Lexus Sc 430 problems
The Lexus SC (Japanese: レクサス・SC, Rekusasu SC) is a grand tourer that was retailed by Lexus (a luxury vehicle division of Toyota), and built from 1991 until 2010. It features a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive design and seating for up to four passengers. The first-generation SC debuted as the V8-powered SC 400 in 1991, and the I6-powered SC 300 was added in 1992. Both first-generation models were produced until 2000. The second-generation model, the SC 430, went into production in 2001. The SC 430 features a hardtop convertible design and a V8 engine. The first-generation SC was largely styled in California at Calty, and the second-generation SC was mainly conceived at design studios in Europe.
In Japan, the related third-generation Toyota Soarer, with which the first-generation SC originally shared body design and multiple components, featured a separate line-up of vehicle configurations and different powertrains. The third generation Soarer sport coupe, largely identical to the SC 430, was superseded by its Lexus counterpart in Japan when the Lexus marque débuted there in 2005. The SC was the sole coupé in the Lexus lineup until the arrival of the IS C. According to Lexus, the SC designation stands for Sport Coupe. The LC replaced the SC lineup in 2017.
First generation (Z30; 1991)
1991–2000
In the early 1990s, following the début of Lexus, automotive press reports indicated a forthcoming Full-size Lexus coupé to compete with other luxury GT coupés of other marques like the Mercedes-Benz CL, Acura Legend coupe and later the Acura CL, Mazda Eunos Cosmo, Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorado, Lincoln Mark VIII, Jaguar XJS, Bentley Continental, Maserati Shamal/Ghibli, Ferrari 456 and BMW 8 Series coupe. At that point, Toyota had no genuine luxury coupés in its model range. A coupe would complement the successful Lexus flagship model, the V8-powered, rear-wheel drive LS 400 sedan. The coupé was going to be targeted towards the American market, and the development effort for its exterior design was handed over to the Calty Design Research center in California in 1987.
The American Calty design team took a different approach to designing the car, using plaster molding shapes to design the body, and working three-dimensionally instead of the traditional 2-D sketch approach. As described by design chiefs Denis Campbell and Erwin Lui, the result was a car that was based on "emotion and feeling" rather than linear aesthetics. The resulting design possessed almost no straight edges, and produced a drag coefficient of Cd=0.31. The production design concept by Lui was approved at the beginning of 1989, resulting in Lui being sent back to Japan for 4 months to assist in completion of the production design. According to automotive journalist Bill Russ, the SC design was considered influential among automotive designs of the time.
Production of the Soarer started in April 1991 at the Motomachi plant in Toyota, Aichi, with the Lexus SC produced alongside the Soarer at a second Higashi Fuji plant at Susono, Shizuoka. Motomachi-sourced cars lasted until April 1997. The Lexus SC platform was used to develop Toyota's next generation Supra, both vehicles were manufactured in the same plant.
The SC 400 débuted on 1 June 1991 in the United States as a 1992 model. The SC 400's 4.0 L V8 1UZ-FE, the same engine as used in the LS 400, was reported to have cost over US$400,000,000 in research and development. The engine sits behind the front axles, which makes it a front mid engine rear wheel drive vehicle. The SC 400 was honored as the Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1992. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list from 1992 through 1996.
In July 1992, the SC 300, a smaller-engined version of the SC 400, premiered in the United States. The SC 300 was equipped with a 3.0 L inline 6 2JZ-GE. Lexus' traction control system, TRAC, was offered as an option.
The first-generation SC lasted in production until 7 July 2000, over nine years, quite long compared to the other cars of the 1990s. Even with the SC's long production cycle, only minor exterior changes were made. New tail lighting and a modified spoiler design was part of the mid-cycle vehicle refresh. A front grille was added in 1996, along with a redesigned front bumper, side skirts and rocker panels. The SC 400 produced 250 hp (186 kW)/260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m) from 1991 to 1995. The original 1991–1997 engines for the 2JZ-GE-powered SC 300 were rated at 225 hp (168 kW)/210 lb⋅ft (285 N⋅m). The output of the SC 300 was 5 horsepower more than the equivalent engine used in the Toyota Supra.
In 1996, the SC 400's 1UZ-FE engine design was upgraded to 260 hp (194 kW) from 250 hp (186 kW). These engines were coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission on both the SC 300 and SC 400 models. A 5-speed manual transmission was only offered on the SC 300 from its debut until 1997.
By the end of the decade, North American SC sales began dwindling due to the lack of significant design updates since the car's introduction and marketplace changes that led to loss of interest in coupes.
In 1997 (1998 model year), both the SC 300 and 400 were upgraded with VVT-i and thus the ratings were raised to 290 hp (216 kW)/300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) of torque for the SC 400 and 225 hp (168 kW)/220 lb⋅ft (298 N⋅m) of torque for the SC 300. Tests conducted on the new engines showed an acceleration for the SC 400 for years 1992–1995 of 0–60 mph in 6.9 seconds, years 1996–1997 in 6.7 seconds, and years 1998–2000 in 6.1 seconds. For the SC 300 an acceleration 0–60 mph in 6.8 seconds with the 5-speed manual and 7.2 seconds with the 4-speed automatic for all years. This 1997 upgrade included the replacement of the four-speed automatic on the SC 400 to a five-speed unit. With the replacement of the five-speed unit those models also got a new differential with a final drive of 3.27 improving both fuel economy and top speed.
Sales of the automatic transmission SC 300 and SC 400 models formed the vast majority of models purchased. The Lexus SC 400 was never officially sold in the British Isles, but many examples found their way across the Atlantic as personal imports.
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Lexus Sc 430 model years
Common Lexus Sc 430 problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a list of common problems with the Lexus SC 430 based on complaints from owners:
- Premature Tire Wear: The 2002 Lexus SC 430 has been reported to have issues with premature tire wear, which is the most common problem associated with this model. This problem can lead to additional costs for owners due to the need for frequent tire replacements.
- Coolant Contamination Causing Juddery Gear Changes: Coolant contamination can lead to juddery gear changes in the Lexus SC 430. To address this issue, owners may need to flush the entire coolant system and refill it with clear fluid to ensure smooth gear transitions.
- Starter Motor Failure: Owners have reported issues with the starter motor in the SC 430, which can manifest as a buzzing or clicking sound when trying to start the car. Replacing the starter motor can be a bit challenging in this model due to the need to access it under the inlet manifold.
- Head Gasket Failure: A common problem in the Lexus SC 430 is head gasket failure, which can result in an overheating engine and white smoke from the exhaust. This issue is typically caused by a lack of coolant and requires replacing the faulty head gasket to resolve.
- Squeaking Suspension: Owners have experienced squeaking noises from the front suspension when driving over uneven surfaces. This problem is often linked to worn front sway bar bushes, which may need to be replaced to eliminate the noise.
- Electric Boot Release Malfunction: Some Lexus SC 430 owners have reported issues with the electric boot release not functioning correctly. This problem could be due to a missing ground wire, which prevents the boot mechanism from receiving the signal to open.
- Brake System Weakness: The SC 430 is known to have weak brakes, which can lead to longer stopping distances. While this is more of a design flaw than a fault, many owners opt to replace the brake system to ensure optimal braking performance.
- Roof Motor Wear: Another common issue is the roof motor wearing out, causing delays in folding back the roof. Owners may need to replace the roof motor to restore proper functionality, especially if the folding process takes longer than usual.
These problems highlight some of the key issues that Lexus SC 430 owners may encounter, requiring attention and potential repairs to maintain the car's performance and reliability.
Are Lexus SC430 expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Lexus SC430 is $462.
What is special about the Lexus SC430?
The SC 430's V8 could produce 288 hp (215 kW) and 430 N⋅m (317 lb⋅ft) of torque, allowing the coupe to go from 0–60 mph in 6.2 seconds. In contrast with the previous generation model, the redesigned Lexus SC was intended as a convertible from its inception.
Why did Lexus stop making the SC430?
Demand for the SC 430 has been steady decline for the latter half of the last decade. With the highwater mark set at 14,462 vehicles in 2002, 2009 saw just under 1000 SC 430s sold, with 720 of them in the U.S. In this final year of production, Lexus will produce approximately 300 cars.
Does Lexus SC430 have timing belt?
The average cost for a Lexus SC430 Timing Belt Replacement is between $1,008 and $1,208.
Latest negative Lexus Sc 430 car reviews
Latest positive Lexus Sc 430 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2004
Absolutely fabulous. Have had several Mercedes in the past ... would never go back!
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Vehicle year: 2004
This car is definitely fun to drive and it looks great too! However, there are a few minor issues that can be frustrating. For example, the window doesn't meet the roof correctly, which could be improved by closing the window after the door is closed, like MB does. Additionally, the run flat tires are not the best and the space between the tire and the rim is not ideal, which can cause damage to the rim when hitting potholes. The tan interior is also a bit difficult to clean. Lastly, the car's performance off the line could be better, as it takes a few seconds to get going. Overall, I really like this car, but considering the price, I would expect these issues to be addressed.
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Vehicle year: 2004
Looking for luxury in a sports car? Look no further! This baby is a Bentley in disguise, but for a bargain. With Xenon lights, run flat tires, a navigation system, and all leather interior (even the dash!), you won't find any plastic here. And let's not forget the amazing Philharmonic sound system!
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Vehicle year: 2004
I have owned 2 SC's and I have loved them both. The new retractable hard top gives me the best of both worlds. With the top up, there is little road noise and the stereo is of high quality. It is the ultimate car if you want a convertible. I didn't look for a car with big back seats and a huge trunk, but it fits me perfectly as all the instruments are within reach. Wow, what a ride! Everyone who drives it loves it!
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Vehicle year: 2004
Safe, classic, and reminiscent of an airplane cockpit.
Are you having problems with your Lexus Sc 430?
Richard Crooks 2024-03-18
Vehicle year: 2004
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2004 SC430, which I was so excited to buy as my dream car back in 2003. Unfortunately, I've been having some issues with rust on the alloy wheels and body. It's been a bit disappointing, especially since I didn't expect this from a Lexus. Have you had any similar experiences?