Petrocelli

Good morning Declan thanks for the feedback,really helpful. Your driving style sounds similar to mine so good to hear you getting decent mpg. The '800' figure would explain why there are so few for sale. I suspect I am in for a long search

thanks Linus. Good to know the auto box is better than the SC430 which was a bit on the lazy side. Yes road tax is ridiculous but I don't want an oil burner and anything interesting in my budget seems to come out at this figure.

Saw an IS 250C in Waitrose car park this morning,first time I have ever seen one ! This looks a nice car for an OAP . Would appreciate some feedback (pros/cons) from any one who has one/has had one. Particularly on the auto 'box and the mpg. Had an SC430 a few years ago and probably best car I have ever had but don't want to go back to one due to the road tax. Thanks

Anthony,that is one clean car! I think you are right,there really is no alternative to getting a car up on a ramp and having a really good look. It will be interesting to see how this goes down when I find any potential candidates.At the moment have not seen any within reasonable distance. No enthusiasm for travelling all over the country at the moment,too cold.

Thanks Malc. When I referred to 'frequency' I wasn't thinking of one particular car but how many SC430's across the board suffer this problem. It could be a very small % in which case I am being unduly pessimistic. I will be looking into this further and will post up anything of interest I find.

Just been reading up on this.Never gave it a thought when looking for the last SC430 ( about 10 years ago )but will definitely be on the look out for the next one. Is it easy to see when looking under the car or do you need to get the car up on a ramp to see it ? Given a lot of these cars have now gone through 20 English winters I suppose it's not surprising . Anyone got any ideas on frequency for RSF rotting out? Thanks

thanks Roy.Not sure how to describe myself these days.Just had birthday no 78 a couple of days ago so moving into 'elderly' but don't feel I am there yet.Actually if a really good '05 comes along I would take it as the 6 speed 'box is not that essential,it's the suspension upgrades that count. Still enjoying the Boxster much to my grand children's amusement eg ' do you need help getting in and out of that Grandad ?' so not in any rush. The right car is out there somewhere

Had an early SC430 about 10 years ago as my Sunday afternoon car.Loved it once I got the wheels sorted and got rid of the run flats.Got fed up with it when a drive shaft had to be replaced and cost me 1400 quid.Didn't expect that from a Lexus. Various Sunday afternoon cars later ( currently an 04 Boxster) and am now ready for another SC430. As I am now a mature gentleman(as opposed to being just an OAP ) I think the SC430 fits the bill as a mature gentleman's carriage. Will go for a later one this time with the uprated suspension and 6 speed 'box. Not many of those around so expect a long search. Interesting reading on forum about the tyres and suspension on these cars and the upgrades people have carried out. Roll on Spring. .