Lexus SC (01-09) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Lexus is better known for luxury and refinement rather than keen handling sports cars. That's evident in the SC. It may be a two-seater convertible but it's more at home cruising along rather than being hustled down twisting roads. On paper it seems a good proposition with a 280bhp V8 engine and a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds, but in everyday driving it feels cumbersome, not helped by the ponderous automatic gearbox. That said, there's not denying the superb build quality, plus Lexus reliability comes as standard. It's also very well equipped while the metal-folding roof folds away neatly and is more secure a fabric hood. However, it feels dated alongside it's main alternatives and is expensive to run.
2.5 out of 5

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2 out of 5

Buying used

The SC is a rare model but early examples are now very affordable. You'll be guaranteed a well equipped car with leather upholstery and sat nav as standard, while Lexus build quality and reliability mean high mileage cars shouldn't put you off. Finding one may be the biggest challenge though.

  • Interior Lexus SC (01-09)

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See 8 used Lexus SCs for sale, starting at £8,900

2 out of 5

Selling

The SC isn't as obvious a choice for two-seat convertible buyers as a Mercedes SL or a BMW 6-Series. However there aren't many around so you're unlikely to be competing with many other SC sellers in your area. If you're part exchanging at a non-Lexus dealership, expect the value they offer you to be quite low. It's risky stock for them to have.