2009 Lexus SC Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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One of the original hard-top convertibles on the market, the Lexus SC 430 has fallen from grace somewhat since its introduction in 2002. The 2009 SC 430 is, essentially, the same automobile it was in ’02, and the competition has risen to, and in many cases surpassed, this one-time award winner. This does not, however, mean that the ’09 Lexus SC 430 is without its merits. An elegant design, finely wrought interior, and Lexus’ traditionally high standard of performance, refinement, and reliability make the SC 430 worth a look.
The single trim level offered for the ’09 SC 430, called simply the Base, is equipped with a 4.3-liter V8 that puts out 288 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Mated with a six-speed auto-manual transmission, this quiet-yet-potent powerplant guns the SC 430 from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. Passing and merging power are at the ready, when needed. The EPA estimates the SC 430 will get 16/23 mpg, which isn’t horrific, but could be improved on.
A sedate and stately cruiser on smooth highways and in sunny weather, the rear-wheel-drive SC 430 can get harsh and tipsy on bad roads and in tight corners. Blame the harshness on the standard 18-inch low-profile tires (run-flat tires are an option, but don’t improve the ride) and the lean on plainly lackluster handling characteristics.
Standard creature comforts for the ’09 Lexus SC 430 include a navigation system with tilt display and voice activation, leather seating, power adjustable, heated front seats with driver memory, a 10-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system with a 6-CD changer, Bluetooth technology, dual-zone climate control, and genuine wood trim – in two choices, no less.
With so many standard cabin features, options are scarce for the SC 430, but do include a rear spoiler and upgraded wheel choices. Little-to-no cargo space and microscopic rear seats deter from an otherwise sumptuous cabin. For the golf fanatic, Lexus offers another Pebble Beach Edition of the SC 430 for ’09, with special badging and wheels.
Safety features in the ’09 SC 430 include four-wheel disc ABS with brake assist, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, and front knee airbags. The SC 430 has not been tested by either the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Owners of the ’08 and ’09 Lexus SC 430 note its hefty pricetag, tiny back seats, tepid gas mileage, a not-so-impressive audio system, and iffy handling as annoyances. On the plus side, owners laud the ease of operation of the SC 430’s hard-top convertible design, as well as its power and performance, elegant looks, reliability, interior workmanship and materials, and its “exhilarating drive.”
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2009 Lexus SC Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 240 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.77
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual Adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top
Safety
Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.3
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Width: 8
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation