Should You Buy a LEXUS SC430? (Test Drive & Review)
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
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Today I'm in this 2001 Lexus SC430. Let's see what it's like...
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#highpeakautos #Lexus #SC430
Amazing how everything you talk down, the veneer, the wheels, the buttons, the soft shape, are actually the things that make this car attractive.
fully agreed
Own a 2002 model with 49k miles and even though 20 years old old it still drives better than most of the brand new cars! What they built back than is incredible and very eye catching. Engine is bulletproof and quality of the interior is unmatched!
I have 2002 ....top top
Curious, how much pay per mile? Considering this car
Of course it drives like new. You never drive it 😭
I've always liked them.
They got utterly savaged when they were released.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
I'd still have one in a heartbeat.
Amazing how many people talk bollocks, or were they getting their palms greased ?
@@mikevolante7663 most people ( who simply don't know ) ( and are too lazy to try and find out ) just repeat what they have heard others say as they think it gives them a degree of " gravitas " .... as far as I'm concerned , real "gravitas " is marching to the beat of your own drum , regardless of how the clique is "cliquing" . And , for the cliqueurs , I haven't had straight pipes put on mine . Because It doesn't need straight pipes . Stands out on its' own merits . Marches perfectly well to the beat of its own smooth V8 .😉 .
I own an SC430 And I can confirm it truly is a great car I believe the design was ahead of it’s time, it’s a great conversation starter and people always think it’s much newer than it really is, when you compare it too most cars of the same vintage the SC430 has aged much better.
Yes 👍. I agree
Agree
Spoken like a true rusted on Lexus owner.
Can you fit people in the back though?
I bought one two weeks ago with the same colour and interior. LOVE IT. I do not think the wood colour is ''sickly'' at all, it's absolutely beautiful. As for the wheels, the first time I ever saw them I thought "What the hell, what was Lexus thinking.'' But they very quickly grew on me and I had them reconditioned and kept them original. The reality is they match the styling of the car perfectly and are unique and now I love them too. This car is a keeper.
One of the few cars I really regret selling. It was extremely reliable, comfortable and well built.
After watching this video...
Well...
OK! I'll buy one!
I bought my 2007 SC430 and I love it, I rescued it from an old lady that abused it, one owner, she paid $68k, sticker was still in the glove box with all manuals lol 😂
Nice
Matt. Please Please Please drop the music in the background and keep to the 'raw' format that we are used to. Its just my opinion but there is nothing worse than having music in the background. I beg theeeeeee sir, drop the music. The visuals and no nonsense commentary is still up there as one of the best on YT.
I never noticed the car before, saw one in front of a high end B&B a few days ago. Was attracted to the look of the interior, wood and leather. I had no idea it was so old. I want one. I’m in my 70’s so it appeals to me.
Don't like the car but I love the production. Just keep the same sense of humor and no bull.... approach because that is what really sets you apart. We don't need another car "journalist"; just an honest dude that likes cars and doesn't give a crap about being PC. Well done Matt.
Thank you! I wont change
@@HighPeakAutos Well Sir, now you have a new subscriber (first time ever to any channel). It is not much but I hope it helps you.
@@damirbajic4579 ah thank you! Much appreciated
@@HighPeakAutos You deserve it. In a sea of fake why I hate my Lamborghini idiots you actually bring knowledge, humor, true love for cars and substance. Enjoy watching it and looking forward for more. Cheers.
I’m in the states and the main reason Audis, BMWs and MBs of the same age are so inexpensive to purchase is because of the astronomical cost to maintain - not so with the SC430. I belong to several online Lexus groups and I see more and more former Audi, BMW and MB owners joining our ranks. Of the SC430 owners that sold their cars - later regretted it and several ended buying replacements. As for handling, I’ve tested the laws of physics on public highways (I would probably be charged with reckless driving if pulled over by law enforcement) and never felt it was on the verge of breaking loose. The car has a VERY LOYAL FOLLOWING - here and abroad.
Spot on!!
Great review as usual 👍🏻 but the background music (if you can call it that) doesn’t work for me Matt. I much prefer engine tones or how much wind noise I can hear 👍🏻
Matt you need to lose the lift music.
I disagree I think the music is pretty good and induces feeling in a viewer
I like the new camera angles and visual effects like the see through bonnet. But I'm not keen on the background music during the whole video. Perhaps during exterior shots, but I think when you are in the shot and speaking it should just be you and the car that we hear.
I dunno l think the musics ok guys as it breaks the silence and he did stop playing it wen he revved up the engine 🤔 It’s very background ish and not intrusive, but perhaps a different type of music???? What though?
Got to agree, not a fan of the music but rest of the review is top notch
The SC430 is absolutely beautiful and so supremely comfortable. People who dont appreciate it dont know cars.
I don't think it's ugly at all - Actually I like it , always did. And I would prefer those buttons over any stupid
unresponsive screen.
I’ll save y’all some time, the answer is yes! You should buy a Lexus SC 430 because it is a great car. I love mine!
Brilliant commentary, I've owned my sc since 2010. Never had any issues or problems. It's a summer driver only. And still only on good days. Love it and will never sell it. Cheers!
I have drove a lot of car and definitely SC would be the best . No issues , no noises, luxury everywhere and enough power to drive quick in highways with absolutely comfort
We bought my dad one for his retirement. He enjoys driving it. The cabin is very luxe, the ride is smooth, and everything is running fine if you regularly maintain it of course. Still low mileage will last forever.
I own a 2002 same colour combination as the one he is driving and it is a very good car, great long distance cruiser with superbly comfortable seats. I love the wood and leather interior and driving with roof down when it is wonderfully quiet. You can drive long distances and not feel tired, I have owned mine for 3 years and intend to keep it for a long time.
saving all of my money to own one of these. Idc what anyone says about the car, they look good,(trust me ive seen worse), its got decent mpg for a v8, and I could buy one with 150k miles and Id would still run almost a lifetime with average annual repairs. Love this car and hope I can get one soon.
You will love it! I’ve had mine for 5 years
Man, nice one on the new upgraded production :) Especially the shot into the engine. Good to have the music for the shots of the car, but not sure to have under while you're talking, though not a huge criticism.
It's also great to have the update/review of the SC. I'm a fan of Lexus and you gave a great balanced perspective. I was previously swayed by that Top Gear review :)
Thank you for presenting such a good video. I happen to own a 2006 with the same combination colors. I wanted a convertible and this one fulfilled the requirements, particularly for the ample room it offers to the driver. At 210K miles, the car has had to have the necessary maintenance in order to keep going. If you are mechanical inclined, you can actually work on this car. I have changed suspension parts, new brake calipers on all wheels, bearings and tension pulleys. After all this work, I can tell you that it drives like a new vehicle. 210K miles/338K KM is nothing for this gem. Everywhere I go I get positive comments.
Great review. Loving the Halle Berry bit. However, when it comes to cars, never pay attention to Clarkson, Hammond & May.
I keep reading reviews slating this car. I was 9 years old when it went on sale and I still have a 1:18 scale model from when I was 9 too. It's not a sports car, and I hate that so many journalists review cars as if they're all sports cars. Not every car is meant for hitting the apex and hammering a b road. I want a comfortable, wafty reliable convertible car for long road trips and I don't see anything that fits the bill better than this under 15k I have a track prepper MINI for fun, a diesel Seat for practicality, and a Mini Cooper for short town trips. I think this is the perfect car to complete my collection and I can't wait to own one. Plus I like wood and beige interiors too! Even if most hate them these days. Thanks for your reviews! I have subscribed.
There's a welcome leap in production this time Matt. I always imagined you'd do a quick, really quick walk round (without the lengthy description of every last detail to pad the content) but this is a nice format and will grow the channel further. A bit of exhaust sound or some spec graphics and you have nailed the best 9 minute review on CZcams.
Really liked the more pro style of the video. Top job, Matt. Even when I love the relaxing classic style of HPA videos, this look a step forward. Congrats!!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Just playing around with different ideas
I've always loved the Lexus styling. Subtle, stylish, and unique.
I totally agree with your points. It's no sports car, it's at home cruising along the coast or in the city.
That was very interesting. My daily driver is a 2006 Lexus GS300 SE-L, and I absolutely love it! In the past, I've owned some c ry fast and sharp sports-cars, including a brutal '89 Skyline R32-GT! Recently, I spent 2 weeks driving a Lexus SC430, and I found it brilliant! So good in fact, that I've decided to buy one. The performance was excellent, handling very good indeed. When I took it to a track, there wasn't much that could catch it! The odd Lamborghini, and a crazy Aston-Martin, but Porsche and Mercedes-Benz couldn't get close. In fairness, I've raced for 60 years so I imagine that the way the SC430 was driven had something to do with it.
Anyway; I loved the car so I'll find one soon. Maybe I'll do my own video....
Interesting ! But is it more sublime than a Z4
Yea to a video 😎
I have a 2002 SC430. The car is terrific. It’s not a sports car, it’s a GT. The ride quality along with the fit and finish is still amazing after 20 years. Only flaw is that it had a timing belt. No big deal get it changed and your on your way. The top is a work of engineering wonder. Yes over time the mark Levinson speakers may have to be replaced. But for around 10k it’s a bargain 🏖️
I think this car was specifically designed with wealthy retired Americans in mind, such as the Florida set. If so, Lexus indeed nailed it, as Matt said.
Agreed. My dad recently retired and moved to Florida with mum. My brother, sister and I pitched in to gift him a sc430 as a congratulations. He was ecstatic.
Of course it was, LEXUS stands for “luxury import to the us” I don’t think I’m wealthy but I’m retired and enjoy a comfortable car🏖️
Matt dunno if u even bother reading the comments but the video quality has gone up a notch mate and looking very smart n professional indeed 👍
I know from comments here there’s controversy over the elevator music but the idea works as it breaks the silence, so wot about changing to different types of music on each video u post till you get a majority vote as to wot music the masses favour 🤔…..or they don’t? Just a thought mate
Hi Matt, when are you going to do a video reviewing the Nissan Qashqai? - 2015 models and upwards.
Surely, you of all people know you don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
Please viewers let’s all vote for a Matt to do a review on the Nissan Qashqai.
Best car I’ve ever owned! I’ve had my 05 for 5 years now and I love it! Add some Coilovers, exhaust, Rays wheels, performance tires, ECU Tune and black out the headlights with LED DRL and you will totally TRANSFORM this car into what it should have been from the factory.
Refreshed the page and i see you uploaded 1 minute ago, just finished my meal and its time for after meal relaxing😂
Enjoy
I just bought SC430 2006 with 66000 mileage today 27/08/2024 from auction, hoping to enjoy it. It's always my dream to own one when it first lunch.
Very good summary. That was so much better than watching the many trashy reviews that the so-called motoring press have done with the SC430. The clicking brake noise will likely be badly worn rear reluctor rings, the lower front speaker cones are likely split, and the sat nav should be an easy fix + updated map discs are available for it.
Watching from Croydon, I responded "what's wrong with Croydon".
Wife gave me a strange look.
Ye, fair enough.
I have a 2003 white with Carmel interior. Bought it during Covid when I needed something fun without being amongst crowds. Fit the bill. Love the car.
I can't believe Matt's got more people discussing the background music than the features of the car!
This is a car that fifteen years ago was brilliant but expensive to run and very exotic, usually a grey import. I do remember going to the Lexus and they said that they never had to replace a gear box or engine- very reliable
You make me want to start looking for one now
My SC430 is 2002 ..... only rear light bulb 😉
Right off I fell in love with it’s odd styling quality materials through out including the Roman gladiator looking wheels. Like so many others, my appreciation for its market niche included me. Go figure? Nah… it’s spot on.
Have you got a new production team, Matt😁 Love the new style 👍
I just bought one! Agreed, it does have bit and pieces that can go wrong given its age
But a great comfortable hard top cruiser for the price you pay
All I can say is my Lexus dealership in Indiana charged $1,600 to change the timing belt and water pump on my 2002 SC430. $200 in parts, $1,400 in labor. It's good to know/have a decent mechanic who'll do the work for a reasonable price on labor. Too bad I don't know/have a good mechanic.
it definitely doesn’t cost that much…watch a chrisfix tutorial if u feel competent, dealerships are joke and i would try a local mechanic
I always felt if they’d spent just another five minutes on the drawing board they could have made this look great 😂 Those headlights are what do it in for me 😩 or maybe it’s the grille too, either way I don’t mind the rest of it.
Nice enough interior too.
I agree. It's not a classic design is it
There's the back as well. Has sort of that back of a chrysler crossfire look to it.
@@HighPeakAutos
it is actually when you look at all the over stylized cars from Kia and Hyundai around today that unfortunately people like. There is just no accounting for taste anymore sadly. This interior looks way better than a lot of modern cars.
Someone totally updated the front of the sc with rx headlights and grille
Ive got pictures and videos of sc 430 owners who put the newer gen bumper and lights I think for either the is or gs variants. Makes a huge difference in the vehicles looks.
Going on holiday to Croydon!! 😂 love it! You’re clearly a well travelled man!
On a more serious note, you have to wonder why they put a huge V8 in a car intended for elderly people who will never be driving it quickly.
Great nightlife back in the 90’s! Garage nights at the Orchid were great!
Love your channel , have seen all your videos which reminds me of home(Stockport and Manchester) now Brisbane ,used to see a lovely version of the sc430 parked at the airport gold with beige interior .unfortunately last seen with tennis ball size hail dents all over.
I prefer the video style without the backing sound track, but I might be an old duffer. Not old enough to like the Lexus though.
Videos getting better and better mate the editing is noticeably more professional lately that through shot of the engine through the bonnet was fantastic 👍
I thought some of the shots both inside the cabin and of the outside of the car were a bit wobbly looking. I think its auto-stabilisation. I think too much editing and tarting up of a video distracts from the content.
Such a lovely car ! or is it just me ...I agree about the colour . Like the new take video filming .
Crikey Matt, the editing and production of this video was fantastic. Look at you getting all special effects with x-ray bonnet specs. As always, very informative 👍
Thank you for making this video...the way the car sounds from the inside in both this video & when you first bought it sound great to me. I've had my eye on it for awhile but here in the states, prices of used cars have gone crazy, so I'll keep looking! At 66, I'm now the old lady they made this care for!😁
I think you’d love it
Good review ... I love my SC. Topless cruising is awesome.
I pondered this very question for the last five years. I knew I wanted some type of Soarer or Supra to sit between my MR2 Turbo and my Celica Turbo.
I ended up buying an SC300 and 1JZ Twin-Turbo swapping it. I feel like I made the right choice.
The nursery child that I am, took one look at Le Guf, and I was smiling through the rest of the video, thanks Matt, cheering up the puerile for years!!
I like the added music at the background. You keep the volume nice and low so it doesn’t overpower the video like a lot of the American channels. But having it in the background certainly adds an element of something to it.
This is my 2nd sc430 and I love my 06 sc , had this one for 8 years now , just get prepared when the car needs a cat convertor for 2000 dollars. Or a alternator, 2000 again, and tires brakes and rotors 2300 , all in the same year. I won't get rid of it ...it's still better looking than the rc 350 and just as fast. I wish he would have reviewed the 06 or up cause they ARE different, tighter suspension nicer front end , thanks to l.finnese design subtle but nice. Jag drivers love it too.
I have a 2002 with 131,000 miles. What a great car it is and has been. I live in South Florida and this car is perfect for this environment. Highly recommended if you can find one.
You forgot to mention, that the SC also featured in Terminator 3, driven by the female terminator, nicknamed The Terminatrix. The scene where she is stopped by the police, is unforgettable.
Matt, what is great about your videos is that they are so down to earth, full of information and they don't have any vlogger style bs and cinematics. This new style of editing isn't suitable imo, I hope more people will agree and you'll stick to the style that brought us here in the first place. The internet is full of videos like this one, but it really lacks content like the one you usually make. Cheers!
Fair enough. Just trying to improve the quality
I bought a 2002 SC430 after watching your review. It is 73000 miles on the clock. The pull is incomparable.
I've not aged particularly well since 2001 either 😂
The production quality of this video can definitely be appreciated, and it's a good incremental improvement to the usual videos. I bet this took twice as long to film and edit than the average video. Well done, and cheers!
Nice to see an update on this and like the upgraded video editing. Would have been nice to compare it to the Z3 camera car for reference. Love Lexus
I love mine ,2006 facelift ,0-60 around 6 sec, 23mpg around town and 30+ on motorway around 75 mph
Wind buffeting is not as cozy as the LC500 coupe of today but still not bad :)
A very sensible alternative to a similar age SL or XK and better built than both. The thinking persons choice.
I've had two LS430s and I think they're great cars. Certainly not a driver's car, but it's loaded with every option you could ever want and is a very relaxing drive. I almost bought an SC430 last year. I found an import that was in great condition. But I had trouble getting insurance. I'd had Japanese imports before, but as the Japanese one is called the Toyota Soarer, I had trouble getting coverage.
My second LS isn't in great shape and needs a lot of work, so I'm considering getting a 3rd LS430 in better condition or looking for a UK spec SC430 in decent condition.
This car was slated but only because people compared it to more sportier models. It may be V8 powered and may look sporty to some, but it's more of a luxury cruiser car designed to be driven gently. If that's what you're looking for these are great cars. Plenty of options, a nice V8 and legendary Toyota reliability.
My favourite convertible by far.
Your old style looked more genuine. This one just looks more like everybody else.
I'm playing around with different ideas. Its interesting to hear everyones thoughts
@@HighPeakAutos go with the majority I guess. Good luck
Lovely wind in the hair country cruiser. Hard to believe it's 21 years old too, perhaps the slightly bland styling has helped prevent its looks ageing to an extent? I like the interior too apart from the light veneer, now if it was a nice burr walnut.. Like the new production effects at the start but not the background music. Great review as always.
This car is so good that if you drive it once and then sell it, you'll want to buy it again. It doesn't have the performance of today's sports cars, but it's a car that adults can enjoy driving with a sense of leisure. It's once again popular among Japanese collectors, and the price is gradually rising. A car that you can drive for another 20 years.
Love the new video look! Very much appreciate the added B-roll and no doubt considerable m time spent on post production editing. Enjoyed the floating titles and video stabilisation - really lifts it. Nice work! Keep it up!
Zero reason not to. Literally. Lexus makes cars to love. Brand is hugely impressive.
Great review. I like the new, extra touches with the presentation, like seeing the engine through the bonnet.
I would like to see another car that is 20 years old and still like new. Best cars ever made! Sc430 and Ls430!
What a car !!! I personally love em..Thanks to people like yourself for keeping them on the road...Love your videos, keep up the brilliant work and thanks for entertaining us..All the Best....
Thanks 👍
These are a very nice car to drive. Good stereo. Very reliable and a great stereo. I remember one came in for service with some aftermarket exhaust and it’s sounded brilliant. And the rear seats are made for a backpack or handbag. The boot actually fits golf clubs but not the trolley
@Pancake123 true but it’s not better than the one in the LS600
Always good to see your reviews in the Peak District. Like the idea the lexus covers the bits and Bob's. Keep them coming .
Another honest review. Not the best looking car from Lexus at all but I agree it is a luxurious well-built car and it does look better with the roof down. I consider Lexus to be of superior quality and outstanding, sophisticated design with the famous Toyota reliability. I can't imagine 4.3 litre V8's being a particularly easy car to sell in the UK but that's a lot of car for the money.
Really like the unusual styling,would love one but big money in Thailand.
Great review always looking for your new vid & keep up the great work.
I've got a 2005 facelift and it's in a little sweet spot that attracts the lower road tax, it's something I was aware of before I bought it. So I've broken my own rule and bought a car with that as a major consideration (here's hoping they won't ever bother changing the banding now), you see I did have an MX5 previously and couldn't see what all the fuss was about! I've never really appreciated dynamic handling so such things as under or oversteer and chassis feedback are wasted on me, so as long as there is nothing obviously or dangerously wrong with a car, they are pretty much the all same to me. Now build quality and reliability are issues that I do get, and like Matt says, at this age they are more important than ever.
Keep up the good work Matt. Each video is progressively better. Love the content !
You really do a fantastic job on explaining what people what to hear about the vehicles you test drive. Cheers! 😊
Sporty as a park bench- lm still laughing 😃
Another great review
Glad you enjoyed it
Thumbs up for production upgrade. B roll on spot, if you say it - show it. Well done.
I loved these cars. The centre parts of the wheels I believe are supposed to be polished…. They then make sense as wheels. I would have one but with a darker wood as your correct that colour of wood is just too loud
Excellent review Matt, from this middle aged Lexus fanboy 😁
Lovely car, top quality, much underrated, perfect car for a drive to St Tropez, you will enjoy the whole journey and isn’t that what travelling should be.
I am happy with My Lexus RC but i really do love these cars.
Granada from the front (not Ghia) 350z from rear (Oldest one). 🤮
Great vid Matt, loved the new intro 👍
Apparently the rear 'seat' are there for a Japanese tax band 'quirk ', the LC 500 has it as well, big 2-seaters are BAD !
If you don't think of these as a sports car, they're great cars. If you wanted a sports car from Lexus, they had the IS with the 2JZ-GE engine.
Am gonna say yes on this one...
still good performance back then...test of time Lexus sc430 rare motor but was rs and m cars in it day..
My daily driver is a 2006 GS430 in the last 6 years. This engine is really great, I love it. Bought it with 54k miles.
Good choice
I've always liked the SC430, don't ask me why, it was universally disliked. Back in the day, I went to a Lexus launch event for the second version of the IS range at a country estate in Essex, where I also had the opportunity to drive the SC430; driving through the country lanes with the top down with the burbling V8 on a sunny day made it an occasion to remember.
Nice, the Lexus love continues on your channel with great knowledge shared. I like the opulent interior and the smooth lines. Good fun and cool experiment with production quality👍
Thanks!
Good editing. Drop the music.
Excellent production, very professional!!
Great review style. Conversational, no nonsense plain speak. Your tone matched the car. Calm and classy.
When I saw his face and accent I could have guessed the major thrust of his "review". Typical European prejudice.