My Mother owns a Lexus SC430. Now, I’m not about to go on a rant about how you’ve lambasted her choice of chariot, because you see, I agree with you. I will also admit that I used to work for Lexus and so have an inside advantage as to the knowledge of these things. The later cars were “improved” when compared to earlier models like the one you drove. For instance, the later cars did away with the run flat tyres and this alone improved ride quality. However, they didn’t stop there. Oh no. They also “tweaked” the suspension and updated the gearbox to a 6 speed unit. You therefore had 6 butter smooth gears to waft along with and smile with the sort of self satisfying grin only a person with inside knowledge would have, at the improvement to the mpg the extra cog gave. All 1mpg of it (real world, not Lexus claimed figures). There were also improvements to the styling, wheel design and interior, but all these sadly didn’t stop the car from being a sales flop. In my two years with Lexus, guess how many SC430 we sold? Nope, you’re wrong (I’m having a stab in the dark that the number you thought of was higher than the actual). Just one! Yep, and that came at a heavily subsidised by Lexus reduction from the then list price of £62000 down to a mere £37000. At the latter price, you could argue the car made fantastic sense. Who wouldn’t want a V8 Luxo Wafting wannabe GT cruiser with 300 BHP for that kind of money as a brand spanker? This makes the car arguably rarer than the NSX you drove before this. Especially in Cyprus where including my Mum’s car, only two exist on the island. Perhaps it’s for these reasons that the prices are holding here in Blighty? You see, there’ll be a need for some people who want some urge, reliability, comfort and a touch of luxury, knowing not every Tom, Dick and Harry has one, backed by a dealer network renowned for customer service. The SC is definitely an acquired choice, but try and find a BMW, Merc, or Audi drop top of similar age and cost that hasn’t either been pimped, slammed, rotted away or with a dash lit like a Christmas tree, and this unassuming car then makes more sense. So, like the guy you borrowed this example from, I think there’s a canny breed of motorist that recognises that the cars worth goes beyond its looks. Just if you’re gonna get one, try an example from 2006 onwards. It won’t “twerk” as much, but it will still be reliably rare. Reason enough to buy? For some, maybe.

I own one. Former cars include Lexus ES, Lexus LS, BMW 3 series, BMW 1 series and currently also have a new gun Land Rover Discovery. My SC430 is smooth as silk, shifting, engine noise. Power is strong, linear and quiet. Seats incredibly comfy, roomy front seat area, wood is classy and retro. Exterior is stunning and gets stares all the time. Quality is better than any car currently sold. Will never sell it. Ever.

It’ll never be the worst car in the world because it was still relatively comfortable and super reliable

I bought drove this car daily for 10 years (2003-2013). Everywhere I went people stared at it and asked what it was. It was/is a beautiful car and is going up in price the last 5 years.

I love how these cars look. To me it looks like what a Porsche 356 could have looked like 40 years later. I own a near mint 2002 and I sincerely love it. To each their own. 😎👍

I’m weird, I actually like this car, I think it has aged well compared to quite a few of its era, plus the failure of this car will be the major relevance why it is a modern classic consequently boosting its value

My rich uncle had one of these in the mid 2000s. He used to travel often with my aunt so whenever they'd leave town I'd borrow his SC430 for the week. It wasn't super fast, but I still felt like the coolest person in the world driving around town in it when I was 18 or so.

I would daily drive this car.

it's hardly fair to criticize the ride/suspension on a car that has had the suspension "gone over" by a new owner. especially one that is in the "car enthousiast" group.

The lovechild of the last Ford Scorpio and the Nissan Figaro.

I'm pretty sure a lot of people watch you for the shirts... Still, the content is good!

Thank you for shitting on the car so I can still afford it. Love you man!

I've seen a lot of these and never have seen these wheels. With the more typical wheels it looks better. Keep in mind this powertrain is from the LS 430 which you reviewed and is the most reliable Lexus have put in a vehicle.

Speaking as an American, traditional journalist, the kind you really don't see anymore, were very often affected by advertising money. Motor trend magazine was one of the worst. Just take a look at the more than 50 years listings of their cars of the year. Some true turds in there. More advertising pages equals better reviews. Also, my observations throughout the decades, when a new version of a car arrives; very often the journalist will talk about how much better it is over the previous version even mentioning specific flaws with the old one. However if you go back and look at reviews of the older version you will find no such mention of these problems. I use automotive journalist the same way I used to use movie reviewers; they can give you a sense of a car; but they cannot make your decision for you

This is bullshit, I've been driving this car for 5 years and still loving every minute of it.

Car & Driver probably saw Lexus' advertising budget when they judged the car

My father bought one from new and still has it. On one occasion we took it to Northern Spain. It can cruise very well at...ahem...some speed.

I actually really like the way this car looks, it’s quite unique, but I really like it.

It happens over and over, in 20years we’ll ponder deeply into why almost all journalists today hail the Ferrari Roma as ”beautiful”. When in reality its just an even uglier Jaguar F-Type (looks-wise)

The Renault Vel Satis had the same treatments as the SC430 when new. They were a pretty car like the SC, but journalists took the complete piss and completely misunderstood the car. Only people who own them truly understand how underrated both of these cars are. Their images were destroyed by the press. If it's not German, they're not interested!

It was more suited to the US market. Mature drivers wanting something to cruise around in. I love it.

I'll always remember this car from Terminator 3 and The Getaway on Ps2!

A lot of people back when this car was new, where comparing it to the Mercedes SL500. And of course the full on conclusion was the SL was better in every conceivable way. And then about 20 years has passed. One of these cars has spent more trips to the mechanic than the other... And I assure you good sir. It wasn't the "ugly and awful" Lexus...

Mate… someone really fkd up the beautiful wheels on this SC.

On the looks, this is one of those rare cars where the appearance is absolutely dependent upon the colour and wheel choice. Of course those wheels are hideous and silver is by far the worst colour for the model. White with chrome style wheels looks vastly better, black with satin chrome wheels and tan interior looks sweet. I have seen an 07 in dark green with a brown interior that looked terrific. The changes from the first version to the later version are subtle but they make a big difference in appearance, similar to the changes made to the LS430, where the early ones look unresolved in the front and the post 03 versions look quite good. The ride on run flats would be bad, but that applies to almost any car on run flats. I suspect with modern wheels and top grade tyres the ride and handling would be vastly better, especially with a well chosen suspension upgrade, (which I suspect on this particular example is not the case). I look at it this way, the SC430 is a very high quality starting point for a nice cruiser, tweak the suspension, better tyres, mod the exhaust, make a few other minor changes as desired. It seems that a lot of SCs are getting exactly that sort of treatment and to a degree that’s probably holding values up, oh and also the fact that unlike most German and British rivals you are not going to be driving around in an unexploded bomb waiting for the inevitable detonation followed by economic depletion. Maybe not the best ever Lexus, but far from being the worlds worst car, by any measure.

I saw this car with the original japanese option rims and it looked great. To me this car is a bargain. People has no idea of what it is today. Is a super reliable, comfy cruiser to cover miles, to basically drive it to hell and beyond. It was never an sportscar. The styling is obviously being criticised to death, because it is not aggressive in an era cars needed lots of features to reassure the looks. But this car does not need to be. This car is a future classic, just like a Honda s2000. Give it another 10 years and prices will be something else.

I love the looks. Very unique. Supposed to looks like a luxury boat

it’s good practice to never trust anyone with journalist in their job title

I’ve owned this 2008 gem and after changing the run flats, I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent in this car. It’s a touring car that is luxurious, yet dependable and the easy top up and top down feature is priceless for older folks.

On the used market at used prices, theses are freaking great. V8, reliable, top down for barely ANY money. That's winning if you ask me.

How are you going to comment on the ride of a lowered car with huge spacers, and blame the manufacturer. That's not very responsible journalism!!

i drove past a sheep and it fell into a coma. LOL very clarkson-esque

Car looks amazing "next to" those wheels...

Best value for what it is. You need to drive one with the mufflers deleted, then the n/a V8 sounds glorious.

I really want one! Slam a turbo, custom 4in exhaust, coilovers, deep dish wheels, a subtle lip kit all around and a fresh wrap and this thing will break necks. Seen a few in US and Japan heavily modified but none in UK lol

Solid video. Nice angle for an interesting switch-up in your content. You should keep these musings coming any time they pop up, it's refreshing to hear another perspective.

It's a great car. We look after 3. And it's a Boulevarde cruiser. It's smooth quiet and still manages despite hefty weight to deliver thrust and get up and boogie. Brakes are undersized and suspension designed to just cruise. In black when clean it looks great (from the side only) 😂

Unpopular opinion, from day one always thought they were actually attractive in an unorthodox kind of way. Look fancy and different, not trying to be a sports car like everyone else. It's the RC that imo looks ugly and outdated the day it debuted. Go figure, I'm weird.

So hated, I actually really want one. Just needs a tonneau cover over the "rear seats".

This Lexus model seems to be a favorite of Vietnamese nail salon owners in the US. Most of my friends who are Vietnamese favor Lexus or Mercedes cars.

Many celebrities drove this car at the time, one would only assume they have a lot of experience with expensive cars. I doubt it could’ve been that bad! Also, the interior still looks amazing!

i dont see one of those in a long time but i dont think it is that ugly . Also those wheels looks awfull with their centers in black and lowering the car didnt help the ride for sure. They are still pretty expensive in the states mainly because of this masterpiece of an engine that is the 4.3

Good honest review. I bought an SC430 14 years ago for my wife and she loved it. We sold it 7 years ago, regretted it and recently bought another. Why? Comfort Comfort Comfort. We are so lucky as we also have a Range Rover for family and work life and My Subaru WRX STI for play. Horses for courses. For what 'we' want it to do the SC430 does it all perfectly. :)

I have a 2003 SC430 and I love it and think it is gorgeous. 118k miles and absolutely no issues, leaks, just perfect.

I drove the SC430 some years ago at a Lexus launch for the second generation IS250 in North Essex. Most car journalists only rate cars by driving the 'nuts' off them, conditions that don't exist in real life motoring conditions, and most people wouldn't do anyway. I suppose you could describe the SC430 as a 'Boulevard Cruiser', and the U.S. was its main market, but I found it a relaxing car to drive and very well built compared to the competition at the time.

I genuinely don’t understand how anyone can call this ugly. It’s petty in my opinion. Also as much as I love them, Top gear have called some beautiful cars ugly and some mediocre ones beautiful. They even called the e60 m5 ugly ffs.

“Twerking windscreen” that’s a new one!

I can't say I've agreed with all your reviews but I've enjoyed watching every one. Love your honesty and openness to even discuss topics like this. Please, please, please keep up the awesome work and thank you.

Traditionally there's been two halves to the media. The every day autocar style of journalism who cares greatly about the boot space in a Mk2 Focus, whether it has Isofix, NCAP rating, how noisy it is on the motorway etc. Boring stuff. Then you have the performance reviewers who care purely about how quickly it can lap a racetrack. Any compromise on stiffness, noise, weight is an absolute monstrosity to them. The reason I like this channel is that cars are tested in the real world. A hardcore ring tool is too inflexible, too compromised on a real road. Nobody talks about the interior quality of an F430 Scuderia, but James does. Because it's somewhere you'll spend a lot of time. But it's about striking the right balance of performance and excitement and everyday useability, a balance that James hits that most reviewers don't.

I own a 2004 SC430 and love it. I don't have any of those issues with my car that the reviewer is talking about. No squeaks or rattles or lousy performance. I've always have gotten very nice comments on mine. Wheels, mileage, and regular maintenance all play a role in how a car appears and drives. And looking at the SC he's driving, it seems to me as if it has had seen better days. I do wish the reviewer would have done some research on the car instead of rambling on about journalists' methods in car reviewing because he would have found that the SC430, during its production years, had the highest resale value of ANY vehicle per KBB. And that says a lot about the SC430 and how people viewed them. Personally, I think the car reflects expensive Japanese, which is holding up very well compared to its British and European counterparts. I've owned both a Jaguar and Mercedes -- never again! Both those brands are a PITA mechanically unless you love handing a bunch of your money over to mechanics on a regular basis. Anyway, the SC430's are fetching serious dollars on the resale market in Southern California, where I live, even with high miles. The SC430 was an expensive rear-wheel-drive first convertible made by Lexus and referred to as "The Crown Jewel of Lexus" by Lexus. Others have referred to it as a "Baby Bentley." Either way, it has the makings of a collectible.

Great review of a car that is 20 years old and never changed much when version 2 came out 2005. Our family has 3 of these cars, 02 in indigo dark blue, an 07 in matador red and 07 in breakwater blue, a non SC430 colour, all much nicer than the silver we think. As to ride quality, we find no difference in the 2 versions, maybe a little softer rebound on later cars, tyre choice makes a huge difference and we want quiet on our noisy chip seal New Zealand roads. Scuttle shake is not very noticeable at all. Most of us could not afford the SC430 new and getting low mileage used cars some 15 years later is a testament to the build quality. No, they don't have air suspension for a more luxurious ride and the shift on the Aisin automatic is quite lethargic compared with an XK Jag's 6 speed ZF, but then you don't have pedestrian sensors that can ruin the bonnet when activated and a hydraulic hood system that gives trouble. The biggest asset of the SC430 is being able to drive long distances without working your rear end off, and of course the summer days with the hood down. Do the water pump and belt, trans fluid change etc and you have a friend for life. I prefer the 5 spd version for city driving, the 6 spd suffers a little from having too many gears like the modern 8 and 10 spd trans that are forever hunting for another gear. Some of our roads now have sections that are limited to 80km/h and the 6th speed with torque converter locked up is a little high geared requiring a bit of manual shifter stirring. Read buyer remorse reviews from BMW Z4 or SL500 owners and the SC430 looms into first choice, don't worry about the body shape, you can't see it when driving.

Got to love an Mr2 Mk1, I recognised that dashboard instantly after my dad owning for over 10 years

Disagree on the auto journalists matching public opinion. Most of the public has and will never have seat time in any of these cars, so public opinion is very largely shaped by auto journalists and repeating their talking points. Classic example: auto journalists snarky comments about the the "parts bin" such as using the turn signal stalks from a lesser model...without any regard for how this is a POSITIVE...ie. less expensive to replace when these parts break, they are insignificant parts, tried and true, and reduce the overall cost of the vehicle.

Enjoyed my experience with a SC which was a great tourer for the two of us older types. Super reliable, great engine, very comfortable and well equipped (not seen those awful wheels before) I bought it after selling my Ferrari F355 spider which was fantastic (and very basic). I don't regret buying the Lex but really regret the sale of the Fez. Please don't ever feature a 355 on the channel as I would have to avert my eyes!

I’ve always rather liked the SC430 myself, it’s supposed to be sort of like a road going sports cruiser yacht and the later version with the 6 speed auto is actually rather splendid as an open top GT.

I've been wondering if some motor journalists here in Norway takes bribes. They have a dice rating and all Volkswagens get 6. Every other brand rarely gets a 6. So I think to myself; If another brand gets a 5, it's as good as a VW. If it gets a 6 it's better than a VW. And the reason for not giving another car a 6 is usually like 'image' or 'depreciation'.

you need to drive a 2006 facelift model, different suspension, 6 speed box. Best mod is Meister coilovers looking on the net

I've always loved these cars and really wanted to drive one. Granted the particular model you've got, with those awfully painted wheels, doesn't look the best, but on the whole, at the time when it came out, I remember it being generally regarded as a truly aspirational machine.

My parents have an 08 sc430 with less than 5000 miles that’s sitting in their driveway rotting. It was my moms car until she got an LC , my old man just lets it sit and rot. He wo t sell it , or drive it , or even wash it.

One of the largest reasons why I dislike the SC430 even trying to remove my bias for Top Gear is that, I feel like it was a big, big missed opportunity. I like soft, comfy cabriolets, but I really do feel like it could've been much more from the company that gave us the LS400, LFA ans LC500

I just recently purchased one from an older couple and absolutely think it's a hoot to drive! No it is not a corner Carver however accelerating on the freeway with that V8 really kicks up and screams all while being so refined.

I had one of these for 6 years. When I got it the ride on the run flats and wheels was pretty harsh. I switched the wheels and tires to 20 inch low profile tires (non run flats) and it made a huge difference. It transformed the car! And since I live in the Miami area it could handle those horrid roads that Jay was talking about. Never had any issues with the car other than regular maintenance on wear and tear items. The accelerator was a bit sluggish compared to todays cars. Keep in mind that the other major competitor to this car at the time (hard top convertible) was the SL500 which had a host of reliability issues but did have the looks. So, yes, I was one of the people who liked this car.

Great video Jay, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the SC 430. I really enjoy my SC 430, it still turns heads when I drive it.

"I drove past a sheep and it, fell into a coma." I laughed out loud! 😆

I’ve been toying with the idea of one of these for a LONG time, now maybe I just might 🤔😅

Nice review. Good video. I've always liked these in the purple colour they were sold in.

We've got to the point that journalists share how they're treated by the brand at the vehicle official press showcase, like accomodation, press ceremony and presentation experience. It's not about what the manufacturer can do, it's about how they're nice to the journalist in a thing they won't offer to the customer. There's no way I'm gonna believe a brand treats a reviewer on a holiday as bad as a customer with an issue, so that's total bs and a very dishonest way of promoting the brand which ultimately is to be judged on what the customer actually gets

It looks like a 1930s Silvercross perambulator.

I must say I am very happy with my 2006 SC430. I purchased it with 175k on the odometer from the original owner who was meticulous with the maintenance...all of which was performed at the same dealership for the vehicles entire life. I owned a 2007 Porsche Boxster S once and yes that car handled better and was far more responsive but now that i am a bit older, i prefer the comfort the Lexus provides. Do I sometimes long for the handling of the Porsche...sure...but as.some of these comments have made very clear, i can easily modify the Lexus to make it a bit more fun. Ive put a out 20k miles on the SC430 over the past few years and ive had zero issues, other than having to do the timing belt service at 180k. Before purchasing, i did consider other brands such as BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and even Maserati but, at the end of the day, i wamted a weekend car that would last. Yes, i took a gamble on the high mileage but so far so good. Ive nothing against the other brands mind you as my daily driver is a 2019 E63 wagon so when i get the urge to tear things up, i just jump in the wagon....which provides me with all the excitement i need. The Lexus provides me with that opportunity to just lay back with the top down and cruise. The E63 and the SC430 balance each other out.

I see that the sprung weight nudged past two tonnes once you jumped in ! Not everyone wants to get where they’re going as fast as possible !

I own a face-lift 08 Pebble Beach Edition in Pearl White Metallic with Red leather and black wood trim and i personally think it's a beautiful car. This is a luxury GT car not a sports or supercar. It does everything i want it to, super comfortable, super quiet, well equipped and more than fast enough to overtake just about everything plus its a coupe and a convertible. What is there not to like?

What do Clarkson & May know, really. I think the SC430 has aged well, and now I'm looking through the Classifieds...

The shine on that R35 GTR was gorgeous! Well done Mr Blackbeard!

Honest as always, James. Do those wheels make it look like a Toytown car from up close too?

I recently broke my back and my neck in a car accident, my father has a SC430, 55 plate, it was the first car I started driving in after the accident as I was staying with my father, I have found no problem with the ride. It is a totally stock car with a full Lexus main dealer history and 95,000 miles. I have been extremely impressed with the refinement, very similar DB reading on my phone at 60mph to a 2021 plate Range Rover vogue Autobiography at 60 mph. I have enjoyed it so much I have borrowed it off my father and have been using it back to back with my 997.2 Porsche 911 and 2016 BMW 335d m sport touring, it does a completely different job to those cars and is not a car to hustle, more smoke about in but in town it is hard to beat in my experience.

i think the problem with this car is....... that "car enthusiasts" want everything to be a sports car. people want this car to be something it was never intended to be. its like driving a buick and complaining its not a corvette.

Looking one of these in the classifieds and I'm glad that you made this video to know what it is

Very well said, always pay attention to who wrote the article and how it matches to your own personal taste, it applies to everything

Great honest review. Thank you.

Those rims really don't help

The ride with the top down is remarkably quiet as they have been well engineered for a lack of wind noise , you can hold a conversation with the passenger at 100kph without shouting . If you drive it from the shifter as opposed to leaving it in drive , it gets much more peppy. Mine changes gears at around a lazy 1100 rpm in drive , but if you hold it in gear and get it up to 4500 - 5000 rpm it seems to honk

Good to see the comments come good. This is a brilliant car.

That must be the ugliest rims ever …!

The SC 430 is Beautiful. It reminds me of automotive design of the 1940's. Go search images of 1948 Ford Club Coupe, 1940 Dodge Business Coupe, 1946 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Freccia d'Oro, 1947 Masarati A6 1500 Pininfarina, 1949 Porsche 356. While not in the same sport class as the others, the design of the SC 430 could very well fit into those beautiful automobile designs of the 1940's.

These cars just look a bit more classy than your usual convertible. And that why TG didn't like it. But really they are quite beautiful.

Would be interesting to see your views on the cheaper Lexus e.g IS200 (manual) and even that weird hybrid hatch back thing they did years ago , the C200 or whatever it was called

I love this car! Super comfortable and smooth ride.

*Does anyone know* who did the roof and hydraulics for these? I know that Heuliez designed/built roofs for Peugeot and Opel, using Hoerbiger hydraulics. BMW uses the same company for the hydraulics too but I think built their in-house(?).. Who did these SC430s?

It doesn't wobble with the OEM suspension. It's when you ruin the suspension that it wobbles

I've never driven one, but I can guess the experience. What I can comment on is the exterior which I never found as appalling as some of the journos claim. It just looks average, certainly no where near as revolutionary or beautiful as the original hardtop SC300/400 of the 1990s.

If your ever up Peterborough way mate, I own two lexus you could have a try of, a 2017 gs300h and an rx400h. I'm also an E46 clubsport owner. Different priorities as you can tell 😉

I just drove a 2003 sc430 25 hours across the US ... and it was a joy to drive. Got all kinds of admiring looks and never saw another the entire way. And they can go to 700k miles easily. It's a great car with aome quirkiness which means its almost certainly a collector item.

James, an intuitive indicator of a motoring journalist's accurate/authentic review tends to revolve around whether they envisage personally owning the vehicle. Many get all ticklish over techi-tat such as electrically deployed tow bars and the like which won't be an issue to them as they will never buy the thing, so the prospect of it jamming in 5 years time is of absolutely no concern. Being generous, you could say they are unsuited for their job.

I'm not exactly sure where the 'Car Journalist' ego ends and the car review begins.

I drove one in anger quite a bit and liked it fine

Wow! I just can't get over those ridiculous wheels! So glad these were not an option in the states! Those are a hard NO!

Ross should have left the wheels alone.

I have thought on more than one occasion about turning one of these into a GT500 SC430 Eneos replica that also happens to be drop top. hmmmm...

The Japanese do some mean body kits, big wheels and crazy colour schemes on these that can make them look good!

The wheels on your UK example are just awful looking and do not belong with the rest of the car, which is not such a terrible looking thing in my opinion. US-spec examples that I have seen have much nicer more appropriate looking wheels. That helps the overall impression quite a bit.