Sparse cargo space, cramped (and nearly useless) rear seats, doesn't inspire anything more than leisurely cruising.
What’s new
There are no significant changes to the SC 430 this year, though Lexus will offer a Pebble Beach Edition package, which includes Azure Pearl exterior paint, black bird's eye maple interior trim, run-flat tires, a rear spoiler and a black leather golf bag.
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.
I chose the "Azure Pearl" (sky blue
metallic) 2004 "Pebble Beach Edition"
over the SL 500 and XLR. Only 400 will
be made.
The trunk and "rear seat" space was
nominal, at best. No problem.
Actually, the so-called rear seat is
perfect for my dog and light luggage.
I ordered the appropriate Michelin
tires rather than the "run-flats". I
paid the full MSRP. Luxury … abounds. A
real head-turner. The Mark Levinson
stereo system in without peer. The
illuminated blue "Lexus" scuff plates,
the buttery ecru leather and black
bird's eye maple trim couldn't be
sexier. Surveys by J.D. Power rate
this car as tops for quality and
reliability.
Fabulous car for a 60th birthday gift
5 out of 5 stars
Molly Garofalo, 08/10/2004
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
This car makes me feel fabulous every
time I get into it. If you are having
a bad day just put the top down and
drive your cares away. I have also had
a Lexus GS and traded a new LS on this
car. I have been so surprized about the
amount of trunk space when the top is
up. I have traveled for 3 to 4 weeks
and had plenty of room for all my
luggage, dog crate and … everything
else. It also holds tons of
groceries. Even with the top down I
have enough room for a weeks groceries
in the trunk. But, the best thing
about the car is the smiles on my face
when I approach the car, and slide into
the seat. Put the top down and the day
turns into sunshine.
Worth it - if you only watch the top go down!
5 out of 5 stars
Jay, 02/02/2016
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
The acceleration is incredible! Watching the top go down is almost as good as sex (almost)!!
Even with it being an 11 year old car - the interior is luxurious - black leather with the burled dark walnut is elegant. The exterior is beautiful (not as striking as my 1999 SC400 - but excellent). Everything work like it did the day it rolled off the showroom floor.
The only downside is … that it isn't exactly top down weather - so I'm impatiently waiting for the weather to turn.
Of course - the only drawback is the lack of up-to-date electronics. Can't download my contacts from my phone. It handles "1-touch" dialing - but you have to manually enter your top 10 phone numbers, but the Bluetooth still works well with the phone. The navigation system is okay, but needs updating (need to go on-line and find an upgrade DVD. I updated it with a wireless back-up camera - tough to see behind you without it. I get about 22 mpg and it only had 83000 miles on it when I bought it!
UPDATE - July 2018
I now have 119,000 miles on the car and it is still as good as the day I bought it. One small item...I developed a small drain on the battery that I can't trace down. I installed a device that disconnects the battery when the voltage falls below 12V. When you step on the brakes, it reconnects that battery and starts the car. The alternator then recharges the battery. If I drive it every day, it is fine, but I only drive it about once a week and that's when the battery saver device kicks in and starts the car - a real life saver. I was also able to find an up-to-date Navigation DVD to update the onboard navigation system. This car is best when you're able to drop the top and take if for a run on a windy country road. The car still turns heads when you are in a parking lot and drop the top - I still find myself asking my wife to sit in the driver's seat so I can watch the top go up and down. I installed a Sirius-XM radio and can now cruise with my favorite tunes. Still love this 14 year old car!!!!
sc430 review
5 out of 5 stars
jportala, 09/12/2003
2004 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
What a driving experience! Smooth,
high performance and comfort all in
one. Great looking interior and
exterior design.
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