Lexus SC (2001 - 2009) 430 4.3 2d Auto (6) (2005/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Maturity and style. In the original brochure the couple driving the SC were 40/50 somethings - the guy reminded me of Cary Grant. That's how the car makes me feel. It's a looker and people look at it.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They think it's a bit flash but love it really.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes if they still made them. If I could afford it and find a low mileage car, one of the last to be made, I'd snap it up.

What are you likely to buy next?

A Mercedes 500SL.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£10,995

When did you buy the car?

December 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes. I was trading in a very low mileage car and they had already reduced the asking price by £1K. I managed to get a bit more off on top.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Always wanted one from launch.

What was the dealer like?

Basic secondhand dealership, nothing I could recommend but nothing too bad to say about them either.

What's it like to drive?

Luxurious, quiet and makes me feel good. The road holding and ride are poor though. Richard Hammond in his What Not to Buy book said the ride is rubbish and he's right there, it's not up to the standard of the price it cost new. He also said the interior veneer is like the inside of a 1950s council flat. I reckon it's excellent and exudes quality but what would The Hamster know about quality?

What's it like to park?

A pain as rear vision is poor and there are no parking sensors. Can't believe it cost over £50K new and they were not fitted as standard.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes one of the tyre pressure monitor valves had to be replaced. I'd notice the light was on when I tested it but they said the tyre just needed pumping up. The light came on again every two weeks after re-inflating. It was a franchise only fit so I had to get the Lexus dealership to do it. The warranty covered most of the cost but not all. And I had to have a new tyre because of uneven wear due to underinflations. The dealer selling it should have spotted these things.

What's most practical about your car?

Small enough to park easily - I nearly always drive bigger cars. Hardly any rear room so I can't give lifts - a bonus!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The metal folding roof. I call this my 'mid-life crisis car' and love it.