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Lexus SC Roadster (2001-2009) review

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Parkers overall rating: 2.5 out of 52.5

At a glance

Price new £52,507 - £61,975
Used prices £1,949 - £6,982
Road tax cost £415 - £735
Insurance group 47
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Fuel economy Not tested to latest standards
Range 379 - 396 miles
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Available fuel types

Petrol

Pros & cons

PROS

Superb build and reliability, excellent refinement, smooth V8 engine

CONS

Ugly styling, poor economy, lifeless steering, dull to drive, impractical

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Overview

Lexus is better known for luxury and refinement rather than keen handling sports cars. That’s evident in the SC. It may be a two-seater convertible but it’s more at home cruising along rather than being hustled down twisting roads. On paper it seems a good proposition with a 280bhp V8 engine and a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds, but in everyday driving it feels cumbersome, not helped by the ponderous automatic gearbox.

That said, there’s not denying the superb build quality, plus Lexus reliability comes as standard. It’s also very well equipped while the metal-folding roof folds away neatly and is more secure a fabric hood. However, it feels dated alongside it’s main alternatives and is expensive to run.