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Acceleration
"Takeoffs seem sedate, but refined SC offers good midrange punch, relaxed highway
cruising. Test car with 5-speed automatic transmission did 6.2 sec 0-60 mph.
Expect similar from 6-speed '06, which we've not yet timed."
Value
"SC 430 is a posh, pleasant, semisporting convertible with the extra security
and convenience of a power metal roof, plus Lexus's highly rated customer service,
workmanship, and reliability. It isn't cheap, but some rivals with similar power
and features cost more."
Ride
"Mainly an easy rider, but gets hard-edge jitters on patchy pavement and wanders
some along grooves. Optional run-flat tires with stiff sidewalls make ride borderline
harsh. Body shows minor top-down quiver on rough roads, but is closed-coupe solid
with top up."
Economy
Chicago-based test cars averaged 16.6-18.6 mpg. A California test car logged 18.5 with gas-eating performance tests. Premium-grade fuel required.
Noise
"Top-up, SC matches or beats most luxury coupes for refinement, despite some
low but audible wind rustle and coarse-pavement tire thrum. Top-down wind buffeting
among lowest of convertibles we've tested."
Comfort - Front
"Comfortable 10-way power seats are set low, hampering entry/exit and, for some
drivers, visibility; they're also too flat for good lateral location in fast
cornering. Ample leg room, but top-up head room just adequate for 6-footers."
Comfort - Rear
"Scarcely any space or comfort on token ""seat,"" which is best used for small
parcels and pets."
Controls
"Navigation screen can be tilted to suit ambient light, but can still wash out.
Steering-wheel audio-volume buttons a bit obscured. No problems otherwise. Retractable
top smooth and quick, up or down. Sumptuous, beautifully crafted cabin features
real wood, soft leather, discreet brightwork."
Cargo Room
"Almost none with the top stowed, barely enough for two on a long weekend with
top up and careful packing. Run-flat option omits the spare tire to add 0.6 cu
ft, a poor trade for the harsher ride."
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