Lexus SC road tests and consumer car reviews

Lexus SC 430 2006

I own a 2006 Lexus SC 430 and if it wasn’t for the suspension (admittedly a fairly important factor in a car) it would be almost the perfect car. Only on smooth roads does it ride well; if it had the ride and handling of my 3 series BMW it would be fantastic. I have had no problems with it other than a slight squeak in the roof (fixed under warranty), and often leave it for between 1 and 2 weeks without starting it and have never had any battery problems unlike other reviewers. The layout and design of the controls and dashboard is far superior to most newer cars as it doesn’t have the requirement to use a BMW iDrive style system to change radio stations etc., etc. In my opinion the design of the controls on most modern cars makes them too distracting to drive safely. The reason I ended up with a SC 430 is that I wanted to own a Lexus and found the IS 250 too cramped (I’m 191cm tall), and the GS 300 is so cramped it is a joke. The SC 430 is much roomier for the driver than either of those models. The SC 430 is a greatly underrated car.

Lexus SC 430 2007

In April 2009 I purchased a LEXUS SC430, I have had a very frustrating issue with it. If the vehicle sits for more than 4-5 days without driving it, it will not start because of a dead battery. This has happened numerous times now. My dealer says that it is a known problem, but they also indicated that Lexus knows about this issue, and there are no fixes! Supposedly, the vehicle has so many computers, that if it is not run every couple of days or so, it will discharge the battery. The only workarounds from Lexus are to either install a kill switch for the battery, thus turning off all power to the car (and deleting radio presets and the like), or always hooking up the battery to a trickle charger when I am gone. Unfortunately, I travel for business frequently, and neither of these are appropriate. The LEXUS SC 430 is my second car and that is why I do not use it every day I also own a new LEXUS RX400 which I regularly use and was advised by the Lexus garage that if that is left it will have the same problem. I am appalled that LEXUS can sell cars with these known faults The only way to overcome the problem is to carry a Heavy Duty Jump Start 4000 battery charger. I ask that JD Power let prospective owners of both Models of hidden problem LEXUS does not appear to want to solve the know problem and has NOT considered conducting a Kaitzen on the problem and one is not able to discuss the problem with any technical representative CAN YOU HELP GET LEXUS TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM Kindest Regards Paul Tweedale Mobile 07714 272473 e-mail a5rpt@talktalk.net

Responses to this review

I have a 2007 Lexus SC430 and I have exactly the same problem. I call Lexus Headquarters and they tell me to take it to the dealer. I take it to the dealer and they change the battery and tell me to drive it more. So far I have gone through 3 batteries. If I drive it to the airport and leave it for more than 6 days, I must have a jump start to get back home. I have been jump started by a 1968 Volkswagon and a 1974 Ford Pickup. How prestigious is that? Totally unacceptable. I suggest all SC430 owners contact Consumer Affairs.Com and lodge a complaint. It’s very easy to do and it’s free - Al Porter from United States of America

I have had an SC430 for 8y (just the one car) and it’s never given me any problems. I did run the battery down once by leaving the internal light on and after that it played up a bit. However when I bought a new battery (amazingly cheap, about £50 from Lexus themselves, fitted) then the issue was completely resolved. I also travel a lot for business so the car is unused for a week or more at a time, several times a year. It’s never failed to start first time since. I have not had any other mechanical or technical problems. The tyre pressures sensors are rather fragile so best warn anyone changing a tyre otherwise there are some expensive replacements to make - Clarke Pitts from London

I am having the same problem. The car does not start, battery dies. Totally unacceptable! - Jason from United States of America

Lexus SC

I've owned 3 different Lexus and may cars of similar marque over the years. The SC430 is terrific! Its very powerful, but yet silent so you don't sound like a boy racer or a roadster! In good weather the roof comes down and you're driving a very prestigeous sports car that has all thew luxuries of a limo. Everything in the cabin is refined, and unlike its Mercedes counterpart, all the extras are standard!