Lexus SC430 (2001 To Date)
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Despite their forays into the compact executive and luxury 4x4 markets most still associate Lexus with the production of big, technologically advanced luxury saloons. When Toyotas luxury division announced that they were planning on bringing an open topped car to market that would rival the Mercedes SL most took the threat seriously. Unfortunately the Sc430 never really proved itself up to the task of taking the fight to the big Mercedes and as a result used values for the few that did sell are distinctly reasonable. There are many cars that seem a bit of a duffer when new but make interesting used cars second time around and the SC430 fits into this category with a significant caveat.
Although youll save a packet on the cars new [price, used values are still falling fast., making a used SC430 a pretty pricey companion on a pence per mile basis. As long as thats clear upfront and you know the nature of this vehicle theres no reason why you shouldnt find a well looked after example rather enjoyable.
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Lexus havent stopped with the roof either. The stereo system and satellite navigation also have covered panels that electronically whirr into place. Perhaps the SC430s kerb weight of 1740kg is partly explained by the fact that it hauls around more electric motors than youd find at a Steven Hawking lookalike convention. Take the stereo system.
Mark Levinson Audio, a company based in Middletown, Connecticut has gained a serious reputation amongst hi-fi buffs over the last few years. Naturally the opinions of bearded folk whose idea of nirvana is a double diffusion MOS-FET in the transept stage may not normally concern us, but we think they may be onto something here. Nine speakers are linked to that Sizewell-B amplifier driven by an AM/FM radio cassette and 6-disc CD changer to truly devastating effect. The air conditioning system is also self-indulgently intelligent.
It can adjust the airflow and temperature automatically, knowing when the hood is up or down, and adjusts according to speed and outside temperature. On cold days when youre running with the hood down it realises that pools of cold air will form around the footwells and the lap and will direct a warm blast towards these areas. It even understands wind chill factor and takes this into account. Interior quality is, as would be expected from Lexus, impeccable.
A great deal of thought has obviously been paid to ergonomics and design, with the only noticeable quibble being the way that when trying to adjust the stereo, its quite easy to hit the climate control buttons. Aside from this, the storys all good. When pondering the wood cappings that are featured on the fascia, Lexus turned to the expertise of the Yamaha musical instrument factory to learn how to mould, bend and coax wood into all sorts of complex shapes. It obviously takes a great deal of time, money and expertise to make wood look like plastic, but Lexus have pulled it off.
The leather interior, available in black, saddle tan or ecru appears similarly money-no-object and the seats, whilst wider than the Rio Grande, are supportive comfortable and infinitely adjustable. You even get an illuminated scuff plate that glows gold by day and red by night.
Prices start from around £28,200 for the first of the 2001 Y plate cars, with a 2003 52 plated example being priced at around £34,775. Considering that car cost £50,670 new, thats quite a fair saving on a car thats barely run in. Insurance for the SC430- is rated at Group 19.
There is, amazingly, almost nothing to report. Lexus were determined to make these cars as faultless and long-lasting as possible and it seems they've succeeded. Even the hideously complicated folding hard top has escaped the teething problems that plagued early examples of the Mercedes SLK and Peugeot 206 CC. The main worry with an SC430 will be accident damage or mileage clocking. If you can, check the car's service records and cross-reference mileage with the dealers who carried out the scheduled maintenance. That way, you'll have peace of mind that the immaculate, low-mileage car you're looking at really is just that. Any car imported privately or unofficially from Japan will give you grounds for serious negotiation on price.
(approx based on 01 SC430) A new radiator is around £850. An alternator should be close to £710, a starter motor around £450 and rear brake pads would be around £65. A headlamp will be around £375, and expect to pay close to £970 for a full exhaust system (inc Catalyst).
The engine, as wed expect from Lexus, is electric motor quiet. Its the same 4.3-litre engine we find in the GS and LS430 models, a V8 thats good for 281bhp and that will reach 60mph in just over six seconds. Although hardly slow, you wont feel the need to lean hard on the Lexus, the car preferring to make more serene progress.
You never feel shy of engine but the handling is markedly better in later models where the ride suspension has been fettled for European tastes. The earlier cars were baggier round corners and added insult to injury by being rather harsh riding to boot. This ride quality suffered over pockmarked surfaces or tram tracks. Given the tranquility base that is the LS430s ride, this came as something of a surprise.
Rabbit punches to the kidneys when riding over expansion joints were an unwelcome novelty in a Lexus.
The Lexus SC430 remains an expensive acquired taste but the sting of the big upfront price is removed by buying used. The problem here is that in order to maximise your saving, youll be looking at one of the less desirable early cars that rode on US specification suspension. If you have got your heart set on a used SC430, theres probably little that will prevent you taking the plunge but if you can wait a year or two for the later cars to start commanding reasonable used prices then youll snap up a better deal.
