Used 2002 Lexus SC 430 Convertible Consumer Reviews
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Timeless Luxury & Dependability
Chris Benetos , 03/26/2021
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
Aloha, for my 62 Birthday I purchased this Fine Grand Touring Land Yacht. She is certainly not a Sports Car, but She; Lexie is my Beauty's name is a Lady. In my almost fifty years of driving I have owned many vehicles, none has impressed me as much as this car. Granted it's not the quickest or sleekest vehicle out there but still after almost twenty years on the road my 2002 SC 430 in White Gold Crystal turns many a head. I'm still surprised how many people believe she is brand new. I bought it about two months ago from a BMW Dealership here in Kona Hawaii. The dealer explained to me that it had just come back in. It turns out a Gentleman purchased it for his Wife who had difficulty getting in and out of it. She has certainly not ridden in a Miata. I was Blessed to have noticed it during my almost daily, year long search for a convertible. I apparently got bitten by the dreaded Convertible bug when I purchased my Wonderful Wife's 2004 Mazda Miata for her 60th Birthday last year. In the paperwork I received from the dealer was almost all the dealership maintenance records for the car for almost 20 years. I decided to contact the original owner whose name and number was on the first ever maintenance record and the subsequent ones. I'm so Happy I did. John a Japanese Gentleman, explained to me that he purchased the car for his 60th birthday and only traded it in for a vehicle easier for him to get in and out of for his 80th Birthday. In my many years of driving I never wanted a Convertible, and in my past as a New York City Highway Patrolman I didn't trust a Convertible nor SUV's. Funny how our taste changes as we grow more mature and refine ourselves. Every day since I brought Lexie home I have had the top down loving the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. Although it takes me less than ten minutes to go back and forth from work I put the top down. In the morning the weather is usually clear so I know I won't get the interior wet. But around five o'clock I could see the rain clouds rolling in; so I check my home video surveillance cameras to make sure I have clear/dry sailing home. I've never really pampered myself but now every time I get in, strap on the seatbelt and count to 25 while I hold that Convertible top button down I feel a sense of ease and calm. I'm not sure if in my youth I would have appreciated such a body style or luxury but now I absolutely do. I just did something I've never done, purchased after market wheels and had them installed. Gone are; to me the ugly Pizza Pie Plate Dish Silver Rims. I purchased White Rims with Silver accents on the front to match the White and Chrome of the exterior. My next project which again I have never done is to paint the brake calipers, Gold to tie in the Gold flakes of the paint. Then another First for this once poor kid that grew up on welfare and was homeless at times, will be participating in a Car Show with Lexie. Please understand my Wonderful Wife and I are both still working full-time jobs, living paycheck to paycheck and barely making our mortgage at times but still are able to enjoy the fruits of our almost; for me 46 years of full-time employment. Hawaii is expensive, certainly more than places I lived in New York or Sedona Arizona where I moved from, but it's worth it for us especially since my Wonderful Wife's entire biological Family and children from a previous marriage live here: including 14 Grand Children and 3 Great Grand Children. Okay back to the SC430. Every day I see the rental Convertible Camaros, Mustangs and Beemers, but yet have I seen a SC430 unless it's my Chariots reflection. If you have been on the fence about this car just put yourself at ease. I was Blessed to find one with approximately 77k original miles basically with one owner in Pristine Condition for a reasonable price. I've also see many online with well over a 100k that are still on the road. Remember it's a Higher end more refined Toyota which are extremely popular here in Hawaii and are very reliable. If you can Treat Yourself to one of these, eventually they may be collectors cars and don't believe the hype from those that actually did us SC430 enthusiasts a favor by saying the Lexus SC430 is the worst car ever made.... God Bless all who may read this message and your Family's, during this very uncertain Covid situation: there are a few things I know first hand... God is Great and he has Blessed me with a Wonderful Wife, Good Health, Great Furry Children, Nice Home, Good Job and a Beautiful Automobile... amongst the many, many countless Blessings he has bestowed upon me.... Mahalo for your time. ♡
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185,000 - reliable and fun to drive
Steve G, 04/13/2017
updated 04/13/2018
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I have an ES 330 with 165,000 and love the quiet reliable ride of the Lexus - I took an SC 430 for a test ride and really liked the comfort and power but especially the retractable top. Tires that have worked well are the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus - makes all the difference in the world on the ride and handling - I get compliments all the time! Great car and so fun to drive! Lexus quality and reliability beats BMW hands down. With 178k, drives like new A year later - this car can average 24 mpg or better on the freeway. That’s amazing. I enjoy driving it around town and handles like a dream Take it up a windy hill and absolutely holds the road with power to spare This car is a keeper!
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Timeless Classic
Timeless Classic, 02/12/2010
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
When a car doesn't change its shape for the first 10 years it tells you something. They got it right the first time. This car gets the same admiring looks as it did in the fall of 2001 when introduced. Its the perfect combo of luxury, style and performance. Its not a pocket rocket but it is a luxury cruiser. You can take a 10 hour trip and not feel fatigued. That cannot be said about too many two seaters. This is one of the sexiest looking cars on the planet. The darker colors like Indigo Blue with saddle are the best looking color combos.
What a car!
Phillies40, 02/23/2010
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
Just got the car this morning and drove it to work! What a fun drive! Noise is little high but the ride is very smooth! I think I got a great deal for 2002 SC430 with 23000 miles for 25K. Not bad! I love it so far!
A prodigious achievement!
toyotas1, 02/27/2002
2002 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Thank you, Lexus, for bringing 21st century style and luxury to the FULL-SIZE luxury convertible class. The one who compared this to the Audi TT needs to drive BOTH cars before making a fool of himself. Just wish that instead of the fake back seat, we could get a parcel shelf, more front egroom, and a pop-up rollover bar, like the SL. But this car is a stunner, and an incredible value, at over $25k less than an SL, it's onlt real competition.
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