Sc430 Revision Changes And Benefits Please

willydoit · May 29, 2015

Hi all,

While still looking for a sc430 I am trying to ascertain what revisions were made in which years and their benefits. I want to buy the best version I can within my budget. I am aware there were suspension and gearbox changes which I assume made a substantial difference to the vehicle so would prefer a vehicle which is post these changes but am unsure as to what year these were introduced, some sites say 2005 some say earlier. Is there a definitive answer? Would a car with a six speed box always have the revised suspension?

Rightly or wrongly the only cosmetic updates I would like to ensure I get is the Bluetooth addition, when was this introduced and was it a standard fitment or an optional extra.

There are reports of rust bubbling on the roofs of some models and also internal door rust, was this an issue which was rectified in later models if so what years do I need to be considering to avoid these issues. If I do end up with these issues how are lexus dealing with them, do you need a full lexus service history to be eligible for repair under the corrosion warranty?

As one would expect there is a premium to pay for the later registration vehicles, 2006, 2007 etc plus the disadvantage of double the annual road tax. Is there a benefit to considering the higher mileage versions of these years that would make the extra road tax burden worthwhile? Ie were there any changes after 2005 that make them more attractive as a purchase. I have for example seen a couple of 2007 models but with 165000 miles, if they have full lexus history and look okay cosmetically am I being foolish to not consider them or am I likely to be taking on a lot of forthcoming repairs at that sort of mileage despite the vehicle being a bit newer?

Sorry to ask so many questions but as you know there arent many of these vehicles about and I suspect the number of potential buyers arent that high so I dont want to make a mistake and have to try to sell one if I get it wrong. We are also likely to keep the car for a number of years so again dont want to be wishing we had purchased a later model or lower mileage version for whatever reason in later years.

Thanks in advance for any assistance provided.

Chris Skelton · September 7, 2015

Do we assume that, as you have an SC430 in your details, that you finally bought one?

If so, did you answer your own queries?

willydoit · September 7, 2015

Hi Chris,

Thanks, as you suspected we did manage to purchase a 2007 SC430, I think the main changes we wanted to take advantage of occurred in 2006 so hopefully we achieved the objective.

Chris Skelton · September 7, 2015

Yes, I'm getting tempted as well. Just read through Craig's pages-and Lexus quality is hard to match! I've been 3+1/2 years away......

willydoit · September 7, 2015

The problem I had was that after having an LS400 for 10 years which still had only 56k on the clock when I sold it last month, I assumed that all Lexus vehicles were as bullet proof as the LS400 which just isnt the case. As good as all Lexus vehicles are they have never managed to build a car like the LS400. In 10 years the LS400 never had a day in the garage that wasnt for a service and cost me nothing beyond servicing. I have the SC430 now and an RX350 and I dont have the same level of confidence in either that I had in the LS.

All that said, they are still good cars however I have had to seek out a good independent garage that specialises in Lexus that I didnt need to have with the LS.

Chris Skelton · September 8, 2015

Let's hope the SC fulfils your desires!

I am in much same mind as you.

Had 2 LSs; 3 + 4 Series.

Now 3+1/2 years without, can't find anything that I like-so, maybe an SC might fit.

(Going back for yet another LS seems a bit boring! Never liked to 'look' but DID like the quality)

Wasn't really a fan of SC looks either, but it's growing on me.

Add lpg.....would be cool!

Now, to find one -Nov 05 -Mar 06 dates (6 speed but cheaper tax.....)

Hen's teeth, I hear you say?

willydoit · September 8, 2015

Between the SC and the RX we have covered all our needs. There are 05-06 ones out there, few and far between so finding a good one as well is more difficult. We didnt manage to get one in the lower tax bracket but found one with 45k on the clock which fit the bill for us so decided to put up with the extra tax. It does sting though when you consider we are paying £20 tax per week just to park them on the drive :megaangry: I remember when the government was considering getting rid of road tax but putting petrol up to £1.00 per GALLON and there was an outcry. Seems like a damn good deal to me now.