2003 Lexus SC 430 Consumer Reviews

TMV:
Appraise your car

Photos Videos 360° images

Fuel Economy

18 mpg

Write a Review

Recent Consumer Reviews

(85 Total Reviews)

Select a Specific Style:

Sort by:

Tired out.

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 3 Fun-to-Drive: 3 Build Quality: 3
Comfort: 5 Interior Design: 4 Reliability: 3
Fuel Economy: 4 Exterior Design: 3

Vehicle

2003 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

With top up, it is difficult to look backward to park because of the hump. Run flat tires are a very hard ride, and not suitable for winter- pothole/cracked streets. When tire hits pothole, you will need to replace tire and rim for approximately $1,000 each. I replaced three tires at a cost of $3,000 in one year.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of hump on trunk lid to improve visibility. Go with regular tires instead of run flat tires. Get tire warranty.

3 out 13 people found this review helpful

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Change the runflats

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2003 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Recently purchased a 2003 SC with 13k miles and have driven it 4k in 6 weeks. Initial impressions, this is the best car I've ever owned and fun to drive. Only complaint I had was the runflat tires that came with the car. The runflats were noisy and rode very rough. Changed to Pirelli PZero Nero's and WHAT A DIFFERENCE.. Quiet and smooth, like a different car. Opted for no spare and purchased a small tire pump and repair kit for $20.

Favorite Features

Styling, convertible top, sound system, comfort and ride (with new tires)

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the runflats and design in space for a spare

13 out 13 people found this review helpful

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

It's a keeper

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2003 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Yes, it does not handle like a porsche, but who cares! Top up or down you will not find a more enjoyable, relaxing cruising experience. Not a single problem in 3+ years of driving attests to the overall quality of the car. Cheaper than quite a few of the alternatives and still a car that gets approving looks and compliments just about any day that I drive it.

Favorite Features

Hard top convertible, best stereo on the market.

Suggested Improvements

Can't think of any.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Outstanding

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2003 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

A fun and reliable vehicle that I have had almost no problems with. When the speakers were damaged by my son, the dealership replaced them at no costs. Lexus service is outstanding.

Favorite Features

Convertible top can be lowered at a traffic light.

Suggested Improvements

More wheel selections

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

fun to drive

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 6 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2003 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Driving this car is an enjoyable experience. It is very comfortable, has plenty of power. Fun to drive with the top down. Ride is smooth except over bumps.

Favorite Features

great radio and sound system. Seat is very comfortable especially on long drives. controls are easy to work.

Suggested Improvements

could use better gas mileage. Not always able to see other cars on the side. Tires wear out too fast, very expensive. no spare tire.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

The poor man's exotic

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 8
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 6
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 8

Vehicle

2003 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Despite the recall on the tire valves, and the battery that could never charge, and the broken 6 disc CD changer, this is an awesome car. The closest thing to a lemon that toyota has ever built, but i'm in love with it.

Favorite Features

Acoustics of the Mark Levinson sound system, more speakers than i can count.

Suggested Improvements

More powerful engine, 6 speed manual, replace the wood trim with brushed aluminium. And how come I didn't go and buy a 350Z?

3 out 11 people found this review helpful

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Beautiful Sexy Car

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2003 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I LOVE THIS CAR!!! I have had it for two years. My ultimate dream car. Could own a maserati, SL500, whatever, I DON'T WANT THEM!!! I will keep my SC forever! I would recommend a lexus to anyone, this is my summer car and the GX 470 is my winter car.

Favorite Features

everything, love the leather. After two years my car STILL smells new!!

Suggested Improvements

cooled seats like the SL500 Mercedes and a wind screen for behind the front seats

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Love my Lexus

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2003 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I have owned my SC 430 for over a year now and love it. You mentioned your editor's size, well I'm 6 ft 4 inches and weigh in over 350 and have plenty of room. I have driven it 2000 miles on some trips and never feel cramped. The only addition I added was a set of custom chrome rims and low profile high speed rated tires and the proformance and handling is outstanding.So overall the style, performance, handling and luxury features are GREAT!! Rich

Favorite Features

I Love the whole car, it is just a total enjoyment to drive and ride in.

Suggested Improvements

The only improvement I would suggest is to allow the back windows to be put down while the top is up. Other than that nothing.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Dream car

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2003 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I owned a GS 300 a few yrs. ago and sold it to drive a practical car. I bought a Yukon. Every time I saw a sporty Lexus I longed for another one. I stopped by to check out what Lexus had in the way of sporty and fell absolutely in love with the sexy looks of the SC 430. I knew I was in love! I bought it after only 1 test drive and have loved it every day since.

Favorite Features

The stereo is wonderful only on very high volume and especially with the top down and the sun shining on me. I love the feel on the steering wheel and the dash is perfectly suited for me.

Suggested Improvements

How can you improve something so fun to drive and experience! I am 51 years old and feel excited about driving anywhere in my Lexus!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

terrific

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2003 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)

Review

we use the car mostly on weekends..it's lot of fun and has great wow factor..mant many times we've been waved to, honked at, and given smiles and shoutouts. i would urge not getting the runflat tires..hard riding and had to wait weeks for a replacement

Favorite Features

retractable top, great seats, good looks, lush interior..beautiful fit and finish.

Suggested Improvements

better tire system, more storage in cabin, more electric outlets for accesories

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Buying & Selling

Vehicle Details

Multimedia

Ratings & Reviews

Payment Calculators

Helpful Tools

Advertisement

Advertisement