Hi everyone,

With the exception of Steven5058 (who seems not to have returned since telling us he was going to get an SC430 back in March...) I seem to be the only SC430 owner here.

Can this really be true?

Come on guys - don't be shy. If you have an SC430 let's have a chat about it!

Meanwhile, I've attached a not-very-good picture of mine (it's an imported Soarer version from Japan).

All the best,

Martin

I still think you are the only one.
Nice pic by the way.

i'm still here.. its now been 7 or so weeks, 3051 miles as of wed 1st May, and everything is cool...the sc430 is a faultless machine...heads turn everywhere. rare as chickens teeth. manchester is a better place now that my big blue sc430 is there.. lexus stockport still bring customers to see my car.. how mad is that..
gripes...cream leather seats...dont like black trousers... oh and some sad arse threw a brick at the bonnet week 2, had to get it resprayed £1200...not good...not happy but an excellent spray job. have done dublin via the car ferry. excellent time...felt like royalty...have still only seen 3 in manchester...anyway i should be at the next lexus gig and i'll give her a polish. oh and someone nicked the dustcaps = all 4 sad or what.. anyone in/nr manchester or cheshire wanna have a spin call me 07771807256

Hi Steven,

Nice to hear from you. We've since communciated by e-mail but I thought I'd just say hello here too.

Sounds like Manchester is even rougher than London! Touch wood and fingers crossed I've had no damage to my car except a couple of tiny self-inflicted wounds.

The heavy-looking gangster element in London presently seem happy just to stand around admiring it.

I'll call you if I'm ever up your way.

All the best,

Martin

well having 2 in the club just shows there rare.........if you find more get them to sign up...........

It's up to a 12 months waiting list now to get one.Perhaps thats why theres only 2 in this club

Are you both coming to JAE?:bounce:

:yes:

SC430 owners (plural just!) Just a note to say what a fab car you have. My wife and I test drove it at the Lexus Scottish Open day near Edinburgh a few weeks ago. It was lovley! We have a 19 month daughter and one due in 3 weeks so it is on our shopping list when we don't need to child seats in the back, for now we are more than happy with our RX300. Horses for courses and alll that. Look forward to joining your ranks in a few years, which I guess meens I need to place my order by the middle of next week

[Edited on 11-6-2002 by JohnRX300]

Hello there,

I live in the states, and I just got an SC430. What a wonderful machine!!

Hi there,

Nice to see someone here from the States.

It is a fabulous machine, isn't it? After 10 months I still get a buzz every time I get inside.

What colour(s) do you have?

Martin

Just signed up...new sc 430 owner

Rub it in why don't you....just need to save my pennies and I'll get one....

At the mo' it's either a mortgage or an SC430

They're fantastic cars, drove one at a recent Open Road event. You'll have to come along to the next event - I promise not to drool over the paintwork! :tumble:

I will get one (SC430) when I have saved enough funds (€ 131 860 here in Finland).

I have drove one and the car really is excellent, that's why I am intending to get a one asap.

Not at all, there is an additional 1 member to be added. Its coming up to a year for me. The car is just awesome. Only seen 2 others in the London area. Should be getting new wheels soon. Still getting loads of looks especially at night with the top down.

Since having the SC i Know now what it's like to be on drugs because after driving it you just more,more,more

best lexus so far!!!!!!

Hi all-

I found this site searching for TRD parts for my SC430. And yes, I am a fellow owner. Mine is in the red -- Absolute Red as they call it here in the states, and it certainly earns that moniker. I work in the nightclub industry, and people flock around to stare at it whenever I park it in front of the clubs. I’ve had mine for about 4000 miles now, and except for one snafu with the CD player (it doesn’t like aftermarket CD’s), I’ve had no problems with it. But then again, my other Lexus never had any problems either, and it’s also a first year production car. My winter car is a 1999 RX300 with 105,000 miles on it (sorry, I don’t know what that is in kilometers). Is it 1 mile to 1.6 kilometers? In that case, that’s 168k kilometers on my RX. But like I said, it still runs as strong as the day I got it. I’m expecting my ownership experience with the SC to be similar.

Cheers,
Phil

Why can't I see the picture??

Hi all.I've never posted anywhere before so I hope this works!
Picking up my SC430 on Thurs this week in the UK....pre-owned but in good nick.If anyone wants to compare notes my e-mail is available...I gather there's been lots of discussion on the U.S. club website regarding tyres/wheels/ride etc so any tips gratefully received.
How many owners are we up to now in the UK on this site then,4/5?
Cheers for now.

welcome Buzz............:cool:

I bought a new SC430 back in March 2002. It's a pearl white with saddle brown leather interior and dark cherry wood panelling. I live here in Hampton Roads, Virginia (here in the US).

Here are the Features I love about my car...
1. 300 HP, V8, 4.3 liter engine (purrs smooth at 130 MPH)
2. The touch screen navigation system is very nice.
First of all, you can disable the highways and it will take you on all the back roads to your destination.
Second, if you are stuck in traffic, click the detour buttons and it will steer you around the breakdowns.
Third, entering an address takes you right to your destination in a different state -- yes, the DVD has all of the mainland US states down to the street level!
3. The heated seats (great for this cold weather)
4. The passenger/driver side temp controls
5. The hardtop convertable one button mechanism.
Gets you looks and compliments everytime you use it.
6. The 6-CD in the dash!
7. RDS rocks to display the song and artist on the radio
8. The cup holders that always come in handy when your
on the go and grabbing a cup of coffee.
9. The compliments in the parking lot and gas stations.
10. The pre-set seat and steering wheel positions to quickly restore everything back to your preferences.
11. The 007 headlight washers that pop out from no where.
12. Did I mention them all?

I'm another owner of this fine machine from the south east of England.

When I first got the car I drove into the local garage to get some petrol with the roof down and brought the whole place to standstill. I wasn't allowed to leave until I'd demonstrated the operation of the roof a couple of times!!

Again no problems in 15 months of ownership (yes I was one of the first) apart from "haunted" headlamp washers that would turn themselves on and empty the washer bottle in one hellish cloud of foam which turned out to be a bad joint in the wiring to the pump that shorted when it got wet.

The only other problem was the crappy run-flats that have now been replaced by Pirelli P Zeros and have transformed the ride and handling. No more tramlining and jumping about on the road under braking. I really do believe that the car fitted with run-flats is dangerous and anyone who is still driving around on them is risking life and limb. I am also waiting for that slow slug called Lexus to come up with the parts to bring my car up to current spec in the suspension dept, they really are dreadful from that point of view and really let the whole Lexus organisation down badly

Do you really need to do the supension work with the new tyres. I have checked with Lexus Edgware
road and they confirmed that the actual suspension work can be carried out at any time.

I am not sure about getting the suspension done. Want to try the car without run-flats first.

I agree with the stability issues with the run-flats. I felt more confident in the IS-200 sport
which had the whole setup sorted for driving hard.

What do you think of the Pirelli's, I am thinking of the bridgestone potenza SO-3?

Lexus Edgware are talking out of their proverbial backsides. The modified suspension has to be made specially in Japan and that's where the holdup is according to Lexus Customer Service Department who are just as exasperated as I am.

Yes the new tyres do make a huge difference, but having driven a latest spec car with the new suspension there is more to come. The Pirellis are great and seem to disperse water very well as I found out this morning driving to work. I hit a huge puddle covering half the road quite fast and although blinded for a second by the water being thrown up the car barely flinched from its course. They grip very well in the dry and all the bashing and banging associated with the run-flats has gone.

Im here and you dont have to wait 12 months you can by ours lush car.

Hello everyone!

I've just joined the club because I want to share my happiness with everyone! I got the first Lexus SC 430 in London last year and I am enjoying every minute of it. It is an incredible car with the power of a beast and the sophistication of a true luxery car. I am now about to order new 20" alloy wheels from america - it is unbelievable that such a stunning car can look any better!!!

Congradulations to all who have bought the SC 430 - I am sure your feeling about your cars are not dissimilar to mine

I LLLOOOVVVEEE my car!!

Hi Martin, my wife and I are picking up a new SC430 on March 1st, can't wait so now there are Three'''''''
I hope we will be as happy with our car as you both seem to be, we live in Lynmouth north Devon so along way from the both of you. We have just signed up for the owners club so who knows maybe we will meet up at something.

Michael

I have had my SC430 for 9 months (11,000 KM). It is silver with a cream interior. It is a joy to ride. Especially love to ride in the mountains and at the beach with the top down.

Only problem I had during this time was with a rattle whenever the radio door was down. Lexus dealer fixed it as soon as I could demonstrate it. Took it in 3 previous times, but would not make the sound - when raining (high moisure?), when too hot, or when too cold. The last time it made a lot of noise (like a baby rattle) and they removed the radio added some foam and reinstalled. Problem fixed.

Still doing a lot of research into what next set of tires should be. I believe the PAX system when developed might be the answer. They are trying to make a tire (tyre) with run flat capability, but regular tire ride quality. I think it is done with a "plastic" fitting of some type inside the wheel that holds the tire up when air is gone. Looks like Bentley will have first one?

Greetings chaps
I have a beautiful SC430 since last September. I haven't done many miles with it since (just about 400) since I avoid using it during the winter...
I agree that the ride is not good with the run flat tires, but I plan to keep them at least for the first 5,000 miles before replacing them.
Another thing is that it would have been very nice if the CD player played MP3s as well!

a part from that, I just love that car.

Work est end march-april now and you must have new dunlop tyres

Hi everyone!

Great to see some new names here!

KC, I have to take issue with you:

I got my SC430 (a Japanese import) in August 2001.

And I know I wasn't the first in London, but very nearly!

All the best,

Martin

Hi Guys,

I took delivery of my black and tan SC430 in January last year and for all the reasons above I'm very impressed and think it is a great car. However,I have had a few minor problems which the excellent dealers Carroll&Kinsella have rectifyed for me pretty speedily,but a recurring annoying noise from the passenger door,which dosen't happen when the roof's down,dosen't want to go away.Any of you got similar problems? I've got the runflat tyres and decided to go for the suspension mod which did improve the ride somewhat.I recommend getting Permaguard on the exterior as it helps to keep the car looking cleaner longer.

Happy drivin...James

Got mine a month ago, blue with cream interior. Love the car, its a real buzz to get in every morning. Only nag is that Lexus decided to leave of the automatic rain sensing wipers, dont understand why since most of the range has them.

Hello everyone,

I am a new member and like to say hi to every body! I am sure this site will provide me good infos of sc430.

Best regard,
Megan
02' Pearl white with saddle brown interior.

Sorry to hear about the brick. Sad Little Bs are common...literally! The worst I've had in sunny Surrey is a sad git that tailgated me on a dual carriageway, even though the outside lane was empty. I overtook the car in front and the scumbag couldn't keep up as it became a single lane but cut me up at a roundabout ahead. I can't even think down to that level. I've been jealous of other people's cars yes! But why throw a brick? Nutters!

I bought an LS400 just before the SC came out. I'm very jealous as the LS is a tad bigger than I really wanted, but I had to have a Lexus 'cos Autocar say they're sister mag in Germany say it's the best for reliability bar none and also the Satnav are the best and the V8 is the best and Quentin Wilson drives an old one which has over 100K but still no squeeks.

Can't swap mine though, I've spent too much time polishing and waxing it.

Vertex,
don't know if you already know this but if you have a CD burner you can convert MP3s to WAV (using CDEX for example) and burn them onto a CD.

i have one.....

Hi I have a 2002 SC430 in blue with light cream leather.
I have just bought this car but I also run a LS400 during the week and then use the SC430 at weekends.
The alloys wheels are going to be change in the next few weeks as these could do with being changed.
This is a UK car with 1 owner and full service.
I may get rid of the LS400 as i cant warrent driving two 4 litre cars.

Have you made any changes to yours yet ?

For sure lose those runflats, nice set of 20's will sort your SC out



Only ever had one car with automatic rain sensing wipers, bmw 330. Was terrible, used to go off all the time and carry on when all the rain was gone.. dont miss that. Though IMO the SC is not a nice car to use in the rain.

Get my SC430 tomorrow 03' Silver with black interior, can't wait........ trading in merc slk 230 so I'm sure I'll notice lots of difference, any tips as to upgrades gladly recieved.

One burning question, what model is sat nav and what is the latest uk map?

Cheers

Paul

Welcome to the SC club, im sure you will never look at another Merc again

Upgrades wise..

20" wheels
Bodykit
TV DVD MP3
Luxlink remote roof and starter
2006 rear LED lights
Tein coilovers

If you want performance then..

Intake
Exhaust
Headers
Torque Convertor
Supercharger
LSD
big brake kit

I have a SC430 2002 model and beleive that this is the latest Sat Nav cd at present (hope i am wrong)

How easy are the following to fit:
TV DVD mp3
Romote Roof and Starter

cheers Ian

I have checked the version in my new car and it is also 2002 so are there any later versions out there?

I saw a TNS300 disc on Ebay is this the correct disc?

Thanks

Paul (Happy new owner)

Hi,
I'm another new owner of a SC430 2002 model and generally very pleased with it.
The main disappointment is the ride/handling. I tried a 911 but found that too firm a ride for everyday use and not as luxurious as the Lexus. However, the SC is a strange ride - quite crashy over potholes but very wallowy and understeery the rest of the time. I don't have runflats and I'm investigating poor geometry settings with wheelsinmotion.
Is there a good definitive combination of tyres/geometry/coilovers/antirollbars etc that will give a better comfort/sporty balance? Not lowered - just a better version of standard.
I don't want a sports car but something that is more "cohesive" to drive - comfortable but still controlled within modest limits.
Thanks

Rik

Rik/Hair Doctor....


I'm intrigued by your name.

Do you fit wigs?

So which one of you chaps is Anthony Hopkins

In case anyone's wondering what I'm on about he's supposed to own an SC

Still loving the car, shame the weather has changed a bit though I drove the car with the roof up for the first time, it is sooo quiet.

I'm loving it.

I've also noticed 4 lexus's or is it lexi 430 since I got the car so there are a few more around now.

Hope the sun gets out again soon

Hello all

First newbie post...

Just put a deposit down on an 05 SC430 should be picking it up at the weekend hopefully.

This car has had a pretty bad press in the UK which has driven prices for nearly new cars down so that I genuinely believe this is a bargain.In the US it seems not a bad word is said about it.

Some people seem to compare this car with a 911 plane stupid in my opinion this car is a luxury cruiser with bags of mid range torque not a high revving low torque engine.

Having had a Supra for 5 years I can testify for their build quality and reliability if slightly wallowy handling!

Cant wait

PS Roll on Lexus LFA


Cheers


Paul

I may have fixed some of my issues
The SC was a lease car and had very cheap Maxxis tyres. Lexus (Coventry) swapped them for Dunlop SP2030 s and it's much better - no steering wheel wobble and a smoother, less fidgety ride. Still no sports car but it is now what I expected from it.

I'm actually a hair transplant surgeon in the UK, but we also do hairpieces.

www.rogersclinic.co.uk

Hi its koz here. I have a 430 silver with 20" chromes. Had it for around 4 yrs now. It looks amazing turns heads and gets peeps clicking on thier cams when i drive it around.