Monday, December 01, 2008 - 07:30 am, by: David Grab(Blastedbyasoarer)
Hey guys just wondering what people think of the SC430. Is it a worthy successor of the Soarer, is it something you would buy? What do you think about them, like or dislike? Do you think that a new 'Soarer' is needed soon or is the current SC430 doing the badge justice. What would you like to see in a next generation Soarer if it was to come out in a few years and things that are iconically necessary to retain to keep the Soarer name going.
Monday, December 01, 2008 - 09:34 am, by: Mike Bradberry(Halflife)
I don't like the current shape of the SC430 but I'm sure it would do a lovely job of transferring humans from one place to another. A five or even six speed auto would be a good thing in a new Soarer. Bigger brakes all round, supercharge option and very little else. Naturally the body work and interior would have to be up to date.
Monday, December 01, 2008 - 11:29 am, by: David Grab(Blastedbyasoarer)
Im not gonna state my opinions yet so it remains unbias, Dave you got a link to the top gear clip? Ive always wanted to see what they would think of our Soarers but couldnt find anything so this will do haha
Monday, December 01, 2008 - 02:39 pm, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
The 40 series SC430 is a truly shocking car.
They tried to make it sporty and luxurious but failed on both levels so its a disconnected lofty barge that has little feeling in the steering. I know this as I have been in a trade in SC430 which my brother drove while working for Subaru.
Personally I feel they went backwards with this model, the looks are a appalling on every angle - even the interior is horrid. The exterior looks like a disfigured mess that tried to copy the likes of an Audi TT to capture the 'European' style. The whole thing has no life to it... it's probably one of the ugliest coupes of recent times - Period.
The only two things going for it was the high build quality (as with all Lexus') and the 4.3 liter VVTi engine, that would be perfected fitted in a 30 Series Soarer.
If you bought one your no less than a total, utter idiot that's just thrown away their money when for a fraction of the price you can get a much nicer 30 Series Soarer that has already heavily depreciated in the market... Other wise there are plenty of better sports coupes available from Europe for the 50-100k price tag so why go for a SC430?
I can't wait till Lexus takes it off their production line! I would like to see them create a new SC460, that has the L-Finesse style going for it. But who knows what will happen with the SC yet.
In my opinion Lexus/Toyota haven't yet mastered a luxury coupe since the 1991 Soarer. I look forward to what they can come up with in future that's the new SC... anything has to be better than the 430.
Monday, December 01, 2008 - 04:21 pm, by: Matt Newman(Soarersrock)
in my opinion i don't like it i think the soarer should remain a 2 door coupe as it has in the past and i think its a bit sad that they don't offer an engine choice. however i must say i like the deep blue colour that they all seam to be lol that's my thoughts
Monday, December 01, 2008 - 07:01 pm, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
^ Correct indeed Murray..
Richard Hammond described the SC430 as "a Mexican Hacienda" - which sums it up as being a big estate house on wheels... to my mind that does not sound like a car you would enjoy driving very much... especially while it's matched with looks to make you feel sick. This car really has nothing going for it so why would anyone buy it? Clearly if they do they have no taste what so ever.
Interestingly enough, the SC430 was brought up on the latest Top Gear episode (S12E05) in the news where Hammond called it accurately as, 'undoubtedly the most vial and hideous car ever made' while Clarkson hit the nail on the head too saying 'they are always being driven by woman with faces actually made of leather' Which IS true! Quite regularly I see this ghastly red one being driven around by this emotionless lady with a face like a old tired shoe... shes a good match for the car none the less - I can see why she bought it, Unless driving that car has made her look like she does which wouldn't surprise me...
Monday, December 01, 2008 - 08:58 pm, by: Ben Kelly(Ace)
yeah it looks like piece of crap sean. the video only proves it. I say the gs430 is the way to go, although its not the logical progression from the 30 series
Mike Beck Goo Roo New Zealand Soarer Limited UZZ31 V8
Monday, December 01, 2008 - 09:15 pm, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
Lexus have actually lost the plot a bit with some of their designs.
I still dont think many of their new designs are better than the 30 series soarer. It will remain a timeless classic no question.
At the moment their best is the IS250/350, its clean yet not over the top, I could die for a IS350.. They are marvelous.
The IS-F V8 is very cool, but they have gone over the top with the body work so it looks a bit messy. Especially with the large bonnet - resembles the SC430 on some angles!
The latest GS series is quite good, the front with the soarer style lights is a pro but the rear end is too short which spoils it - just doesnt look quite right...
The LS460 is near perfect. I think they got the job done well with that creation, although the front could have some adjustments to tidy it up.
Their worst is the ES series (next to the 40s SC), they need to just get rid of them. So boring... Especially the one around 2002 ES sedan... totally horrid. Front wheel drive too. Ehh
At least their new concepts look promising, too bad they will have the supercar price tags!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 12:55 am, by: David Grab(Blastedbyasoarer)
IS250 is nice on the inside and outside but is pretty underpowered. Ive driven one for a few months and its more a car for reps/company car. Although im planning on possibly getting one in a couple of years when i dont really car about performance.
IS-F is a crazy car and i like it although some of the lines arent my liking but that point of the car is to be crazy and out there.
I absolutely adore the GS430, looks really good and is a amassing car. I agree about the rear but i actually like it and it reminds me of a continental gt.
LS460L is where its at, every thing is sweet as, a bit too many gadgets for the common man but i love heaps of technology. The only bad thing is the busy headlights are just overkill and this is where the aftermarket 30series ebay lights come from. I think this would be a great car to follow on the Soarer legacy as it has the technology, power, comfort, and luxury of the 30series.
As for the ES i was looking at prices yesterday and you can pick them up for around $22K for a 2001 model, that is ridiculously cheap for a 'Lexus' but its not hard to see why. Its pretty much a Camry Altise of the same production date and if its possible is actually uglier than the Camry.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 01:58 am, by: Avin Luther(Lex_luther)
the 430 goes well in a straight line. quick and smooth, but very softly sprung. feels like mush if you try to corner with any sort of pep. the A pilar is too close to your line of sight and there is not enough room for your right elbow. In short.. feele like it was deisgend for a woman. NOT worth the money when you compare it to a Boxter or a 330 convertible. Boxter S kills the 430 for driveability. stick with your soarer.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 08:56 am, by: Ryan Posselt(Yakusaryan)
I hate the SC430 it looks like a pancake gone wrong with WAY to many walnuts! Dave the LS460 doesn't carry the SC300 legacy. it carries the LS400s legacy but then again I'm biased... I've got a celsior!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 11:44 am, by: David Grab(Blastedbyasoarer)
Nah i know about the LS im just saying that it has everything going for it that the soarer legacy should have, ie the sc430 is a big disgrace to the Soarer badge haha Time to disown the SC430 and make the LS as part of the family haha
Sunday, November 25, 2012 - 11:44 am, by: Joshua Rao(Soaren1)
Glad lexus finally killed it, now they can make a proper coupe that paris hilton wont drive
Mr Lee says he is inspired by simple shapes and art, and cites the Lexus SC430 convertible as one of his favourites. "The original SC, it's sleek, simple, it's elegant. I think that design influenced a lot of future Lexus designs when it was released."
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 - 07:38 pm, by: Kevin Peter(Inspire)
haha yea was very interesting to see the SC430 on "Top Gear: Worst Cars in the history of the world" Wish they did a bit more in depth review on it though for some reason.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 - 09:02 pm, by: Rory Braatvedt(Fallward)
SC430 is truly horrid. Such an insult to the SC lineage.
Stick with the 30, as someone said - a timeless classic. I wish they released an updated model based on the 30's styling!
The only other Lexus i would consider apart from an 89-93 Celsior (Toyota), would be an LS460. Every other lexus (including LSF, LS430, GS430 etc) has failed in the styling department.. but that's just my personal opinion.
EDIT: And even then, the LS460 *could* be mistaken for a new Camry Sportivo.