Lexus SC Roadster (2001-2009) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 2 out of 52.0

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 23 - 24 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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With a thirsty V8 engine capable of just 25mpg, high road tax and group 19 insurance, the SC430 is not a cheap car to own. On the plus side a full service is only needed every 20,000 miles and Lexus dealers are the best in the business. But their rates aren’t cheap and neither are tyres or parts.

The SC performs badly on the eco front, with emissions of 269g/km of CO2. It’s also thirsty and returns just 25mpg.

Lexus – and parent company Toyota – have been leading reliability surveys for many years and it shows on the precisely built SC. Much thought has gone into the quality of the interior, which is exceptional.