Lexus SC430 (2001 – 2009) Review

Item: Lexus SC430 (2001 – 2009) Review 2024
Author: David Ross

Lexus SC430 (2001 – 2009) At A Glance

Effortlessly swift, luxurious and refined alternative to the Mercedes SL, complete with folding hard-top and first-class build quality.

Rides poorly on runflat tyres. Rear seats are tiny. Curious front-end styling.

On average it achieves 105% of the official MPG figure

What do owners think of the Lexus SC430 (2001 – 2009)? Check out our Owners' Reviews from people who live with the car day in, day out.

Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a Lexus SC430 (2001 – 2009)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

Which car seat will suit you?

Real MPG average for a Lexus SC430 (2001 – 2009)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

105%

Real MPG

19–31 mpg

MPGs submitted

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

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Reviews for Lexus SC430 (2001 – 2009)'s top 3 rivals

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Looks good and make you look rich. 2006 models with increased power vastly better cars. 388hp 500SL plenty...

BMW 6 Series

An entertaining car along an open road. The M6 is a phenomenal drive.

Jaguar XK

Luxurious high performance. Sublime engines. Top-quality interior.

Ask Honest John

I bought a newer version of the same car - so why is the tax so much more?

"I had a Lexus SC430 2003 and changed for exactly the same car but a 2008. The tax for the new car is double the price of the the old car. How can the road fund be double for exactly the same car?"

Unfortunately the Lexus SC430 is affected by a change in tax bands during its life cycle. When first launched the car was categorised as Band K, which would be £395 a year. However from March 2006 onwards this was changed to Band M, which attracts a higher rate of £695.

Answered by David Ross

Solar battery chargers

"We have two cars parked in a secure driveway (Ford Kuga and Lexus SC430) and are planning on being out of the country for the whole of December and into early January. Would it be wise keep the batteries trickle charged while away? Rather than removing the batteries from the cars my garage suggests using a couple of solar powered chargers which seem to abound at various prices but I'm just wondering if they are likely to be any good in winter? Added to which, I'm planning on keeping the Lexus under its cover which will exclude sunlight."

Whether they will work depends partly on whether the car batteries are hardwired to their accessories sockets, because if the battery won't charge through the accessory socket you need to connect the chargers directly, or build in charging points. And partly how much sun we get over December and January because if the car is covered in snow (or a cover), no sunlight will get to the charger. There is also a slight risk of fire. Depending on what codes you lose by disconnecting the batteries it might be better to remove them and keep them in a warmer place than the cars. If the batteries are healthy, if there are no draindowns in the cars and if you take both cars for a 40 mile run before leaving them standing there is a chance that will put enough in the batteries to last for 5-6 weeks without being disconnected.

Answered by Honest John

Which is better: Lexus IS250C or recent Lexus SC430? I like them both!

"I am looking for a second car that will do 5000 miles a year. Has to be a CC (metal roofed convertible). The SC430 has a magnificent interior and great touring performance, but is a bit ugly and is greedy. The IS250C is modern, more funtional but is slower and a bit bland inside. I have read your review of the IS (many thanks) and looked in great detail at both cars but, hell, I like them both!"

Definitely go for the IS250C. Used now from about £22,500.