This car is highly slept on and it has a wonderful V8 engine too. These actually aged very well and the statements Top Gear made about this being "the worst car in the world," is far from the truth nowadays looking at the terrible designs/vehicles leaving car companies constantly currently.
What's really shameful is that with a little tweaking, the SC430 can look amazing. It's only drawback are those hideous rims and bouncy suspension. There's a gentlemen, in the neighborhood, who has one on Advan GT Yokohama rims with 275 width tires that set flush with the body and dropped an inch. Nothing crazy. Just a lot more sportier stance. He also has a massive Brembo Big Brake Kit with large 4-piston calipers and cross drilled rotors. Car looks incredible. Lexus should have released a handling package were they beefed up the suspension. There's so much untapped beauty in this car. These mods alone transform the car to striking.
Unfortunately this will fall of deaf ears outside of a few likes from awareness. These were popular in the first half of the 2000s, no matter what Jeremy Clarkson said in the mid 2000s.
@@Sha-Ayo I remember seeing an article or news story that Lexus was the last to offer tape and or CD players. My elderly parents missed the tape players when only CDs were offered and then missed the CD players when neither was offered. I bought my mom's previous car a few years ago and discovered there was still a CD left in it for over 2 years.
well it was doesn't help that Jeremy Clarkson and James May crowned this is "The Worst Car In The World", which is preceded by an hour of wild leaps in logic
One of my friends had one, and she never had any issues. It is elegant in its own way, and there is something to be said about a convertible. Otherwise, the platform, not the styling, is my favorite feature.
Still love ours...the 3UZ is still a truly spectacular engine, unbelievably smooth and free revving...it is a shame Clarkson said what he said...yes it is bubbly but it is still a handsome coupe especially on proper wheels and yes it isn't really tossable but it is very enjoyable to drive especially on a nice sunny day with the top down!
I have one 2002 with 236k miles and every single thing works as it should from engine to the convertible top. Engine and transmission is as smooth as it can get and top opens and closes within 25 seconds which is still impressive by today's standards too. I do agree that the appearance of the car is controversial and can be a bit ugly from certain angles but I still like it and get more compliments and looks with my SC430 than my 2017 911 Carrera 4s. It truly was jewel of Lexus and extremely refined car. Best thing is people that own these are mainly older folks so they are almost never beat on, left outside in snow or rainy weather. 2002-2005 are considered pre-face lift and 2006-2010 are considered face lift which had LED tails, better and sharper front end and 6 speed transmission. Every single model year is excellent but always better to get more recent year. All in all, I love it and daily it everyday here in Montreal, Canada which they are fairly rare
Very nice car, I always liked it. I also love those wheels. I don't know why it was disliked so much by auto writers. Their biggest complaint was that it looked too bloated, and about having a weak engine. I don't think doing 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds is bad.
My Friend bought one of these back in the day,, which he still has to this very day,, the back seat can’t be used for any child less an adult,, I was not a fan of the design as in my opinion it was a feminine looking car!! But it’s power and it’s legendary Lexus/Toyota dependability has over time won me over!! You don’t see much of them anymore! Great little automobile 💜💜💜 a blast down memory lane!! Thank John for all the year with your commentary!!
Always loved the yacht like design scheme .. this car had.. this convertible came standard with all the goodies that were options on other Lexus models.. standard Mark Levinson etc.. panned r not… it just didn’t get better than the SC.. ❤
4:54 I was initially schocked by the sticker price for a car from 2002. But calculating for inflation this puts its cost at almost exactly what an LC500 costs today.
My grandfather has one of these in black. He got different alloys on it as he didn't like the stock alloys and had the interior re upholstered to black leather. One sharp looking coupe.
These are sweet cars with million mile engines. I remember a Canadian show called "Dream Car Garage" had one of these and started modifying it with suspension and exhaust. Then the show disappeared. I hope to own this car one day😎🏆
Always liked these, even with the curious wheel design. They certainly aged better than SL’s, XK8’s, and certainly 8-series as far as livability. I never had an unhappy SC430 owner at the import repair center.
if you're thinking of buying one of these, do yourself a favor and get one from 2007 and up with the 6 speed transmission. lexus changed the final drive ratio from 3.27:1 on the early cars to 3.76:1 which makes the later cars accelerate more aggressively. still handles very floaty but i was able to test drive both a 2002 and a 2007 and its easy to tell the difference in gearing.
Clearly you weren't old enough then to know much. No one had standard GPS Nav in early 2001, outside of the 7-Series and S-Class/CL500+. Audi hardly even offered it. Why do people who were not buyers nor observers of the luxury car market of 2001, bother even commenting with no credible context?
The SC300/400 looked so much better. I always thought the sc430 looked too odd, especially with the roof up. It's actually grown on me in recent years, though
Test drove an 08 once and I was not impressed by it. I had a few LS430s so I was expecting it to be as smooth and a little faster. It is a very high quality and durable car but just not as special as the original SC coupe of the 90s that was 20 years ahead of its time. For being the flagship jewel of Lexus model in 08, it did not have smart keys, parking sensors, or a backup camera while most LS430 were optioned with that stuff. They did not add Bluetooth auto at all until the 2012 final model year. However, for around $15K you can buy a great example these days and have a reliable convertible to enjoy in nice weather. It is way better than a similarly priced used Miata as a fun cruiser.
Anyone that has any V8 Lexus from this era, either 1UZ or 3UZ or even 2UZ needs to hold onto it regardless of mileage so you can keep on driving it instead of the junk they make today
It is called Toyota Soarer in my country but come with smaller hp. Almost bought a used one, but didn t like its interior, too luxurious, not too fierce or sporty enough
This looks just like lots of luxury and comfort. Unfortunately Toyota didn’t give this car bigger engines. 5.0 litres and more or supercharged by turbos or compressors had to be if they want to compete with Mercedes and other European brands.
My personal favorite was the late 80s 2nd gen Soarer that predated Lexus. Like the 3rd gen Soarer/1st gen SC it was more or less a fancier Supra. It had a limited version called the Aerocabin that had the power retractable hardtop like the 430 does. But in 1989.
Its amazing to me, the Top Gear guys picked this as the Worst car in the History of the World. Like how out of touch with normal people had they gotten, and America hating by that point? The cars aged well in styling, like another guy said in the comments, modified they look really good. They still have very strong Resale exporting from Japan, still desirable by some people anyways.
This car had several problems. For one thing, the hardtop took up a lot of trunk space when folded down. Also, the back seat was a complete joke. It was there just for insurance purposes. Lexus apparently didn't learn their lesson. The LC500 and LC hybrid also have useless back seats.
March 2001 is not 2002 nor 2002 $$ figures, it's even more expensive by inflation. This was really a delayed '01 model, renamed a 2002. Always was expensive, never cheap.
With respect, it was an ill-concieved car. The back seats are useless. It should have been a 2seater with room for luggage. It was too soft, too slow, and the styling was just boring. The only car it completed with really was the Retro Thunderbird, and both failed because they didnt understand their potential buyers.
This car is highly slept on and it has a wonderful V8 engine too. These actually aged very well and the statements Top Gear made about this being "the worst car in the world," is far from the truth nowadays looking at the terrible designs/vehicles leaving car companies constantly currently.
Worst car in the world? The Trabant says hi.
Haha you can't take those guys too seriously, especially the short one who bashed on the LFA a couple times
What's really shameful is that with a little tweaking, the SC430 can look amazing. It's only drawback are those hideous rims and bouncy suspension. There's a gentlemen, in the neighborhood, who has one on Advan GT Yokohama rims with 275 width tires that set flush with the body and dropped an inch. Nothing crazy. Just a lot more sportier stance. He also has a massive Brembo Big Brake Kit with large 4-piston calipers and cross drilled rotors. Car looks incredible. Lexus should have released a handling package were they beefed up the suspension. There's so much untapped beauty in this car. These mods alone transform the car to striking.
Also timing belts !!!!!!! These cars cost a fortune to replace
I had one. They drove horrible
@@DanteWinamp I think k maybe it’s because of the short wheelbase . A little longer would ride better maybe
@@DiaperSNiFFER ya the gs 430 drove great 👍
"Get in loser, we're going motoring." -Rachel McAdams, Mean Girls
Unfortunately this will fall of deaf ears outside of a few likes from awareness. These were popular in the first half of the 2000s, no matter what Jeremy Clarkson said in the mid 2000s.
6 disc CD changer and a cassette tape player. NOICE!😮
It was sold until 2009 with the same set up - the last production car with a cassette player
@@Sha-Ayo I remember seeing an article or news story that Lexus was the last to offer tape and or CD players. My elderly parents missed the tape players when only CDs were offered and then missed the CD players when neither was offered. I bought my mom's previous car a few years ago and discovered there was still a CD left in it for over 2 years.
@@ml9867 interesting 🤔🧐
I need an 8 Track player too. lol
And a CB Radio.
I remember there were special Neiman Marcus and Pebble Beach versions.
I agree, I actually liked those special editions.
Even though the Lexus SC430 is a great car but usually forgotten, people should put more respect on it
I still can't help but be reminded of the Toyota Solara when I see this Lexus.
well it was doesn't help that Jeremy Clarkson and James May crowned this is "The
Worst Car In The World", which is preceded by an hour of wild leaps in logic
Youve driven one? Ive never found it very special when i have?
@ no I haven’t driven one and I was born in ‘04 two years after the car was made. I didn’t know what each name of the car was back then.
With that price in 2002, i would forget about it as well.
I still don’t understand why people think it’s so ugly. I’ve always thought it was a handsome Grand Touring Coupe.
I still see this around and I think they still look good!
Had the pleasure of driving one of these quality comfortable luxurious coupe with linear power
I love this car, one of my dream ones
One of my friends had one, and she never had any issues. It is elegant in its own way, and there is something to be said about a convertible. Otherwise, the platform, not the styling, is my favorite feature.
Cougars loved it.
@@Al_Lergic Rawr🐆
The broke ones definitely did and single moms.
@@CB12345”broke ones”?! It’s $62,000 in 2002 money.
Still love ours...the 3UZ is still a truly spectacular engine, unbelievably smooth and free revving...it is a shame Clarkson said what he said...yes it is bubbly but it is still a handsome coupe especially on proper wheels and yes it isn't really tossable but it is very enjoyable to drive especially on a nice sunny day with the top down!
4:39 John: LEXUS BILLS THE SC430 AS A 2+2 COUPE, BUT WE CAN’T IMAGINE ANYONE RIDING IN THE BACK! LOL
SC430 never picked up or lived up to expectations compared to the competition....a great coupe it was.....
I have one 2002 with 236k miles and every single thing works as it should from engine to the convertible top. Engine and transmission is as smooth as it can get and top opens and closes within 25 seconds which is still impressive by today's standards too. I do agree that the appearance of the car is controversial and can be a bit ugly from certain angles but I still like it and get more compliments and looks with my SC430 than my 2017 911 Carrera 4s. It truly was jewel of Lexus and extremely refined car. Best thing is people that own these are mainly older folks so they are almost never beat on, left outside in snow or rainy weather.
2002-2005 are considered pre-face lift and 2006-2010 are considered face lift which had LED tails, better and sharper front end and 6 speed transmission. Every single model year is excellent but always better to get more recent year.
All in all, I love it and daily it everyday here in Montreal, Canada which they are fairly rare
Very nice car, I always liked it. I also love those wheels. I don't know why it was disliked so much by auto writers. Their biggest complaint was that it looked too bloated, and about having a weak engine. I don't think doing 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds is bad.
My Friend bought one of these back in the day,, which he still has to this very day,, the back seat can’t be used for any child less an adult,, I was not a fan of the design as in my opinion it was a feminine looking car!! But it’s power and it’s legendary Lexus/Toyota dependability has over time won me over!! You don’t see much of them anymore! Great little automobile 💜💜💜 a blast down memory lane!! Thank John for all the year with your commentary!!
Always loved the yacht like design scheme .. this car had.. this convertible came standard with all the goodies that were options on other Lexus models.. standard Mark Levinson etc.. panned r not… it just didn’t get better than the SC.. ❤
I spotted one recently, and honestly it holds up design wise. Good looking machine
4:54 I was initially schocked by the sticker price for a car from 2002. But calculating for inflation this puts its cost at almost exactly what an LC500 costs today.
2001, 2001! These came out during Spring Break of '01, before 9/11. Not literally 2002. Different year, Different inflation $$$ figures.
These aged better than I thought. I see them all over Palm Springs
The 4.3L 300hp would have been nice to its predecessor SC400. I still like that better than this newer generation
Probably the only convertible I would purchase. These things aged very well.
These things are all over the place in southwest Florida. I still love them.
My grandfather has one of these in black. He got different alloys on it as he didn't like the stock alloys and had the interior re upholstered to black leather. One sharp looking coupe.
These are sweet cars with million mile engines. I remember a Canadian show called "Dream Car Garage" had one of these and started modifying it with suspension and exhaust. Then the show disappeared. I hope to own this car one day😎🏆
Actually one of my dream cars
That was one of my favorite cars in Sega GT 2002
Wow so cool to see the sc430 in its prime! Mine was a 2004 with 145k miles
Always liked these, even with the curious wheel design. They certainly aged better than SL’s, XK8’s, and certainly 8-series as far as livability. I never had an unhappy SC430 owner at the import repair center.
if you're thinking of buying one of these, do yourself a favor and get one from 2007 and up with the 6 speed transmission. lexus changed the final drive ratio from 3.27:1 on the early cars to 3.76:1 which makes the later cars accelerate more aggressively. still handles very floaty but i was able to test drive both a 2002 and a 2007 and its easy to tell the difference in gearing.
The loud, repetitive background music was… interesting.
I remember when I used to drive a Lexus…when I was back in Nam
Watching your channel is like an inspiring adventure that never ends. Continue to amaze us with your talent!🧐🌮🦓
Can you bring more retro content like more muscle cars and sports cars in the next coming weeks
We upload a retro car review every Thursday and Sunday!
Almost 60K and navigation was still an option was crazy back then SMH lol
Clearly you weren't old enough then to know much. No one had standard GPS Nav in early 2001, outside of the 7-Series and S-Class/CL500+. Audi hardly even offered it.
Why do people who were not buyers nor observers of the luxury car market of 2001, bother even commenting with no credible context?
Always liked the look of this one.
Bloated, Jellybean !
I love this car! Always sweet on these sexy Lexi drop tops ;)
The SC300/400 looked so much better. I always thought the sc430 looked too odd, especially with the roof up. It's actually grown on me in recent years, though
Test drove an 08 once and I was not impressed by it. I had a few LS430s so I was expecting it to be as smooth and a little faster. It is a very high quality and durable car but just not as special as the original SC coupe of the 90s that was 20 years ahead of its time. For being the flagship jewel of Lexus model in 08, it did not have smart keys, parking sensors, or a backup camera while most LS430 were optioned with that stuff. They did not add Bluetooth auto at all until the 2012 final model year. However, for around $15K you can buy a great example these days and have a reliable convertible to enjoy in nice weather. It is way better than a similarly priced used Miata as a fun cruiser.
Love the sc430
Anyone that has any V8 Lexus from this era, either 1UZ or 3UZ or even 2UZ needs to hold onto it regardless of mileage so you can keep on driving it instead of the junk they make today
Beauty that never gets old.
And I still see them on the roads of NYC
Even to this day, I just can't get used to the wheels. However apart from those, it's a gorgeous looking car
I own one and she is a classic cruiser.
Always preferred the Sebring over this
It is called Toyota Soarer in my country but come with smaller hp. Almost bought a used one, but didn t like its interior, too luxurious, not too fierce or sporty enough
they all had the same engine which is 3uzfe and all made same power
This looks just like lots of luxury and comfort.
Unfortunately Toyota didn’t give this car bigger engines. 5.0 litres and more or supercharged by turbos or compressors had to be if they want to compete with Mercedes and other European brands.
Been waiting on this one for a while now smallest back seat I've ever seen might fit lieutenant dan before the space ship metal leg
Say wate about it's styling an performance this was a reliable an wall built I see a lot still running
The rear headrests look so awkward with top down, especially when you notice how upright and tight the rear seat is.
The first generation SC300/400 were special. This generation SC missed the mark in my book.
I agree, the first generation was so much better and popular, you would see them in a lot of music videos too.
My personal favorite was the late 80s 2nd gen Soarer that predated Lexus. Like the 3rd gen Soarer/1st gen SC it was more or less a fancier Supra. It had a limited version called the Aerocabin that had the power retractable hardtop like the 430 does. But in 1989.
430 Lex with convertible top, and the rims keep spinnin' every time I stop.
Its amazing to me, the Top Gear guys picked this as the Worst car in the History of the World. Like how out of touch with normal people had they gotten, and America hating by that point? The cars aged well in styling, like another guy said in the comments, modified they look really good. They still have very strong Resale exporting from Japan, still desirable by some people anyways.
They look good when you lower them. It's high as shit
A much more fancier Toyota Solora
Multifaceted Motoring
A vehicle never really appreciated.
This car had several problems. For one thing, the hardtop took up a lot of trunk space when folded down. Also, the back seat was a complete joke. It was there just for insurance purposes. Lexus apparently didn't learn their lesson. The LC500 and LC hybrid also have useless back seats.
I think adding a usable backseat would make its proportions look strange
@GoldPhish Maybe but at least the back seat would have been more usable.
Woaaah
62k back in 2002? Expensive AF back then
March 2001 is not 2002 nor 2002 $$ figures, it's even more expensive by inflation. This was really a delayed '01 model, renamed a 2002.
Always was expensive, never cheap.
Why is the imitation smooth jazz so loud?
With respect, it was an ill-concieved car. The back seats are useless. It should have been a 2seater with room for luggage. It was too soft, too slow, and the styling was just boring. The only car it completed with really was the Retro Thunderbird, and both failed because they didnt understand their potential buyers.
Fun Fact: one of these was Taylor Swift's first car.
No way
Ger your life together
Fun fact: you voted for harris, waltz.
@@Shelter93 Good one.
Dang, you all know more about these celebrities than you do yourself and your family.
Didn’t this win worst car by OG Top Gear?
Absolutely hideous
Over 20 years later and the SC430 is still one of the ugliest vehicles Lexus has built.
I loved this car, especially with that hard top... but i could never get over those UGLY wheels 😢...IMO
Top gear named this as worst car ever
In reality it is far from the worst car, even with all the garbage releasing nowadays from factories.
@@CB12345 probably true
The worst car ... In the world
These were always the ugly and softer alternatives to the G35s.
Those were never competitors. Must've been in diapers back then with such a clueless take.
@ was in my 20s. Tell me again how 2 Japanese GT coupes, with sporty characteristics, 300ish HP, with an upscale feel weren’t competitive?
Literally looks like a svelte whale
The wheels and the rear end is ugly
The review may be glowing, but in truth this car was peak meh.
Ah yes, the car Top Gear has dubbed "The Worst Car in the History of the World". 😂
That's old news now
Parroting drivel as expected per MW's lowest cm denom YT audience and vlogger channels.
🗣️... Solara
Which internally copied this design as a poor man's version, being designed as this debuted in March 2001.
In what way
A pointless car that noone asked for.
Speak for yourself. You probably didn't even exist in 1996, when they started creating this car.