2003 Lexus SC Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
Styling. I would give it an A minus. Styling is subjective but still looks modern after more than a dozen years, has lots of curb appeal Reliability. I would give it a solid A . This thing is as solid as an anvil. If I was doing an experiment on buying and keeping a car for 50 years, this car would be on the top of my list. I think it would probably survive the next ice age.. Comfort/ interior appointments.. A minus.. Beautifully crafted interior. The leather is excellent quality not a seam out of place. excellent gleaming wood surfaces one of the most luxurious interiors this side of a Bentley. Seats are comfortable but have no lateral support... Driving experience/dynamics. C minus. Not quite as cutesy as it looks. 0 to 60 takes about 6 seconds but feels like 8. Lazy throttle response.. No steering feel and under steers heavily into corners like an old Cadillac or a Buick. Brakes are fine but the transmission downshifts slowly and has no sport mode. Engineers at Audi-Porsche or Mercedes will not be loosing sleep. Tuned for casual driving and not for canyon carving. Unfortunately has a harsh and jittery ride. The standard run flats are absolutely awful. Switching to regular tires helps but not completely. Unless the road surface is glass smooth small road imperfections intrude into the cabin. Better on the highway and is a comfortable highway cruiser.. Overall Rating. As a new car in the 60 to 70 thousand range. C plus As a used car in. The. 10 to 20 thousand range. a solid B plus What's Hot. Styling, Beautifully crafted. Superior fit and finish, Great stereo Very Reliable. Whats not. Lifeless steering, stiff and jittery ride.
VS
Critical Review
I love the car, but I've had too many electrical problems with it. First it was the tire sensors, then the VSC light, then the navigation just stopped working for apparently no reason. I went through a major ordeal with Lexus to get them to pay for just half of the cost to replace it (I'm sorry, navigation should not fail on a 5 year old car). And ever since I've owned the car I have consistently had battery problems (corrosion or just plain dead). Lexus explained to me that the batteries in the SC430 drain fast because there are "so many computers on board." Whatever the reason, batteries, along with everything else on the car, are expensive to fix and replace. I've also had excessive paint chipping on the front fender (I've heard that's due to 'soft paint') and the windshield completely cracked just a couple days after getting a stone chip (I believe due to the convertible design - it puts stress on the windshield). Despite it's small size, gas mileage is 21 mpg on the freeway at best due to the fact the car is so heavy. The SC430 is not for those who desire a low-maintenance car.
2003 SC Reviews
Showing 8 of 162 reviews.
It is puzzling as to why it is so difficult to get the used car value of a vehicle using KBB. It doesn't seem like it is their primary core business anymore. It use to be my primary go to but now I find it so frustrating. Probably won't be back to use their site anymore.
I bought this car because I have admired it for a long time now. I would rather have a classic than a new car. I always wanted a convertible and this car has the best of both sports car style and classy ride combined. I was in the market for a car but decided to get what I wanted.. I have a few things I need to update on the car like the Navigation system. I need to problem solve whatis going on with inside dome lights so I decided to learn more about it and just do it myself. As far as drivability is concerned, if you are a driver and not just a steering wheel holder, you will love this car cadence. I haven't tested it on a curb yet but I feel its coming by Spring. The takeoff is smooth and consistent not choppy. It has a lot of power for its size. The sleek body style makes it move effortley on the highway and it rules the backstreets as well. The interior screams class all the way with leather seats and maple wood console and door interior. The automatic top down control is quick and easy. Im not rushing time but Im ready for warmer weather or a road trip to California to visit relatives. Chasing the sunset with the top down and the wind blowing my hair back crazylike. Planned route is I-40 from Phoenix to Bakersfield full throttle. A tank of gas should do it.
None
A stylin’ convertible baby!!!
Car is ín great condition!!! Just want a ballpark idea of what to ask for if I decide to sell. What say you?
Dependable V-8 engine, luxurious interior, quiet.
I've owned many cars, but the Lexus SC-430 is the best. It's a dependable V-8, and it has plenty of power. Comfortable, quiet ride, and with a hardtop convertible, you don't get a lot of road noise. We have 191,000 miles on it and wouldn't hesitate to drive to Florida anytime.
Fun, very comfortable on long rides, reliable
Can’t think of one
This car has been a joy to own and take across the country. There is plenty of room for luggage for two people too up or down and it never ceases to amaze me that you can have a conversation without raising your voice when you are highway speed with the top down. The sound system, leather, and feel of the car never disappoint. I can’t fill it up with gas without someone complimenting me on the car. The styling is not dated and it performs like a new car at 20 years. The engine is very very smooth and reliable and the 5 speed transmission can be driven very much in sport mode by shifting between 2-3-4. Surprisingly good in snow. We have thoroughly enjoyed this car. Gets 26 mpg on road trips. Fantastic for a 300 horsepower car.
Very fun to drive
Not too loud
I have owned this car for many years and it is still fun to drive! Top up or down I love it. She is 20 years old and still runs great!!
classy, beautiful, solid
a little expensive to maintain and looking good
I've owned two of these- both 2002 and millennium silver. 1st had tan/ecru leather and 2nd had black leather. Note: The ecru leather gets ugly as it cracks. I always wanted one w/ the burnt orange interior but never found the right color combo. These cars are amazing if well cared for and maintained. Living in AZ they are idea but you need to be careful driving on the highway (need a clear 3M bra on front bumper and hood due to rocks/debris). Great for the surface streets of Chandler/Gilbert I never had an issue w/ the convertible top. Make sure if you get one w/ 90 miles you look at the water pump/timing belt/etc...My last one I spent about 4-5k getting all of this done along w/ the xmission and motor mounts and rear knuckle. Thing still drives like a dream. The 4.3L V8 is not the fastest engine but it is strong and solid. Run flats are ideal due to no trunk space for a full sized replacement but you will feel it on certain roads.
Fun as hell! Looks still modern
not the best steering or handling
I have had this car for a year now, and I can't imagine not owning this thing! I have the silver/saddle combo. It is such a fun car to bounce around town in. It's reasonably quick....not fast. It is super comfortable and the interior is stunning.....even after all these years! I just love pushing the "button" that opens and hides the roof in the trunk, that just never gets old! This is not a true sports car, but much easier to live with on a day to day basis than something like a vette. I hope to have this car forever! I still get compliments wherever I go. Just a fun 2nd car to enjoy when the weather is nice. I was hesitant purchasing such an old vehicle, but with the Lexus quality you just can't go wrong!
