Used 2002 Lexus SC 430 Consumer Reviews
Used SC 430 for sale
Close to Perfect
Lexus_B, 06/23/2009
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
This Lexus is outstanding. My sc430 handles nice, is comfortable, and is very reliable thus far- all of what you would expect from a Lexus. The hardtop operation is stunning. The luxury appointments are breathtaking. In terms of performance, the car won't blow you away, but the sc430 is adequately powerful and fun to drive. The car also feels very safe and drives very strong in the rain and snow. I immediately changed the run flat tires to Kumo Grand Touring Platinum tires, and the new tires greatly improve the ride, traction, and handling. Even with the new tires, the ride is a bit harsher than I expected for a Lexus. Overall, this car is as close to perfect as you will come for the price.
Fun and finally affordable!
Linda R, 01/06/2019
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Fun little sports car that is becoming more affordable. While it's technology is now dated, it's a fun weekend car. It is SOLID and will last you forever. Back seats were put in to make insurance of vehicle cheaper, but are not usable for people. It does provide added storage over cars with no backseats (ie Miata). So you can stop at the store and get a few things and put them in the back seat. Cup holders are too small for today's fancy bottles and flasks, but there is a cup holder at the end of the armrest that will hold big bottles - just awkward to reach. The leather is wonder and holds up well. Love the wood trim. The navigation door on mine would only open some of the time, but it was too dated to be useful and Lexus was unable to update it. I am sure you could get an aftermarket system to put in. Acceleration isn't fast compared to new turbo vehicles - my Ford Escape accelerates faster! But it's a V8 and brings up nostalgia fun. Handling is great, it sticks to the road and brakes stop it well. Mine rode a bit rough and bumpy compared to my Infiniti SUV, but for the price of a used one, it didn't detract from what a fun little car it is.
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2002 Lexus SC 430 for sale near you
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Dream Car
David A., 10/01/2016
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Just bought a 2002 SC 430. I have been wanting this car every since it came out in the early 2000s, so my review may be a little biased lol. It has high mileage, 218,000 to be exact, but the previous owner has taken meticulous care of the car, and it still looks and drives like its new. With Lexus/Toyota reliability, this car is only at middle age! lol. No, its not a "barn burner".....you wont be able to outrun a corvette at the stoplight, but the V8 is quietly powerful and the power is there when you need it. for me, its definitely a keeper....will run it until the wheels literally fall off. Then I will just replace the wheels and continue on lol. One drawback: I do agree with the other reviewers in reference to the harsh/rough ride due to the run flats....
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2002 Lexus SC430
4NBellinghamWA, 12/09/2019
updated 06/10/2021
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I've had my eye on an SC430 for over a decade. I pulled the trigger. No regrets. Very nice car. Very much a Sport Coup... not a sports car. Think touring. And that is what I desired. I'm interested in comfort, reliability, ride, sound attenuation on tour...not hare-pin curves. Very satisfied.
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Practical, Fun car
Bill, 04/23/2016
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
Had this car for 12 years, trouble free, fun. Best car we have ever had. Moving to snow country, not practical, so with sadness, it must go!
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222,500 and Still turning heads...
Ryan C., 10/08/2020
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 2002 since Aug of that year and it still drives better than BMWs 10 years newer and many of the rental cars (2019s and 2020s) I've driven while traveling. Bottom line is that this car was engineered to perfection as a touring sports convertible. The windows still roll down and up with Zero problem and the engine still is as quiet as the day I bought it. I've done the timing belt twice (3rd one coming soon) and the starter once. That is It. Original everything and to this past weekend, people still take 2nd looks at this car. It is destined to become a classic car and my only wish is that I had lower miles to keep its value but Ive had many a great seasons with this car and glad today to say that it's one of now 2 weekend cars we own. It won't go over 3000 miles a year until whenever it decides it doesn't want to run anymore. That could be a Very long time. 2002, Twilight Amethyst on black interior with 2007 updated wheels. If you don't own one, get one and get one soon. The values are already taking a turn for the UP.
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Nice Car
bgelso, 04/15/2009
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I love my sc430. I bought this vehicle about six months ago with 72K miles from an independent dealership. This Lexus is not as fast as some sports cars, but the luxurious interior, unique exterior, comfortable seats, and retractable hardtop makes up for any shortcomings. I changed the runflats to grand touring "Platinum Kumo All-Season" tires. With the new tires, the traction is greatly improved and the ride quality is slightly improved. Overall, as a used vehicle this car is outstanding given the price, features, and Lexus reliability.
Greatest head turner
John, 12/31/2008
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Even though several auto companies are now making hardtop convertibles, people are still amazed whenever the top goes up or down. Great fun to drive especially in sunny California. in 25 seconds the roof is down with the push of a button. Great mix of luxury and sport with the best reliability of any hardtop convertible. If you buy it with runflat tires, immediately change them out and you will find it has the most incredible ride. INCREDIBLE CAR!!
Great Car
Amy, 12/26/2015
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used in 2006 from Lexus dealer. Absolutely love it and looking to sell now that I have to use a car seat for my grandson.
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Great Car!
Valerie, 05/05/2010
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 2002 and have driven it almost 100,000 miles. Still love it. Other than the CD player becoming inexplicably inoperable recently (I spent $800 to replace it), it has never had any major problems. Lexus hasn't changed the body style at all since 2002, so with a recent paint job, the car looks brand new.