2002 Lexus SC 430
We initially thought the 2002 Lexus SC 430 was pretty cool at San Diego Cash For Cars. But, then the car seller left after giving us possession. We were instantly captivated when seeing what the vehicle looked like with the convertible hardtop down. For a car that came out 15 years ago, the 2002 Lexus SC 430 looked amazingly modern. With a little online research we knew we had a winner.
Mercedes vs. Lexus
We started by looking into an extensive road test conducted by the world’s largest car magazine, Car and Driver. They compared the then $61,661 2002 Lexus SC 430 to the $61,398 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 430 (the Jaguar XK8 and Porsche 911 Cabrio were excluded as they both priced over $75,000 each).
Factors in vehicle acceleration, styling and dynamics revealed this particular Lexus, a grand touring model (GT) possessed great features worth noting when compared to that from the world class German automaker. While the comparison is as they say, subjective, Car and Driver agrees that the SC 430 was made to cruise in stylish comfort while being seen.
Lexus Reviews
From other respected online automobile sites, it is apparent that other Lexus owners of this car agree:
- Kelly Blue Book rated the 2002 Lexus SC 430 a 9.6 overall out of 10 from 136 owners with reliability, performance, styling and comfort as rating indicators. One owner wrote, “Stylish and Reliable. Still appears modern after more than 12 years with tons of curb appeal and is reliably solid. Would give it an A.” Another had written, “Awesome & Fun to Drive”.
- Consumer reviews from Edmunds are summed up as ” What a car!, timeless classic and greatest head turner. Great mix of luxury and sport with the best reliability of any hardtop convertible.”
- And from Cars.com by Man that knows his cars from Escondido, CA on August 16, 2015 (Yes, San Diego). This car reviewer states, ” People keep asking ‘is it new’. We have had it for a month now and we love it. If you are looking for a roadster do not be “brand blinded” (originally wanted the Mercedes SL) Test drive the car and be honest with yourself; “how does it feel”. This is the true test and the 2002 Lexus SC430 was the one for me.”
Our Road Test
To be honest, the 2002 Lexus SC 430, looked just okay with the hard top up. But once down, the car morphs into a stunning beauty. It looks like a late model luxury vehicle with modern curves. The interior is tight with beautiful black leather upholstery, wood trim and premium sound. But yes, the back seats are a joke… However, I’m in the main seat that matters, the front.
When taking out the Lexus, this car lived up to expectations. With the top down, it drives ultra smooth, is responsive and powerful. It is sheer joy just to listen to it handle. The SC is equipped with a 300 horsepower 4.3 liter V-8 engine that allows for 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. A 5 speed automatic transmission is installed.
Of course a CarFax was run on the vehicle. No accident or damage was ever reported. It was maintained and serviced regularly and was driven on average only 6500 miles per year. San Diego Cash For Cars was pleased in getting this 2002 Lexus SC 430 fairly from a customer wanting to sell their car.