The Lexus V8 Convertible That Deserves A Second Chance
When it comes to Lexus models, a lot of them are inherently seen as good second-hand buys. The likes of the GX, the IS F, and the iconic LFA are unlikely to ever be turned down by a lot of us if they come up at the right price. Then there is this Lexus convertible. When it was originally available, it polarized a lot of us with everything from its looks to how it handles.
Turning up in one to a fancy hotel when it was released would likely have got some judgmental glances from sports car enthusiasts. Now it is lurking on the used market, and we are starting to realize that it was better than its reputation ever gave it credit for.
Not Every Performance Car Needs To Attack Every Corner
Yes, it is nice to have a properly sorted performance car like a Porsche 911, a BMW M3, or even lower-powered icons like the MX-5 that you can hit a corner at speed in and feel like you’re connected to the road.
However, not every enjoyable drive needs to have your passenger clinging to the seats, chasing apexes, or wringing every last bit of grip from the tires. Sometimes, a car is better when you can settle in, drop the roof, and enjoy it without having to constantly work for its approval.
Grand Tourers Put Relaxed Cruising Ahead Of Lap Times
That is why we have GTs. Models like the Mercedes-Benz SL and Bentley Continental GT combine impressive pace with a more relaxed approach to driving, so you get comfort and long-distance ability alongside real performance.
You can cover a lot of ground in them quickly, but they don’t feel like a track session every time you go out. Our favorite GTs feel good when the road opens up, but don’t need razor-sharp responses or an unforgiving ride to prove their worth. There should still be a sense of occasion to driving them.
The Lexus SC 430 Has More Going For It Than Its Reputation
Available between 2002 and 2010, the Lexus SC 430 is one of Lexus’ shorter-lived models, and was lambasted not long after its release for its looks, the lack of a meaningful refresh throughout its production run, its on-road feel compared to other sporty alternatives, and its high price.
When the SC 430 was originally released, it had starting prices between $59,030 and $68,380; something like the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK had an original starting price of $49,625, while the 2010 SLK 55 AMG Roadster cost $68,525.
A 4.3-Liter V8 Delivers Smooth Power Without Turbos
However, it is now clearer what the SC 430 is good for, even compared to some of the best GTs of the time. Chiefly, it is the smooth, naturally aspirated V8 power you get. Under the hood is a 4.3-liter 3UZ-FE 90-degree V8 good for 300 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 3,400 rpm for the early years; 2006-2010 produced 288 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.
2002–2005 models get a five-speed auto box, while 2006 onward models are equipped with a six-speed. 0–60 mph times are modest compared to most of its real rivals, at around six to 6.7 seconds, so while it doesn’t have the seat-pinning thrust of something like the DB11, you do get an exceptionally easy-going feel underfoot.
Retractable Hardtop Turns It From A Quiet Coupe Into An Open-Air Cruiser
While the jury is out about convertibles, picture yourself on a sunny coast road and a smooth V8 ahead of you. It would be rude not to make the most of it. This is the SC 430’s other obvious party trick.
It gets an electronically operated aluminum hard-top, which takes it from a closed coupe to an open-top in around 25 seconds. With some convertibles, we find that things get a bit uncomfortable with the roof down, especially when you can really feel the difference between a hard-top up and a hard-top down.
Lexus thought about this, though. Computer-generated airflow analysis helps reduce buffeting around you and your passengers, while a deflector between the rear headrests also helps to improve roof-down comfort.
The SC 430 Can Make Sense As A Used Luxury GT
There are some things that are not for everyone with the SC 430; primarily, how it looks a bit too rounded to be sporty. Plus, its heavily power-assisted steering system and heavy curb weight (approximately 3,840 pounds) strip away a lot of the connected feel Lexus sports cars are known for.
Despite this, owner reviews on Kelley Blue Book are very generous. The SC 430 is rated 4.8 out of 5 overall, and 98 percent of owners say they’d recommend one. Owners rate it 4.8 out of 5 for performance and comfort, and 4.9 out of 5 for value, quality, reliability, and styling.
Comfortable Cabin And Refined Ride Suit Long-Distance Travel
Rear legroom in the SC 430 exists in name only; there is around 27 inches of it, mainly thanks to the roof mechanism behind the rear seats. However, front legroom is a very spacious 43.6 inches, and though you don’t get the latest in technology or connected features, Lexus-grade design ages well.
Leather covers the seats, walnut trim runs across the dash and center console, and the front seats are wide and supported. Exactly what you want for long journeys. The seven-inch navigation screen looks dated today, but the physical controls are easy to use, while heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and an originally available Mark Levinson audio system all give you a taste of refinement.
Depreciation Is Working In Our Favor Here
Lexus models tend to hold their value well, with CarEdge saying that Lexus models only lose around 38 percent of their value after five years. Thankfully, if you are looking for a used luxury GT, the SC 430 wasn’t that popular and is not especially collectible.
Kelley Blue Book says the 2002 model has an average used price of $12,750; the 2003 model, $12,850; the 2004 model, $11,850; the 2005 model, $14,650; the 2006 model, $15,000; the 2007 model, $15,050; the 2008 model, $16,550; the 2009 model, $19,000; and the final model year, $21,000.
The Lexus SC 430 Should Get Another Chance
That might still seem like a lot considering you can get a 2010 SLK 55 AMG and its 355-horsepower/376-pound-foot 5.4-liter M113 V8 for around $12,650 today. With an SC 430, though, you also get Lexus-esque dependability to complement the luxurious ride.
You may reserve the Lexus SC 430 for sunny weekends, but some owners do not. The highest mileage SC has clocked around 700,000 miles with the original engine and transmission, thanks to proper maintenance by the owner. Other models are reported to last well over 250,000 miles with proper maintenance as well.
So, you may have to put up with the snobbery of some sports car owners and their anti-SC views. You’ll also have to live with the fact that you won’t be able to keep up with other GTs in the corners or on the straights, and that Jeremy Clarkson once called the SC the worst car in the history of the world; but if you are looking for something different, dependable, smooth, and comfortable, it is a grand tourer worth living with.
Sources: Lexus and Kelley Blue Book.
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