Used to work as a Service Advisor at a Lexus main dealer. Would put their cars and customer service above ANY other brand. ANY! Raffle the SC. Keep up the good work.
Love Toyota and Lexus, own 5 of them myself but our local dealer is shady. They quote a bunch of stuff that cars don’t need and they hand write it out with no itemized list in an effort to get you to trade in order cars. Total crooks.
Hi Matt, having had a similar one of these I think you’ll find the faulty window switch isn’t infact faulty. The switch deactivates when someone changes the battery and there are a set of key presses you need to do to recode it to the car. I remember when it happened on mine a quick google search gave me the correct key sequence and then the window switch was fine and good to go!
Honda have issue with Electric Window when battery disconnected, you find auto on drivers doesn't work at first, think there is some setup thing you need to do or after a while it works ok again
I used to have one of those, mine was red. I was once followed home by an elderly couple for over five miles. They asked if I was interested in selling it. I took their number. After eight enjoyable months of owning it, they made me an offer I couldn’t possibly refuse. It had only sixty thousand miles. I’ve regretted it ever since. Am yet to find a suitable replacement!!
Had my 2001 LS430 for 5 years. Other than a yearly mot and service, it's had tyres, brakes and a battery..that's it! Nothing else I've ever owned comes close in quality, refinement and reliability.
oh really? annoyingly my 2004 SC 430 has had nothing but issues (owned it the last 2 years). Had things from a full new exhaust to O2 sensors and its now got the P0125 code issue (replaced the ect sensor and thermostat and its still there :( )
I got a 2005 brown one. It’s my daily drive in Madrid. It has 80,000 kms in the clock and runs very smoothly. I intend to pass it on to my daughters. Everything works and servicing isn’t expensive at all.
The light brown "yellowy" wood looks fine to me - a bit like modern interior design for houses. The car has a timeless look. With work done it will be a true Lexus - ultra reliable.
I've got a 07 With 60k and the car drives new. I love this car. It's tight quiet and extremely well made. The engine transmission combination is like butta. Not to mention the fact that they are becoming very sought after the past few years because the build quality speaks for itself. Mine is a keeper.
amazing to think how far cars have come since I passed my test fifty years a ago. I bought a ten year old mk1 cortina which was as rotten as a pear with the floor rusted through and the headlights falling out. We have the Japanese to thank for advancements in car build quality
The car detailers amongst your viewers would be highly impressed by the water beading! This car looks a great project - really looking forward to part 2.
A good buy. Saw one over the road from my house not all that long ago. They may not be dynamically brilliant but won't need plugging into an OBD reader every five minutes, like almost all European junk I'll refrain from listing, so as not to upset too many Teutonic chariot drivers.
@@davidtaylor2131 David, that's very true of post 2001 Frogmobiles, particularly diesel ones, but my venerable bought from new '97 XUD turbo diesel seems like it'll go on forever. I've a pal who owned a 405 with the same engine that'd done a huge mileage. He admitted he'd gotten bored with it and part ex'd it for a new {at the time} 307, and that was in for repairs more than it was actually on the road.
Owned a 1992 sc400 for years but had to sell her the v8 just got pricey for me .....the pebble beach edition is bad ass ....can't wait to see a vid on the LC500
Think your comment about Top Gear hit the nail on the head. Most car reviewers don't seem to understand that the average car buyer really doesn't care about how a car handles around a racing track or if it can do 0-60 in under 4 seconds! Always good to see an old Lexus on your channel. I'm gonna check out your video on the LS430 now!
I come up with more and more evidence that how reliable a car is, depends solely on how its owner treated the car as such rather than the reputation brands sell. If one takes care of the car like servicing it when due, oil changes as recommended by the brand, replacement of rusted or not working properly parts while driving sensibly directly increases a car's life span. Well done to the bloke who took proper care of this car.
Wow - that was an amazing deal!! You paid the equivalent of $4,700US for that SC. Easily worth twice that in North America. Even your suggest selling price of 6,000 Brit Pounds after you've done all the work on the car seems ridiculously low over here. Good luck and thanks for the video!
This is the Lexus I always wanted. I saw the guy from NSync driving it in Los Angeles Sunset Blvd. and always wanted it since. He had a red one drop top. I'm sorry i wasn't a fan of NSync so i don't know their names. But I knew it was a artists because all the girls ran to his car and said he's from Nsync. Man this was 2001.
I just bought a 2006 SC430 a few weeks ago and I’ve been looking for one for years. It’s everything I wanted and imagined it could be. It’s white with saddle interior. Only one owner and low miles! ❤️ it’s immaculate too! My RX350 is a little jealous I’m sure, because I haven’t drove it since! 😂.
Was a dream car for me many years ago, almost bought one when you could pick up one with 70k miles for under £6k. Those were the days. Looking forward to seeing the update...
I'm restoring a red 2003. They are fantastic cars, amazing ride and agree, have no idea what they were talking about when they said worst car on the planet! CheersMate!
This is a great car and it was designed at the TMME design centre in the South of France by the same Greek designer -Sotiris Kovos that penned the highly successful MK 1 Yaris. The SC style at the rear was said to be based on nautical lines. You have made a great purchase of a car that I too would like to own -great review..
Lovely, and much underrated, V8 wafter in the best colour, even though the 6-speed facelift version is the one to go for (albeit costing a tidy few thousand £s more ). With a subtle ride-height drop and the right aftermarket rims, an SC430 can even look cool 🤩
Nice looking car. I've always liked them. The condition and service history are preety good. With that colour and interior combination, I think £3.5k is a bit of a bargain. I look forward to the next video and the finished article.
I've always had a liking for the SC 430 as well, ever since I drove one at a Lexus event in Essex many years ago. Maybe because it was held at a country house estate, but it felt luxurious and effortless to drive. I particularly like the colour combination of this one, a raffle would sell like hot cakes.
In 2019 I bought my 3rd SC430 - I paid $26,000 for a 2006 with 7600 miles in mint condition. Spent $3k at Lexus dealer to replace everything that wears in time - now nearly 3 years later I can get $30,000 for it !! I LOVE this car !!
Nice motor Matt. The Lexus build quality was / is always on point & great value for money. Once you’ve got the car sorted I wouldn’t blame you if you were tempted to keep it however I would change the wheels to the facelift model as they do look tired.
This car is misunderstood. Yes, the styling is weird. It's a humpback on account of the metal roof folding into the trunk. But when the roof isn't there, it leaves a fairly large (for a two-door coupe) luggage compartment that makes the car useful. It's not a sports car. It weighs nearly as much as the LS sedan of the same vintage. The ride is a little harsh mainly because of the low-profile, run-flat tires. But the cabin is extremely quiet. The engine is smooth and effortless. It's a great car for a long trip. And it gets good gas mileage (22 to 25) for a V8. And the reliability is better than any other luxury car. Especially a German car of the same vintage. The ownership experience is beyond compare. Our local dealer will still wash the car for free, even at 18 years old. The car doesn't leak a single drop of oil, notwithstanding it has covered 115,000 trouble-free miles. If the Mark Levinson speakers are original, they're probably shot. Not too hard to replace but pricey from the dealer. (I talked my way into a 25% discount for my wife's car). Also, it's apparently impossible to update the Sat-NAV GPS system. The unit in my wife's car is not up to date regarding the roads in our city, especially considering the road projects since 2004 and that the State re-numbered all the expressway exits. It's a chick car, especially in lighter colors. Only black and blue have any dose of male aggression, and those colors were rare.
I remember seeing one of the first of these at a motor show when it was new out, and thinking it looked like a mobile knocking shop. I still do.That said, Lexus build quality and reliability, particularly around the turn of the millennium, was peerless. I had 3 of them (an IS and two GSs) over 20 years and they're rock solid.
@@davids9549 I wouldn't call my Sc a boat though, I have the facelift model that apparently is quite an improvement over the original. As I said, I'm not an aggressive driver and it handles much the same as any other car I've ever driven. I prefer to drive within my capabilities, which is safely. Don't get me wrong a like to put my foot down now and again and there's way too much power for me to exploit it fully. The body does shake over our bumpy roads, just like other 'four seat convertibles. Even my MX-5 did slightly, which is inevitable when structural strength is lost with the loss of the roof. I suppose a rock hard, ultra low drivers car corners much better but it's not my thing as I've never understood 'steering feedback' and 'understeer' anyway....
Nice set of wheels, I’m a Lexus owner for many a year and love my car more now than the day I bought it. You do a great show, much appreciated. I don’t think you paid too much, it’s a lovely car and few bob spent it will be a work of art. Hope you raffle it, cheers.
This car has a timeless quality about it (apart from the interior) and that colour is fantastic. I don't think you will make much profit, but its definitely worth doing as this car deserves restoring and it will make some great content. I love stuff like this, it's the sort of project I could see myself doing one day.
You know I’m a massive fan of Lexus Matt, Mrs had a 2001 SC430 in purple for a while. Had the same issue with the buzzing and it was an abs ring. Great car and swift too. Can’t wait to see the finished result and also the LS 😉
My brother bought one of these new in 2002 & it was my first experience of driving a V8 engined car. In a funny way I remember it was to smooth, eerily refined, I expected more of an event, a V8 growl if you like but it was a lovely car & the sound system was fantastic. Good memories 👍🏻
Matt, other odd things happen when you change the battery or disconnect it, such as the power seats. Send them all the way in each direction, it resets them. 👍
Those seat belts will clean up quite easily, but you need a warm, dry day. I did this with my Citroën C6 3.0HDi: - Disconnect at the lower anchor and pull out fully, trapping the unextended bit - which is usually fairly immaculate - in the door/window closure (the C6 has frameless door glasses) then tethering with a bungee to a drainage pipe or a low wall - Spray liberally with Home Bargains’ “Elbow Grease” and allow to soak in for an hour or so - Jetwash with a decent pressure washer and clean water, then allow to dry naturally in the sunshine (when we get some!) I’ve done two of my C6s’ that had cream-coloured seat belts, and they’ve come up like new! Great content as always, Matt!!
I got a 2014 Lexus 350 Convertible sport. Its loaded and only had 12k miles. It is so perfect and it drives a little to fast but I love it. I’m the 2nd owner. The first owner kept it garage
My favorite color SC 430, that blue is just stunning, I wanted one since I was a kid, and almost bought one several times, as my main car though the step in height, and the lack of cargo capacity paired with the visibility I just couldn’t do it but they are gorgeous. The V8 sounds amazing, and the craftsmanship is second to none..
Lexus really are masters of putting loads of cubby holes in an interior and giving them all a nice opening/closing mechanism. My other favourite is how smooth the window motors are.
Never used to like these cars. But... I'm often changing my mind over time. Any UZ engine will run forever so its well worth saving as it'll be a classic
Indigo Ink Pearl is mine as well. I got mine for 3k US and rebuilt it. Totally worth it for what they are. Reliable and still have a cult following. Luxury cruiser! Look forward to seeing what you do with it!
Hi!! Im a doctor planning to move to the UK from middle east. I have been watching your videos for quite a while.. After watching your videos, your passion for buying cars, your experience in restoring them, and selling them after you have done all the hard work is quite impressive!! When I move to the UK, Im hoping to contact you, I want to buy a lexus Ls430 or Ls460.. And will be grateful if you'd be the seller as I can buy the car eyes closed!! Thanks again and big THUMBS UP to all your videos!!
I have a 2005 and absolutely love this car!! no other car that I have owned gives me a feeling like this one! I look for any reason just to drop the top and drive. Good luck with the raffle!!
Your braver than I would have been putting the top down on a rainy day. I'm be planking it that it wouldn't go back all the way. I LOVE these cars. This and those big Lexus limos for me are just perfect.
Great video mat once again.. Yeah TG trio did this Lexus no favours when launched back in the day and to be honest I thought back then their judgment was very harsh.. I've had a few convertibles over the years some like the Renault 19 16v which was a complete joke to the bmw m640D which was rather quiet nice.. But I do have a huge respect for the Lexus brand and this sc430 deserves much more respect than it gets.. Much sort after in the US market.. Looking fwd to part 2 ❤
I fancied buying an LS a few years ago and you've managed to recreate the "itch", thanks a lot. Can't wait for the run-down of what needed fixing and how much it cost. It does seem like a bargain for the new owner, if it's under 10k. Thanks 👍🏼 PS. Have you ever done a video on a 90's pre Chrysler R129 320SL?
A quick note the SC has a timing belt. Mine was 20 yes old with 42 k on it. Had it changed was a bit pricey but has had minimal required work . Great car
I love this car too. Talked to an owner just a few days ago and he said it was great. It’s called golfers car in Sweden. Always very low mileage and taken good care of. Tempted to buy one myself but the price here is way higher due to the info above.
Got a 54 reg silver with black leather. Love it. Had steering aligned and new front brakes recently, so spent a few hundred, but nothing like the depreciation costs on a newer car.
I wondered if you’d mention the plate 😂 I am from Essex, and the first A prefix numbers, included OO. Front page of the local rag in 1983, a woman buying a new Ford, didn’t want A LOO. A MOO. And settled for A KOO. I think the DVLA didn’t issue A POO 😂
I ran a mk 1 lexus gs300 sport for two years it was totally reliable quick and lots of fun, really think the future of motoring will be a lot more diverse in the near future, we will revisit models of yesterday with probably electro compliant motors. Dealers will pop up everywhere offering all sorts of cars from times long gone. I noticed a lot of reviews of vehicles 10 years ago we would be looking at scrap value now being sort after,. Well done again matt another good review.
I remember buying a SC430 new in 2003. Fell in love with the TV advert, set in Venice, with the car gliding on terra ferma and those old fine-wooded speedboats off shore. Had to wait 6 months while my spec was sorted in Japan. Still have photo of me - by wife, who thought I was mad - hugging it when it arrived. A stately sports car. Years of driving pleasure interrupted only by being rammed on a roundabout; even then it managed to limp home. Rear wheel drive is fun/useless in icy conditions however. Ended up now with Mercedes E400 4matic and still miss my old Lexus lady.
Thank god you put the roof up Matt as an ex owner of Saab convertibles I never put the roof down unless it was red hot, personally think anyone who drives with them with roof down when it's cold, hope you raffle it .
I always thought they looked a bit ungainly from the outside. But then so does my RX450, which I never notice sitting inside its great interior. Probably exactly the same with this car. Nice buy, I hope you make some little profit on it, although it's clear you didn't buy it just for that reason. A car worth saving, won't take too much. Enjoyed the video, thanks!
@@user-uq7io2os3r Mine is the hybrid (RX450h), it does around 9.5 litres per 100 km on average. I converted that to a mpg figure of 29.7. Honestly, consumption isn't great, but she's a big ol' girl you know.
I remember seeing these in Lexus showrooms back in the early naughties and thought it had more than a whiff of retired old couple about it and twenty years later it hasn't got any better lol.
So glad you have bought one of these cars as I have been seriously looking for one recently so will be interesting to see your progress with the repairs . Great colour combo as well , FYI the wood is birds eye maple and was made and supplied by Yamaha .
I am amazed at how cheap those Cars are in the UK, fully serviced for 5 grand? Here in the country of flamenco&tapas you would pay about 10-12,000 EUR, I feel so envious. Great video as always, keep them coming, I am looking forward to seeing how It turns Up, lovely car, future classic for sure.
Well Matt as usual here is my ten pence worth, Nice car and will be once everything is checked out and maintained and certainly worth a look see, especially as up here in Aberdeen dealershps and small garages are lacking anything decent to drive that is not £5,000 over priced. Me I'd happily drive about in this but with the roof firmly attached, even on the two summer days we are expecting later this year. So I'll keep an eye out for PART 2 and when you come to sell it on, possibly make an offer, if you fancy a road trip North of the Border into Scotland, as then you can drive my Fiesta Active 1 litre back down South - better than a road trip to the Spanish Balerics !!
@@HighPeakAutos I noticed you mention gearbox oil changes on both this and the LS, what are you planning on doing? Just a fluid flush or open it up and change the strainer etc?
@@HighPeakAutos be interesting to hear, I hear these 6 speeds don’t like to be messed about too much. I plan on doing mine fully but I am a little paranoid!
I was at BCA auctions in Manchester a couple of years ago and a LS400 came in the ring with a warranted 760,000 miles!!!!!!! It was as quiet as a sewing machine, awesome cars.
I think my message got lost but that car's been looked after by some VERY good people (Japex), they really know their 'Lexi' and are real experts on the brand - worth a road trip to get it looked over...
The SC reminds me of Ford’s love affair with the Jelly Bean design. Like everything els , beauty is in the eye of the beholder . BTW, i get a kick out of Brits when they refer to a Mercedes as “Merc “ here in North America , when you say Merc one usually means a Mercury.. Hope you enjoy your purchase !
Great video as always. Always follow your Lexus purchases as I’ve had quite a few myself, none of which have caused any real worries. Even as a broke start up I bought a 180k miles is200 that drove like it had come out the factory. They just know how to build really well sorted cars! Can’t wait for part 2.... When after all I’ve just said you’ll have spent a fortune 😂🤦🏻♂️
Used to work as a Service Advisor at a Lexus main dealer. Would put their cars and customer service above ANY other brand. ANY! Raffle the SC. Keep up the good work.
There's a ton of other more fun, more cool cars than Lexus. Yet, I got a Lexus because of everything I heard about customer service.
Have to agree also about the quality of these. Above average a lot. Drop by buddy you may find it interesting.
Love Toyota and Lexus, own 5 of them myself but our local dealer is shady. They quote a bunch of stuff that cars don’t need and they hand write it out with no itemized list in an effort to get you to trade in order cars. Total crooks.
@@quonsetthehutt3105 Agree. Very nice cars. Rare in my country but quality made. Can check my content. You may like it. :)
Acura is pretty damn good too!
Hi Matt, having had a similar one of these I think you’ll find the faulty window switch isn’t infact faulty. The switch deactivates when someone changes the battery and there are a set of key presses you need to do to recode it to the car. I remember when it happened on mine a quick google search gave me the correct key sequence and then the window switch was fine and good to go!
That’s very helpful. Thanks
@@HighPeakAutos driver door then repeat with passenger door. Down and hold for 5 seconds then up and hold for 5 seconds.
i love the videos, i always refer to them when i purchased my last car the infiniti qx30 awd , so thank you Matt
@@HowardMessias it really is the Japanese Mercedes! Same reset as a clk or sl
Honda have issue with Electric Window when battery disconnected, you find auto on drivers doesn't work at first, think there is some setup thing you need to do or after a while it works ok again
Love the SC430…. We have 4 Lexus/Toyotas… and Subscribing to your channel..
I used to have one of those, mine was red.
I was once followed home by an elderly couple for over five miles. They asked if I was interested in selling it. I took their number. After eight enjoyable months of owning it, they made me an offer I couldn’t possibly refuse. It had only sixty thousand miles. I’ve regretted it ever since. Am yet to find a suitable replacement!!
Had my 2001 LS430 for 5 years. Other than a yearly mot and service, it's had tyres, brakes and a battery..that's it! Nothing else I've ever owned comes close in quality, refinement and reliability.
Looks aren't everything, I know I have a first run Hyundai Genesis saloon lol but I love the crap out of it .
oh really? annoyingly my 2004 SC 430 has had nothing but issues (owned it the last 2 years). Had things from a full new exhaust to O2 sensors and its now got the P0125 code issue (replaced the ect sensor and thermostat and its still there :( )
Lexus in general are excellent , will never get another brand had a merc exhaust fell off within 2 years 🙄 never again
@@user-te1le7ck6b they do suffer from rust, I had to get the exhaust replaced on my sc430
@@RevLexus For a second there, I thought this was your car! I know how few SC430's there are in the UK
I got a 2005 brown one. It’s my daily drive in Madrid. It has 80,000 kms in the clock and runs very smoothly. I intend to pass it on to my daughters. Everything works and servicing isn’t expensive at all.
I always find myself on autotrader after watching your vids!
The light brown "yellowy" wood looks fine to me - a bit like modern interior design for houses.
The car has a timeless look. With work done it will be a true Lexus - ultra reliable.
I've got a 07 With 60k and the car drives new. I love this car. It's tight quiet and extremely well made.
The engine transmission combination is like butta. Not to mention the fact that they are becoming very sought after the past few years because the build quality speaks for itself. Mine is a keeper.
amazing to think how far cars have come since I passed my test fifty years a ago. I bought a ten year old mk1 cortina which was as rotten as a pear with the floor rusted through and the headlights falling out. We have the Japanese to thank for advancements in car build quality
Same engine in the LS430. One of the most outstanding engines ever made. Lovely.
The car detailers amongst your viewers would be highly impressed by the water beading! This car looks a great project - really looking forward to part 2.
This is true. When finished... it will be a dream to look at. :) Can check my content.
I bought a 06 SC430 in the summer of 2020. Same color exterior, but different interior color/wood combo. Love it!
A good buy. Saw one over the road from my house not all that long ago. They may not be dynamically brilliant but won't need plugging into an OBD reader every five minutes, like almost all European junk I'll refrain from listing, so as not to upset too many Teutonic chariot drivers.
Haha, but monsieur don’t 4get the French, er cars?
@@davidtaylor2131 David, that's very true of post 2001 Frogmobiles, particularly diesel ones, but my venerable bought from new '97 XUD turbo diesel seems like it'll go on forever. I've a pal who owned a 405 with the same engine that'd done a huge mileage. He admitted he'd gotten bored with it and part ex'd it for a new {at the time} 307, and that was in for repairs more than it was actually on the road.
Owned a 1992 sc400 for years but had to sell her the v8 just got pricey for me .....the pebble beach edition is bad ass ....can't wait to see a vid on the LC500
Think your comment about Top Gear hit the nail on the head. Most car reviewers don't seem to understand that the average car buyer really doesn't care about how a car handles around a racing track or if it can do 0-60 in under 4 seconds!
Always good to see an old Lexus on your channel. I'm gonna check out your video on the LS430 now!
Thanks for watching
I come up with more and more evidence that how reliable a car is, depends solely on how its owner treated the car as such rather than the reputation brands sell. If one takes care of the car like servicing it when due, oil changes as recommended by the brand, replacement of rusted or not working properly parts while driving sensibly directly increases a car's life span. Well done to the bloke who took proper care of this car.
Wow - that was an amazing deal!! You paid the equivalent of $4,700US for that SC. Easily worth twice that in North America. Even your suggest selling price of 6,000 Brit Pounds after you've done all the work on the car seems ridiculously low over here. Good luck and thanks for the video!
This is the Lexus I always wanted. I saw the guy from NSync driving it in Los Angeles Sunset Blvd. and always wanted it since. He had a red one drop top. I'm sorry i wasn't a fan of NSync so i don't know their names. But I knew it was a artists because all the girls ran to his car and said he's from Nsync. Man this was 2001.
No way! Which *NSYNC member do you think it was??
It was Joey Fatone I googled it lol
I just bought a 2006 SC430 a few weeks ago and I’ve been looking for one for years. It’s everything I wanted and imagined it could be. It’s white with saddle interior. Only one owner and low miles! ❤️ it’s immaculate too! My RX350 is a little jealous I’m sure, because I haven’t drove it since! 😂.
First thing I‘d do is get rid of the y-pipe and merged resonator and go true dual with an h-pipe, completely transforms the car.
I got a fulll Borla exhaust sounds amazing!
Parked like a true Merc owner at 3:40 👀 jokes aside hope you enjoy the car!
😂 yes
Hello again, Matt, to 'kill' the mold use 'Oil of Clove' diluted at 10% with water. Regards, RichardA.
Scotty would approve. It looks a lot of car for the money. I look forward to seeing it ready to sell.
Yes, they are a good looking car. Almost a timeless design. When you put on aftermarket rims the car looks fairly modern.
Put some 18 inch rims on that, it would look great
I would have a good look at the underside corrosion and certainly rectify and underseal the subframes etc.
Quality buy. I have only just sold my Ls430 and miss it all ready. Cant beat Lexus as a brand
I love the tech in them
it's not a sports car, it's a luxury coupe. Love these cars.
Was a dream car for me many years ago, almost bought one when you could pick up one with 70k miles for under £6k. Those were the days. Looking forward to seeing the update...
I'm restoring a red 2003. They are fantastic cars, amazing ride and agree, have no idea what they were talking about when they said worst car on the planet! CheersMate!
This is a great car and it was designed at the TMME design centre in the South of France by the same Greek designer -Sotiris Kovos that penned the highly successful MK 1 Yaris. The SC style at the rear was said to be based on nautical lines. You have made a great purchase of a car that I too would like to own -great review..
Lovely, and much underrated, V8 wafter in the best colour, even though the 6-speed facelift version is the one to go for (albeit costing a tidy few thousand £s more ).
With a subtle ride-height drop and the right aftermarket rims, an SC430 can even look cool 🤩
Nice looking car. I've always liked them.
The condition and service history are preety good. With that colour and interior combination, I think £3.5k is a bit of a bargain.
I look forward to the next video and the finished article.
I've always had a liking for the SC 430 as well, ever since I drove one at a Lexus event in Essex many years ago. Maybe because it was held at a country house estate, but it felt luxurious and effortless to drive. I particularly like the colour combination of this one, a raffle would sell like hot cakes.
My brother used to own one ..
Long drives was amazing in this motor ..
It felt lovely to drive ..
In 2019 I bought my 3rd SC430 - I paid $26,000 for a 2006 with 7600 miles in mint condition. Spent $3k at
Lexus dealer to replace everything that wears in time - now nearly 3 years later I can get $30,000 for it !! I LOVE this car !!
Nice motor Matt. The Lexus build quality was / is always on point & great value for money.
Once you’ve got the car sorted I wouldn’t blame you if you were tempted to keep it however I would change the wheels to the facelift model as they do look tired.
I have a 92 sc4000 and love it. I am looking to add an SC430 to the mix too!
This car is misunderstood.
Yes, the styling is weird. It's a humpback on account of the metal roof folding into the trunk. But when the roof isn't there, it leaves a fairly large (for a two-door coupe) luggage compartment that makes the car useful.
It's not a sports car. It weighs nearly as much as the LS sedan of the same vintage. The ride is a little harsh mainly because of the low-profile, run-flat tires.
But the cabin is extremely quiet. The engine is smooth and effortless. It's a great car for a long trip. And it gets good gas mileage (22 to 25) for a V8.
And the reliability is better than any other luxury car. Especially a German car of the same vintage.
The ownership experience is beyond compare. Our local dealer will still wash the car for free, even at 18 years old.
The car doesn't leak a single drop of oil, notwithstanding it has covered 115,000 trouble-free miles.
If the Mark Levinson speakers are original, they're probably shot. Not too hard to replace but pricey from the dealer. (I talked my way into a 25% discount for my wife's car).
Also, it's apparently impossible to update the Sat-NAV GPS system. The unit in my wife's car is not up to date regarding the roads in our city, especially considering the road projects since 2004 and that the State re-numbered all the expressway exits.
It's a chick car, especially in lighter colors. Only black and blue have any dose of male aggression, and those colors were rare.
I remember seeing one of the first of these at a motor show when it was new out, and thinking it looked like a mobile knocking shop. I still do.That said, Lexus build quality and reliability, particularly around the turn of the millennium, was peerless. I had 3 of them (an IS and two GSs) over 20 years and they're rock solid.
Knocking shop, how so? I've had one for a year and haven't had one single woman approach mein it yet lol. ☹️
@@rob5944 Haha! The knocking shop is occupied by the woman (but visited by the man), at least traditionally.
@@davids9549 I wouldn't call my Sc a boat though, I have the facelift model that apparently is quite an improvement over the original. As I said, I'm not an aggressive driver and it handles much the same as any other car I've ever driven. I prefer to drive within my capabilities, which is safely. Don't get me wrong a like to put my foot down now and again and there's way too much power for me to exploit it fully. The body does shake over our bumpy roads, just like other 'four seat convertibles. Even my MX-5 did slightly, which is inevitable when structural strength is lost with the loss of the roof. I suppose a rock hard, ultra low drivers car corners much better but it's not my thing as I've never understood 'steering feedback' and 'understeer' anyway....
Nice set of wheels, I’m a Lexus owner for many a year and love my car more now than the day I bought it. You do a great show, much appreciated. I don’t think you paid too much, it’s a lovely car and few bob spent it will be a work of art. Hope you raffle it, cheers.
This car has a timeless quality about it (apart from the interior) and that colour is fantastic.
I don't think you will make much profit, but its definitely worth doing as this car deserves restoring and it will make some great content.
I love stuff like this, it's the sort of project I could see myself doing one day.
You know I’m a massive fan of Lexus Matt, Mrs had a 2001 SC430 in purple for a while. Had the same issue with the buzzing and it was an abs ring. Great car and swift too. Can’t wait to see the finished result and also the LS 😉
You got a great deal! It’s a beautiful car!
My brother bought one of these new in 2002 & it was my first experience of driving a V8 engined car. In a funny way I remember it was to smooth, eerily refined, I expected more of an event, a V8 growl if you like but it was a lovely car & the sound system was fantastic. Good memories 👍🏻
Matt, other odd things happen when you change the battery or disconnect it, such as the power seats. Send them all the way in each direction, it resets them. 👍
Those seat belts will clean up quite easily, but you need a warm, dry day. I did this with my Citroën C6 3.0HDi:
- Disconnect at the lower anchor and pull out fully, trapping the unextended bit - which is usually fairly immaculate - in the door/window closure (the C6 has frameless door glasses) then tethering with a bungee to a drainage pipe or a low wall
- Spray liberally with Home Bargains’ “Elbow Grease” and allow to soak in for an hour or so
- Jetwash with a decent pressure washer and clean water, then allow to dry naturally in the sunshine (when we get some!)
I’ve done two of my C6s’ that had cream-coloured seat belts, and they’ve come up like new!
Great content as always, Matt!!
Totally agree with what you said about top gear, they never drove the cars in a normal way, power sliding and whatever
My boss at the time had one of these. We collected it new from the dealer. Was a great car.
2003 Lexus SC430 usually sells for $20,000 and up here in Ontario, Canada. And the prices are rising about 10% per month.
I have a 2002 SC 430 with 42k on it. It’s fabulous. The fit and finish is superb 🏖
These cars are worth buying for the Levinson sound system alone… trust me …
I got a 2014 Lexus 350 Convertible sport. Its loaded and only had 12k miles. It is so perfect and it drives a little to fast but I love it. I’m the 2nd owner. The first owner kept it garage
I am a 4X Lexus owner… satisfied with my experience in all aspects.
Thanks Matt for yet rescuing another beauty.
Cant wait to see the next update....
All the best
My favorite color SC 430, that blue is just stunning, I wanted one since I was a kid, and almost bought one several times, as my main car though the step in height, and the lack of cargo capacity paired with the visibility I just couldn’t do it but they are gorgeous. The V8 sounds amazing, and the craftsmanship is second to none..
Always great to see an older car that has been loved. I bet the previous owner(s) were incredibly proud of this car.
Can't wait to see the video on the LS!Nothing against the SC
Lexus really are masters of putting loads of cubby holes in an interior and giving them all a nice opening/closing mechanism. My other favourite is how smooth the window motors are.
Never used to like these cars. But... I'm often changing my mind over time. Any UZ engine will run forever so its well worth saving as it'll be a classic
They really took care of the car. I love these cars. Great color.
Indigo Ink Pearl is mine as well. I got mine for 3k US and rebuilt it. Totally worth it for what they are. Reliable and still have a cult following. Luxury cruiser! Look forward to seeing what you do with it!
Hi!! Im a doctor planning to move to the UK from middle east. I have been watching your videos for quite a while.. After watching your videos, your passion for buying cars, your experience in restoring them, and selling them after you have done all the hard work is quite impressive!!
When I move to the UK, Im hoping to contact you, I want to buy a lexus Ls430 or Ls460.. And will be grateful if you'd be the seller as I can buy the car eyes closed!!
Thanks again and big THUMBS UP to all your videos!!
+ It will be reliable and comfortable
- Everything else
Keep the videos coming!
I have a 2005 and absolutely love this car!! no other car that I have owned gives me a feeling like this one! I look for any reason just to drop the top and drive. Good luck with the raffle!!
Your braver than I would have been putting the top down on a rainy day. I'm be planking it that it wouldn't go back all the way. I LOVE these cars. This and those big Lexus limos for me are just perfect.
Great video mat once again..
Yeah TG trio did this Lexus no favours when launched back in the day and to be honest I thought back then their judgment was very harsh.. I've had a few convertibles over the years some like the Renault 19 16v which was a complete joke to the bmw m640D which was rather quiet nice.. But I do have a huge respect for the Lexus brand and this sc430 deserves much more respect than it gets.. Much sort after in the US market.. Looking fwd to part 2 ❤
I fancied buying an LS a few years ago and you've managed to recreate the "itch", thanks a lot. Can't wait for the run-down of what needed fixing and how much it cost. It does seem like a bargain for the new owner, if it's under 10k. Thanks 👍🏼 PS. Have you ever done a video on a 90's pre Chrysler R129 320SL?
If the itch is on your balls, can I scratch them?
A quick note the SC has a timing belt. Mine was 20 yes old with 42 k on it. Had it changed was a bit pricey but has had minimal required work . Great car
Our son has a s/h rx on lease for work and says without question the lexus dealer and staff are the best he has dealt with and oh the car is great too
Old man has one of these and I think it’s fantastic, it doesn’t need to be sporty it’s just comfy and sounds brilliant!
I love the sound of a Lexus V8 on startup! A cracking big wafter that.
its very wafty, I love mine
We all know you will spend far more than your budget, but the next owner will thank you for it. Keep up the good work. Pat
I love this car too. Talked to an owner just a few days ago and he said it was great. It’s called golfers car in Sweden. Always very low mileage and taken good care of. Tempted to buy one myself but the price here is way higher due to the info above.
Got a 54 reg silver with black leather. Love it. Had steering aligned and new front brakes recently, so spent a few hundred, but nothing like the depreciation costs on a newer car.
Love the SC but never had one. Always fetch good money.
And it’s got cup holders. Great buy Matt
Mick
I have a 2002 SC430. Other than a reseal of the valve cover, never an issue. Never a single issue with the rather complicated top or anything else.
Lovely car,lexus do make nice cars very good quality,also good condition for it's age...
I owned a 2005 model. Absolutely lovely car and fault-free over a 3 year period. Comfort with plenty of power. Almost too quiet.
I wondered if you’d mention the plate 😂 I am from Essex, and the first A prefix numbers, included OO. Front page of the local rag in 1983, a woman buying a new Ford, didn’t want A LOO. A MOO. And settled for A KOO. I think the DVLA didn’t issue A POO 😂
I ran a mk 1 lexus gs300 sport for two years it was totally reliable quick and lots of fun, really think the future of motoring will be a lot more diverse in the near future, we will revisit models of yesterday with probably electro compliant motors. Dealers will pop up everywhere offering all sorts of cars from times long gone. I noticed a lot of reviews of vehicles 10 years ago we would be looking at scrap value now being sort after,. Well done again matt another good review.
Nice car! Just buy the newer center caps that’ll transform the look of the wheels tremendously..!
Well done Matt you will definitely make some money on this 🚗 car
A good video once again Kevin
Another concise , informative post . Many thanks JKM
My pleasure!
I remember buying a SC430 new in 2003. Fell in love with the TV advert, set in Venice, with the car gliding on terra ferma and those old fine-wooded speedboats off shore. Had to wait 6 months while my spec was sorted in Japan. Still have photo of me - by wife, who thought I was mad - hugging it when it arrived. A stately sports car. Years of driving pleasure interrupted only by being rammed on a roundabout; even then it managed to limp home. Rear wheel drive is fun/useless in icy conditions however. Ended up now with Mercedes E400 4matic and still miss my old Lexus lady.
Thank god you put the roof up Matt as an ex owner of Saab convertibles I never put the roof down unless it was red hot, personally think anyone who drives with them with roof down when it's cold, hope you raffle it .
Always liked sc 430 looks really nice car will be watching brilliant 👍
Matt, nice video. Have a Lexus sc430, and the engine is " bulletproof ". Great quality solid car.
I always thought they looked a bit ungainly from the outside. But then so does my RX450, which I never notice sitting inside its great interior. Probably exactly the same with this car. Nice buy, I hope you make some little profit on it, although it's clear you didn't buy it just for that reason. A car worth saving, won't take too much.
Enjoyed the video, thanks!
Love rx450 any chance so you can tell me what kind of mpg you can expect from 3.5 v6 petrol motor?
@@user-uq7io2os3r Mine is the hybrid (RX450h), it does around 9.5 litres per 100 km on average. I converted that to a mpg figure of 29.7.
Honestly, consumption isn't great, but she's a big ol' girl you know.
Not too shabby !
I remember seeing these in Lexus showrooms back in the early naughties and thought it had more than a whiff of retired old couple about it and twenty years later it hasn't got any better lol.
So glad you have bought one of these cars as I have been seriously looking for one recently so will be interesting to see your progress with the repairs . Great colour combo as well , FYI the wood is birds eye maple and was made and supplied by Yamaha .
You’ll sort it, auction it; you’re happy; we’re happy and somebody will be very happy. Great channel.
I am amazed at how cheap those Cars are in the UK, fully serviced for 5 grand? Here in the country of flamenco&tapas you would pay about 10-12,000 EUR, I feel so envious. Great video as always, keep them coming, I am looking forward to seeing how It turns Up, lovely car, future classic for sure.
Well Matt as usual here is my ten pence worth, Nice car and will be once everything is checked out and maintained and certainly worth a look see, especially as up here in Aberdeen dealershps and small garages are lacking anything decent to drive that is not £5,000 over priced.
Me I'd happily drive about in this but with the roof firmly attached, even on the two summer days we are expecting later this year. So I'll keep an eye out for PART 2 and when you come to sell it on, possibly make an offer, if you fancy a road trip North of the Border into Scotland, as then you can drive my Fiesta Active 1 litre back down South - better than a road trip to the Spanish Balerics !!
The best cars. Look forward to see how it comes along!
Thanks!
@@HighPeakAutos I noticed you mention gearbox oil changes on both this and the LS, what are you planning on doing? Just a fluid flush or open it up and change the strainer etc?
@@dipeshpankhania ah good question. Not sure yet. I’ll speak to my mechanics and see what he recommends
@@HighPeakAutos be interesting to hear, I hear these 6 speeds don’t like to be messed about too much. I plan on doing mine fully but I am a little paranoid!
I was at BCA auctions in Manchester a couple of years ago and a LS400 came in the ring with a warranted 760,000 miles!!!!!!! It was as quiet as a sewing machine, awesome cars.
I think my message got lost but that car's been looked after by some VERY good people (Japex), they really know their 'Lexi' and are real experts on the brand - worth a road trip to get it looked over...
The SC reminds me of Ford’s love affair with the Jelly Bean design.
Like everything els , beauty is in the eye of the beholder .
BTW, i get a kick out of Brits when they refer to a Mercedes as “Merc “
here in North America , when you say Merc one usually means a Mercury..
Hope you enjoy your purchase !
I’ve always found Lexus’s to be a little soulless but there is no doubting the quality of them 👍🏻
Great video as always. Always follow your Lexus purchases as I’ve had quite a few myself, none of which have caused any real worries. Even as a broke start up I bought a 180k miles is200 that drove like it had come out the factory. They just know how to build really well sorted cars! Can’t wait for part 2.... When after all I’ve just said you’ll have spent a fortune 😂🤦🏻♂️