives side will clean up. I think the price is ok. The thing I'm surprised by is that you felt it handles better than your 02. Two months ago it did have a wheel alignment. I didn't see any trans fluid change, or rear end fluid change.
Old 08-31-17, 11:13 PM
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RichardMor
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Seems like it's in very good condition. What can you get for your 02? Let us know what you do.
Old 09-01-17, 06:30 PM
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RichardMor
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Try this perspective: Lexus build quality is one of the best in the world. Their design has shown to produce very dependable cars. I wouldn't say this about Audi, BMW or Mercedes (personal experience with Audi & MB), but mileage, for me, is not as big of deal as how the car was driven, treated and serviced. Earlier this year we bought an 06 SC with 100+ miles for $13K from an individual. He was asking a lot more and we were shocked when he called back and accepted our meager offer. It was in excellent condition, had always been owned by "car" people, been serviced regularly and Certified by Lexus. It sounds similar to the one you are looking at. I have limited experience with SC's made before 2006, but with all the upgrades the SC received in 2006, I believe it is a more desirable car, all things considered.

Some of purchasing an SC is a emotional one. No one knows your financial situation. The car as shown in the pics seems like a great car. For me, I'd insist on negotiating a lower price, but that's just me. If you're comfortable with the deal they are offering, take it. I think you'll love the differences from your 02.

Again, please let us know what you end up doing. And best of luck negotiating.

Rich
Old 02-26-18, 05:12 PM
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Bgw70
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Back to the hunt for a 2006+ SC430...
I think I found it, a 2007 with 28k miles.

Will report back tomorrow after I see it!

wish me luck! ;-)
Old 02-26-18, 05:22 PM
  #21  
Bgw70
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Old 02-26-18, 07:12 PM
  #22  
RichardMor
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Beautiful color combo. We have the Matador Red Mica exterior, too, and LOVE it! Our interior is Saddle - this one you are looking at seems to be White. Can't beat the miles!!! Car has hardly been driven. Hope they make you a great deal.

I am assuming you are still getting it inspected, unless you are comfortable doing so yourself (I was).

Good luck and let us know.

Rich
Maple Valley, WA
Old 02-27-18, 08:59 AM
  #23  
TominBoise
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It looks really great. It looks like my twin, I have 62K on minel, Hope it works out for you.
Attached Thumbnails Thoughts on 2008 or 2003 SC430-img_5221.jpg   Thoughts on 2008 or 2003 SC430-img_5228.jpg  
Old 02-27-18, 09:36 AM
  #24  
riknchar
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Now you're talkin! I definitely prefer the 2006+ years, and a 2007 with super low miles seems like a good bet. I'm guessing, though, that the timing belt hasn't been changed (since the miles are so low). Factor in another $600 for that (or convince the seller to drop the price to cover the Lexus cost of doing the timing belt change - $1400). I went ahead and had the timing belt and water pump changed on my 2006 w/21k miles last year, just for peace of mind. Good luck!
Old 02-27-18, 11:30 AM
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Caflashbob
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I took our new to us 2008 with 18k miles into Steve at luxury motorcars(the luxlink guy) and he did not recommend changing the belt. He examined the other underhood belt and as it was uncracked and the car always indoors and undercover we only changed the trans fluid as he said the factory non service recommendation was incorrect. 30k service interval.

Took the car into a local long experienced mechanic and he said the same thing about the belt. “Drive it like a 18k mile new car” is what he said also.

Old 02-28-18, 07:42 AM
  #26  
Jabberwock
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Originally Posted by Caflashbob
I took our new to us 2008 with 18k miles into Steve at luxury motorcars(the luxlink guy) and he did not recommend changing the belt. He examined the other underhood belt and as it was uncracked and the car always indoors and undercover we only changed the trans fluid as he said the factory non service recommendation was incorrect. 30k service interval.

Took the car into a local long experienced mechanic and he said the same thing about the belt. “Drive it like a 18k mile new car” is what he said also.




I replaced my TB late in 2016 on my 2004 with 28k miles (car was 13 years in service at time). I personally would change the TB/WP at no more than 12-13 years old. Rubber ages regardless of how strong it is to begin with and I think the added risk of leaving TB on past 12-13 years isn't worth the cost to replace. Another way to think about the TB replacement is that if a person is going to keep the car another 4-6 years and TB is already 11+ years old, it makes sense to replace TB sooner rather than later (assumes budget/cost is not issue) since they know they are going to pay to replace it in the future and doing it sooner eliminates the risk of catastrophic failure. However if the belt is 12-13 years old and you are going to sell car soon, I'd sell within 12 months and not replace TB.
Old 02-28-18, 11:11 AM
  #27  
2004sc
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Just my two cents worth...I've got an '04 to which I have upgraded the NAV to Gen 4, changed the taillights to the "more modern look" of the later models, and added a backup camera. I keep thinking I would like to trade for a newer model...but the '04 is one of the very best years for "no problems". The only thing I would get with a newer model is a brighter instrument cluster (which would be nice) but my car is VERY reliable and the newer one might not be. You might want to check the published repair records for these two years and see which is the most favorable. Good luck...they're all fun little cars.
Old 02-28-18, 12:13 PM
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Bgw70
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We did it and purchased this little 2007 gem! we picked her up in Miami and drove it home.
My wife and I set out yesterday morning in our 2002 SC430 and then we drove them back.
our Blue with the new to us Red. I thought it looked cool with both cruising North on I-95.

I am not sure what is going to happen to the 2002, but for now, we are going to own two SC430s!
It would be difficult to let the 2002 go because I put sooooo much work into it. Some of you know the work I have done.

The 2007 just needs a good cleaning for now. The engine is spotless. I know I will need to do another Timing belt job, Yuck!!! Not looking forward to it...but it has to be done.
The speakers are fine and it sounds great! I am not sure if I want to do the beat sonic and aftermarket radio again or just do a vais or grom...I will think about it.

I looked up the car on the Lexus site and it was purchased at Lexus of Winter Park, Florida. Then it was serviced at the same dealer and all service was performed on time. The original owner just had the 30k mile service completed so she has fresh oil, brake fluid along with a new oil filter, air filter and cabin air filter.
i am going to do a transmission fluid and power steering fluid refresh.

it was a garage queen and the headlights are clear

sorry for rambling, I am just so excited about this car!!!





Last edited by Bgw70; 02-28-18 at 12:17 PM.
Old 02-28-18, 03:17 PM
  #29  
sixonemale
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Congratulations! Both SCs in the photos are very nice looking cars in their own right. What was your impression of the ride of the '07 vs '02 in regard to transmission, etc., related to changes that occurred in '06 plus years? Not a super fair comparison since, if I recall correctly, your '02 has significantly more miles on it than the '07 does.

Last edited by sixonemale; 02-28-18 at 03:33 PM.
Old 02-28-18, 07:34 PM
  #30  
Bgw70
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Originally Posted by sixonemale
Congratulations! Both SCs in the photos are very nice looking cars in their own right. What was your impression of the ride of the '07 vs '02 in regard to transmission, etc., related to changes that occurred in '06 plus years? Not a super fair comparison since, if I recall correctly, your '02 has significantly more miles on it than the '07 does.
My comparison might not be very accurate due to the coil overs and poly bushings I have on the 2002...plus the miles.
i will say this, the 2007 drives smother and softer vs the 2002, I do remember how it drove before all of the mods.

Overall, I don’t think it would be that different if I had a stock 2002...I did notice that my 2002 has better stopping power vs the 2007. I give credit to ny brake pads on my 2002. The 2002 has the Power Stop Z23 pads. The 2007 has stock OEM Toyota pads.


Last edited by Bgw70; 02-28-18 at 07:38 PM.


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