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Buying A Used Sc430


RXinMN

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Hello - I'm looking for an 02 to 04 used SC430, and wanted to ask for any feedback or recommendations regarding any differences in these model years. From what I can tell, there were few if any changes during this period. If that's indeed the case, the differences for me will be in cost and wear-and-tear. I will stay away from the run flat tires, and eventually get a set of snows for our Minnesota winters.

Other than that, I haven't heard of any persistent issues or problems with this car. I expect to pay somewhere between $35k - $42k for good condition under 50k miles. Is there real value in paying a few extra thousand and buying a CPO Lexus from the dealership?

I've been comparing the SC430 to the Mercedes SLK 350 and 280 -- I know the Mercedes is completely different from the Lexus, but it is not without appeal. It's a sportier model, and for the same $$ I can get a new SLK 280 (stripped) or a used SLK 350, but the reliability factor of Mercedes is worrisome. I think I'm better off with a 4-year old Lexus than a 1-year old Mercedes.

We've had our RX330 for over a year now and love it. Any thoughts you can offer are appreciated.

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  • 11 months later...

I had a SLK for 3 weeks, wrapped it around a tree. Was very happy with it! But not happy with only 2 seats

I bought a SC430 this week and love it!!! It is the nicest & coolest car I have ever been in

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Other than that, I haven't heard of any persistent issues or problems with this car. I expect to pay somewhere between $35k - $42k for good condition under 50k miles. Is there real value in paying a few extra thousand and buying a CPO Lexus from the dealership?RX330 for over a year now and love it. Any thoughts you can offer are appreciated.

A CPO from the dealer is nice...However, spend the money and have a carfax pulled on the VIN. I too looked at CPO's initially with the impersion that I was purchasing a "great Quality Vehicle" only to find the "CPO" car had been through several auction houses and stayed on the dealer lot for SEVERAL months. I opted for a 2002 w/17K from a private party (second owner - I'm the third) and purchased an aftermarket 6 year 100K bumper to bumper warantee for about 2K.

I suspect that if you are willing to hunt, you will be able to find a VERY nice 430 for the price you are willing to pay.

I test-drove the SLK350 and looked at the other retactable hardtops but have found none to compare with the feeling I get driving the Lexus....2002 - 2007 and they all look almost the same, something to be said for that.

P.S. I was born and raised in MN....watch out for the rust...buy a southern car if you can!

Russ B.

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