I am considering a 2002 SC430 for my beach car(5000 miles per year, mostly local driving). While I am also considering a 2006(for enhancements)for this use.

The local Lexus dealer has a 2002 for sale with 97,000 miles and a complete service record since 2006. It has a clean Carfax and all the body panels have matching #'s. The silver paint is a little faded, but the car has not been detailed. I have driven the car along with driving a '05 and they performed the same. I have not driven a 2006. The difference in price between the '02 and the '06 is around $20,000. The '06 has 27,000 miles and is also at the local dealer. The '06 has a 3 year certified warranty and the '02 has no warranty.

I have the cash to do either car but I am looking for the best long term cost and value since I will keep the car a long time.

Thanks for your input.

All down to you my man it simply buy what ever suits your budget...

How bout this..2002 with 30k miles or 2004 with 55k miles? Same price and same condition. Which would you guys pick? Thanks for the tip. =)

I myself because you say you are gonna keep the car a long time I would go with the new model with less miles because it still has the warranty which means less money out of your pocket in the long run for maintenance.
Just my opinion.

I have a 2002; it's nice but I would go with newer model with warranty. I also bet it's less to insure. I could not figure out the difference in rates between an '02 and later models. Safety upgrades according to my insurance company.

I have an 05 and friends with an 02 and an 06. They are all bulletproof from what I can tell, these are just made like tanks.. $20,000 is a lot.. you could invest that and just save up for the newest model when that comes out. For only 5000 miles a year, im sure it will be mostly top down and fun in the sun driving.. we sure like ours.

If your going to keep it a long time then the CPO would be the way to go, but this body style is due for a change, its been out a long time. If you wrap all your cash into a new one and then decide to change in say a year of two, there is another 20k you will have to come up with .