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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Lexus SC

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2010 Lexus SC

Overview

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2009 Lexus SC Review

By KBB.com Editors

A pioneering entry in today's luxury retractable-hardtop segment, the SC 430 enters its eighth year of production by continuing to offer both a sporty character and a comprehensive array of features. Still one of the most evocatively styled vehicles in the entire Lexus portfolio, this V-8-powered, rear-wheel-drive 2+2 boasts the ability to transform itself from coupe to convertible at the push of a button. While the overall genre of high-end open cars has expanded in recent years, true upper-echelon competitors for this distinctive Lexus remain few. Heading the list are the two-seat Cadillac XLR and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, with the BMW 335i Convertible and Infiniti G37 Convertible offering a more affordable alternative for those willing to accept a six-cylinder engine.

You'll Like This Car If...

Buyers who demand the security of a coupe with the style and open-air exhilaration of a convertible in one finely crafted sport luxury package will find plenty to love in the 2009 Lexus SC 430 – all of it backed by one of the world's best dealer networks.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The SC 430's exterior styling won't please everyone, and its rear seating exists in name only. While impressively quick and nicely balanced, it also lacks the precise and crisp responsiveness of the BMW 335i Cabriolet, Cadillac XLR and Mercedes-Benz SL550 or SLK55 AMG.

What's New for 2009

The SC gains integrated side mirror turn signals, a new color and an easier to use power top control switch.

Driving the SC

Driving Impressions In addition to its overt luxury cues, the 2009 Lexus SC 430 is an extremely capable traveling companion, whether you prefer leisurely freeway cruising or a brisk run down a...

twisty two-lane. For an open car, the body structure is reassuringly solid. Overall grip from the tires is fairly high, handling is quite good and the steering feels positive, if not quite as precise as that of a BMW. Backing its potent engine and transmission package are driver-selectable stability and traction controls and formidable disc brakes bolstered by Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Although the ride is decently compliant over most surfaces, it can become slightly choppy on rough or broken pavement and definitely picks up a little harshness when the optional, and firmer, run-flat tires are fitted. Serenely quiet with the top up, the SC 430 maintains a surprisingly large measure of that composure even in the open-air mode.

Favorite Features

Mark Levinson Audio System
With the power and clarity to please the most demanding audiophile, the SC 430's standard 240-watt nine-speaker Mark Levinson sound system performs superbly, with the top up or down.}

Power Retractable Hardtop
Made of lightweight aluminum, the SC 430's articulated two-piece power top is fully lined and incorporates a glass rear window with defroster. It provides the soundproofing and security of a conventional coupe, can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button and tucks away neatly under the decklid when you opt for the open-air mode.

2009 Lexus SC Details

Interior

The 2009 Lexus SC 430 provides a grand touring environment for two, starting with well-bolstered 10-way power seats covered in supple leather, loads of Walnut or Bird's-eye maple and brushed aluminum and chrome accenting. Although the instrument panel's center stack is slightly busy, style-wise, the navigation system, with its glare-limiting variable-angle display, and front, front-side and knee airbags typify the thoughtful attention to detail you'll find here. Alas, vertical seatbacks and micro-munchkin legroom make the SC 430's rear "buckettes" suitable only for stowing small briefcases and preventing the dreaded two-seater insurance-premium bump. Choose the run-flat tire option and the capacity of the diminutive trunk increases from 8.8 to 9.4 cubic feet.

Exterior

Lexus designers traveled to the French Riviera to draw styling inspiration for the SC 430, quite literally from the lifestyles of the rich and famous. The result is a retractable-hardtop coupe with organic bodywork contours and a host of high-end flourishes. Its well-rounded sheetmetal is accented by expressive projector-beam High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps that incorporate an adaptive corner-following feature, super-bright and quick-activating LED taillamps, heat and UV-ray-rejecting glass and tasteful chrome highlights. Completing the SC 430's aggressively upscale stance are flared fenders that wrap over Z-rated 245/40 performance tires on 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The SC 430's expansive list of standard equipment includes virtually everything a proper grand touring machine should have – from a powerful V-8 engine, six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission and stability and traction controls to a leather- and wood-trimmed cabin with a Mark Levinson premium audio system and voice-activated navigation package. Crowning its array of power assists and comfort and convenience touches is a slick one-touch retractable hardtop.

Optional Equipment

The SC 430's short list of options is headed by the Pebble Beach Edition. For 2009, this semi-exclusive package matches Mercury Metallic paint with an Ecru leather interior, Espresso Bird's-eye maple wood and special 18-inch chrome wheels. Other options include V-rated all-season run-flat tires and a rear decklid spoiler

Under the Hood

Quiet, smooth and responsive, the 2009 Lexus SC 430's all-aluminum 4.3-liter V-8 makes 288 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Continuously variable valve timing helps this high-tech motivator optimize performance across the entire rev range, although it does require a diet of premium unleaded gas. The transmission is an equally sophisticated six-speed automatic, complete with a sequential-shifting mode for those who prefer manual-style gear changing. It's a well-matched combination that helps the SC 430 sprint from zero to 60 miles per hour in about six seconds while earning EPA fuel economy numbers of 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. While those figures are admittedly modest, they're on par with the Cadillac XLR and better than those of the Mercedes-Benz SL550.

4.3-liter V8
288 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
317 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23

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2009 Lexus SC Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.6

Out of 10

Based on 111 Ratings for the 2002 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

9.5/10

Quality

9.8/10
Reliability

9.7/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

9.5/10

Styling

9.6/10

There is no better!

By Jack (DC) on Saturday, July 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Everything"

Cons: "Nothing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned over 20 cars including a half dozen sports. Two Corvetts, an Allante a Z3, a T-Bird and a Boxter. None can compare to the SC 430 for quality, reliabilty and enjoyment to own and drive. This is a "feel good" car. By that I mean when I want to feel good, I get behind the wheel."

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Waited forever for this car!

By wendy (CO) on Tuesday, June 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "fun to drive, very responsive, good mileage"

Cons: "GPS is not as user-friendly as some I have seen"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"And it was worth waiting for. Smooth ride, steering is tight, low road noise, good mileage, it's my Harley..."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Awesome car

By Golfdad59 (FL) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 61,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun to drive"

Cons: "No iPod integration"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Awesome car. Yes, it's a "Toyota", but a really nice one. I've had mine for a year and half, love it.living in Florida, perfect vehicle. Run flats are a bit rough,but tolerable."

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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THIS CAR IS FANTASTIC

By LIZ (AL) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 165,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am not a person who takes good care of their car. I mean this, truly. I wait months (once over a year) to change the oil. I am very haphazard about maintenance and this car has NEVER let me down. This is without question the best vehicle I have every owned. I bought this 2003 model in 2008 and in the 5 years I have owned it I have had zero problems. I did change the tires from run-flat to regular tires for a high-performance vehicle, and they not only cost less but they provide a better ride. The sound system is awesome, the paint is still beautiful, I cannot say enough about this car and about Lexus products. Paying for service at a Lexus dealer once the warranty runs out is a pretty major cost, fortunately I have had next to no reason to go back to Lexus. I plan to run the wheels off this one. And what fun-love it when I can put the top down!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Nice looking ride

By Kat (NY) on Monday, March 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Cons: "No spare. Run flats not an option for me."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"The downside, no spare. Therefore reluctant to take on an extended trip without a spare. Bought the extended warranty from Lexus. I shudder to think how much the convertible roof mechanism would cost to replace/repair."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I LOVE this car!!!

By DropTop (PA) on Tuesday, December 18, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Looks, fun to drive, performance."

Cons: "Either spare tire or golf clubs - golf clubs won"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"2003 Midnight Pine Pearl/Ecru interior - Bought used 18 months ago from a dealer, at MY price out the door (which was over $5K less than they asked for it before taxes). Love it, even in winter when the top stays up. Wife loves it too, especially with the top down. Have had numerous offers to buy it for a lot more than I paid for it, but no way. Too much fun!"

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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