Skip to main content

Used 2004 Lexus SC 430 Consumer Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
173 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.88 out of 5 stars

sc funmobile

lennyar, 12/10/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

my second sc430. turns heads everywhere. not a winter car in michigan. loads of fun in good weather with top down. sound system second to none

Report Abuse

4.75 out of 5 stars

First 2004 SC430 in Seattle

mike70m, 12/19/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Met and exceeded all expectations.

Report Abuse
2004 Lexus SC 430 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 62 listings
See all 62 listings

5 out of 5 stars

Fun on Wheels

Ramon G, 06/05/2005
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have only had this car a week, but oh what fun! The run flats I think do give this car a ride a bit more impulsive over bumps, but the highway ride is still very quiet and smooth. I bought mine "used" 2K miles but it was essentially new. The tags were on the upholstery. This car does make people do 'Linda Blairs'. The colors and styling are a knock out. Mine is amethyst with the ecru interior and birdseye maple. People just love it.

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

lexus sc430

eaglei, 10/19/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have had the car for almost two years and it handles well, excellent acceleration and seat comfort. Cup holders are a little flimsy but this is the only downside I see. Best priced car for the money in this class compared with the Mercedes and the Caddy.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

An Awesome and Fun Ride

Dan Stempkowski, 10/25/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is guaranteed to turn heads. The convenience of a hard top convertible is something you can't imagine until you own one. The interior design....from heated seats to incredible speakers to virtually everthing around you automatic...it is a future world experience. The best of both worlds in that you enjoy the sportiness of the convertible and the luxury of leather and fully automated interior. An awesome and fun ride.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Quality and Style

Lee, 01/27/2022
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

After my trusted Jaguar mechanic gushed about the quality, and mechanical longevity of the Lexus line (and then proved it by purchasing a used Lexus SUV with 130K miles) I began considering selling my Jaguar sedan. I found a high mileage Lexus SC 430 for $10K that was well taken care of, both from the exterior/interior standpoint, and mechanically as well. In the year that I've owned the car it has proven to be a joy to drive, having amazing acceleration, a smooth suspension and comfortable ride. I would classify the SC 430 as a Grand Touring vehicle more than a Sports Car, but I've had no issue taking it through winding roads at high speeds. My only modification to the car was to replace the original wheels (which appear to be styled from a Roman chariot) with a 16 spoke alloy variety, and Continental high contact tires. The aluminum hardtop drops into the trunk in about 20 seconds and provides open air performance with just a hint of sound from the large 4.3-liter V8. But when raised, the coupe is a tight and quiet at high speed. The stylish interior is amazingly comfortable for two passengers seated in the leather buckets, with my small dog residing in the minuscule rear seats. All in all, my 16-year-old SC 430 provides a classy and solid vehicle for drivers with a limited budget but a sporty personality.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Designer Review

Dennis Kluge, 10/25/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I am an Interior Designer and I have been driving the SC for two years now (I was able to buy one of the very first in the country. The power is awesome, the interior is incredibly roomy (for two,tight for four). Everything just works together for a fantastic ownership experience. Oh, and the truck fits a suit bag and two duffle bags WITH THE TOP DOWN!!!!! If you drive it in winter, get the snow tires...and it handles like a dream!!!!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Green SC 430

David S., 02/21/2023
updated 02/23/2024
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my dream car in 2004. It is exactly what I wanted. It is the only color combination that I would accept- green exterior with the camel leather interior. The dark wood trim on the dashboard is so beautiful and rare that you do not see it on cars anymore unless you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Mark Levison sound system is amazing, and it is the last car produced out there that still plays CDs and tapes. All my music from the 60s and 70s is on CDs and tapes and the fact that it is near impossible to find a new car today that plays both, has stopped me from buying a new car. My car is 19 years old and still drives like the day I bought it. My only complaint is you have to drive it often, and if you don't, the battery will die, I am retired and don't drive it more than once a week, so I have to put a Trickler on it. Problem solved! I am sure other SC 430 owners have the same problem. It is a great car, and I plan to keep it until I am too old to drive. I am 75 now so what -20 more years with this great car? They are amazing cheap right now to buy used and I highly recommend one to anyone who is looking for a quality car at a bargain price. Twenty years after I bought it, it still runs like the day I bought it.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Perfect

The TB, 10/28/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Perfect!!!! There are no problems with this car!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

The best

jetbell, 03/28/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have own many different sport cars and hands down by far this is the best yet. The quality and reliability of lexus is 1st class.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great Ride, Mega Fun

ClarkWC, 01/09/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We went to the dealership looking for the suv and came away with this beauty. As soon as we test drove it we had to have it. The handling is great and the comfort level in the front 2 seats is wonderful. We have received a huge amount of compliments and an even larger amounts of looks will driving around in it and as it sits alone.

Report Abuse
4.13 out of 5 stars

RATTLE MOBILE

sprete, 10/18/2005
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car brand new about 1.5 years ago. I've had lots of annoying problems with it ever since (too many to list). I'm lucky to go 2 months before having to bring it back to dealer. The car has more rattles and noises than a '79 corvette. Dealer replaced a roof hinge that was squeaking so loud that the Mark Lev sound system couldn't drown it out! They finally fixed that and the the passenger side started squeaking. The driver's seatback had to be repaired for a clicking noise-- again, once that was fixed the passenger side started acting up. Run flats are terrible! Thank God the car looks so good and the sound system is the best I've heard otherwise I'd junk this mother!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

I love him!!!!!

COONIES MOM, 10/23/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

GREAT CAR! SO MUCH FUN! LOVE THE HEATED SEATS! NO PROBLEMS WHAT SO EVER! I'M IN LOVE!!!

Report Abuse
2.88 out of 5 stars

Run Flat Nighmare

localred, 05/24/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A wonderful car if you don't mind bone rattling jolts hitting potholes. Run flat tires are a nightmare: I have two new tires and two new wheels on a car with less than 10K mileage. Two other tires have 'bubbles' meaning replacement soon. My wife hates to be a passenger unless we are on perfectly paved road. Avoid this car unless you only do highway driving!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Floating Heaven

Maazoo, 10/08/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I am experiencing the privilege of owning my dream car. It's amazing that so much power comes from such a quiet engine. From the superb handling to the exquisite design, I am thrilled each time I get behind the wheel. She turns heads and drops jaws! Loving it~

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

The Pebble Beach

Joe C, 10/31/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great car and fun to drive! We picked up our Pebble Beach SC 430 from the dealer on the first weekend in October. It has plenty of power and the navigation system is fantastic. The ride is not as hard as we had heard. The suspension works well with the run flat tires. The color is awesome. The fit and finish is fantastic! The back seat works for us as luggage shelf and a place for our daughter to set on short drive. Thanks Lexus great car!!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Lexus SC430 Review

Elaine the one, 11/16/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Repeat Lexus SC customer--Also owns SC400. Excellent car in town--month ago took vehicle on 1500 mile(one way) trip. Nothing on road could perform with it. Rate SC430 10 for comfort but just a little short of my SC400. If only Lexus could place performance of 430 in body of SC400 size vehicle.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely fabulous

Airbusman, 11/11/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car has quality all over it. We especially like the hard top. No noise with the rag top. This thing runs like a sewing machine. Its quiet with the top closed, and quiet with it open. Amazing!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

"Gentlemans Dream Car"

gdl, 10/10/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My tltle for the review comes from what the ticket taker at the ferry told me as I was driving home with it. I bought the car because it was a 4 passenger with a hard top. Lexus was the only car that fit that criteria 4seats-hardtop{not a rag top}. It wasn't until after I bought that I realized all the things that made it a "dream car" the interior comfort in just sitting in it, the stereo,tilting rear view mirrors when the car is put in reverse, quit motor, powerful motor, quiet interior as you travel with the top down at 60+ mph, GPS,and you can't averlook the comments you get about the car

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Fun Car

alpollack, 11/29/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Car runs like a dream..tight body..no noises. Good control at low speeds,tight control at high speeds. Such fun.!!Car draws stares with top up or down. 21+mpg...or 18 in town.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

SC430

bartnfw, 10/10/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Comfort and handling make the car treat to drive. The fuel economy for this level of performance is outstanding.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

A WORK OF ART/ EYE CANDY

DAESTERS1, 11/29/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

ITS GREAT. I PURCHASED A C4 PORSCHE AND IT HAD TIPTRONIC I WANTED TO GET SOMETHING AS CLOSE TO PERFORMANCE,LOOK AND LESS PRICE WITH THE SAME FEATURES. I TRIED THE CORVETTE 04 AND THE SC430 WAS THE CLOSEST TO PERFORMANCE.IT WASNT TAILEND HEAVY SO IF I WANT TO TAKE OFF I CAN DO SO SAFELY.IT WAS PLEASED IT ALSO HAD SPORT PACKAGE, 1/2 THE PRICE, AND NAVIGATION DEVICE.IVE DRIVEN IT 700 MILES AWAY FROM HOME AND THE DRIVE IS SMOOTH..

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Mercedes is loosing ground fast

Concho, 06/01/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Can not find anything that is not well beyond my expectations. This vehicle is a drivers dream. This vehicle replaces a SL500.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Comfort and Class

Robert M. Beggs, 06/06/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My SC430 is silver and provides an increcably quiet and smooth ride, and jumps with acceleration when needed. The engineering is superb and I appreciate all the details, as well as the great Levinson sound system and fabulous interior. I enjoy having what is both a great sedan and gorgeious convertible -- it's definitely a "babe mobile."

Report Abuse
3.75 out of 5 stars

Avoid the run-flats

cameron durrant, 12/14/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

You will pay more to get run-flat tires. You will get scared when cornering or traveling over uneven toads with these tires. This will change to a feeling of being both terified to drive faster than 30 MPH, expscially in the wet, and annoyance that you will then have to pay even more to change these tires to something like Michelin Pilots which do hold the road. You will be irritated that Lexus chooses to ignore customers who suggest the run-flats do not hold the road. Happy driving, or happy sliding, if you have the run-flats and can't afford to pay more to change them.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

A great driving experience

ABCDEFG, 07/10/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

The SC 430 is all we have come to expect from Lexus-well designed inside and out, a comfortable (if a bit stiff) ride and perfect workmanship. The driver and passenger seats are reasonably high so the visibility and comfort are terrific for a sports car. We also own a 2003 430 LS so an added plus is that the controls are similar in the two cars. Lexus service remains without peer.

Report Abuse
1.88 out of 5 stars

RUSTMOBILE

JOHNSONB, 11/11/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 7 people found this review helpful

THIS CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS DEFECTS SINCE PURCHASING. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS BODY RUST. I CHECKED FLORIDA LEMON LAW CASES AND FOUND MANY DISPUTES WITH THIS MODEL.TOO BAD I DID'NT DO MY RESEARCH BEFORE PURCHASING.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

exellent

john harftsd, 02/17/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

it is a great and fun car to drive. there is only 1 problem i found with it and that is it's not very fun to drive in the snow.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Best car I've ever owned

SR-22, 09/26/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has it all. A hard top that folds into the trunk. V8 power, 5 speed automatic, killer sound system, Lux ride, strong performance, 4 seats and I get 19.5 miles per gallon around town and 22 on the road. When compared to other cars in it's class it is a bargin price.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

My Review

EscaladeXS500, 10/17/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I think this is one of the best convertibles out there, the backseat is a little small, but still usefull for luggage and other things, and the hard top is great for rain because you can barely even hear it, i love this car, and it definately blows the competition out of the water.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Pebble Beach

Roy Young, 07/25/2005
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love the ride , even with the run flat tires . It is a lot of fun to drive , the power , the smoothness on good roads , the looks . It will be a hard car to trade in when the time comes.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

the best

ronnie21748, 02/23/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Traded slk...no comparison...lexus quality more bells and whistles. A true joy to drive.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

FUN IS BACK

TPAFL, 02/23/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had several nice cars in the past, including Acura, BMW, and a two previous Lexus coupes. None of my previous cars matched the fun and excitement of driving the SC430. And if the fun and excitement aren't enough, the unsolicited comments from people about what a looker the car is , or the wanting stares of people in cars around you while stopped at a red light are enough to bring a smile to your face!

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Wow the Neighbors, but Watch the Bumps

I ERNDIT, 05/15/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

SC430 offers the luxury car owner an uplifting experience. Make sure you won't be driving in a snowstorm or on a road surface that has not been recently repaved. The run-flats are poor performers on any surface other then what is shown in the alluring Lexus brochure. Solve this and it could be one of my all time favorites and I have been fortunate to have owned a 911C4, SC400, Delorean (well that's another story) Have a spare SUV in the garage, then wait for the great spring or fall day, crank up your favorite tunes on a sound system that is as good with the top off at 75 mph as when it's up, and enjoy what very few others will ever know.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Been driving once since June 2001

stober, 12/23/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

An exceptional vehicle in all respects. It is almost three years old, and it still handles as if it just came off the assembly line.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding Automobile

VictoriaAnnHobby, 02/25/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

GREATTTTTTTTTTTT car!!!!! Better than all the BMWs, Mercedes, Porsche and Jaguars I have owned!!!

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Fabulous!!!

Victorian, 12/27/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has only been a pleasure to drive and the compliments I constantly get prove that the exterior design is eye-catching. I would highly recommend this vehicle to all.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Just the best car I've ever driven...

stockdoc9999, 03/02/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After many years of self-denial I finally gave in and bought an impractical car. WOW! This car is the most fun and highest quality automobile I could imagine. Sheer perfection.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

I LOVE THIS CAR

Marie38126, 05/12/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the second Lexus SC that I have owned, and I have loved both. This one is especially sharp because of its convertible status. I feel safe in the car and have not had any problems with either cars other than the required maintenance...how many others can say this? I looked around when deciding to buy a new car(especially Mercedes-Benz) and couldn't find anything else with almost every luxury amenity that there is,for the price. I would do it all over again. It is definitely a HEAD- TURNER.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

New Lexus Fan

tennisbuff, 09/13/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After test driving nearly every convertible in its class, I settled on the Lexus. I have been thrilled - it is smooth, fast, luxurious and turns heads. I actually was unprepared for the reaction that the car receives. Service has been incomparable as well.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Fun

nssc430, 03/05/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is fun to drive with the top up or down, in the summer or the dead of winter with snow on the streets.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Awesome Beuty One of a kind Monster

DannyO, 03/05/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my SC430 it is Purple with white interior and my wife and I just think that this is a one of a kind true out of this world tranportation mechine. the only thing to keep in mind is children!!! they will hate sitting in the back seat and when they do the driver will have to drive very close to the steering wheel and that is not fun. so over all this is a true beauty

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Fabulous

g clements, 05/15/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a fabulous, fun car. I don't care for the cupholders. Doesn't hold bottled water very good. My only critizism.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Sports Luxury Car

lexus2, 09/26/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The retractable hardtop is a plus, but the main feature is the interior; Rolls quality. Not quite the handling of a Porsche, but not the rough ride either. In summary, this is one of the very few, if not only, roadsters you can drive cross country comfortably.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Topless Heaven

lithargic, 03/14/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Driving the SC430 is like being in topless heaven. It is impossible to drive this car without having people stop to look it over from top to bottom. The convertible hard top goes up and down quickly and reliably and, when the top is up, it drives a quietly as any hardtop. But with the top down it is a blast to drive! I traded a Mercedes SL500 for this car and I will never go back. The Lexus is better built, better looking, and costs thousands less.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

snow

beebas1, 03/17/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

very bad in the snow

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

macks review

the mack, 03/18/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

great car that i have enjoyed driving

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Lexus 430 SC

John Burns, 12/27/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After 7 convertables owned this by far the best. Great retractable top. Great interior with the exception of the back seat.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Drive

fmario, 03/18/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Its the quiet that gets you. It is a driving experience. Great Product!! It could use a bit more power.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Lexus convertible experience

C. Bennett, 03/18/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Lexus SC430 in 2002 and have enjoyed every minute I get to drive it. I consider myself a auto enthusist and have had many fine cars over my life time and rate the Lexus SC430 as one of the best and one of the neatest vehicles to travel in. Love it.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
50