2002 Lexus SC430 Review: Sports Car or Grand Tourer?

Of course everyone remembers Top Gear's declaration of the SC430 being the Worst Car in the History of the World, but what about the opinion of those who have actually owned or driven one for an extended period of time? Was scrutinizing the SC430 as if it were a sports car fair? Or was the SC430 always intended to be a grand tourer? Let's dig into this historically relevant Lexus and see what it's really like to experience this truly unique automobile. #lexussc430 #lexus #carreview

[@timsgta]

It's only something like 133lbs over the Camaro and 355 under the Challenger. I think it's an awesome car if your goal is comfort, while being a bit sporty. I'd prefer more power but this car in dark colors is so awesome looking that I can forgive the lackluster power. The low power can be fixed easily though...AGAIN I must stress that this car looks so hot in Black and other dark colors!

[@lorendsalazar]

Thank you. Mine is black with white interior as shown above. Classic car that is beautiful and dependable to drive on a daily basis. By far the best car I have ever owned.

[@dok2304]

I hate black😂😂😂. This model of car anything but black , preferably white, thundercloud, or silver

[@MarkBurrs]

I have this car as well but my 2002 SC430 rides like a dream! I pick up my newer 2008 SC430 Pebble Beach addition next week (waiting for the snow to melt). I can't wait! This is the perfect convertible for me. I don't like sports cars, I like luxury cars and this one fits the bill beautifully.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

They are fantastic cruisers that are finally gaining some respect as prices are on an upward trend. Reliable, V8 powered, good looking convertible…a winning recipe.

[@mmcin719]

My 02 SC430 has the same interior as this one but has a dark blue metallic exterior. I fitted good quality gas shock absorbers and they transformed the ride, steering and handling. It has never had run flat tyres and rides and handles well. I wonder how worn the suspenion was on the subject car. Mine is an Australian RHD model with spare tyre fitted as standard. It drives beautifully, the drive train is creamy smooth and I get better than 30mpg with most driving, but I do live in the country. It is a car you can love for a long time.

[@exundfluriba]

Hey, I have one too! Can you give me some details on the shocks you fitted? Thanks in advance ☺

[@mmcin719]

@@exundfluriba KYB gas . I am happy with them.

[@bbhoustontx]

@@mmcin719 I put those KYB on my old 1999 lexus es350 and it was a horrible stiff ride. It had hit 97,000 miles and made me trade it in on a brand new 2010 prius, Now I just bought a 2019 es350 fsport and it really moves with a buttery ride.

[@ICWBoatsFL]

This is a good review but the only thing I have a gripe about is your mention of paddle shifters; there is a detent for every individual gear in the selector and you can literally run through gears 1-5 just "bumping" the shifter. I find leaving it in 3 or 4 works great to keep revs above 3000 on backroads. It's pleasant to drive at 60 or 70%, it's not a sports car and would probably start to be sloppy if worked too aggressively. But control over gears is certainly not an issue. I've had never vehicles with steering wheel shifters and +/- gates in the shifter and they all lack any sort of tactile feel to know what gear I am in without looking for a display. This Mercedes-style knockoff shifter is the same as my 1980's Mercedes and works great.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

That’s a valid point on using the gear selector…but I don’t believe it was Lexus/Toyota’s intent to have owners operating through the gears in that manner with any great frequency as they are often reserved for use in various road conditions. I do still believe that great functioning paddle shifters (rarer at this time) would have still been a great addition.

[@jerryfalcon6543]

I got an 03 sc430 with PPE headers and magnaflow exhaust system and use royal purple, k&n filter and I've hit around 147 mph on it lol

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I’m sure it did that easily...that engine revs so smoothly.

[@jerryfalcon6543]

@@autoobsessivegarage royal purple hps got it running smooth , Michelin super sport 295 30 20 in the rear and 245 35 in the front ..

[@jerryfalcon6543]

@Shawndon 232 no , actually the guy at discount tire said I could go 305 30 20 no rubbing

[@jerryfalcon6543]

@Shawndon 232 20×8.5 in the front and 20×9.5 in the back size wheels

[@jerryfalcon6543]

@Shawndon 232 ruff which I don't think they make wheels anymore

[@aaronlewis4128]

Very honest, accurate opinion. Absolutely enjoyable, refined and trouble free. Rare and time will demonstrate, unmatched in its ability to cover EVERY aspect of car ownership so well!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Thank you very much!

[@gbrkura4467]

I am Japanese. This SC430 is an early model of the Lexus brand and has been made with great care. It was priced at $80,000 at the time, has a V8 engine, and a sturdy chassis, so as long as you maintain it properly, it's a car you can drive for another 20 years. In Japan, enthusiasts are buying it back, and the price has gone up since then. Please take good care of it.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I love the car a ton and think it has aged very well. In traditional Lexus/Toyota fashion they are incredibly reliable.

[@RiverSongMusic]

I don't understand why you don't shift it manually if you want a lower gear. I do that all the time in my LS460. Fun review, thanks!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Thank you for checking it out. I did try that before filming but the trans didn’t feel fantastic…improvements may have been made for your newer model.

[@rossking3]

Very nice. Very informative. Thank you!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Thank you very much!

[@arri275555]

Was this the first model year for the US and if so what month was it first sold?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

This was the first model year, not sure on the month.

[@devonpeters9458]

Hey guys - looking at a 2002 with 40k miles. I’ll need to replace the timing belt/water pump I assume, give the years regardless of miles, as well as the brakes and tires as they haven’t been replaced. They’re asking $18.9k. I’m thinking about offering $12k, hoping they’ll go to $15k due to the work needed and it had a small accident a couple years ago (still a clean title). It’s green with saddle brown interior. I’m a 34 year old single guy. Do you think this could be a practical, daily driver for the next 5-10 years? I’ve always had Honda sedans, but I’ve bitten the Lexus bug...just want to make sure I’m being somewhat reasonable/responsible, and also not driving a “grandpa/girl” car, haha. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Devon Peters just my thoughts on the subject...that mileage is amazing but you are spot on...get all that maintenance taken care of and you will have a very reliable car on your hands. Drive the car first and foremost and decide if it’s right for your intended uses. I think they are great looking, unique, comfy, and move pretty quickly....and the big plus is that it’s a Lexus, so it will outlast is all. I’d say get that price down and go for it!

[@devonpeters9458]

auto obsessive garage awesome - thanks for your thoughts and advice! Hopefully he’s willing to come down. Kbb trade in is actually $13.9k, so it may be a challenge, but I’ll do my best.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Devon Peters best of luck and keep me posted.

[@dennisgreaving1665]

I am shopping too. Your numbers sound about right.

[@ftby59mikeD]

Grand tourer, yes, but I'd be hard pressed to not consider the Jaguar xk8 a better choice. For about the same money today plus the Jag mystique I think it's both more practical and a better looker.👍

[@autoobsessivegarage]

You sir make valid points as the Jag is gorgeous indeed. That Toyota reliability is a major bonus though in consideration of Lexus SC430.

[@CarlosJuice-tw3vy]

I'd have to agree with you on that. The xk 150 is stunning and with more power. Next year this time I should be looking for a good set of rims for mine.😘

[@rodneyfoust9842]

Is the headroom as bad as it seems or is the driver a tall guy? I am 6'2, 238 lbs. It's beginning to look as though owning one and comfortably driving it might be better left as a dream.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

rodney foust I’m 6’ and it’s a little tight. I also prefer driving more upright than most so there’s certainly some more headroom to be gained if you recline a bit. I would say give it a shot before ruling it out. You could always drive around with the top down haha.

[@Jacob-xd3ko]

rodney foust I came to ask this. I’m 6’2 as well but i’m thinking we might not fit into this car.

[@koikat123479]

Just bought a 2002, gold color (egyptian sand pearl) with saddle interior. hubby is 6'4", 200 lbs and he fits fine.

[@willsanders301]

I think it depends on your torso/leg length, too. For example, I’m 6’1 but I have really long legs and a shorter torso, so I’d probably fit fine.

[@jamesreckling6697]

That is not a good braking number.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

My brake measurement tool tends to add distance.

[@fatheadmeetoo2891]

Is NOT a sports car!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

It can dream right?

[@fatheadmeetoo2891]

Naw, she dose not,,, she knows her place and is in no shape or form trying or wanting to be anything else... she is in her own class, "Cant touch her",MC Hammer voice.

[@jamesreckling6697]

Those wheels are so ugly!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I’m a fan in this color…but black or red cars…don’t look as good with them.

[@elibutton]

People who drive this car aren't really the paddle-shifter type. They cruise and drive around, either weekends only, or to and from work. And they love this car too, it has a loyal following.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I think your pretty spot in with that assessment...especially when these were new. Now as prices are quite attainable...some younger and more “sporty” drivers are purchasing these. They truly are very nice cars.

[@elibutton]

I drive a 2010 SC430, and I wouldn't mind if it had paddle shifters. But I'm really disappointed that it doesn't have park assist, a back up camera, and push button start w/ a key fob. My 08 GS460 has all of those but nada in this 2010? And what's up with the motorized antenna for the radio that goes up and down??? That's so 90s! I think they gave up on these little things since it was on its way out.

[@TheShakir98]

@@elibutton Thats what disappointed me the most. After 06, they should have added all that good stuff

[@dennisgreaving1665]

I agree. This is a sporty luxury cruiser in a manageable size.

[@georgeholloway3981]

0-60 in 5.8 seconds, isn't it? That's better than a Porsche Boxster c.2000. Isn't that pretty sports-car like? Or is that the wrong stat for 0-60?

[@bbhoustontx]

you are correct on the 0-60

[@jimarnoldiii8939]

I have that exact car and a 2003 with white wheels and it looks great No paint flaws and the interior is still brand new with only 53000 miles A true gym!!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

That does sound like a mighty fine example.

[@dennisgreaving1665]

Please send a photo of the white wheels, sounds cool.

[@mariantaylor2565]

Love my 2002 and my 2005 sc430 's as well as my 1998 sc400! Picture me rollin...

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Someone loves their Lexus models from that era. I approve of all of those fine vehicles.

[@2wheelcobra]

I just picked up an updated 6-speed model in August. It's a fantastic daily driver. I just got 31mpg highway using cruise control at 55-65 mph, hand calculated.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

2wheelcobra they are also a sweet deal now. I love em. Super comfy, loaded, and tons of power. Sweet purchase!

[@v8_sami]

How much did you pay for it?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

v8_sami not my vehicle...surprisingly right? Owner had it for many many years.

[@RevLexus]

that is awesome! I Love my Lexus SC! I just uploaded a video of my SC430 I bought last week if you wish to see it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWrJaGx_jN5_o8k

[@Oivey2000]

I just got an 06 2 weeks ago. Love it.

[@John-jl9de]

I own a 2002 with 145,000 miles. I have owned it for 17 years. I love it and will never sell it.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Can’t blame you. Such an interesting machine.

[@oldmanfromoc7684]

Thanks i've always liked them and can now afford one!

[@2011Savere]

I had wanted this car so badly back in the day. I couldn’t afford it.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

They were quite pricey but ate an absolute deal today. They are starting to appreciate in value though.

[@GospelKennyG]

I love mine. I have it in black with 20 inch tires and wheels. Staggered setup with 10 inch wheels in back and 8.5 in front. Tinted the windows, and put in new Pioneer stereo with Apple CarPlay and put in front and rear dash cams. It feels and looks even more modern. I have had it for a long time and have not had any issues. I can’t count the hundreds of compliments I’ve received lol. Dropping the top at lights is so fun. Kids scream lol. I can go on and on about this car. It’s fun to drive and I will keep it since they quit making it.

[@danielchristopherdc]

MrKevG nice do you have any pictures of your sc on Instagram?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Sounds like a sweet setup and a way to keep the “infotainment” modern.

[@GospelKennyG]

Daniel Christopher I just created a profile for it. @Lexus_SC_430

[@danielchristopherdc]

MrKevG awesome going to follow you right now

[@jamesoakes4869]

I would love to see that. I have a 2005.

[@robertwendrop4764]

This is a great car, I’ve had em all and this is at the top level, it is so smooth it feels like an electric experience. 10/10 I absolutely love it.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Agreed. That Lexus 4.3 is incredibly smooth in power delivery.

[@ryansrides9714]

Great video, gorgeous Lexus!! I absolutely love that color combo on the inside with the gold wood!! Gorgeous, thank you!!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Thanks man!

[@richardhumby8704]

Excellent review, informative and succinct.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Thank you sir.

[@danielchristopherdc]

Solid review 🔥 you can hold the revs by shifting down to the lower gears. Gears 2-4 are perfect for canyon driving

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Daniel Christopher that’s a great tip! Hmmmm....maybe I need to take another canyon run. Thank you sir!

[@danielchristopherdc]

auto obsessive garage yessir! Please let me know what you think afterwards

[@autoobsessivegarage]

@@danielchristopherdc Tried your technique and it helped quite a bit. In certain situations I did find myself wanting to change gears up and down quickly, but this certainly makes the most of what the car's transmission has to offer. Thanks again.

[@danielchristopherdc]

auto obsessive garage glad you found it beneficial. The upgraded 6 speed tiptronic transmission in the 06+ models must be better for canyon driving but a manual transmission swap is absolutely ideal.

[@rmooremarine]

No one who buys one cares about paddle shifters. It's a middle age and up cruiser. Nothing better on highway rides. Smooth as glass and seats second to none. Have one and will never sell it

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Agreed that the paddle shifter demographic probably doesn’t intersect with the average SC430 owner group…nonetheless it would still up the sporty-ness. Out of all the Lexus vehicles I’ve owned, I’d say the ride is near the bottom of the smoothness scale. This is what initially kicked off my whole sport vs luxury car angle. Overall, I genuinely love the SC430 and think it’s a highly under celebrated and fantastic machine.

[@rmooremarine]

@@autoobsessivegarage I got summer tires helped tremendously. Run flats are big issue and older high miles cars from suspension wears out. Replace and nothing smoother on highway grade roads. Former ES, LS and current NX 350h owner here. My SC is heavier/smoother on highways than new ones. I think it’s the heaviness.

[@user-bc6ok1yh4s]

Would a 6'1'' 200 pound man sit comfortably in this car? I'm thinking about purchasing a low mileage, well cared for 2005,2006 SC430 if possible.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

You should be good to go. I'm 6 ft and nearly the same weight and fit well. Of course everyone sits differently, so give it a test fit before purchase.

[@sethtenrec]

Late reply, but I’m 6’1” and I have adequate headroom and tons of extra legroom.

[@tbamagic]

How tall are you? Your head is up against the roof!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I’m 6’ tall, but I have a long torso and sit extra high in cars. Plus, I sit close to the steering wheel…there’s definitely more room if you sit in a relaxed position.

[@willbarnhill]

I have one and it definitely doesn’t look like a 20 year old car

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Agreed. They have aged very well.

[@AndreBorak]

Use the gears it wakes up and scoots

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I’ve always felt weird shifting through autos like that, but I’ll give it a shot.

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Nice review. I love the looks, I also think it's stunning...

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Aging incredibly well. Future classic written all over these.

[@jeffhartwig5283]

Yes

[@mrmr1734]

Get some Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires on those four corners, and you'll get significantly better acceleration/braking results. I'd also recommend some coilovers to reduce body roll.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Those are some very grippy tires. Coil overs would also increase handling dynamics, but may make the car more sporty than cruiser.

[@patiencej.7963]

I actually have them on my 06 430 rides like driving in space smooth.....

[@MAHARDWAY]

Considering purchase - thanks for an informative post !

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Sure thing, good luck with the purchase.

[@TheMuzikall]

Shocker...2002 GS300 has Paddle Shifters ..what were Lexus thinking?🥳...won't put me off buying one though🤣

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Haha, not a deal breaker...but would have been nice to have for sure.

[@TheMuzikall]

@@autoobsessivegarage True..but if it's there you will Appreciate it...especially the Double Kickdowns🤣

[@aaronlewis4128]

Our 06 jdm with 70k sounds so much better than so many new vehicles New. When you open and shut the doors. Open and close the hood and trunk. Or touch anything. Try it. Compare directly side by side with your choice of brand new vehicles the sounds each makes and sc430 18 years old sounds alot tighter and so much better built. 18 years older than the new product you made the mistake of throwing your money away on lol😂

[@autoobsessivegarage]

These were so well built and the fact that they are still in the road accumulating miles is a testament to that.

[@davidmagen415]

I have a 2002 w 42k on it. It’s a great car the interior is beautiful

[@autoobsessivegarage]

That is some low mileage…I bet it still Looks brand new.

[@davidmagen415]

@@autoobsessivegarage it really looks pretty. Every once in a while someone wants to buy it but it’s not for sale. Just a little different🏖

[@АлександрСевер-к1ш]

Лексус тема !!!

[@2wheelcobra]

As for the ride quality: 06+ refresh models had some revised suspension which helped. My '06 74k mile example had stock 18in wheels/Michelin Pilot Sport tires. I have since put them in storage, and tried some 17in BBS replicas/Pirelli Grand Touring tires. The combination of over an inch more sidewall (245/40/18 vs 245/50/17) and decreased sidewall stiffness (sport vs grand touring tire) has really helped. The larger diameter of this combo actually fills the wheel wells out more, and really doesn't look that out of place compared to the 18's.

[@danielchristopherdc]

2wheelcobra nice would love to see pictures!

[@autoobsessivegarage]

2wheelcobra I’ve heard the same about the later models too. I’m a huge fan of comfort in the ride of vehicles like this...and adding sidewall is one of the best ways to do that for sure.

[@Oivey2000]

@@autoobsessivegarage Yes, in 2005 Lexus switched out the shocks to give a more comfortable ride. In 2006 they changed the tranny from a 5 to a 6 speed & revised the front facia & rear tail lights. I got a 2006 2 weeks ago & switched out the run flats for conventional rubber. it rides very comfortably and you hardly feel the bumps in the road at all. I think the 05 revised shocks helped a lot with what you felt when you tested the 02

[@Oivey2000]

Disregard prior message...just saw you had an '06 like me (but with fewer miles)

[@RetroMMA]

The G35 [especially with the Sport Package] is so much better looking than the SC. Looks good but still, I'm happy with my G...

[@TheMuzikall]

The G35 is not a hardtop convertible

[@RetroMMA]

@@TheMuzikall They look sorta similar, with the SC [to me] falling behind - the roof isn't the only factor nor does it make them incomparable.

[@Akuyah.official]

@@TheMuzikall There is actually a hardtop convertible option for the G37

[@Akuyah.official]

@Shawndon 232 the 3uz v8 in the sc sounds nice with an exhaust, but it actually has less power than the vq35/37 found in the G, as we'll as weaker internals

[@bubblelex5051]

@@Akuyah.official 3uz is better than vq and more reliable.

[@dennisgreaving1665]

The driver appears to be fairly tall. What is his height? I am 6'4", so I need to know if I will fit.

[@autoobsessivegarage]

I’m 6 ft tall but sit a little higher in most cars (long torso). It’s not as tight as it looks as I sit pretty close to the wheel and upright…like I do in a track car.

[@dennisgreaving1665]

@@autoobsessivegarage I guess I have a long torso and long legs. I need to find one near Appleton, WI to do a test fit. Not concerned about ride, because I know it will be very nice. Nearest one is 90 miles away, so hoping a member is near by to just let sit for a minute. Anybody out there?

[@ziggythecomedian3830]

My 07 was $68K

[@autoobsessivegarage]

Worth it?

[@ziggythecomedian3830]

@@autoobsessivegarage every bit 🤙😁

[@islandknight6105]

I hope that was in ‘07 that you paid that !! 😳😳

[@QNSwebmaster]

I have this car and it is awesome. If you don’t think so go drive one

[@aljenabi3230]

Any idea what was done /treat the exterior and paint? never seen one with any signs of rust anywhere in the north

[@autoobsessivegarage]

No idea, but something had to be special. Agreed, paint even on higher mileage ones still looks great.

[@signalfire6]

They are typically NOT used in any kind of snow or salted roads and many that you see for sale are southern cars. Most are 'Florida Condo Cars' used for golf outings and to take Madge to the Ladies' Luncheons.

[@aljenabi3230]

@@signalfire6 you are incorrect sir, there are many in the north used daily and I own a gold 2002 with 150 k and there is no signs of rust , not even beginning of minor surface anywhere and the paint is still holding strong

[@earlhall430]

325 pound-feet of torque not 317

[@autoobsessivegarage]

She probably has lost 8 or so lb-ft over the past two decades…and that’s being generous haha.

[@VishalGupta-od5mf]

What does the SC stand for?

[@autoobsessivegarage]

SC stands for Sport Coupe.

[@MovingMetal]

SUPER COOL! Real answer= Sports Coupe

[@nixh5100]

That color is so bad

[@stevehunter291]

Color choices are very subjective. Personally I hate blue cars, so what, just one person's opinion.