Vehicle Description
Beautiful example of the Lexus flagship convertible. Recently
serviced, everything works including power hardtop. Custom 18-inch
wheels. Clean CarFax, no winters, runs and drives as it should. A
high-end luxury car for economy car money!<BR><BR>Lexus
designed the SC430 with high-end yachts as inspiration. Now whether
you can feel the nautical vibes in this car remains to be seen, but
there's no denying the levels of luxury and performance built into
the car. Finished in a color Lexus called 'Chardonnay Pearl,'
there's a lot of metallic and pearl in the finish so it has a
wonderful glow in the sunlight. Of course, being a Lexus, finish
quality is impeccable and even after nearly 20 years, it still
looks like a high-end machine. Panel gaps are as exacting as their
famous ball bearing commercial suggested and for a convertible,
it's rock-solid structurally with zero squeaks and rattles. A few
select chrome pieces highlight the design and the metal feels heavy
to the touch, a sign that Lexus got the little stuff right. A small
spoiler and twin tailpipes out back add to the SC's sporty
demeanor, although it's really a grand touring car rather than a
sports car. Comfort and luxury are its primary mission. That said,
it doesn't mind hustling and the 4.3-liter V8 is plenty strong.
Regardless of how you use it, you'll always be the center of
attention when you arrive in it. And don't worry, we won't tell
anyone just how affordable it really is.<BR><BR>The
interior is as special as you would expect, offering every luxury
feature Lexus could imagine in 2004. The black leather upholstery
is glove soft and immaculately tailored, and the high-quality
materials seem to be ignoring the passage of time, as there are
only slight wrinkles in the driver's seat but no scuffs or tears.
Deep carpets feel plush under your feet and everything that looks
like wood is real wood, not a plastic simulation. Three round pods
house a full complement of analog gauges that light up as you turn
the key, and the wood-rimmed wheel feels suitably weighty in your
hands. The uncluttered dash is beautifully finished, with controls
for the entertainment and navigation systems neatly hidden behind
powered secret doors-it's a treat just to watch that navigation
screen pop into place at the top of the dash. There is a back seat,
but it's really just an expensively upholstered package shelf or
maybe for children, but if you need it, it's there. Of course,
everything was standard equipment, including a powerful climate
control system, power windows, locks, seats, and mirrors, a tilt
steering column, cruise control, and much more. Everything works as
it should (this is a Lexus, after all) and you could probably
charge money to watch the power retracting hardtop disappear into
the trunk. Speaking of the trunk, with the top up there's decent
storage and unlike many other cars with folding hardtops, the trunk
lid opens conventionally so it's easy to access. You'll note the
original spare is still in place, the carpets are just as
expensive-looking as those in the passenger compartment, and
there's a handy protective shade that protects the top from damage
if you have packages in the trunk.<BR><BR>The SC is
powered by a 4.3-liter DOHC V8 making a rather robust 300
horsepower and 325 lb-ft. of torque. It's also buttery smooth,
pulling the big convertible around with the ease of an electric
motor. Obviously as a Toyota, er, Lexus, reliability is
unparalleled and with a recent service including a fresh A/C
compressor, it's ready to enjoy this summer. It starts with a muted
hum, which is entirely appropriate, and conducts itself almost
invisibly. Stomp the throttle and it'll drop down a gear or two and
launch itself with enthusiasm, but it never seems to get unruly.
The matching 5-speed automatic transmission always seems to be in
the right gear and offers a towering overdrive along with 3.266
gears in the rear end so it's a fantastic high-speed tour car
practically begging for a road trip. The all-independent suspension
is supple but capable when you want to have a little fun and giant
4-wheel disc brakes are on tap when you need them. You'll note this
car has never seen winter weather, so it's extremely clean and
solid underneath and still runs the original exhaust system. The
original wheels aren't to everyone's taste, so custom 18-inch
3-piece alloys were installed with black centers to offer a little
contrast. Fresh 245/40/18 performance radials were just installed,
so it's ready to go.<BR><BR>Extras include all the
original books and manuals.<BR><BR>Impeccably tailored,
sublime to drive, and affordable to own, this is luxury living
that's within reach of almost anyone. The flagship Lexus still
looks like it should cost tens of thousands of dollars more than it
does and thanks to careful ownership over the last several years,
it remains in fantastic condition. If you've wished for a
convertible that's a little unusual but still fast and fun, this
SC430 is a great choice. Call today!<BR><BR>Harwood
Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional
inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
