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Lexus SC 430
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Comments
Anyone have any comments?
Should work with most problems except a full blown blowout.
Highly recommend dumping the Flinstone cement tires and get a set of real tires. You won't look back.
JTMav
03 SC430 Egyptian Sand/Saddle">link title
I've been reading the thread about the 2002 SC430 with interest, because I have a chance to buy one. I have always loved the look of this car but never dreamed I could own one. In fact, I drive a Toyota Solara now in part because it reminds me of the SC430 from the back! I've done a lot of research, but there is one thing I still don't have a definitive answer for--winter driving. I know I'd need to get really good snow tires (I already checked some out at Tire Rack), but I wonder if anyone can tell me whether this just isn't a car you can drive in snow at all, even with snow tires. Some say you can't because of the low profile; others say you can. Any insights you can give would be greatly appreciated--this would be my year-round car and I'd have to be able to drive it in winter.
Thanks,
Peter
Good luck
JTMav
Garynak
Here's my question: Brand, Model & Size you would recommend?
Thanks! Ken in Ohio (Black & Ecru)
Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com
I do have one question. How would the "goo" affect the tire pressure sensor system? These sensors are realatively expensive and run on batteries so they require periodic replacement (say every 3 years or so). Just curious if you had researched that aspect of using the tire sealant. Other than this one concern, your solution seems about perfect.
JTMav
I think it is unanimous with SC 430 owners who have switched none that I know of are going back to runflats, the technology isn't ready for prime time in my humble opinion.
Congrats on the new ride, hope she has loves it
JTMav
thanks!
call lexus service or aaa. carry can of air.
GREAT RIDE
Just wanted to let you know how much I'm enjoying my '02 430! After a tough day at work I couldn't wait to get in my baby & lower the top! My dealership folks recommended the paste wax by Mother's, which is what I used, and it looks great. But I'm always looking for better & will give the purple Maguires a try. What do you use for the interior, though? I just got some Maguire for leather wipes - is that ok for the dash as well? Sue in Dallas
by what I read in this log I can tell some authors do not own one of these cars. If they did they would enjoy it as much as we do!As for the leather treatment, I have found that Maguires liguid leather cleaner and conditioner works best on the leather and gives it a deep rich tone. I only treat the leather every other month. It tends to make the leather so supple that I slide on the seats. But I use the Maguire wipes as you do on the dash. Also only take your car thru a hand car wash as the brushes on a regular car wash will leave swirls on the paint finish. All the best...
I would highly recommend the Zaino line of car care products. Their sealants are the best I have used and I have a garage full of products that I have tried over the years. Also their "leather in a bottle" is just terrific. Smells just like brand new leather and cleans and conditions perfectly.
Second choice would be Klasse products. They make an "all in one" cleaner and sealant that works quite well. Simple to use wipe on wipe off product.
Have fun taking care of your new ride.
JTMav
I have had my 2002 SC since new. Yes, the RF tires are hard and yes sometimes they are not as grippy but it sure beats what I had to endure last weekend in the rain in a parking lot.
2 flat tires from nails in my new Benz. I finally called MB Roadside assistance as they needed to be plugged .
I will keep the RF tires and keep driving with knowing that I will not have to endure that event on the SC.
BTW- I have 17,000 miles on the original tires and they are doing just fine.
Derek.
Here's the scoop- The Lexus SC does not have the alternator that charges the battery just at idle. Lexus replaced my battery and advised that you have to drive the car to charge the battery. I had left it undriven last winter for 30 days with the alarm on in the garage.
Since then I made a point each weekend to drive it rain or shine.
Overall Lexus has been great since 2002 and I will look at them again not only for service 99% v MBenz 50% but for the quality of their cars.
Derek.
Thanks
HowSmith
I've also experienced the dead battery problem. My service tech said to get a trickle charger if I wasn't driving the car for an extended period (month or longer), and to lock it even in the garage if it wasn't going to be driven for a week or more. If it's locked apparently fewer of the computers and other electronic components draw power.
I was sorry to read the earlier post by the person who was so disappointed with his Lexus. I switched from MB and am on my third Lexus. My wife and I could not be more pleased with the cars or our dealership.
We love the car, although it is not perfect. The liquid crystal gauges disappear when wearing Polaroid sunglasses. The cruise control is not as convenient to operate as the Mercedes cruise control. The Navigation should permit entries to be made when in motion. The run flats do make for a harsher ride, but is a reasonable trade off for the security, especially for my wife.
The fit and finish is superb, and the transmission much, much smoother than my 2006 Mercedes ML500.
I'm looking at buying a 2002 or 2003 CPO sc 430, and the KBB trade-in and retail values for this vehicle differs about $10K.
Therefore, should I expect to pay toward the high or low end of this range for this particular vehicle? I think this is heavily based on the popularity of the vehicle.
Any thoughts would help
4
to all front leading surfaces of SC 430 to save paint from stone dings and "love" bugs?? Anyone have good / bad experiences??
Glenn
I took the plunge today, and put down a deposit for an '06 SC 430 blue/saddle. I'm from South Carolina, but the car is coming from Florida by truck within the next 7-10 days. (I'm probably not going to sleep a bit until I get the call form the dealer.) I've been reading all of these postings carefully, as well as doing a lot of Internet research, and it seems that, in spite of some problems, most people are very satisfied with their cars. This will be my first Lexus, and I'm eager to see how their service after the sale stacks up.
A few questions...
1. Is it wise to purchase an extended warranty for this vehicle?
2. Are the run flats not worth replacing once they've worn out?
3. Are Zaino car care products the best ones on the market?
Thanks for y'alls input everyone! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts...
SCSC430
2. No, Get rid of the run flats once they have worn out and get yourself some Michelin Pilot P2 or similar. Your will feel the difference!
3. Yes
4. Enjoy your new car as I have. Put the top down and go for a long cruise. There is no equal! It's cheaper than a psychologist and a lot more fun.
Thanks for your advice. I think I'm going to pass on the extended warranty, and a lot of what I've read says to get rid of those run flat tires. Zaino it is, and I definitely plan to put that top down as soon as I get the car and take a nice long ride in the country!
SCSC430
Question: vandalism on our street put my 20-yr-old son's Mercury Sable in the shop for too many days, and he's driving my SC - YIKES!!! He committed a sin & smoked a cigarette in it. When we get the Sable back on Monday, what cleaner/conditioner do you recommend for the interior to get that disgusting smell out???
Thanks everyone..........Sue in Dallas
JTMav