I have heard the comments about the SC430 but remember that looks are subjective. I have an 02 silver with the ecru interior (light tan) with the light blonde wood interior. With the top up or down, I think the looks are far more attractive than the cars you mentioned. As far as reliability again in my opinion there is no comparison. We have an Acura RL and the SC and from this point on they are the only manufacturers that I would own. JD Powers rated the SC as the most reliable car and the SL as one of the least reliable. I find it funny that people would spend that amount on a Mercedes with that reliabilty track record.