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Thanks for links and input. Possibly Lexus UK Technical may come back with a solution, but its been a while now. I will chase, but I'm expecting more of the tough luck, your problem to sort out attitude. Let's not be misty eyed about how wonderful Lexus UK are. They are fine when its convenient for them and when its not they are not. Who knows I may be pleasantly surprised with an un-anticipated call and I will take all this back and publicly declare how they came through in the end and their customer service really is as good as the marketing claims or they may do something when I start really kicking up a fuss about Lexus aftercare. As has been pointed out, originally 2 x 3 button (master) keys and 1 x 2 button (subordinate or valet) key were supplied when new. This was a Lexus main dealer used approved car. 1 main key, 1 subordinate key only supplied by dealer when purchased used. Didn't realise when new it had 2 x main and 1 subordinate keys originally or was explained to by the dealer at the time of purchase loss of only master key supplied would be such a pain to rectify or would have demanded a second master key when the car was purchased. Buyer beware even with a main dealer. Main dealer used approved means very little to nothing in terms of additional consumer protection and quality of service over buying independent or private. Waste of money paying for main dealer markup. Live and learn. Unless Lexus come up with something I won't be buying a second daily use car from them. Their loss. My anger is with Lexus UK, not the car or all their individual dealerships, although on reflection I'd rate as poor the dealer this was purchased from. I expected better after sales care from a company allegedly as highly rated for customer service and after sales as Lexus . My expectations would be less if I have purchased it non used approved or it was something 30+ years old. The SC430 is after all a model they are still selling dealer, used approved - 2 currently on the Lexus UK dealer website search at the moment. Therefore as far as I am concerned Lexus UK Technical have an obligation to come up with a solution because they (Lexus UK) though their authorised dealers are selling used approved cars they will not /cannot maintain properly as they (Lexus UK) through dealers and service agents are no longer supplying certain parts. If they don't supply parts then they must come up with alternative solutions for owners to properly maintain their vehicle. ''It's too old now - you sort it out'' Really! When they are still selling the model dealer used approved is nowhere near good enough. This is only (and I use 'only' with great irony and sarcasm) a master key lost. The car is useable on just a valet key, but its a pain and can be extremely inconvenient when the boot cannot be opened externally. The third button boot open function cannot be recreated on a replacement key from only the valet key being available according to Lexus. Lose or have keys stolen and you may be in unexpectedly large trouble. There are no more locksets and ECUs available to any of the 2,000 UK and 70,000 SC430 owners worldwide. What other critical components have Lexus UK on their not so old 'old' models quietly phased out? What happens if a component critical for safety or vehicle use fails on a car that was only discontinued 12 years ago? Tough luck, to the breaker you go, not our problem guv, we just sold you the car. So again thanks to any that replied. Anyone who has any ideas if all or main keys are lost other than auto lock smiths which according to Lexus won't work- I wish it did, then please pass them on. Regards

Tried that. Apparently the only way to replace a master key I've found so far is to replace complete locket and ECU. Replacing lost keys sounds like it should be, but is not a simple process on a Lexus and probably most other modern cars. Cutting and programming a new key from a master key is relatively easy, but without the master key it's a whole different ball game. It requires parts Lexus should supply for a 12 year old model, but won't. Hence throwing the problem open to lexus owners with mechanical or electrical expertise in my search for a solution.

Hi, Any help from SC430 or general lexus mechanics/electrics gurus would be greatly appreciated. Got a 2007 SC430. Master key was stolen and destroyed. Now using subordinate key supplied when purchased from main dealer. Was quoted OEM part repacement- lockset, ecu, keys via main dealer, but told 'due to age' these parts are no longer available. Confirmed this myself with multiple authorised dealers. For a 15 year old car purchased as Lexus used approved which was only discontinued 12 years ago!!!!!!!!!! Very, very unhappy with Lexus the company. Aside from the issue Lexus UK are still selling dealer approved used, warranted SC430's when they cannot/will not service these cars properly and so far appear to take the tough luck, not our prpblem attitude to owners as being substandard and not what I would expect of allegedly gold standard customer service I am stuck with a replacement master key problem. Lexus UK technical department are apparently looking into this, but based on prior attitude I am not anticipating much of use and will probably need to solve this myself without any useful input from Lexus UK technical. As the entire locket and ECU requires replacement to get functionality of the master key it looks like my only option is to source used parts and replace existing with like for like. I am assuming the car has several ECUs for different functions and the replacement parts quoted are the just the keys, locks and lock ECU. If anyone can enlighten me I would be grateful. Does anybody know if pre 2007 facelift keys and lock ECU will work exactly the same as 2007 facelift and can just be swopped? Would the same apply to used parts sourced from overseas, eg US or far east market SC430's? As many parts are interchangeable on models would lock ECU etc be transplantable from another model of similar engineering, just a different body style eg a GS or LS from a similar era? The part numbers quoted by lexus are M L89661-24760 N/STOCK COMPUTER / ENG and M L69005-24400 N/STOCK CYLINDER & K These seem to be possible solutions that Lexus UK technical should be giving me except LUKT are not. So are there any real world Lexus enthusiasts out there that can give any input that would help me? Alternatively anyone know of any reprogramming solutions to create a new full function master key using the existing lock ECU and subordinate key? I've not found anything so far searching for 'replacement keys' on the LOC site generally. Finally does anyone know of any currently breaking SC430 parts suppliers other than an ebay search? No great surprise that main dealers (even Lexus) only care about selling new or looking after current models, but a bit of a nasty surprise that they are not supplying critical parts for recent models. I can't believe that now if any other of the 70,000 odd SC430 worldwide owners let alone the countless GS and LS owners with 10year + old cars lose something as easily done as a key or some component breaks they are stuffed and the Lexus attitude is basically up yours, we couldn't care or less. Many thanks in advance.

Thanks Neil, I assumed SC430 would be a difficult target being so heavy and low. Interesting to know the third cat is optional dependent on exhaust set up. My query was more general as cat theft seems to be a trending topic on car and news sites. I was curious if older, bigger engines required bigger cats therefore as more hybrid and SUV owners fit cat protectors criminals switch to these type of vehicles as all they are after is the maximum amount of precious metal for recycling. I couldn't find any comment on the web about which other vehicles could be at risk apart from SUVs and hybrids despite virtually all vehicles having a cat. If big old engines became a target a SC430 is unlikely to get done by criminals as there are so many other easier targets like range rovers and landcruisers etc. But, if cat theft spreads to big, older cars with V6s and V8s like Lexus, Merc, BMW it would be disproportinate pain to replace and repair rather than prevent theft.

Hi, Been reading that cat thefts have increased significantly over the last year as a low risk way for scumbags to make money. Had a good seach on the forums and CT and RX forums most active on the topic. Nothing I could find so far on the SC430 forum. Seems like ungaraged hybids and SUVs in cities and suburbia are the biggest target and getting most of the problems due to the belief their cats contain higher amounts of precious metals for scrap value, but as all cars since 1993 have had cats fitted has anyone an opinion of the likely danger? Seems a bit fanciful to get particularly concerned as every post 1993 car is a potential target and there must be easier victims than low, heavy GT's. The only thing I can think of to worry about SC430's is they are older cars with big engines so criminals might get the mistaken idea anything big engined with japanese quality made parts probably has a desirable cat and is worth a go at and Toyota/Lexus as a manufacturer is already top of the hybrid SUV target choice. If all old, petrol only cars caught the criminals attention SC430's or any V8 Lexus shouldn't be at any higher risk than every big old Merc, BMW, Jag, etc. out there, but when have criminals ever usually been intellegent or deep thinkers? It wouldn't be good if Lexus V8s became a cat scrap target by brand extension after the hybrids and SUVs. Would old V8s becoming are target even be a realistic supposition? You can't always park in a garage or securely away from home and these criminals only need 30-60 seconds to whip one out causing shed loads of damage on top of the cat theft. Hopefully very unlikely, but it'd be a massive pain to repair and replace an SC430 cat if unlucky enough to get targeted. The SC430 is too old for Toyoya/Lexus to do a model specific cat protector so has anyone considered it worth protecting their SC430 cat and what generic aftermarket cat protector did they use or what other method did they use to protect the cat or make it unstealable like fixing a heavy duty plate over the vulnerable area? Small cost to save a load of hassle type idea. Thanks

Interesting interior. Diamond pattern looks good. Keeping mine classic as all black anyway, in good condition and factory Lexus nappa was top notch to start with so difficult to improve on. They are definitely one of the softest, best feeling leather car interiors I've sat on. Just cleaning, feeding, minor repairs where required to bring it back to as new condition. My interior thing is to have most of the vinyl covered parts recovered in matching black nappa to the upholstery, so dash cover, steering wheel, steering column cowl, door cappings, inserts etc. I don't want to see a scrap of black plastic in the car. Polished up the wood inserts and new lambswool over rugs by a company called Easirider for the footwells. As much as is possible I'm after a 'japanese bentley' experience for post covid road trips and driving holidays without the worry of british bentley running and repair costs. Pics will follow, but to the casual observer or a quick glance you won't see much difference to factory spec.

Hi Many thanks for the advice everyone. Much appreciate your time. Lots of good info for me to get on with. Pictures of the final renovation are no problem once it's been finished. If my suppliers are happy with me making them available I also can also pass on their details for other interested members. The refurb of the interior should be something particularly special and of interest to anyone who thinks the vinyl fixtures can be improved.

Hi, Had a search for threads and advice on the best places to purchase SC430 replacement window and weather seals, but unless I've missed something not found what I need. Can any forum members help me? Coming to the end of a major SC430 refurb and want to replace any damaged or perished, less than perfect original seals with brand new to make sure all are 100% water and wind tight and to improve aesthetics as the car has had a full respray and much cosmetic work and I don't want old seals ruining the final look. Obvious source is the local Lexus dealer, but no doubt I will be charged through the nose for replacement parts. Does anyone have any suggestions for other sources/suppliers or can recommend a supplier used for replacement OEM seals themselves that I can contact, but at better value than main dealer mark up? Car is a 2007 facelift model. And, who would be the forum guru(s) to chat with about any body stiffness/suspension improvements? Again read about Meister replacements and stiffening braces, but unclear if these are actually what I want. Not a mechanic so someone else would be fitting any parts for me, but advice required about what I need to purchase. It's an original, unmodified factory example. I don't want to go faster, lower it, add bigger wheels, change bodywork or the factory finish in any way. My car is used as a GT, driven very relaxed and unhurried. I want the quietest, most serene, luxurious, magic carpet ride possible, so the only improvements would be reducing any shake or noise if possible over Britain's potholed, utility company dug up and badly filled in roads. It's perfect already on flat, smooth motorway, but I don't use these most of the time. Many thanks for the help.

Hi, Purchased a used approved facelift SC430 recently. Very pleased so far however as the car will never be sold I have a few subtle modifications and good housekeeping maintenance jobs planned. Had a search through the forums, but couldn't see anything the same been done so wondered if anyone has done any of the following and if so could give some pointers on items to be aware of and any recommended suppliers in the north, north west. Many thanks. First job is a full respray to take out 10 years of minor scuffs, dents and stonechip touch ups and bring paintwork back to perfect condition. Already got a lexus enthusiast resprayer lined up for this who I've used on other vehicles who I'm confident will do a proper job. Current colour is palladio silver. Wouldn't be too unhappy with a same colour respray, but would prefer a colour change to metallic Healy/ice blue. Anyone got any comments about what to look out for or make sure is done on a colour change? I don't want any exterior or interior areas eg door or bonnet undersides where there are two colours and it is obvious a colour change has been done. The respray must be perfect. While the paintwork is perfect I also wanted a full body film protective wrap immediately done to keep it as far as possible perfect. The best product so far appears to be something called xpel ultimate that isn't meant to degrade and self heals. Anybody had any experience with this stuff and know of a good fitter. It appears from what I've read on other car forums is that preparation is the key to getting a good job done. Also want full underside protection done to help minimise corrosion. Something called dinitrol seems to be favoured on other forums. Again it appears preparation is key so wondered if anyone has experience of this product and any recommended suppliers for the job in the north. Lastly I'm very impressed with the leather in the car, but I dislike the textured black vinyl on the dashcover and the door cappings. I don't want to see a scrap of plastic in the interior and wanted the dash, door cappings and any other vinyl covered parts covered in black semi analine leather to match the rest of the upholstery and trim. The only place I can find someone has done this is an old you tube post from the US. lexus sc430 interior fully customized www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Lnlt2ElE8 Exactly what I want done. Has anyone in the UK done this and can give any recommendations of where to get it done. Ultimately what I want is to end up with a concours, standard looking SC430 with a bentley grade interior. It would be nice to replace plastic switches, air vents, knobs etc with metal ones to match metal trim in the car, but I guess this is to impractical and no such parts exist. It's just a shame they didn't go the extra mile with a 100% leather interior and metal switchgear as personally I think the SC430 is one of the best and most individual looking gts made in recent years. Hopefully I'll be able to create my perfect car. Again many thanks for any help or comments with the above.