The 2003 Lexus SC 430 is a luxury retractable hardtop convertible, part of the SC series launched by Lexus. The SC 430 debuted in 2001 and ran through the 2010 model year. All models featured the same trim level, focusing on luxury and comfort. Its retractable hardtop, luxurious interior, and smooth ride made it popular. Expect used prices to range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on condition and mileage.
The Good
The 2003 Lexus SC 430 offers a blend of luxury and performance. Its V8 engine provides smooth power, appealing to emotional buyers. Practical buyers will appreciate Lexus's reputation for reliability and the SC 430's comfortable ride. The retractable hardtop also adds a unique design element.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2003 Lexus SC 430 include the navigation system, which can be outdated. The rear seats are small and impractical for adults. Suspension components and the retractable hardtop mechanism should be inspected for wear and tear, as repairs can be costly.
2003 Lexus SC: Quick Overview
Key specifications for the 2003 Lexus SC 430:
- Engine: 4.3L V8 (3UZ-FE)
- Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 325 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.9 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing
- Trim Level Features:
- Leather upholstery
- Wood trim
- Mark Levinson sound system
- Navigation system (optional)
- Power-adjustable and heated seats
- Automatic climate control
- Retractable hardtop convertible
- Xenon HID headlights
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Traction Control (TRAC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
The 2003 SC 430 came in a single, well-equipped trim level. Options primarily included exterior colors and interior materials. The standard features focused on luxury and convenience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The powerful V8 engine delivered brisk acceleration, while the suspension provided a smooth and refined ride.
2003 Lexus SC Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2003 |
| Make | Lexus |
| Model | SC |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Cabriolet |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | SUSONO |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3UZ-FE |
| Engine Size | 4.3L |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
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Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2003 Lexus SC Have?
Frequently reported problems for the 2003 Lexus SC 430 often relate to its age and the complexity of its systems. The retractable hardtop mechanism can experience issues, requiring costly repairs. Owners have also reported problems with the navigation system, which is now outdated and can be difficult to update. The Mark Levinson sound system, while high-end for its time, can also develop issues with age, such as speaker failure or amplifier problems.
Other potential issues include suspension component wear, leading to a less comfortable ride. Oil leaks from the engine are also a concern, especially on higher-mileage examples. Check for leaks around the valve covers and oil pan. The air conditioning system can also develop leaks or compressor failure over time.
Recalls for the 2003 SC 430 were relatively limited, but it's important to check the vehicle's VIN against the NHTSA database to ensure all applicable recalls have been addressed. Long-term reliability is generally good for Lexus vehicles, but preventative maintenance is crucial to avoid major repairs as the car ages.
Other potential issues include suspension component wear, leading to a less comfortable ride. Oil leaks from the engine are also a concern, especially on higher-mileage examples. Check for leaks around the valve covers and oil pan. The air conditioning system can also develop leaks or compressor failure over time.
Recalls for the 2003 SC 430 were relatively limited, but it's important to check the vehicle's VIN against the NHTSA database to ensure all applicable recalls have been addressed. Long-term reliability is generally good for Lexus vehicles, but preventative maintenance is crucial to avoid major repairs as the car ages.
How long will the 2003 Lexus SC last?
Given proper maintenance, a 2003 Lexus SC 430 can easily provide 200,000 miles or more of service. Many owners report their vehicles still running strong after 15-20 years. Long-term durability is a Lexus hallmark. However, age-related issues are inevitable. Regular oil changes, fluid flushes, and inspections are vital. Weaknesses tend to emerge in the hydraulic systems (for the top), suspension bushings, and electrical components. Preventative maintenance and timely repairs are key to extending its lifespan.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2003 Lexus SC 430 came equipped with a range of tech and luxury features for its time. Standard features included a premium Mark Levinson sound system with a multi-disc CD changer. An optional navigation system was available, though it is now considered outdated.
Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern vehicles but included Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), front airbags, and side airbags.
Entertainment features centered around the audio system. The Mark Levinson system was a highlight, offering exceptional sound quality for its era. The navigation system, while functional, lacks the modern features of smartphone integration and real-time traffic updates.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) are available for the 2003 Lexus SC 430. It generally performed well in frontal and side-impact crash tests. Keep in mind that safety technology has advanced significantly since 2003, so its safety performance is not comparable to that of newer vehicles.
Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern vehicles but included Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), front airbags, and side airbags.
Entertainment features centered around the audio system. The Mark Levinson system was a highlight, offering exceptional sound quality for its era. The navigation system, while functional, lacks the modern features of smartphone integration and real-time traffic updates.
Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) are available for the 2003 Lexus SC 430. It generally performed well in frontal and side-impact crash tests. Keep in mind that safety technology has advanced significantly since 2003, so its safety performance is not comparable to that of newer vehicles.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Millennium Silver Metallic
Black Onyx
Crystal White
Desert Sand Mica
Bluestone Metallic
Interior Colors
Redwood
Ecru
Black
2003 Lexus SC Prices and Market Value
When new, the 2003 Lexus SC 430 had an MSRP of around $62,000. Current used market prices range from roughly $10,000 to $20,000, depending on condition, mileage, and location. The SC 430 has depreciated significantly due to its age. Factors affecting resale value include the car's overall condition, maintenance history, mileage, and the presence of desirable options like the navigation system. Well-maintained examples with lower mileage command higher prices. The retractable hardtop's functionality is also a key factor influencing resale value.
2003 Lexus SC Cost of Ownership
Insurance costs for a 2003 Lexus SC 430 are moderate, reflecting its age and value. Fuel costs can be significant due to its V8 engine and premium fuel requirement. Maintenance and repair costs can be higher than average, especially for the retractable hardtop and other age-related issues. Long-term ownership can be costly if major repairs are needed. While reliable, its age means more frequent maintenance. It is not considered an economical vehicle to own.
2003 Lexus SC Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
18 gallons
City Mileage
18 miles/gallon
Highway Mileage
22 miles/gallon
2003 Lexus SC Safety Rating
NHTSA
2003 Lexus SC Recalls & Defects
AIR Bags
Recall date
2015-05-13
Recall no.
15v286000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) Notified THE Agency ON MAY 13, 2015, That They ARE Recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra Vehicles That Were Originally Sold, or Ever Registered, IN Florida, Along THE Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, THE U.s. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. ON June 16, 2015 Toyota Expanded THE Recall TO Cover AN Additional 769,055 Vehicles, Including Certain Model Year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra Vehicles, AS Well THE Vehicles Covered BY THE MAY 13, 2015 Notification IN THE Portions OF Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas That Were NOT Previously Included. THE Inflators IN THE Front Passenger AIR Bags ARE Susceptible TO Rupture IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating THE Deployment OF THE Front Passenger AIR Bag.
Consequence
IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating Deployment OF THE Passenger's Frontal AIR Bag, THE Inflator Could Rupture With Metal Fragments Striking THE Vehicle Occupants Potentially Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix Vehicles That ARE Recalled Under Both 15v-043 and 15v-286 ARE Under A DO NOT Drive Advisory. Owners OF These Vehicles ARE Advised NOT TO Drive Their Vehicles Until THE Recall Remedy HAS Been Completed. Toyota Will Notify Their Owners. Pontiac Vibe Owners Will BE Notified BY GM. Dealers Will Replace THE Passenger Side Front AIR Bag, Free OF Charge. Owners MAY Contact Toyota Customer Service AT 1-800-331-4331. Toyota Began THE Recall ON July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe Owners MAY Contact GM AT 1-800-762-2737. GM Began THE Recall ON June 29, 2015. Note: This Recacll Supersedes Recall 14v-655 IN ITS Entirety. FOR Vehicles Located IN THE U.s. States NOT Listed Above, Please SEE Toyota Recall 15v-285 Which Covers All Other U.s. States.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags
Recall date
2015-05-13
Recall no.
15v285000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) Notified THE Agency ON MAY 13, 2015 That They ARE Recalling Certain Model Year 2004 Sequoia Vehicles Manufactured August 18, 2003, TO August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra Vehicles Manufactured March 18, 2003, TO August 25, 2004. ON June 16, 2015, Toyota Expanded THE Recall TO Include AN Additional 1,270,468 Vehicles, Including Model Year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC Vehicles. This IS TO Address A Safety Defect IN THE Passenger Side Frontal AIR BAG Inflator Which MAY Produce Excessive Internal Pressure Causing THE Inflator TO Rupture Upon Deployment OF THE AIR Bag. This Recall Addresses Both THE Passenger Side Frontal AIR Bags That Were Originally Installed IN THE Vehicles, AS Well AS Replacement AIR Bags That MAY Have Been Installed AS Replacement Service Parts. A Replacement AIR BAG MAY Have Been Installed, AS ONE Example, IF A Vehicle HAD Been IN A Crash Necessitating THE Replacement OF THE Passenger Side Frontal AIR Bag.
Consequence
IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating Deployment OF THE Passenger's Frontal AIR Bag, THE Inflator Could Rupture With Metal Fragments Striking THE Vehicle Occupants Potentially Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix Vehicles That ARE Recalled Under Both 15v-043 and 15v-285 ARE Under A DO NOT Drive Advisory. Owners OF These Vehicles ARE Advised NOT TO Drive Their Vehicles Until THE Recall Remedy HAS Been Completed. Toyota Will Notify Their Owners. Pontiac Vibe Owners Will BE Notified BY GM. Dealers Will Replace THE Front Passenger AIR Bag. THE Recall Began ON July 13, 2015. Toyota Owners MAY Contact Toyota Customer Service AT 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac Owners MAY Call 1-800-762-2737. Note: This Recall Supersedes Recall 14v-312 IN ITS Entirety.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Recall date
2018-12-12
Recall no.
18v883000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) IS Recalling Certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe Vehicles. These Vehicles ARE Equipped With Certain AIR BAG Inflators Assembled AS Part OF THE Passenger Frontal AIR BAG Modules Used AS Original Equipment or Replacement Equipment. IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating Deployment OF THE Passenger Frontal AIR Bag, These Inflators MAY Explode DUE TO Propellant Degradation.
Consequence
AN Inflator Explosion MAY Result IN Sharp Metal Fragments Striking THE Driver or Other Occupants Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
Toyota Will Notify THE Toyota and Lexus Owners. General Motors Will Notify THE Pontiac Vibe Owners. Depending ON THE Vehicle Model, Dealers Will Replace THE Front Passenger AIR BAG Inflator With AN Alternate Inflator, or Replace THE AIR BAG Assembly That Includes AN Alternate Inflator, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began January 23, 2019. Owners MAY Contact Toyota Customer Service AT 1-888-270-9371, Lexus Customer Service AT 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac Customer Service AT 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's Numbers FOR These Recalls ARE J0A (Zone A Toyota), J0B (Zone B Toyota), J0C (zone C Toyota), JLI (zone A Lexus), JLJ (zone B Lexus), and JLK (zone C Lexus). Note: This Recall Includes Vehicles That Have HAD Their AIR BAG Previously Replaced Under AN Earlier AIR BAG Campaign.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
2003 Lexus SC Insurance
Insurance for a 2003 Lexus SC is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Cabriolet with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2003 Lexus SC Compare to Other Cabriolet?
The 2003 Lexus SC 430 competed with luxury convertibles like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, BMW Z4, and Cadillac XLR. Compared to the SL-Class, the SC 430 offered similar luxury and performance but at a potentially lower used price point with comparable reliability ratings. The Z4 provided a sportier driving experience, while the XLR offered a more American-style luxury feel.
In terms of reliability, the SC 430 generally holds an edge over the XLR and is comparable to the SL-Class. The Z4, being a smaller roadster, has a different focus on handling. Feature-wise, the SC 430 offered a well-equipped package, but the technology is dated compared to newer models.
Alternatives to the SC 430 include later model years of the same car (2004-2010) for updated features, or a used BMW 6 Series convertible for a more modern and sporty option. The Mercedes-Benz SLK offers a similar retractable hardtop experience in a smaller package. However, for sheer reliability and value in its class, the SC 430 remains a compelling choice.
In terms of reliability, the SC 430 generally holds an edge over the XLR and is comparable to the SL-Class. The Z4, being a smaller roadster, has a different focus on handling. Feature-wise, the SC 430 offered a well-equipped package, but the technology is dated compared to newer models.
Alternatives to the SC 430 include later model years of the same car (2004-2010) for updated features, or a used BMW 6 Series convertible for a more modern and sporty option. The Mercedes-Benz SLK offers a similar retractable hardtop experience in a smaller package. However, for sheer reliability and value in its class, the SC 430 remains a compelling choice.
Ranks #381 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 381 | 2003 Lexus SC | (0.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2003 Lexus SC a Good Cabriolet?
The 2003 Lexus SC 430 is ideal for those seeking a comfortable and stylish luxury convertible with a reputation for reliability. It's worth buying as a used vehicle if you prioritize comfort and a smooth ride over cutting-edge technology. Ensure a thorough inspection for retractable hardtop functionality and potential maintenance needs. Look for well-maintained examples with complete service records. It's not a practical choice for families or those needing a lot of cargo space. It's best suited as a weekend cruiser or a stylish daily driver for individuals or couples.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.