The 2002 Lexus SC 430 was the high point of Lexus’s entry into a market dominated at the time of the Mercedes Benz SL’s, Jaguar XJ8’s and other high end European luxury vehicles. It was a luxury hardtop convertible recognized for its unique rounded styling and its 4.3-liter V8 engine producing 300 horsepower. It was designed similar to its competition, more a refined, comfortable cruiser with a 5.9-second 0–60 mph time rather than a finely focused high-performance sports car. The 430 offered a smooth ride, seamless drivetrain and high-end interior finishes and features. Most acknowledged this was one of the last genuinely honest Lexus’s to come out of the Kanji factory.


When delivered new the price was comparable to the other cars in its class with an average retail figure of just under $70,000. 24 years of depreciation has been as expected but a reversing trend the past few years has seen the average sale price grow 10% according to current value guides.

The SC was based on the sporty Lexus GS 430 platform but the interior reflected an elegant, modern simplicity of the exterior with the cockpit is finished in real wood and leather. Many of the controls (e.g. the stereo) are hidden by spring loaded wooden covers allowing the console an uncluttered look.

The double overhead cam aluminum power plant produced 300 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 320 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400. Lexus stated that the SC 430 was capable of zero-to-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, faster than the current Porsche Boxster. The five-speed automatic transmission was incredibly smooth delivering shifting points exactly as needed.

Our car with 37,815 miles, is without exception. It is cosmetically beautiful with almost new tires. The interior and exterior show no signs of wear. There are two stickers in the engine compartment showing the timing belt being replaced twice. The first was 10/18/10 at 25,534 miles and the second on 08/23/2020 at 34.891 miles. Some would see this as a sure sign of the care and maintenance by it’s previous owners.

The selling price is $24,995. The VIN# is JTHFN48Y720033625 miles are 37,815. Please come by and see at Automania LLC, 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, OR 97526. http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania LLC is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest