This is a detailed review of my 2003 Lexus SC430.
Introduction 00:00
History of SC430 01:10
Drivetrain 02:24
Chassis 03:42
Exterior 05:09
Interior 07:43
Startup & Top Operation 09:54
My Car 12:26
Service History 13:05
Version française : • Lexus SC 430 Coupé Cab...
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SERVICE HISTORY
This car is fully made in Japan. It was first registered in July 2003 in Italy. Owned by an elderly gentleman till I purchased it in January 2016, the car followed all factory recommended services, including transmission and differential services (which are often overlooked).
During my ownership, I went beyond factory recommendations with 6000 km / 6 months oil changes with original Toyota oil filter + fully synthetic oil (13 oil changes in 6.5 years; all receipts). I used Mobil 1 ESP 5W30 at first; more recently, I used Motul 8100 X-CESS 5W30 for its superior TBN and sulfated ash levels.
The car does not leak or burn any oil at all!
I changed the transmission fluid frequently with Toyota Type IV or Mobil ATF 3309, which is the OEM version of the same thing (Aisin used ATF 3309; Toyota just stuck its label on it). The transmission fluid has always been cherry red. The transmission shifts extremely smooth. It is smoother than all the higher-speed new cars that I’ve driven. Never any problem at all.
I also changed the coolant very frequently, always with the red Toyota Long Life directly from the dealer. This is the only approved coolant for the water pump and the engine block of the 3UZ.
Many other services were done, but almost no repair needed at all!
In 7 years, I never even had to replace a single bulb on this car, because the quality of electronics is the highest level from Japan.
Going forward, I’m sure that with good maintenance the car can easily do another 200k kms without drivetrain repairs. With dedication, the original engine can certainly reach 1 million kms.
I have also kept all the 200+ gas slips during my ownership. I used almost exclusively Total’s Excellium SP98 unleaded petrol.
I’ve scanned all the receipts and gas slips. All these will be handed to the new owner.
I have Toyota Techstream and can customize the dealer-exclusive settings for the new owner. I also have some specific tools to service this car that I can give the new owner for free.
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OVERVIEW OF SC430
The Lexus SC430 or SC 430, chassis code Z40, is also known as Mk4 Toyota Soarer. Unlike the original SC300 / SC400 coupe, Lexus adopted the hardtop convertible / coupe cabriolet body style.
According to ReliabilityIndex, the SC430 is the 2nd most reliable convertibles of all time, just behind the Mazda MX-5. Its repair-cost index is just 1/5 of the Mercedes R230 SL500.
The car uses a combination of 3UZ-FE 4.3L DOHC naturally-aspirated V8 with VVT-I and Aisin A650E 5-speed automatic transmission: The 3UZ-FE is a more efficient update to the 1UZ-FE; it has more torque down low and is more drivable. The A650E is exceptionally reliable and smooth. About 60% of the engine sits behind the front axle, which gives it a rather balance weight distribution, better than the comparable R230 Mercedes SL500 and E64 BMW 645Ci.
The SC 430 uses double-wishbone front suspensions with multi-link (5-link) rear suspensions. Though its ride can be harsh with runflat tires, once I switched to standard summer tires, the ride and handling improved dramatically. It is a much better car than a lot of the early reviewers gave it credit for.
The SC430 has a simple, elegant front end that will likely age better than the spindle grille found in newer Lexus vehicles such as the LC500, the successor to this car.
Reportedly, the SC 430 is the quietest convertible of all at its time, thanks to its aerodynamic design.
The hardtop is fully electrical. It does not use hydraulics, as many European / German cabriolets do. The electrical top is maintenance free.
Inside, the touch screen (with DVD navigation) and the audio player (with Mark Levinson sound system) can be hidden away in wood-trimmed doors. This gives the car a clean, elegant look that never gets old.