[54] Starting from 2009 until 2013, the SC 430s used Toyota's 3.4L RV8KG V8 engine. Most comfortable and fun car I have ever owned. The figure made the car the second-most-expensive model in the Lexus portfolio that year; the LS cost a few hundred dollars more. New tail lighting and a modified spoiler design was part of the mid-cycle vehicle refresh. While the Lexus SC430's performance isn't very impressive for some, its distinctive appearance, scarcity, and sumptuous ride give it the chance to become a legend. I love my 2002 SC430. It truly is a classic. When the LS 430 debuted in 2000 (as a 2001 model), it was larger, faster, and more luxurious than any Lexus to come before. The steering rack is noticeably quicker than that of an LS but relaxed in the grand scheme of things. The resulting design possessed almost no straight edges, and produced a drag coefficient of Cd=0.31. i live in Edmonton Albberta Canada Cookies Policy Why racetracks are giving hybrids and EVs the cold shoulder, Rearview cameras have been around longer than you think, At $720,000, this Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina is looking for its top, For roadster lovers, Mazdas Miata is (still) the answer, National Council of Corvette Clubs lifts competition ban on E-Ray, How fast is the Corvette E-Ray? document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Take extreme care before buying any car or making any repairs yourself. The SC430 made its premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April 2000. Buy from Dealer [6], The American Calty design team took a different approach to designing the car,[8] using plaster molding shapes to design the body,[6] and working three-dimensionally instead of the traditional 2-D sketch approach. So annoying my bottle water falls out every time I make a turn or sudden stop! The SC430 has an advantage of 7.3 seconds raising the top and 3.3 lowering it. The next year, a new six-speed automatic gearbox and adjustable headlights were introduced, as well as an improved exterior style, including new wheels and taillights, to round out the modifications. [35] The SC 430 was sold in North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia; unlike its predecessor, the SC 430 was officially imported to the British Isles;[36] the old SC 400 had been a popular personal grey import. Nineteen-ninety-seven brought subtle visual tweaks, and a 300-hp V-8 bolted to a five-speed automatic transmission was the highlight for 1998. Both first-generation models were produced until 2000. Around a bend, the SC isnt as floaty as you might think, although its suspension is unabashedly on the soft side of the spectrum. With the replacement of the five-speed unit those models also got a new differential with a final drive of 3.27 improving both fuel economy and top speed. After test driving the BMW and Mercedes the last text drive was the SC430. While only 600 are slated for production, its dramatic design and numerous luxury features make the car even more alluring than its exclusivity. The navigation system was enhanced for the SC's last model year in 2010, adding real-time traffic and other functions, whereas satellite radio, an iPod interface, and Bluetooth streaming music were supplied as standard amenities. [23] Power was provided by a 4.3L 3UZ-FE V8 engine with variable valve timing (VVT-i) mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. [10] According to automotive journalist Bill Russ, the SC design was considered influential among automotive designs of the time. The SC was discontinued three years later, with 2000 being the final model year; the car was replaced in 2001 by the 2002 SC430 convertible. autoevolution and the autoevolution logo are registered trademarks. [7], Production of the Soarer started in April 1991 at the Motomachi plant in Toyota, Aichi,[3] with the Lexus SC produced alongside the Soarer at a second Higashi Fuji plant at Susono, Shizuoka. Initial base price in the U.S. was $63,825. The first time a Mark Levinson audio system was featured in a Lexus (Toyota's luxury brand) was in an LS 430, the flagship Lexus model, in 2001. In 2005, Lexus reworked the suspension to provide a more comfortable ride. In 2012, two years after production had ended the 430 continued to be a force in Motorsports. You cannot paste images directly. Thanks to a new Florida law, residents can access payment plans more than everwhich is good news for drivers with suspended licenses. I have a 1992, SC 400 green as pictured, with 88k. Becoming a classic is subjective, whereas value increases are factual. MORE FROM OVERSTEER: Almost every exterior surface was curved, save a straight character line that linked the front wheel wells to the quarter panels. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Its one of the only cars of its sort from this era that you can buy without worrying too much about potential crippling maintenance costs. Edit options. If Mercedes did the exact same thing youll have a completely opposite opinion. This is an obscure package! [53] In 2010, the SC 430 continued in Super GT competition, where the MJ Kraft SC 430 and other Lexus Team Kraft SC 430s won victories at the 2010 Autobacs Super GT at Fuji Speedway. The Lexus SC430 long-haul comfort and its build quality is impervious to high mileage - here's how to get one for as little as 2750 To most folk, it's an ugly thing strangled at birth by. If you want one, our advice is to bag the best example you can afford, and do so fast. Nope, not here, though you can manually engage first or second with the gear selector. In 2020, cars pegged in the SCs segment are often so laden with features as to be daunting to drive. This is a car that was built quality first, performance second. The engine was a 4.3-liter V8 with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, allowing a 060 mph time of 6.2 seconds. Neither Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Cadillac had a coupe-cabriolet. While the first generation of the Lexus SC was a luxurious coupe, its predecessor was transformed into an elegant coupe-cabriolet to compete in the premium segment. The. Stylists at Lexus started with a blank slate, working with organic-shaped plaster molds that were then scanned and digitally stretched by a computer-imaging program into coupe-like shapes. Heres Everything Thats Broken on My Cheap V12 Mercedes SL600, The best cars and best deals delivered to your inbox. The LS400 was greeted with praise in 1989, but it wasn't perfect. In this final year of production, Lexus will produce approximately 300 cars. [2] The production version of its new sports coupe-convertible, the SC 430, debuted at the New York Auto Show in April 2000. As a Brand Partner and Preferred Vehicle of Pebble Beach Resorts, Lexus is proud to unveil the third annual Pebble Beach Edition of the SC 430 hardtop convertible. Lexus built on that, developed customer loyalty and started eating into Mercedes and BMW's sales figures. Assigning gender specifics to objects in the designed and engineered. Pre-qualify for a car loan with no credit score impact. Used 2004 Lexus SC 430 Values Select a 2004 Lexus SC 430 Trim Select a vehicle trim below to get a valuation. Share your experience with others. And, finally, the Epicurean Package that gave you a $200 cooking class voucher, some wine from Napa, six knives and the choice of a 10-slot knife block or some pots and pans (you read that right they didnt give you enough knives to fill out your block). The SC430 originally came with a five speed automatic gearbox, which was upgraded to a six-speed automatic in cars produced from 2006 onwards. Stay tuned for more details. In 1996, the SC 400's 1UZ-FE engine design was upgraded to 260hp (194kW) from 250hp (186kW). Being a high-end convertible with a name for dependability, the SC430 should be a fine option. Theres almost no leg room, so its kids and luggage only in this one. First time was when a car was coming at me the wrong way on the freeway here in Central California. [45], The LF-LC was produced as a design study for a driver-focused vehicle at the direction of the Lexus Center in Japan, and work began on the concept in May 2010. A Lexus costs less to maintain than 1/3 of what a Mercedes SL had cost me. [26] Safety systems ranged from traction control to vehicle stability control. Upload or insert images from URL. A 5-speed manual transmission was only offered on the SC 300 from its debut until 1997. I love my SC. Time will tell, but its looking that way. Could we have our first ever trans-Atlantic split vote? He says there was only ever one in existence, but that doesnt sound right to meanother racecar nerd. Throughout the car's journey, only minimal modifications were made. Fast-forward to 2020, and the car feels deliciously old-school, yet the 27,000-mile, Lexus-owned example we tested also felt particularly special. In 1999,there were 905 Lexus SC400s made - how may of the 905 were black. gasoline engines: LEXUS SC 430 V8 5AT (286 HP) LEXUS SC 1991 - 2000 In 1991, Lexus introduced its first premium-coupe designed in the U.S. Its flowing lines and curvy appearance were right. Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. But how rare is it, and whats it like to own? Even if it doesnt become a classic, the SC430 is likely to prove a good investment thanks to its upward price trend and low cost of ownership. It was supposed to be the jewel in the crown of the Lexus line-up. [43], The LF-LC features a front-engine, rear-wheel drive drivetrain layout, which incorporates a next-generation Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system. The current owner has been very transparent in the state of the vehicle and let me know the battery range isnt what it used to be, but its still in good shape overall. Luxury was the name of the game with the SC430, and it came fitted with an impressive Mark Levinson sound system, a lavish leather interior, and a 3-part folding hard-top convertible roof. [12] The engine sits behind the front axles, which makes it a front mid engine rear wheel drive vehicle. Many SCs were consequently driven into the ground by a succession of progressively careless owners on the hunt for cheap wheels, and they entered the 2020s plagued by mechanical problems that often cost more to fix than the car is worth. 2003 Lexus SC430 problems. Own this car? Ill never sell it its just too bad I cant use it as a coffin. Drove it 27hrs home. Where we reside there are so few of them that I am always asked what it is and when I tell them that it is a 18 year old car no one believes me. In Japan, the related third-generation Toyota Soarer, with which the first-generation SC originally shared body design and multiple components, featured a separate line-up of vehicle configurations and different powertrains. [24], In contrast with the previous generation model, the redesigned Lexus SC was intended as a convertible from its inception. For the SC 300 an acceleration 060mph in 6.8 seconds with the 5-speed manual and 7.2 seconds with the 4-speed automatic for all years. . The average cost of a Lexus SC430 is $19,000 in the USA, and 14,000 in the UK. The Los Angeles Auto Show announced today that more than 40 vehicles are anticipated to debut at the Show during the 2012 Press Days, held Nov. 28-29. To commemorate its four-year exclusive partnership with Pebble Beach Company, Lexus introduced its second annual 2005 Lexus SC Pebble Beach Edition retractable hardtop convertible. If its been looked after, it will be a solid car to own. Overall, Lexus has built a good reputation for reliability in the used car market, and the SC430 is a credit to the brand. With the highwater mark set at 14,462 vehicles in 2002, 2009 saw just under 1000 SC 430s sold, with 720 of them in the U.S. The 430's mission was different. Moreover, retractable hardtops were initially popularized by the SC430 luxury convertible. Instead, they see me as another potential victim for their line-up of cars. [25] The development team was led by chief engineer Yasushi Nakagawa from 1996 to 2000. All rights reserved. Extensively modified from the factory car, the engine used is a modified version of the SC 430's 3UZ-FE V8 that was also used in the Toyota Supra racing car from previous years. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. In July 1992, the SC 300, a smaller-engined version of the SC 400, premiered in the United States. 135, The 2021 S-Class is the most advanced Mercedes ever. Both models were rear-drive only. Drivers who value a comfortable and stylish ride at an affordable price point over raw power are now buying up these cars rapidly, and we understand why. In late 2005, the SC 430 premiered along with the Lexus marque in Japan. The SC 300 was equipped with a 3.0L inline 6 2JZ-GE. The overwhelming majority of cars you find for sale will be from 2002 and 2003, but in our opinion you shouldnt let that put you off if youre on a budget. I had a 2005 sc430 that I traded in on an Escalade. we are in the minority, but im a huge fan of the pie wheels. Popular competitors: Lexus HS 250h; Jeep Cherokee; Lexus GS 450h; Lexus SC 430; Toyota Celica; Lexus GS 300; 2010. Its inside has been updated with a new instrument cluster, shift plate, and redesigned trim components. This edition was offered for model years 2004 through 2009 production of the Pebble Beach edition was limited to varying units each year (see table below for counts). Quick pro tip: if you input the vin onto Lexus drivers site, it'll show you all the maintenance records of the car that were performed by Lexus. As the sales numbers prove, the car was much more popular in the USA than it was in the UK. Lovely to drive and very economical. Toyota Tundra Crewmax Platinum Insurance Cost. ending with the Top Gear lads deeming it "the worst car in the world", This Is How Much A 1996 Lexus SC 300 Costs Today. Despite the plentiful supply of used SC430s in the USA and the now dated interior, it seems to be more desirable with every year that passes. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. (4) View all. In 2020, the newest first-generation SCs are nearly old enough to order a pint, and the oldest models are creeping up on their 30th birthday. One of their more recent offerings was the "Pebble Beach Edition" trim, which was first introduced in 2003 as a trim level on the much-maligned SC430 before being extended to the RX350, EX350 and LS600hL. In fact, the great majority of them were sold in the United States of America. , Who said you cant use it as a coffin youll just need a bigger burial site, Puts a smile on my face every time a drive it.Simply put, the most enjoyable car I have ever owned.Mine is a 2004 Lexus SC 430 Egyptian Sand Pearl with Ecru interior.Have complete Magnaflow exhaust, inJen intake, slotted and peened rotors with full ceramics and coilovers. For context, the S-Class Coupe (C140) was priced at $91,900 with a V-8 and $133,300 with a mighty V-12 between its stately fenders (about $152,000 . The Lexus SC430 isnt considered a particularly rare car, but its not common either. Production and sales data for Lexus SC generations are as follows. Total production numbers and the numbers sold in the U.S. and Japan can be found on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_SC, The SC430 was sold in Japan as the Toyota Soarer up through 2005 but I don't see production/sales data on the Wiki page for it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Soarer. ). (2) These days there are only a handful up for sale at any one time in Britain, so you may not be able to be as picky as you would be with other similar European cars. In July 2008, Edmunds InsideLine reported that Lexus had cancelled the next generation SC due to slowing sales. With four and a half months until the Show, it is noteworthy that at least 20 world debuts have already Countdown is on to Broad Arrow's Single-Owner Offering of Passion for the Drive: The Cars of Jim Taylor, VOLKSWAGEN CLAIMS BEST HIGHWAY FUEL EFFICIENCY, WITH SEVEN MODELS THAT ACHIEVE MORE THAN 40 MPG, MORE THAN 40 VEHICLE DEBUTS ANTICIPATED FOR THE 2012 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW. Deferred maintenance can be an issue, as youd expect. The output of the SC 300 was 5 horsepower more than the equivalent engine used in the Toyota Supra.[15]. You can post now and register later. These two-doors werent direct rivals, but the SC made a strong case for itself. Another cause for discontinuation was the dwindling sales, and despite rumors of a successor, no direct replacement from the SC line was ever brought to the public. The coupes design was elegant, subtle, and aerodynamic, and its 0.31 drag coefficient was on par with that of the fourth-generation Toyota Supra. The new SC 430 based race cars were immediately competitive with former GT500 champion Juichi Wakisaka and no. It features a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive design and seating for up to four passengers. The Lexus SC (Japanese: SC, Rekusasu SC) is a grand tourer that was retailed by Lexus (a luxury vehicle division of Toyota), and built from 1991 until 2010. Said to be dubbed the SC 600h, the new car is slated to feature a 5.0-liter V-8 matched to a hybrid electric system. Does anyone know how many SC430's were made by year? And then we both calmed down. Inside, the SC was loaded to the headliner with the features that discerning buyers (or, increasingly, discerning lessees) expected in an upmarket coupe, like wood trim on the dashboard and leather upholstery. A treuely enjoyable car that I drive with the utmost pleasure. It's FREE! Make: Lexus: Production: 2001 - 2010: Layout: Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive: Also Called: . 9 1/2 hours later I pulled into my driveway feeling like I could go another 9 hours. A 2006 model is the best year for the SC430 if youre looking for a later car with upgrades fitted at a reasonable price, but realistically theres not a huge amount of difference between the early cars and the later cars. [2] The LC replaced the SC lineup in 2017. While the configuration of the Lexus SC430 may lead you to believe it is intended to be a sports car, it isn't. A personal luxury car with a retractable hard top, the Lexus SC430 offers the. Standard luxury features include Espresso Walnut or Bird's Eye Maple wood trim, a Mark Levinson premium sound system, DVD-based navigation system, and headlamp washers. The first-generation SC was largely styled in California at Calty, and the second-generation SC was mainly conceived at design studios in Europe. In 1996, SC400 pricing started at $52,400 (about $86,500 in 2020). The SC400 emblem denoted a 4.0-liter V-8 making 250 hp and 260 pound-feet. These Are The Rarest Sports Cars Of The 2000s, Lexus continued to use them in the Super GT. Despite Top Gears trashing of the SC430, many other motoring journalists actually loved it. I wonder what its worth? Extensively modified from the factory car, the engine used is a modified version of the SC 430's 3UZ-FE V8 that was also used in the Toyota Supra race car from previous years. "The all new IS entry-luxury sport sedans, which debuted in October, enjoyed a best-ever overall combined sales month of 4,518 units, an increase of 573.3 percent over the same period last year. For additional trunk space, as an option the SC 430 could be equipped with run-flat tires. This is one of the most pleasant parts about an SC: Lexus didnt try to make the model a pseudo race car. The SC was unique in its class. It was always a car that was targeted at the American market, and as such there are plenty of options when looking to buy today. Its a personal choice as to whether you like its styling and softer ride, but if you want a comfortable cruiser thats a little out of the ordinary, the SC430 is a good choice. Get quotes from 40+ carriers. [30][31] Kelley Blue Book gave the SC 430 its Best to Hold Value Award in 2002. This is likely down to the styling, comfort suspension, and softer steering. Ive recently installed an after market apple play to my original 2002 and live it! In 1991, Lexus introduced its first premium-coupe designed in the U.S. Its flowing lines and curvy appearance were right on the biodesign ascending trend. The SC 400 was honored as the Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1992. I flew to California where i picked up a 07 SC430 pebble beach edition, white with red interior. The Lexus SC430 was a global sensation, and it sports cool features such a retractable aluminum hardtop, among others. Model. [25] Reviewers from Car and Driver magazine praised the SC 430 for 2002 as "an unqualified success", calling it "comfortable, fast, smooth, and quiet" with "all of the virtues expected in a patrician roadster. Pasted as rich text. [14] The original 19911997 engines for the 2JZ-GE-powered SC 300 were rated at 225hp (168kW)/210lbft (285Nm). For both the front and back wheels, the SC430 chassis used a double-wishbone configuration.
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