Pros:
- Lovely interior
- Quiet, strong engine
- Loads of cachet
Cons:
- Small, oddly-shaped cargo space
- Unusable back seat
- High price
Buyers who want a convertible with the peace and serenity of a Lexus -- and are willing to pay dearly for it
Who should not buy the Lexus SC430:
Sun worshippers who are even remotely budget-conscious
Continued below…
Details and specs:
- Body style: 2-door retractable hardtop convertible
- Seating capacity: 4 (yeah, right -- in real life, it's 2)
- Trim levels: One
- Price range (including options): $66,150 - $68,575
- Test car price: $66,590
- Base engine: 4.3 liter V8, 288 hp @ 5600 RPM, 317 lb-ft @ 3400 RPM
- Optional engine: None
- Premium fuel required? Yes
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Driveline: Front engine, rear-wheel-drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 19 MPG city/25 MPG highway
- Where built: Japan
- Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted side (torso) airbags, driver and passenger knee airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control
- Optional safety equipment: none
- Major standard features: Power windows, locks, mirrors, and seats, heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, Mark Levinson stereo with 6-disc CD changer, power-operated retractable hardtop, navigation system, cruise control
- Major options: Run-flat tires, special wheels, trunk spoiler, Pebble Beach trim package
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 6 years/70,000 miles powertrain, 6 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
- Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 4 years/unlimited mileage roadside assistance
Best rivals:
- Mercedes-Benz SLK230
- Volvo C70
- Volkswagen Eos
