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2007 Lexus SC 430 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2007 Lexus SC 430 Review:
2007 Lexus SC 430 Review
The addition of standard front-knee airbags marks 2007 for Lexus's upper-crust convertible. SC 430 has a power-retractable hardtop and a small rear seat intended for occasional use, mainly by kids. The sole powertrain teams a 288-hp V8 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. ABS, traction/antiskid control, front side airbags, and front knee airbags are standard. So are leather/wood interior trim, navigation system, and steering-linked headlamps. Run-flat tires are optional.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series and Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jaguar XK Series and Volkswagen Eos.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series and Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jaguar XK Series and Volkswagen Eos.
News
A clean-sheet 2008 SC is reportedly on for a mid-2007 debut. A 4.6-liter V8 will change badges to SC 460. The platform is a 2-dr adaptation of the IS/GS sedan architecture. A hideaway hardtop continues, but styling is said to mimic the stance and proportions of a BMW 6-Series--though not its odd body surfaces, we hope. Look for a standard 8-speed automatic transmission that, like the V8, comes from Lexus' redesigned LS 460 flagship.
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2007 Lexus SC 430 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Cargo room |
| Quietness | Rear-seat entry/exit |
| Handling | Rear-seat room |
| Build quality | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Takeoffs seem sedate, but refined SC offers good midrange punch, relaxed highway cruising.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8.1 |
Takeoffs seem sedate, but refined SC offers good midrange punch, relaxed highway cruising.
Fuel Economy
Test SC 430s averaged 16.6-18.6 mpg. Premium-grade fuel required.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Test SC 430s averaged 16.6-18.6 mpg. Premium-grade fuel required.
Ride Quality
Mainly an easy rider, but gets hard-edge jitters on patchy pavement and wanders some along grooves. Optional run-flat tires with stiff sidewalls make ride borderline harsh. Body shows minor top-down quiver on rough roads, but is closed-coupe solid with top up.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 6 | 4 | 4.5 |
Mainly an easy rider, but gets hard-edge jitters on patchy pavement and wanders some along grooves. Optional run-flat tires with stiff sidewalls make ride borderline harsh. Body shows minor top-down quiver on rough roads, but is closed-coupe solid with top up.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Agile for a luxury-tourer, despite slightly numb steering. One test SC wandered slightly in simulated panic stops, but distances were short, nosedive minimal. Run-flat tires require more-frequent steering correction at highway speed.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8.6 |
Agile for a luxury-tourer, despite slightly numb steering. One test SC wandered slightly in simulated panic stops, but distances were short, nosedive minimal. Run-flat tires require more-frequent steering correction at highway speed.
Quietness
Top-up, SC matches most luxury coupes for refinement, despite some low but audible wind rustle and coarse-pavement tire thrum. Top-down wind buffeting among lowest of convertibles we've tested.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 4.5 |
Top-up, SC matches most luxury coupes for refinement, despite some low but audible wind rustle and coarse-pavement tire thrum. Top-down wind buffeting among lowest of convertibles we've tested.
Controls
Navigation screen can be tilted to suit ambient light, but can still wash out in direct sun. Steering wheel audio-volume buttons a bit obscured. Retractable top smooth and quick, up or down.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Navigation screen can be tilted to suit ambient light, but can still wash out in direct sun. Steering wheel audio-volume buttons a bit obscured. Retractable top smooth and quick, up or down.
Details
Sumptuous, beautifully crafted cabin features real wood, soft leather, discreet brightwork.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.6 |
Sumptuous, beautifully crafted cabin features real wood, soft leather, discreet brightwork.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Comfortable 10-way power seats are set low, hampering entry/exit and, for some drivers, visibility; they're also too flat for good lateral location in fast cornering. Ample leg room, but top-up head room just adequate for six-footers.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Comfortable 10-way power seats are set low, hampering entry/exit and, for some drivers, visibility; they're also too flat for good lateral location in fast cornering. Ample leg room, but top-up head room just adequate for six-footers.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Scarcely any space or comfort on token "seat," which is best used for small parcels and pets.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | .6 |
Scarcely any space or comfort on token "seat," which is best used for small parcels and pets.
Cargo Room
Almost none with the top stowed, barely enough for two on a long weekend with top up and careful packing. Run-flat option omits the spare tire to add 0.6 cu ft, a poor trade for the harsher ride.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | 2.2 |
Almost none with the top stowed, barely enough for two on a long weekend with top up and careful packing. Run-flat option omits the spare tire to add 0.6 cu ft, a poor trade for the harsher ride.
Value within Class
SC 430 is a posh, pleasant, semisporting convertible with the extra security and convenience of a power metal roof, plus Lexus' highly rated customer service, workmanship, and reliability. It isn't cheap, but some rivals with similar power and features cost even more.
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 5.4 |
SC 430 is a posh, pleasant, semisporting convertible with the extra security and convenience of a power metal roof, plus Lexus' highly rated customer service, workmanship, and reliability. It isn't cheap, but some rivals with similar power and features cost even more.
Total Score
| Base | Base w/run-flat tires | Class Average |
| 60 | 57 | 58.7 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 43 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 63 |
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2007 Lexus SC 430 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/25/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door convertible | $65,455 | $56,945 | $715 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
4.3-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescope wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated 10-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (front seats, steering wheel, mirrors), center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Mark Levinson AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power antenna, digital clock, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, navigation system, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, power-retractable hardtop, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, universal garage door opener, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, windblocker, steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights w/washers, fog lights, 245/40ZR18 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Pebble Beach Special Edition
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,405
|
$1,924
|
|
Unique interior and exterior trim, special wood interior trim, rear spoiler, run-flat tires.
|
||
|
Preferred Accessory Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$197
|
$117
|
|
Cargo mat and net, wheel locks.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Cargo mat
|
||
|
Base
|
$69
|
$41
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Rear spoiler
|
||
|
Base
|
$440
|
$352
|
|
Run-flat tires
|
||
|
Base
|
$400
|
$320
|
|
|
||
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Lexus SC 430 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Lexus SC 430 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3840 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 8.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 33.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 27.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.3 /262 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 288 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 317 @ 3400 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed automatic | 19/25 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Lexus SC 430 2-door convertible |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 6/70,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
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Also in the 2007 Lexus SC 430 Review:
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