So after hours and hours, for weeks, since the weather is getting nicer and I was thinking about getting a ZR

my questions are (since every post or thread I seen is old)
1. Is it still worth it, after all the time you had it? As of this year 2013
2. total cost of repairs after you had it? (cloth top and whatever)
3. hows the wind noise with the top down?

my bro is trying to get rid of his SC430, so its between the SC430 or a ZR.

 

1) Is it still worth it? Absolutely!!! I get a big grin on my face every time I sit down in her and turn the key!!! ZR's are incredibly fun to drive -- especially in nice weather!

2) Total cost of repairs? $0 so far!! But I am going to have my roof replaced in a month or so because it has finally (after 9 years!) started developing the obligatory small tears just below the rear window. I have a local shop that will replace it with a nice Robbins cloth top (I personally prefer cloth over vinyl) for $1,100 (parts and labor). Other than that I have no forseeable repairs to worry about!

3) Wind noise with the top down is very low. I used to have a convertible Firebird years ago and you would struggle to have a conversation with someone in the passenger seat because the wind noise was so loud. My ZR is pretty much the exact opposite. I mean, make no mistake -- there IS wind noise. But it's at a very acceptable level and much lower than you would expect from a convertible sportscar.


The SC430 is a very nice car, but if you live anywhere near the coast or in a part of the country where the majority of the year it is above 60 degrees --- you'll regret it if you don't get a ZR. A good convertible sportscar should be on every mans bucket list --- and a ZR fits the bill nicely!!!!

 

My experience was similar to Gunslinger, in that I had no failures or any repair costs with my 04 Roadster. I kept the car in a garage and regularly cleaned and used protectant on the top. I just sold the car and the new buyer had the top and all its mechanism inspected at a shop that repairs convertibles. They reported that everything was in good working order and that the fabric top was in as ‘new condition’. Both vinyl and cloth tops last much longer in northern climes, as it’s the UV rays from a hot southern sun that causes detraction. If buying a roadster, getting this type of inspection would be a worthwhile investment.

Wind noise wise, the Z scores very well. The worst cars are ones with backseats, the gap between the front seats and the trunk deck creates a tremendous amount of turbulence causing noise and buffeting. Second worst are two seat cars where the folded down top sits exposed in a very un-aerodynamic heap behind the seats. I hate these cars because they soon turn my hair into a rats-nest at highway speeds. The Z with its very aero hatch storage cover and effective rear air deflector is one of the better, calmer, and quieter convertibles (Mercedes SL 550) is the best.

I’ve always admired the Lexus SC430s, it’s beautifully built with lots of luxury touches. Although the V8, for all its gas-guzzling, only produces an anemic 288hp to shift around almost 4000 pounds of car. This car in its day, was the favorite of the wealthy, middle-aged ‘ladies who lunch’ crowd. Reliability wise, this would probably make a great used car, as this production era represents a high point of Lexus quality. The folding hardtop (although powered by electric motors, most experts consider hydraulics are needed for such heavy roof and storage panels) is beautiful ‘up or down’ and deploys smoothly. Although not a sports car, I could see myself owning one, as I definitely could use the elegance bump up this car brings.

Your choice of which car to buy: although I can wholeheartedly endorse a Z roadster. It was my completely trouble free DD for almost 10 years and every day it was a thrill to drive. Added bonus was weekend trips through the mountains, top down, spectacular VQ exhaust echoing off the canyon walls, blasting past old farts in Lexus luxo-boxes, priceless.

 

Thanks for reply, just makes me want to get one even more LOL! and yeah after driving my bros SC430, I was like WOW! I need to get a convertible. His SC430 drives awesome with the top down and its lower on springs with 19s(neck breaker lol) so the only thing I am really worry about is the motors (5th motor is the big one) and what year should I get?

 

I've only had my 2006 Touring Roadster a few weeks. I'm really enjoying it. I was looking for one with "Frost" leather interior, a 6spd and navi. Found this one at CarMax in Riverside, CA. Search their website. They usually have a few dozen to choose from as convertibles outnumber their coupes they sell 2to1. They also ship to a store near you for a fee. I'm one of the few that don't seem to have those cars affected by the dreaded RevUp motor oil consumption issue you can read about here:

https://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-...iscussion.html

As Jennifer stated above, there isn't anything like a mountain road cruise listening to the exhaust off the canyon walls. The ZR is every bit as sporty as the coupe with the added fun factor of the convertible top...

That last pic won't upload right-side up...

 

 

Same as above, love the Z, wind noise isn't a problem especially if you put the windows up, I would recommend trying to find an 07 or higher if possible.

 

I purchased my 04 Touring ZR on February 2nd 2013 with only 19k miles on it and it was the BEST purchase of my life. There is NO BETTER feeling then being in the sunlight (im from atlanta) with the top down and HEARING that VQ POWAH just blaring through the air and into your ears without any interference. Easy and quick power retractable top makes it SO convenient for undecided whether. I've literally pulled onto the side of the interstate and put the top up and got back on in less than a minute. There is so much fun factor on the ZR that just makes you smile endlessly. I can say I HAVE owned a 2006 LEXUS SC430 for about 6 months...... Didn't like it. Bulky, Automatic, and HIGH mainetance costs. Yes it was smooth as a baby's bottom out of a momma's womb. But, not enough OOMF that I wanted in a sports Roadster. I am waiting for the next trip to Tail of the Dragon or some fun mountain run in the summer with the top down! Uber excited about it... Rollin around like a Baus with my ceilin missin.