MJB

Thanks guys. Yes, the Soarer badge does keep everyone guessing. I put one on the back as well, replacing the Toyota badge which is fitted as standard in Japan. I chose to import in order to avoid the waiting list, as Matthew rightly surmised. The cost was pretty much the same as the UK version, but at least I got mine last August - not next August! After a year, this is still the best car I've ever owned by a long chalk. Absolute magic. And I know it's a bit pathetic, but I never get tired of seeing the heads turn when I go past. Of course, the beautiful women look away again as soon as they see me, but at least they look at the car! Sad, eh? Martin P.S. whoops, just noticed that one of you is not a guy at all - so Claire, I apologise for the sexist language and dreafully un-PC attitude!

Just for fun I thought I'd post up a picture of my SC430. It's Midnight Amenthyst Pearl (i.e. deep, deep purple) with Saddle interior. You'll notice it has a Soarer badge rather than a Lexus one becasue it's a direct import from Japan.

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

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

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

Congraulations! Beautiful colour - very classy. You're going to love the car. I have it in Midnight Amethyst Pearl. Imported from Japan so it's a Soarer not a Lexus. A stock shot is attached, but it looks the same in real life - I love it! Martin [Edited on 3-3-2002 by MJB] [Edited on 4-3-2002 by MJB]

Sorry, I got confused as to whether I was replying to Richie or Brn7y. Thanks Bryn7y. So are you going to buy one then? Martin

It's fun, isn't it Richie? Not sure what you mean about the 'yellow wood' though. What colour was the 430 you drove? I have the blackish/purplish colour which has the most beautiful walnut trim - rich golden brown, not yellow at all! Martin

Hi Supercharged, I will certainly post a link on the Lexus Soarer Owners Club site. Sadly, I'm the only SC owner who frequents that site, so I don't think I'll drive much traffic to this particular forum, but maybe to some of the others... Thank you for the invite to moderate, but I am sorry to say I couldn't commit enough time to give the job proper attention. I appreciate the offer though. Best regards, Martin

Thanks for the welcome everyone! Richie, I hope I don't get told off for mentioning another forum, but there's a piece of editorial on my car, with a couple of picture, on the UK Lexus Soarer Owners Club site, here: http://www.lexusclub.co.uk/forum/ Follow the link to Editorial Features, then click on the SC430 story. All the best, Martin [Edited on 28-11-2001 by MJB]

Good morning, I'm a UK owner of an imported Soarer SC430. Anyone else in the UK or Europe with a Lexus or Soarer SC430...? All the best, Martin