2005 Lexus SC 430 Review

Name: 2005 Lexus SC 430 Review
Brand: Lexus
Price: 5662 USD
Rating: 4.9 (78 reviews)

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Long list of comfort and convenience features, beautifully finished interior, silky V8 engine, retractable hardtop, Lexus quality.

Cons

Sparse cargo space, cramped (and nearly useless) rear seats, doesn't inspire anything more than leisurely cruising.

What’s new

The 2005 SC 430 receives new shock absorbers for improved ride comfort and driving performance. All-season run-flat tires are now an available option in addition to the summer-use run-flats offered previously.

Edmunds says

Though not particularly invigorating to drive, the Lexus SC 430 counters with a serene top-down experience for a price considerably less than the competition.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$297/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Lexus SC 430.

5 (89%)

4 (10%)

3 (1%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.9

78 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible

Annie , 10/27/2010

2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

I have previously owned a BMW. I like this classy look of Lexus SC 430. I enjoy the hard top convertible of this car. This care gives me a quiet ride and fun to drive. It is very comfortable to ride especially on a weekend trip.

Over 200,000 and Still Smiling!

Mr. B, 04/07/2020

2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

I purchased this vehicle with over 200,000 miles on it. Yes scary I know but the previous owner had replaced the timing belt, water pump, plugs and plug wires, both catalytic converters with O2 sensors, brakes and rotors, new ASA rims with Continental extreme contact tires, newer windshield etc. Now as most of you may have seen in other forms. The power locks don't work which is not a … problem for me. The low washer fluid indicator will not go out even though it's full and does work. It had a small exhaust leak. (40.00 to fix). Considering the miles the paint job is still in really good shape with of course a few paint chips as you would expect with the mileage but virtually no rust. I'm sure the navigation software is probably outdated but I'm in the habit of using the GPS on my phone anyway. The Bluetooth still works great. I have good phone connectivity. All the other mechanical things such as the roof radio( Mark Levinson system) still works as if it were new. Some car critics say this car isn't very quick but when I put it in power mode it makes me giggle which is good enough for me. I'm actually more impressed with the 60 to100 than I am with the 0 to 60. The body style on this vehicle is timeless. I get more looks and inquiries than I have any other car that I've owned. People are so surprised when I tell them it's a 2005. The retractable top is like something out of a Transformer movie. Watching the top go up and down through the rearview mirror never gets old! With the top up or down this is still one of the sexiest vehicles I have ever had the pleasure of owning. I love the sound of the exhaust at startup with that low V8 Rumble. Eventually I will upgrade to a more aggressive exhaust to really bring out that V8 sound(no rush). It's a tamed beast but a beast never the less. Just as you would expect from a Lexus. This car will stand the test of time as long as you're keeping up the regular maintenance and realize that you do own a high end luxury vehicle and must maintain it as such. ( use premium gas )For 90% of the maintenance there is no need to go to a Lexus dealership if you have a good competent mechanic that you can trust. The parts are a lot cheaper than the competition as in BMW, Mercedes, Audi. When you do go buy OEM parts for your Lexus go to the Toyota dealership. ( they're cheaper than at the Lexus dealership). In closing, for those of you who own one of these beautiful specimens with less than a hundred thousand miles. This is a lifetime car weather you keep it in the garage pristine and polished or use it as everyday driver, it will stand the test of time aesthetically and mechanically. Enjoy!

SC 430 Excellence

arabesque, 05/31/2011

2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Having owned two SC 400's the purchase of a 2005 SC 430 was a natural and welcome happening. The car is so much fun to own and drive! Exceptional quality in comfort and style, power and dependability, the Lexus SC 430 fits our needs for sport and travel. Sure, its a bit short on rear seat room and luggage space but we consider it a sports car with a strong engine and smooth ride. The …

mid life

Peter, 02/27/2005

2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

I have had my SC 430 since 2002.This car is the best blend of pure elegence and performance. While it won't out corner a 9-11, You won't feel every dead bug on the road. A car for someone who wants to be pampered. The SC 430 is more comfortable than my ES 300. The Mark Levinson sound system is better than my in home Sony system. You will love this car! One thing: it, simply stated, …

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2005 SC 430 Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$63,575
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$297/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	8.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the SC 430 include:

Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control

2005 Lexus SC 430 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Lexus SC 430.

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Most helpful consumer reviews

2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible

Over 200,000 and Still Smiling!

SC 430 Excellence

mid life

2005 SC 430 Highlights

Safety

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2005 Lexus SC 430 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible

Over 200,000 and Still Smiling!

SC 430 Excellence

mid life

2005 SC 430 Highlights

Safety

Related Used 2005 Lexus SC 430 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Lexus

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}