zzdcar
Home
/
Reviews
/
Buying
/
At $16,950, Is This 2003 Lexus SC 430 The Granddaddy Of All Deals?
At $16,950, Is This 2003 Lexus SC 430 The Granddaddy Of All Deals?-January 2024
2024-02-19 EST 22:09:28

Nice Price or No Dice 2003 Lexus SC 430

Today’s SC 430 has a cassette player in its dash and the model is notable for being one of the last sold in the States with that feature. Let’s see if that alone can make its price worthwhile.

To me at least, the 66 percent No Dice loss garnered by yesterday’s came as unexpected. At $30,900, the car was at the bottom of the M Coupe market, and it must have sold for somewhere near that since the seller pulled the ad around the time we started our festivities. It apparently didn’t sell to any of us, however, so I guess we’ll never know who disagreed enough with our vote to make that hot little Bimmer their own.

Image for article titled At $16,950, Is This 2003 Lexus SC 430 The Granddaddy Of All Deals?

I’ll have to say this is probably the last time in history that you’ll see two articles on Lexus’ SC 430 model within 48 hours of one another. Remarkably, it was just a happy coincidence and not some sort of insidious initial step by the shadow community of SC 430 cultists to achieve the twin goals of world domination and a modicum of respect for their car club.

The reason for us to look at today’s is quite obvious from the pics. I mean, just look at it!

Of course, the styling is still the same old sad blobfish design, but when dressed all in black and with a gorgeous saddle leather interior, it can look damn classy. And that’s even when set against a bustling New York borough backdrop. Hey, I’m walkin’ here! I’m walkin’ here!

Image for article titled At $16,950, Is This 2003 Lexus SC 430 The Granddaddy Of All Deals?

Along with the fancy looks, you get a mechanical top that is shown being put through its paces in the ad’s pics. Down below, a set of factory alloys fill the wheel arches and add a bit of lightness to the overall look.

Along with the seemingly well-cared-for topcoat, the car comes with Xenon headlamps with covers that show no sign of yellowing or condensation.

Image for article titled At $16,950, Is This 2003 Lexus SC 430 The Granddaddy Of All Deals?

Of course, you spend a good deal of time inside your car and it’s the interior that really shines here. Naturally, you get the impeccable Lexus build quality and a slew of convenience and luxury features, but you also get some lovely to look at wood and leather too. And a cassette player! That old-school throwback is partnered with an in-dash navigation screen making this Lexus a true not-so-missing link.

Image for article titled At $16,950, Is This 2003 Lexus SC 430 The Granddaddy Of All Deals?

The seller describes the interior’s condition as “110%” and calls out the Mark Levinson-designed sound system and heated seats as notable features. Per the ad, the 300 horsepower 4.3 liter V8 “sounds and works flawless,” and does its thing with an equally up to the task five-speed automatic. Fully 49 maintenance records are available for prospective buyers to peruse, and the seller claims the car to have a Carfax report free of any major boogers. Mileage is a modest 111,500 — or about the halfway point on any Lexus — and the car comes with a clean title.

Image for article titled At $16,950, Is This 2003 Lexus SC 430 The Granddaddy Of All Deals?

Look, I know that Top Gear once anointed the SC 430 as the . You have to remember that that dubious honor was given by someone (cough*Clarkson*cough) who also considers British-built cars to be the best in the world. This SC 430 looks classy AF and will likely still be purring along 20-years from now. AndI’m sure I don’t have to sell you on its awesome-looking interior either.

Image for article titled At $16,950, Is This 2003 Lexus SC 430 The Granddaddy Of All Deals?

What may need some selling, however, is the car’s $16,950 price. That will buy you a whole lot of prettier cars that will break your heart if not your bank account over the course of ownership. What do you think, is this Lexus worth that $16,950 asking for anyone seeking a classy and un-fussy car? Or, is there just no getting over its inherent SC 430-ness?

You decide!

New York, New York, , or go if the ad disappears.

Help me out with NPOND. Hit me up at and send me a fixed-price tip. Remember to include your Kinja handle.

Comments
Welcome to zzdcar comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.
Sign up to post
Sort by
Show More Comments
Buying
Reminder: Your Car Is Not An Appreciating Asset
Reminder: Your Car Is Not An Appreciating Asset
The used market , very hot, leading some people to think that used cars might now be appreciating assets. Friends, I implore you: They are not. We know, of course, that almost every car , almost no matter what you do, but now, , used cars are gaining in...
Jan 17, 2026
At $22,900 Canadian, Would You ‘RUF-It’ In This 2001 Porsche Boxster S?
At $22,900 Canadian, Would You ‘RUF-It’ In This 2001 Porsche Boxster S?
Germany’s RUF is a well-known Porsche tuner/carmaker, but it is less well known for piecemeal work on cars like today’s Boxster S. Could that obscurity make this Canadian RUF a smooth deal? Yesterday, torches were lit while pitchforks were sharpened and mobs were formed. All of that hustle-bustle was...
Jan 17, 2026
Americans Love The 2022 VW Tiguan's Lies
Americans Love The 2022 VW Tiguan's Lies
One of the chief complaints about the first-generation Volkswagen Tiguan compact crossover (from American owners) was that it was a little too compact. The second generation fixed that in 2017 by stretching the model out enough to offer a third-row seat. The refresh doesn’t change much, but it’s still...
Jan 17, 2026
At $12,500, Could This 1990 Lexus ES 250 Drop You Into The Lap Of Luxury?
At $12,500, Could This 1990 Lexus ES 250 Drop You Into The Lap Of Luxury?
Entry-level luxury is an odd term but is epitomized by today’s Lexus ES 250. Could this well-preserved fancy Camry still have what it takes to command a near-premium price? It’s been a common mantra around here for quite a while to “Safari all the things!” That means to fit...
Jan 17, 2026
Do The Automakers Really Care If Their Dealer Networks Are Bad?
Do The Automakers Really Care If Their Dealer Networks Are Bad?
As Jalopnik’s resident car-buying expert and a professional car shopper, I get emails. Lots of emails. I’ve picked a few of your questions and will try to help out. This week we are discussing how much intervention automakers do with poor dealers and “actual market value” coverage for insurance....
Jan 17, 2026
This Vintage GM Coach Bus Is A Retro RV With A Mini Hot Tub
This Vintage GM Coach Bus Is A Retro RV With A Mini Hot Tub
Old buses make for an excellent blank slate s. This 1945 GM PD-3302 for sale on Facebook Marketplace for $ is a rare vintage bus with a sweet floors and even a walk-in hot tub. According to the , the GM PD-3302 is a rare coach bus. Built in...
Jan 17, 2026
Copyright 2023-2026 - www.zzdcar.com All Rights Reserved