Used 2005 Lexus SC 430 Consumer 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.
Over 200,000 and Still Smiling!
I purchased this vehicle with over 200,000 miles on it. Yes scary I know but the previous owner had replaced the timing belt, water pump, plugs and plug wires, both catalytic converters with O2 sensors, brakes and rotors, new ASA rims with Continental extreme contact tires, newer windshield etc. Now as most of you may have seen in other forms. The power locks don't work which is not a problem for me. The low washer fluid indicator will not go out even though it's full and does work. It had a small exhaust leak. (40.00 to fix). Considering the miles the paint job is still in really good shape with of course a few paint chips as you would expect with the mileage but virtually no rust. I'm sure the navigation software is probably outdated but I'm in the habit of using the GPS on my phone anyway. The Bluetooth still works great. I have good phone connectivity. All the other mechanical things such as the roof radio( Mark Levinson system) still works as if it were new. Some car critics say this car isn't very quick but when I put it in power mode it makes me giggle which is good enough for me. I'm actually more impressed with the 60 to100 than I am with the 0 to 60. The body style on this vehicle is timeless. I get more looks and inquiries than I have any other car that I've owned. People are so surprised when I tell them it's a 2005. The retractable top is like something out of a Transformer movie. Watching the top go up and down through the rearview mirror never gets old! With the top up or down this is still one of the sexiest vehicles I have ever had the pleasure of owning. I love the sound of the exhaust at startup with that low V8 Rumble. Eventually I will upgrade to a more aggressive exhaust to really bring out that V8 sound(no rush). It's a tamed beast but a beast never the less. Just as you would expect from a Lexus. This car will stand the test of time as long as you're keeping up the regular maintenance and realize that you do own a high end luxury vehicle and must maintain it as such. ( use premium gas )For 90% of the maintenance there is no need to go to a Lexus dealership if you have a good competent mechanic that you can trust. The parts are a lot cheaper than the competition as in BMW, Mercedes, Audi. When you do go buy OEM parts for your Lexus go to the Toyota dealership. ( they're cheaper than at the Lexus dealership). In closing, for those of you who own one of these beautiful specimens with less than a hundred thousand miles. This is a lifetime car weather you keep it in the garage pristine and polished or use it as everyday driver, it will stand the test of time aesthetically and mechanically. Enjoy!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2005 Lexus SC 430 2dr Convertible
I have previously owned a BMW. I like this classy look of Lexus SC 430. I enjoy the hard top convertible of this car. This care gives me a quiet ride and fun to drive. It is very comfortable to ride especially on a weekend trip.
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $21,00024 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $16,500144 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $18,625344 mi away
SC 430 Excellence
Having owned two SC 400's the purchase of a 2005 SC 430 was a natural and welcome happening. The car is so much fun to own and drive! Exceptional quality in comfort and style, power and dependability, the Lexus SC 430 fits our needs for sport and travel. Sure, its a bit short on rear seat room and luggage space but we consider it a sports car with a strong engine and smooth ride. The safety features and treatment of options are Lexus quality through and through. We are truely satisfied with this premium automobile. Wish they still made them!
mid life
I have had my SC 430 since 2002.This car is the best blend of pure elegence and performance. While it won't out corner a 9-11, You won't feel every dead bug on the road. A car for someone who wants to be pampered. The SC 430 is more comfortable than my ES 300. The Mark Levinson sound system is better than my in home Sony system. You will love this car! One thing: it, simply stated, stinks in the snow. With the top up there is a lot of trunk space. With it down, well, that's what the "back seats" are for. It eats gas but if that's a big deal to you, you shouldn't be looking at a 300 hp vehicle.
I Love This Car!
I test drove the BMW, Mercedes, and the Lexus convertibles before choosing the SC 430. This was an easy choice after comparing the comfort, ride, and noise levels. The SC 430 has smooth and quick acceleration, has a quieter engine, and has little road noise due to the hard top. The car handles corners and speed beautifully. It's fun to drive, is a comfortable ride with the heated seats, and the sound system is awesome. The GPS and bluetooth systems are amazing and easy to use. I think I am a Lexus driver for life.
The Perfect Cocoon of Luxury
The Lexus SC430 is a near perfect animal. It growls when you need it to but purrs all the time. This automobile is second to none in quality build, interior comfort and beauty, and all around elegance and class. When I drive my SC 430 (black with saddle, ooh la la) heads turn. She's a beauty. And amazingly, she's as much fun with the top up as down. The perfect cocoon of silence and safety, the way the side of the door is higher than most cars gives you the feeling of being wrapped up in LUXURY!!! I should know. I own a $160 thousand dollar Porsche along with thirty other luxury and sport cars. This car is my daily driver because life is too short to settle for less than the best.
Good stuff
The quality of the experience is in the ability to easily hold a normal volume conversation going 65 mph with the top down. Interestingly, women in particular love the design. Having owned the prior SC400, I've gotten many comments from people I know and many I don't, about how they like the style. 75% have been women. It is a tightly engineered, refined use of power.
Very nice car
This car is as fun to drive as it is attractive. I love this car as it appeals to the right side of my brain. It is seductive, with nice lines and curves, and beauty to abound.
Best Convertible on the Road
In the few months that I have owned the SC 430 hardly a day has passed that I have not had someone on the street make a compliment about my car. I purchased the Pebble Beach Edition and I must say that it by far is the BEST looking car on the road. The special edition black is absolutely breath taking. The car handles beautifully on the road as well. I am especially pleased with the hard top conv. I live in a climate that does not allow the top to be down all the time and I enjoy the fact that you do not notice that you are driving a conv. with the top up. The Lexus quality and the dealerships are the highest quality that I have encounter to date. Looking forward to the new SC 430 model.
FUN, FUN, FUN
POWER, LUXURY, AND THE ADDED BONUS OF OF TOP DOWN MOTORING. TYPICAL LEXUS QUALITY IN FIT, FINISH, AND DRIVABILITY. GETS THUMBS UP AND "WOWS" WHEREVER WE GO!
Best convertable?
I used to have a Mazda Miata back in 1990 and belonged to the Miata Club of America. Then went to a Mercedes 190 evo. loved the car but the fun factor was not there. Now this Lexus is a dream come true! Power, style, and reliability! Wow! By far the best car in the world for me. I love to just hop in and drive with no destination in mind. Looking to go from Toronto to Vancouver next summer. What other car would be as awesome?
A Good Way to Spoil Your Wife
This is my third Lexus and it is every bit a Lexus - which is a good thing! (Previously owned '96 ES300 and '99 LX470) My wife is short and petite, and although this is not a performance car like my '99 Vette Convertible or '97 911 Carrera S, it fits her perfectly and she likes it much better. Having a manual top in the Vette, the automatic top is great - especially as we age! And for the price, any performance shortcomings are easily forgiven. If you want to win points and spoil your wife, this is the car!
Total Class
This is simply the best car I have ever had. It rides beautifully, the levinson stereo is amazing, the new wheels are much improved, and retracting the roof is quick, simple push of a button. The interior is absolutely gorgeous.
Dream Car
I bought this car knowing less than 1/3 of its capabilities. The more I drive it the more I am amazed I am at what it can do. This is a FUN car.
Dream Car
I have never had so much fun driving a car. It is smooth, comfortable and just a treat to drive. I have had trouble putting the key in the ignition a few times and will bring this to the attention of the dealer. Probably something I am doing wrong, because there is nothing else wrong about this car. I love it. Getting a combined 19.8 miles per gallon, city & Highway
lexuslover
Despite some saying the back seat is useless, I find it perfect for storage ... golf clubs fit, groceries, small travel bags, etc. This is in addition to extra space in the trunk even with the top retracted. I find it has more room than the z3, z4, audi tt, mercedes slk, etc. Also it has absolutely THE BEST stereo. And it is tons of fun to drive in luxury!
Linda Loves her Lexus
I love my Lexus. It's more fun then my corvette. I started driving a Lexus in 1994 and I get a new one every 3 years. This last year I got a SC 430 it is by far the most fun to drive. Besides my grandchildren think it's a cool car.
Lexus SC 430
Simply put, I love my Lexus SC 430! It is drop dead gorgeous and commended by everyone, especially drivers on the road traveling beside me. The Amethyst color changes continually with the sun and shade and at nightfall. It hugs the exits from interstates as though there were no twists nor turns. It is extremely fast, comfortable, fun and most of all EXCITING. Lexus should be commended for all the time and effort that went into building his automobile.
Exquisitely Fun & Beautiful
We've only had the car for almost a month and have driven over 1500 miles already, 90% of it with the top down. Our two kids, ages 6 & 8, still fit in the back seat, and they absolutely love it! The quality and finish are unsurpassed. This is our first Lexus, and after driving Mercedes and BMWs, nothing beats the Lexus experience!
My Lexus SC 430
Great looking, great driving, head turning car. Good speed and sports car feel with some luxury extras. Hard top convertible mechanism is seamless and fast and once it's down it's REALLY fun. Not as fast as my '02 Vette, but this I can drive for more than 2 hours without having to get a massage afterwards.
You get the looks in this car!!
Whenever I go out in this car...people stare. In my area there are not too many of these cars and people always are coming up to me to ask me about my car. I purchased the upgraded gold package on the wheels and that is my favorite accessory! Love the quiet when I put the top up!! Great gas mileage for the get up and go that this car has. This is my favorite car of mine to drive and the other two are Cadillac DTS and a Denali.
Lexus SC 430
I've enjoyed the SC 430 - good power, handling and comfort in a very solid platform. Quality is first rate, and customer support is the best there is. Although small, the availability of 2 seats for small children is a plus.
Lexus SC 430
This vehicle draws a lot of attention with its great interior and beautiful design. The performance is smooth.
Peeble beach review
I would like to see this sexy vehicle stay around. I cannot believe the plug is about to be pulled on this work of art. The only change I feel is necessary is the front end design. A couple minor changes could make this car very popular once again. The head lights cover too much space. I feel a change that resembles the front end of of the mercedes SL 550 would greatly improve its appeal. Do that and I'll buy another.
Not the most exciting but nice
The standard fit navigation system is good but not very user friendly. Lots of nice interior features. The low driving position is not to my liking but comfortable with the top down.
Love the car
I traded in my 911 for this car. While I miss the responsiveness of the 911, I won't miss the hassles with ownership, repair costs, etc. The SC430 is a pleasure to dive. The build quality is outstanding. I have the top down all the time unless its raining or sunny and over 90 degrees.
Love Lexus autos
We have a 2010 hybrid suv. Wife has a 2013 GS. Then there is my beauty my 2005 SC 430. White & embellished with side and rear fin pinstripes it looks great! Perfect- better than a normal back up camera so in my opinion it is the best car with best hard top convertible I am aware of. I would not want, for safety sake, a soft top!. The SC even has a cassette player. I tear up hearing my long deceased singing his sweet songs!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best Ever
This is the best car I have ever owned. It is far far better than either my Mercedes SL or Cabriolet. It is beautiful and fun to drive.
My current love
I've been driving for 60 years, have had at least 20 different cars and the same no of different makes. This is the best..
More or Lexus! Awesome!
The SC 430 drives MUCH quieter than any other sports car I tested on the road, yet it is still fun to drive. It surprised me how comfortable this car was; I didn't expect it at all! I like a car to 'envelop' me, and this one certainly fits the bill. The sound system is phenomenal, the navigation system easy to use. The hard-top convertible opens and closes with a simple push of a button! Nothing to latch or forget about unlatching, etc. Rear seats might as well be non- existent; I suppose they are there for insurance purposes. Not a big deal if you are the only one driving this car. It's great for two people, and maybe someone you hate in the back :)
Quit Staring !
One week old, but this car has the wow factor of my carrera cabriolet (when IT was new). The fit and finish is awesome, the exterior lines are distinctive and elegant and the interior is simply the finest. The car is very good with the top up, but only really struts its stuff when the top is down and mechanically loaded into the trunk. If you are seriously considering this car, make sure you live in an area where you can drive with the top down 8 - 10 months of the year because you will NOT want to drive it any other way. Sweeter ride than Benz or Beemer rodies, although not as fast as an M3 or SL500, but what it lacks in off-the- line performance, it makes up for it in every other way.
Underrated
Very classy car. Interior is wonderful. Car has every option plus many extras. The sound system is one of the best I have ever heard. Engine is crisp and sharp. This is more for cruising than rip roaring performance. Storage is big enough for golf clubs with top down (perfect) Convertible top is a work of art. Looks like hardtop then wham its open air. Take a test ride before you buy something else.
SC430
I have owned lots of cars over the years,the Lexus convert is one of the best cars that I have driven and Lexus is the best Co to deal with . They really stand behind their products.
a product that does what it says it will
it won't every be your only car but it will always be your best car. it is more fun to drive than i could have expected and it does just what an 8 cylinder sports car in this class ought to do-lift you out of your socks flawlessly.
.best car I've had to date
I've tried about 29 cars and trucks in the last 40 years... the 66' 427 vette and the 2000 MB kompressor SLK were the very worst, the 2002 Lexus SC430 and the 2004 Lexus LX470 have been the way-out-ahead-BEST vehicles...no matter what the cost. The worst dealers by far were the Acura (dishonest,& poor service) and MB (arrogant and deceptive and not up to par quality with others of the same cost levels) too many come-backs, baloney, and re-dos! AWFUL!
Simply the best
Have two lexus cars in our household. Both cars are an exceptional value. Test drove all german imports and by far, the Lexus has proven to be superior in design, reliablity and price. Being able to afford any traditional vehicle under a 150k we have chosen to picked the Lexus as the clear winner when comparing to other cars in the same price range and even above. I was formally an S class owner and will NEVER go back to Benz after all the problems we had with a 90k dollar vehicle. So my advice to you is to compare wisely, and if I had to pick a second choice it would clearely be the Audi A-8 in the W12 configuration. No the BMW doesnt even come close. Have fun in any purchase.
Love this Car
I have to say this has been the best car I have ever owned. The only problem is people want to talk to tell you how nice the car looks when you have the top down and are stopped at a light.
BEST CAR I HAVE OWNED
I purchased a 03, and it is by far the best car i have ever owned. My previous vehciles were 1994 Porsche 928GT (good car), 2000 Corvette (good acceleration but cheap parts and unreliable), 1999 Porshce 911 (good overall car, but lower quality after nearing bankruptcy in 1996) and 2003 BMW Z4 (good looking, but had it for a year and brought it to the dealership for 8 times for repairs). None of these care compare to the SC. The interior is the best I have seen in any car (my friend owes a Jaguar XK, and he agrees). The ergonomics and quietness of the cockpit is amazing. Great Reliability. This is a perfect car.
Pocket Rocket
This car demands attention. The hard top convertible is fabulous. Low end torque not quite as good as I expected, but high end torque is amazing. The ride is a bit harsh as you might expect with a sports car. Sound system is great. Trunk is bigger than expected.
Peaceful Power
This car is the most fun I've had driving since my 1963 Stingray! It's incredible comfort is the icing on the cake to it's impressive power and smooth ride. The two back seats are very handy to have in a hardtop convertible although the trunk space is very adequate. One purchase I'll never regret!
Papa's 43
Vehicle rides like a luxury sedan, but has wonderful pickup and handling ability.
SC 430
What can be said, other than the fact that I test drove the rest, and bought the best. Lexus quality cannot be surpassed.
TYPICALLY BRILLIANT LEXUS PRODUCT
Although I put off buying such an expensive luxury convertible, it was well worth the price. I have had no problems whatsoever and the added chrome wheels and gold package makes it unique. I own an RX330 also and my wife loves it. The SC430 and RX330 are high end quality vehicles. Obviously, Lexus has excellent quality control.
Like my Lexus
I traded in 2001 Corvette convertible, 6 speed. The SC 430 Lexus is more comfortable, quieter, easier to drive, has a much better sound system, the fit and finish is much better and the interior is such better quality there is no comparison. These are comparisons to a 2005 Vette I test drove. The power on the SC 430 however does not compare to the Vette. I am very satisfied with the SC 430.
Super Car
Outstanding car - best I have owned or even driven. Handling is excellent, contrary to some of the commentators. Good value for the type of car. Any real comparables are much more expensive and not as good quality.
Reliable fun car at 8/10 of drive
Just bought this care last week. Great car. Previous Lexus owner. The best features of this car by far is its reliability and build quality. If you are looking for a pure sports car look to another auto maker such as Porsche. I am also a current Cayenne and Boxster owner. Lexus by far is light years ahead in build quality and value but at 8/10 of the fun for those who really care. If you are looking for a semi sporting luxury convertible hardtop that is a great value and most importantly very reliable and practicle look no further than the SC 430.
Best car I've owned!
Fun car, superb characteristics top down or up, quick but not lightening fast. Attracts alot of attention from everyone, so you cannot hide in this beauty. Very reliable. Best on a warm sunny day without a doubt. It is a treat to drive, even after 3 years of ownership. The best car I have owned, including LS and GS 400 models, Jags...
Very fun car
Have had my SC430 for three days now. The wife and I love the power, and the comfort. We DID manage to stuff our three year olds in the back 'seats' for a few trips around the block. They loved it, but I'm cure child- cruelty laws were being broken... Remember, the rear seats are for insurance-lowering purposes only.
Great handling -Smart Styling
Very responsive. Trouble Free. Back seat good for luggage storage only. Best looking convertible on the road, especially in silver. Heavy and powerful. Handles well. Hugs the road. Great responsiveness. I like the famous Lexus service at the dealerships. Like no other, and I have tried many other brands and dealerships.
Lexus SC 430
The SC 430 is a very fine design. Construction detail is excellent in every respect. The car is very quiet, smooth, and operates as advertised. It is really fun to drive. The design of the hardtop retraction system is amazingly smooth and quick. When the top is up the car is not noisy like convertibles tend to be.