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Lexus SC 430
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Please do not try to compare your car with my work of art based simply on 0-60 performance. Remember, a Subaru WRX may be able to beat a Ferrari 456A from 0-60, but how important is that in the grand scheme of automobile ownership?
Price is subjective based on how much cash you do or don't have. This car is a bargain compared to its real competitors.
And why don't you test an SC430 past 120mph. Mustangs can't even do 140 without heavy modification. Your opinion is unwelcome at best, although you are entitled to it, it is horribly ill-informed. Your argument is similar to a minivan owner complaining about the luggage space and price of a Diablo. I didn't buy my car simply to drag race, but for the quality, luxury, features, and exclusivity.
Please go back to the 'Stang/gold chain chat room with your sour grapes until you hit the lottery and can move up to a real automobile worthy enough to compare with mine.
The bad news is that all three of them thought it was ugly.
Well, at least it's polarizing
As to being ill informed, I'd suggest you check the top speed of a Mustang Cobra, you will find it slightly over 150, to be exact 152 Mph.
>>>>Please go back to the 'Stang/gold chain chat room with your sour grapes until you hit the lottery and can move up to a real automobile worthy enough to compare with mine. <<<<
To add to your state of being ill informed, I happen to be a senior citizen and a very conservative one at that. As to moving up to a real automobile, I'm seriously contemplating the purchase of a new 2003 Dodge Viper. And just for your edification sir, I have always payed cash for my automobiles.
Now I will say again, I believe the SC-430 is an ugly creation and grossly over priced. Thank you for allowing me to reiterate my opinion about your "real automobile".
Your comparo of sc430 to a mustang is silly;
Stay off the web site play by yourself.
spihinx99; You are slipping to take that stand of comments out of context.
Until now.
Overpriced, ugly and derivative. Lexus does know its coupe audience, though. They went after a group of affected poseurs with a need to compensate, and, according to the posts here and in other sc430 threads, both current and archived, they hit paydirt.
Well done. Well done indeed...
If "polarizing" is what you're after.
If a real car with devastating looks and hefty performance is the quest, well, CLK430 Cabriolet, 911 Carerra, CLK 55AMG, Viper R/T10 and XK8 are all in the park, price-wise, with only the Viper being really questionable as to styling...
But I think it's an unfair call. I mean, after all, the top is actually watertight this year.
Of course, having a clutch that requires a 300lb. leg press to actuate might be construed as less than luxurious!
Still, at least it HAS a clutch...
I believe the SC430 critique was in the April 2001 issue. Would anyone care to look over the article and give us all the gist of it? Thanks!
Mr. Shiftright
Bob: "Except that they can't. You do not lead by copying, and this beautifully made car is a poor copy of the TT - rounded at both ends, with a squashed top and pudgy surfacing. It's a far cry from Erwin Lui's SC300/400 design that made it an Automobile Magazine All-Star for many years. No matter; it's already a sales success. And the top goes down."
Basically points out the strengths and weaknesses of Japanese high end cars: impeccably constructed, but lagging in styling and design, unless some Italian comes on board to help out.
Nobody would argue that the car is not a good car, but at that price, it should be something folks actually like looking at everyday...
I think the car will remain controversial and will not be imitated further. It is an interesting dead-end in styling, IMO. This is not to single out Lexus, as other cars recently introduced will also fall under a cloud of controversy (Prowler, Cougar, Audi TT, VW Bug, etc.)
I've owned my SC430 since July, and every day that I drive it, which is almost every day of the week, I get dozens of positive verbal comments, and many more positive gestures. And at least one or two people request to admire it more closely, and afterwards conclude that the car is fantastic. Not nice, FANTASTIC. There is no way that you can justify "mixed" opinion based on your statistically insignifant number of negative reports.
Has there been one car designed in the last 20 years where similarities can't be drawn to some other vehicle? Possibly the Aztec...need I say more?
Your opinions have been duly noted, as they need be only ONCE.
Constant repetition of your negative comments regarding a car you will never own, and have no interest in owning, lead to the conclusion that you are merely envious. There's no good reason to dedicate this much time to this subject.
It's time for you to move on with your lives.
And Mr. Shiftright, as a host, I would expect you to refrain from such comments until you have actually spent more than a few minutes around and in the passenger seat of this car. If you had the opportunity, you would see how impressive this car truly is.
Rental companies charge more for this car than any other exotic short of the current Ferrari line and the CL500. Not because it's more expensive or just more exclusive, but for the demand.
For every negative experience you can quote, I can quote 5 times more positive reports.
Perfect, no. But what car is? It is overwhelmingly by most accounts FANTASTIC!
Certainly, my opinion should be as valid as any random passer-by on the street who looks at your car. Not better, but surely just as valid. I've studied car styling almost all my life, and I know quite a bit about the history of styling. I've spent a couple of hours just looking at the SC430. I've even sketched it.
Examples might be drawn from architecture about which styles endure and which don't, or which styles draw attention but don't get copied.
Best thing to do is to look at the 2002/2003 cars and see what's happening out there.
I come here to see if anyone has any useful info regarding vehicles I'm interested in, which I think is the primary purpose of these townhalls.
The overwhelming amount of undue and repeated criticism may lead an unknowledgable yet interested person to believe that this car is an unworthy option.
This certainly is not the case, as the tangible and intangible qualities, characteristics, and content of this car make it a bargain.
And Mr Shiftright, I believe you did compare the handling to a BMW M3 when you had the pleasure of being a passenger in an SC430. This is a GT car, not a sports car, and your comments and comparisons have contributed to the negativity. I just don't feel the impartiality that I expect from a host.
As a result, any meaningful or experienced commentary by owners is a thing of the past, as they have largely been driven to other forums.
I hope I'm not violating any rules here, but I feel I must stand up for what may possibly be the best car for the money that exists today.
"There is no way that you can justify "mixed" opinion based on your statistically insignifant number of negative reports."
but later you also state:
"The overwhelming amount of undue and repeated criticism may lead an unknowledgable yet interested person to believe that this car is an unworthy option."
So the "overwhelming amount of undue and repeated criticism" does not count towards the mixed feelings? We dont count cause we havent told you in person. Tell you what, if I ever see you in person, I'll tell you I think your car is ugly.
Fact is, obviously, only Time is the judge of what is timeless in styling. We really don't know how we'll look at a car ten or twenty years from now or whether we will respect it or not.
I've found that the trunk can actually hold a decent amount of luggage as well.
Hope that helped!
Maybe you should read my post more than once before you respond.
And BTW, I don't think I'll be able to hear your critique of my car due to the noise from the metrobus you ride in.
Get a life...
I also am wondering why you are judging the looks based on others opinions. Every post from you seems to say something similar to, "this car is not ugly because lots of people tell me they like it". Why don't you like it for yourself, and not for the opinion of others?
I personally like SAABs. MANY people think they are ugly. I think they are great. I love the quirky yet simple styling. Its only an opinion and everybody has one, so why choose to get offended by it?
Don't read into this too much, I just wanna know. Are you from the Los Angeles area?
Who's personality is more damaged than someone who wishes to repeat their negative opinion of someone else's cherished goods just out of spite?
I believe I have made my point to any rational adult. I now ask that trollers move along, and I will try not to respond to any of them again, even if personally attacked.
To all who own this great car enjoy.
p.s. The FXS concept car was just a styling exercise and will never be built from what I've read.
I can promise you this, there are LOTS of people who could easily afford to buy your car that do not appreciate it much. That does not either improve or weaken the attributes of the car. Please take your own advice and stick to a discussion about the facts, and leave the insults elsewhere.
Emm, car rattles to me are like living near a railroad or an airport, after awhile the noise seems to disappear, you seem to filter it out automatically. But I guess with new rattles showing up with old rattles in a $60K investment that is only 6 months old, I'd get aggravated also. I suspect that folding roof structure with six or eight motors with hydraulics and who knows how many other associated parts, probably adds to the symphony. Put a set of 3 inch pipes on it with Borla muffers and a Bassani X pipe with high flow cats and hell everything else will fade into the back ground <Grin>. Besides you'll have the best sounding 430SC, anywhere around.
didn't a "why i love my sc430" thread get started somewhere along the line? possibly the poster who brooks no negative opinion about his car might want to find that thread...
personally, i find it "unappealing" (is that better than "ugly", shifty?)...
and doc? fwiw, wishnhigh has probably ridden or driven far more quality rides than you'll ever see in your life. so can your "i'm richer than you so i'll insult you" attitude. otoh, don't. the best thing bimmer drivers have going for them these days is that lexus drivers are actually passing them in the poseur category...
-Chris
i suppose redundant positive subjectivity does?
-Chris
The SC has a tremendous amount of features that my SLK does not have. What are your thoughs on the rain free windshield?
I had owned a 2001,C320, but had major problems with the electronic keys and the computer in the car. The last time I took it in I decided to get rid of it and get a convertable.
The Sc is sharp looking !
I may have to trade this spring.
BTW, whats a rain free windshield? Is that like rainX or something?
The side windows do keep themselves remarkably clear of rain, however, which may be due to a coating or to the design; I don't know.
As for the positive feedback from strangers in parking lots, gas stations, and even on the road -- I agree that folks generally will not tell you to your face that your car is ugly, any more than they would say that to you regarding your baby. However, if they have a negative or even a neutral opinion, they will just pass on their way. I don't say anything to Aztek owners, for example. What continues to surprize me, however, is the frequency with which I am subject to favorable questions and comments, even from people who do not know what kind of a car it is (since it's still pretty rare, at least where I live). What this says to me is that there is a lot of initial positive reaction to the looks of the car, which is not everyone's cup of tea, and certainly not as beautiful as the SC400, for example.
I have never had a car of any kind that has generated this kind of an active response on the part of friendly strangers. I think it's a good thing, and speaks well of the car.
Count me in the camp of owners that think the lines of this car are fantastic, are really impressed with the handling/performance and creature comforts of the vehicle, and am counting on Lexus' great record of customer satisfaction for a happy ownership experience. I'm enjoying every minute in my new car and still discovering things to admire in terms of how the 430 was designed and constructed.
That said, there was a great post on a prior board listing some features that are a little messed up. In the spirit of nit-picking, here are my additions:
1. The audio control buttons on the steering wheel are great, and allow you to do almost anything needed to the stereo without having to have the panel in front of the ML faceplate open. The mode button allows you to turn the stereo on and switch between AM/FM/CD/cass modes....but it should also allow you to turn the stereo back off.....it doesn't (you need to open the panel to do this).
2. The audio antenna retracts when the power to the ML stereo is off, but it should also retract when listening to a CD or cassette--it doesn't.
3. The switch to open/close the top should be one-touch (this may be a safety issue). And if Lexus really wanted to impress people, they would have programmed special SC keys that allow you to raise/lower the top remotely (as you can do with your windows now, but the same safety issue may be involved).
4. The audio for the navigation system comes from the front left speaker(s) only. The problem with this is that when the top is down and/or one is really blaring tunes, Nancy Navigator is awfully difficult to hear--even when the left channel music automatically dims to let Nancy talk. The audio should dim from all channels/speakers when Nancy has something to say and/or she should talk from all the channels/speakers.
5. I agree with the prior posts that the complexities of locking the car for a valet and the need to keep the mirror adjust out of "lock" for the mirrors to drop while in reverse are silly oversights.
Do others have comments on these observations--or maybe there are some features above that are malfunctioning in my car that need to get fixed--I'd really welcome your remarks. In addition, I wonder if there are any new comments recommending car covers (the Lexus cover is not worth purchasing)---where can a quality one be purchased? And has anyone had success removing the unsightly ABS warning labels on either side of the sun visors?
I look forward to your comments.....
BTW, regarding price, I agree that the waiting lists seemed to have vanished, and I was able to pay a LITTLE less than MSRP for the SC430
Sure it does.. press and hold the RDS button to turn it off.
(It's explained in the manual)