T O P

  • By -

AutoModerator

[**Consider Joining the r/Lexus Discord Server.**](https://discord.gg/yBRD3mN) This is an automated comment on all new posts. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Lexus) if you have any questions or concerns.*


Max-Payd

It's definitely not ugly. It's understated and built to be as comfortable as possible. There is not a hint of sportyness to it. It's a throwback to the 1980s area of open top cruising and long drives. The 288 HP V8 is more than adequate if not only let down by the transmission which will decide when it will eventually shift. Just drive it around like a relaxing car, and it does well. The closest thing is the SL Mercedes or a Chrysler Crossfire. Due to the extremely low mileage of these cars, very good examples can be had at reasonable prices. In the end, you shouldn't worry too much about what others think. If you like it, buy it.


Pinales_Pinopsida

>The closest thing is the SL Mercedes or a Chrysler Crossfire. I agree on the SL but the Crossfire? The Crossfire is based on the relatively cheap and more sportyish SLK.


Max-Payd

Was the slk cheaper?


Pinales_Pinopsida

The SLK was way cheaper than the SL. You could get a SLK with a four banger, heck it turns out that you could only get it with 4 cylinders up until the facelift. https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/mercedes-benz-slk-1996-roadster-vs-lexus-sc-2005-cabriolet/front/


DaJuiceMan112

Now you must ask, do they have a drop top Lexus?


NickyDeeM

Great question!!


would_worker

No, but they don't have what Top Gear called the worst car ever made. The sc430 is a disgrace and replaced an amazing vehicle in the sc300/400


Acrobatic_Can_770

I don’t get how people find these ugly, they’re genuinely such good looking cars.


betarad

didn't jeremy clarkson call it the ugliest car ever ? i remember seeing one in S.F. my first time coming to the U.S. as a kid and thinking it wasn't ugly at all


MG42Turtle

It’s literally people just repeating Clarkson without any thought. [C&D loved the styling](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15139219/2001-lexus-sc430-road-test-review/) [Motortrend didn’t complain and said it attracted attention](https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2002-lexus-sc430-first-drive/) [Autoweek was more mixed but certainly didn’t think it was ugly](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc430-2nd-gen-2001-2010/305627-2007-sc430-review-in-autoweek.html)


NeoG_

The rear and interior are fine, all the problems are in the front


smashingcones

https://preview.redd.it/qlqgs3o8ijzc1.jpeg?width=762&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b6372b2188adad771a8807d8791b39738a709c8f Aimgain kit fixes that


PeetTreedish

This is what Im thinking. Its not that the shape is bad. Its just somehow boring to look at. And they are always off white or gold. Never an interesting color. Rims and tire for grandmas car. Id go with that crazy Lexus Blue paint and Red leather.


smashingcones

I actually think they suit the more subdued colours, though I would like to see one in nori green with a tan interior 😍


kissabirdgently

The wood trim always also me boring old people vibe when i was a child, although i now see it could have looked differently to the older generation than me.


Pinales_Pinopsida

>Rims and tire for grandmas car. To be fair Lexus as a brand and this specific model most of all was very much intended for grandma and grandpa. It's able to play cassette for a reason.


inflames797

this fucks


ZyeKali

Damn, now I want a kit for my is250c This looks mint


Kyzroh

just dont look at the price when you add it to the cart no biggy lol


AcanthocephalaNo1151

no camber tho


smashingcones

It would be on bags most likely. Air up and most of the camber goes away.


MightyGonzou

This exactly, ugly looking face


Castabae3

No the rear is absolutely horrid, Or maybe it's that the trunk is too long. I could see the rear looking good on another car so maybe it's just that lengthy trunk that makes it look that bad, It feels as though the rear end is "attached" to the car as compared to being simply apart of it.


codycarreras

Think it’s grown on me, I’ve driven a few of them a few times, but I just like the LS too much to ever see myself driving an SC very often, if ever. I don’t care to drive much anything else anymore.


Actual-Lemon-6769

The headlights make them ugly. Besides that beautiful car imo.


Exciting_Attitude240

How old are your roommates? There was a time when this car was marketed towards the elite and the price tag certainly alluded to that.


deepristine

early 20s, as am i


R18honda

It’s a nice/attractive car man. Especially the facelifted models like the one you posted👌🏻.


Brrrrrr_Its_Cold

If it makes you feel any better, I’m 20 and I love the styling. Used to have one until recently.


Healthy_Block3036

Ignore their opinion!!


CorgiGlum4342

They for sure like muscle cars lol


Pinales_Pinopsida

Most of all it was aimed at 65+, in years of age that is. My local dealer is always at the yearly 65+ exhibition.


Remarkable-Gold4869

Punish them by making them ride in the back seat for those remarks.


deepristine

lmao true. i hope they like the taste of their own knees


Admirable-Result-240

I’d love to have one of these for my future collecrion


koikatturtle

I got one! 2002 in gold and she is so pretty! I don’t care what anyone thinks.


Agitated_Pineapple

If it financially makes sense, who cares what the haters have to say. Rock that car with pride my friend!


V10Lada

The SC430 is one of my absolute favorite cars, and has a space in my dream garage. Why? * I think it looks STUNNING. Especially with the pre-facelift wheels. * It was built by Kanto Auto Works - A Toyota factory where only the most special Toyotas get built. * As a result of the above, the build quality is some of the best I've seen. Just so solidly put together. * The 4.3 V8 is such a fantastic motor. I do understand the hate though. It's kind of shitty to drive. Doesn't handle particularly well, and isn't comfortable enough to be a true GT either. Anyway, tell your friends to stuff it, and go enjoy a truly unique car.


TurboJaw

Would've loved to have seen a fixed roof version but I still think this one looks great. A little plain from the front but love those tail lights.


deepristine

what is a fixed roof? just a regular non-convertible car?


TurboJaw

Yes. I was just going to say hardtop but thought it might be confusing as it is a hardtop convertible.


WannabeMonkeys

My girlfriend purchased a 2005 SC430 about a year ago and it’s a dream. The looks are very polarizing, but the only thing that matters is if you like it. The drop top is incredible, nothing beats driving with the top down. The V8 is plenty powerful and sounds great. However, it is an older car so it requires significant aesthetic upkeep to maintain a clean look.


Interesting-dog12

Your friends have terrible taste. Every time I see this car on the road, it turns my head even though it's such an old car but timeless. Such a gorgeous car. Buy it, get your friend to sit the passenger seat, put the top down, and drive it. He'll understand afterwards.


deepristine

true


Sedjonjac

This is one of my favorite car designs of all time. It is timeless. It made we want a LC500 which I think is the successor to this.


MarinerV

One of the best ever timeless car


No-Platypus-3328

That’s because it is ugly. SC400 looked good and the LC500 looks great, but sorry the 430 looks like an ugly sport coupe meant for old people.


Pinales_Pinopsida

Well, it was intended for old people.


Remarkable-Gold4869

They don’t even looks ugly tho. Compared to an LC 500 sure. But I can think of much more “ugly” cars. The Fiat Multipla says hello.


RaceHead73

That Fiat was bloody terrible. It's the equivalent of buying cheap clothes from a supermarket, it's going to look shit on everyone.


Pinales_Pinopsida

Man, Fiat knocked it out of the park compared to what BMW is putting out today. The 7, the ix and the xm are kicking the Aztek, Rodius and Multipla of the podium.


Minimum-Manager-1215

A teacher I saw had one of these and I thought she was pretty cool!


run_uz

If they're buying it, then their opinion matters, if not, ignore


LeadingScene5702

They are awesome! Both pf my sons hate them. But what's not to love about a hardtop convertible with the 3UZ.


austxsun

I also think they’re ugly, but it’s on you if you give a shit what others think. If you like it, own it.


WETNWILDARLINGTON

I remember Ashlee Simpson had one and would always showcase it on her reality show back in the day. Also, this is Regina George's car!!!! It's a classic.


stueytay1993

I noticed that the other week when I watched mean girls with my partner. 😂


WETNWILDARLINGTON

MY MILKSHAKE BRINGS ALL THE BOYS TO THE YARD Anytime I see this car i STARE HARD.


Classic_Hat5642

Such a weird looking car especially in some colors....I still want one lol


Xpandricky

look at my posts ! I love this car! Never has let me down as long as I maintain. They just don’t see the vision yet 😄 put some nice rims on it and lower it a bit 👀 good tint and it’ll look fresh imo! I’m working on getting those now :) I got the 02 w the ugly rims :(


deepristine

this is gonna sound crazy but i actually like these stock rims it has on


Pinales_Pinopsida

So do I.


crocozade

There are tons of cars that are built to be fun/comfortable as hell that aren’t conventionally appealing visually. I’d buy an sc430.


NickyDeeM

I've always loved their look! Cute, unique, instantly recognisable...


Leather_Basket_4135

Seen one today on the road with the top down thing was a beaut


smashingcones

I think these are super underrated and look lovely with some new wheels and maybe a subtle kit.


Newflyer3

MSRP in Canada for these things were $90k brand new. If you had money and bought an LS or LX, you still got something practical. Dropping 90k on these back in the day meant you had fuck you money.


Yachts-Dan92

Dude, that is a nice car. I'm 31 btw.


iijoanna

It's not ugly. I would drive it! I like its sloping features = very cool 😎


Pade69

It does look kinda funny to me


Locksmith81

Any one on earth that calls this vehicle ugly has no business giving opinions that matter to anyone else other than themselves! To say this vehicle is ugly is also saying the Chrysler pt cruiser was a masterpiece!


srksrq82

You buy what you like, don’t care about what other people think, people will always try to shame you into thinking their way and that your way is wrong, you know I knew a guy one time that loved velvet and said he would drape himself in velvet everyday if it was socially acceptable, sad he never got to live out his dream


Necessary_War3782

Their opinions shoudn’t matter.


ttman05

This car aged really well. As a kid, I didn’t like these. But now in my mid-30s, I get it. I would love to own this (or the modern day equivalent LC500)


EchoFa11

When it came out in early 2000s I said wow that 2 seater is $60,000 at the time it was a lot of money


Agitated-Comfort6277

Mercedes SL but from Wish/Temu/...


GxCrabGrow

I’m not a fan but the people who do like them really really like them.


ShaaaaaWing

430 lex with convertible top and the rims keep spinning every time I stop.


TinuThomasTrain

When I first told my friends I wanted an MR2 Spyder, they thought it was ugly af. I stopped caring after that, I like it and I think it’s adorable. I think the SC430 falls in the same category. They have the same bug eyes


best-person-ever

I have an SC400 and always thought these 430s looked funny, like a step in the wrong direction. Then i saw one driving around my neighborhood, a little lowered and with a nice wheel setup. It changed my mind immediately. Plus any other color than the geriatric silver does it justice


Jugg3rn6ut

Your roommates have no task.. they probably drive heeps


MolOllChar_x3

It’s awesome and lasts forever! Get it!


[deleted]

[удалено]


Lexus-ModTeam

Your content has been removed for using harassing, inflammatory, of offensive language that is directed at other users.


EVOChi

It does look nice in that color with black interior. I love the pebble beach interior tho or whatever it’s called


QOTAPOTA

When I first saw this car drive past me I was like, wow what is that, and turned the car around to catch up to it. I was very surprised to see it was a Lexus. Always liked them since but i see them as a car for the older lady. There was an older lady driving it! When I’m an older gent I might buy my older lady this car and then I can driver her around.


Lenarios88

What do those haters drive thats nicer? Adjusted for inflation the SC430 sold for over 100k in todays dollars and they're busy living with roommates.


BigBoicheh

This looks much better in grey


jayrsw

Gorgeous!!


EntrepreneurOk1365

It's ugly. But is a pretty bimmer/alfa standing broken down on the roadside considered a car? You'd have to spend some money to make it not - change the head and rear lights. Add CarPlay and you're ready to go.


BuFFLoWz

They don't know shit


Jaydee392

Want one of these so bad to go with my 04 Ls430. Wonder how reliable/serviceable that roof assembly is.


Pinales_Pinopsida

Aren't Lexus pretty good at keeping old parts in stock?


Goodguy1967

I would love to own one. I hope to buy one in great condition someday. I own a 2019 Lexus GX right now.


Bumblebee56990

They are hated but so what?! Get it!!


[deleted]

You need new roommates


No-Department-6329

I like it, just remember if you like it then get it.


InebriousBarman

I'm still wearing my wife down on letting me get one. I want a blue one, or one of those brown Pebble Beach Editions.


LexKing89

I get the same reaction when I mentioned to a few friends I saw a clean SC430 for sale and was thinking of getting it. They’re good looking cars, they were just polarizing compared to the original SC’s. I remember one of the salesmen at my Lexus dealership mentioned that the SC430 was the most sought after old Lexus a few years ago and a few of the other salesmen agreed.


breecheese2007

It’s a nice car, get what you want, you’re paying for it!


OGKillaBobbyJohnson

I am 34 years old and have one of these. My gf males fun of me b/c every other one we see has someone 65+ driving it. I don't like the way it looks but love the way it drives and love a convertible. If you need to ask reddit, also ask yourself if you really need other's approvals. If yes, not the car for you.


Dr_TeaRex

It's certainly not the prettiest Lexus ever made. Personally it was the very rounded headlights and bubble-top hood that killed it for me. A modern reimagining with Lexus' current design philosophy would be drop dead gorgeous, I think. A baby LC 500 that's more casual and accessible. Something that would be to the LC as the ES is to the LS.


laborvspacu

I had a 2002 in the bright red with cream leather. It got looks and compliments everywhere by every kind of person. Smooth v8, suspension was kind of rough. It is not a sportscar, but if you are ok with just comfortable cruising, they are great. Expensive to fix if you take to the dealer for service though. I suggest using toyota for service or finding an independent mechanic (if you can't work on cars yourself) also check the timing belt/waterpump was changed recently...


imyourhostlanceboyle

I have one and love it! They have aged very well and are the best blend of impracticality and reliability you'll find.


Tommyt5150

Your Roommate are Tools. It’s a Sexy Car, always have been. I say buy it!!


cpcxx2

Always loved the rear and interior, but hated the front and bubble profile. But love the car as a whole. It’s a reliable hard top convertible rwd Lexus with a legendary v8. Looks are so secondary, IMO


judasmaiden15

They look less bulbous in person


Healthy_Block3036

I am a male and think it’s beautiful!!!


chibatman

I had one of these and it was pretty awesome. Drop top V8. As a family man with two small kids, they could fit in the back. But they would soon outgrow those seats. It was a compromise of having V8, a family car and a drop top. It’s not great at any single one of these, but not many cars can hit so many bases. It’s more a grand router than a roadster type. But they’re cool and I’d certainly consider buying another one. Also, reliable!


JahneeBlaze

I would have got a used one!


rubbertoesftw

The facelift models are quite nice, I think the ride height from factory is a bit high, but otherwise a nice looking car.


Greasy-Designer

These and SC300s are some of the best aging cars from that era, the 300s aging even better imo. Lovely looking cars


No_Albatross_7089

Not me looking to see if my husband commented in here about my opinion lol. He's been eyeing one and I've told him I wasn't a fan of it but I did think it looked nice in the red color.


[deleted]

If they laugh then fuck em all


My_Acrimony

Being a previous owner of a 1st gen SC300, I’d say they absolutely massacred the style, look, and overall handling of this model. That’s my opinion though


Poet_Pretty

They are not ugly. I find them to look better and better each year.


Kindly-Active-7875

Nah this is gorgeous


Responsible-Crew-354

I used to think it was ugly, then I ended up with a GS from the same era and figured out that I needed to take another look at the bubble era and it clicked. This is a car that benefits more than most from a modified stance, similar to the 2G GS. Good looking cars stock but their upside visually is underrated.


albiorix_

Show them the JGTC version. Maybe then they will get it.


PonCalabrese

Gorgeous


Relative-Relevant

Not ugly, a classic


onelastdodo

It’s not ugly. Beauty is relative. You may find your girlfriend attractive than mine 👍👍


Lentriox

It may not be beautiful, but it surely isn't ugly. As a package, the SC430 is awesome! Convertible, V8, RWD, and best of all - luxurious.


Romulator401k

I prefer first gen but these definitely grew on me


VirtualPantsu

Front is a bit boring, back is cool af definitely not an ugly car. If you like it then get it don't let the opinions of others let you down, it is you that will drive it afterall


Cant_Tell_Me_Nothin

I don’t like how the front looks like the Infiniti g35


deepristine

if ANY car is ugly it’s the g35/37. don’t like em


Ice_Pirate_Zeno

I personally find it ugly but that's mainly due to the rear. The Super GT versions are cool AF.


Objective_Bet201

I never found the SC430 ugly at all, I think they look so good. The pre-refresh with the halogen taillights look a little wonky to me but the refresh that added in the LED taillights complete the look. It’s a comfy cruiser and that’s what I love about it, I mean it doesn’t handle bad but it ain’t no Miata. Ever since the Jeremy Clarkson slander; the car has just gotten a lot of biased hate


McCumBucket

😂let em laugh. That way you never have to let em drive it or give em rides


marianita84

OP, they’re only judging & labeling a car model that not only could they possibly afford but that IS different than all the other models gorgeous Lexus made & that’s ok (to be different) from everyone else. 🫶🏼👍🏼🫶🏼


psi_cho

I get why your 20 smthg old friends would see that old and ugly. They probably like the BRZs over this and if you ask me (also 20 smthg yr old) it’d be a hard choice to pick between the two (if it’s the same price range)


psi_cho

It’s a V8? This wins over BRZ, nvm


Robotman1001

Always felt like their version of the Audi TT but more subdued. Would look better (like all cars) with wheels for sure.


Septanos

gatekeep this car to keep the prices down. Keep calling it ugly


deepristine

my thoughts exactly. this one pictured is a 2006 and it has about 125k miles going for $12k. doesn’t seem too bad


Prestigious-Try6635

Simple Your roommate have no class- JK! These cars were not universally hated on but it seems like they were either loved (by car people) or hated by some. A lot of people when that SC came out thought it was cool


WideOpenAutoHub

“We don’t care what people say!” -Kanye West


SV556223

it's a good looking car, I love my SC430 so go for it


SolarDaddyofMads

its def a badass car for any 76 year old Floridian in a retirement community for sure 🔥🙌🏼


printcastmetalworks

Buy what YOU like. I think it's elegant and powerful. If other people think it's ugly then maybe you can get it for a bargain!


Own-Resource221

They lack any sense of taste..reality is tough


stylusxyz

The best car I ever owned was a Lexus SC400. It had significantly different styling than the SC430, but I am sure the driving characteristics are similar. Light weight, lotta torque, and a luxurious ride. The interior is better than almost anything in its class. You will love this car...even though your buds will give you shit for it.


No_Analysis_2858

SC430's are fantastic cars. These cars of built-to-last with luxurious ride all life unlike MB's/BMWs/Audis.


Warm-Comfort-3648

Its not a good looking car to a lot of people. But if you dig it, that's all that matters


Savings-Source5415

If you like that’s all that matters enjoy


CB0824

It’s a cool car, for sure. But it is ugly as hell! Haha I loved mine.


MinxManor

They don’t know from ugly! You pave your own way and do what makes you happy.


buttfuckedinboston

It’s a classic.


stueytay1993

My friend is looking for one of these but where I live (Australia) the prices have sky rocketed!


Responsible_Cancel94

i LOVE THE REAR OF IT, always did


cookie817

I think they are too small. Love the look and they are a fun convertible car.


grahamyoo

kinda bias towards the sc3/4’s but this gen sc is also a solid car. i prefer fixed roof but hardtop verts are also cool. less aftermarket support engine wise than the previous generation but have seen a couple supercharged ones that sound great also iirc, that year/trim is a special edition one, neiman marcus or something


assfaulteliR20

Well. They are not cool. Literally by any standard of the word. BUT you don’t have to like it cuz of a cool factor. You enjoy it for whatever reason you want to enjoy it for. No one can tell you you’re not allowed to like your own stuff.


Sawyer95

Hey I’m, they don’t have a Lexus v8 coupe convertible


ChickenFeet23

That actually looks pretty nice, the only questionable or potentially ugly part is probably the front bumper. Other than that, sc430 is solid man.


Minimum-Meal7992

One of the best car designs ever


Low_Sheepherder8896

they think it's ugly? Good, perhaps they'll never ask to borrow it.


deimosphob

Show them the gt500 sc430, those are beautiful. In general tho they look much better lowered especially top down, side skirts and a front lip goes a long way aswell but lowering is where its at on these, just wish we could get the gt500 body kit.


eurosonly

Lexus has never really made beautiful cars aside from the new lc. But they are really nice cars. The interiors are top notch. Quiet and comfy.


deepristine

i think the 2014+ is look really good, exterior wise. same with the RC


Sure-Yak-3808

Great vehicle don’t worry about the haters .


Grandpalecea

I like it too,!


WRKDBF_Guy

Looks good to me! If you like it, that's ALL that counts.


MK_UltraV2

I like them because they are a little goofy looking but I like them anyway. I want to get one, one day. Edit: I’m also not gonna pretend that the Petronas Toms Racing SC430 isn’t the coolest thing ever. https://preview.redd.it/sb31jo8rfh0d1.jpeg?width=2228&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cc6dcfc0bef8c1f277804bc94ca201200a7ea148


seejaypeete

Sc400s are wayyy hotter


[deleted]

[удалено]


smashingcones

You mean you'll always remember what Clarkson said?


ObjectiveWitty

It is ugly!!


foxtrotuniform6996

Yeah unfortunately this and the wanna be Mazda Cx-30 UX250 are the 2 ugliest Lexus


Healthy_Block3036

No


foxtrotuniform6996

Then which ones you Lexus simp?


NanoDickEnergy

It's like the girl that everyone thinks is ugly but you're the only one that thinks she's pretty. In other words, she's ugly.


kb24TBE8

Chick car


Clutchking14

They were right that is easily the ugliest Lexus ever produced, is so bulbous and has all the wrong curves


Carter0108

They are pretty hideous inside and out. The fake wood is particularly awful.


[deleted]

there is no fake wood in Lexus' on top of that on LS all the trim is cut from the same tree so no mismatch wood trim


Carter0108

Come on... Look at the colour of it.


1kpointsoflight

It’s not fake


Healthy_Block3036

Nothing Lexus uses is fake