As one of Lexus' greatest sports cars, the Lexus LC 500 is more than just a plush grand tourer that gets the job done in style; it is one of their most distinctive, luxurious, fun to drive, and renowned sports cars. While we are very excited and highly anticipating what the next-gen Lexus hybrid supercar is going to be like, if you are looking for a used sports car, the Lexus LC 500 is one of the standout models you should consider.If you want to buy a used Lexus LC 500, it is worth knowing what to expect in terms of ownership costs, reliability, what to look out for, and the pitfalls of this awesome Lexus sports car. So, we are taking a look at everything you need to know about owning a used Lexus LC 500. Why the Lexus LC 500 Stands Out As A Sports Car TopSpeed | Garret DonahueLike any unique sports car should, the Lexus LC 500 truly stands out for its exterior design with a look that reminds us of some of the best concept cars ever created; the difference, though, is that it made it onto the road.It boasts a front end dominated by a bold spindle grille with a three-sided chrome frame and a futuristic and sporty 3D mesh; you get ultra-compact triple LED headlights and arrow-shaped daytime running lights, and the ambitious hood shape and short overhangs give it an aggressive edge. The profile is sculpted; the fast-sloping roofline and chrome-framed glass or optional carbon-fiber roof give it a "floaty" look, and the flared wheel arches, balanced overhangs, and large 20- or 21-inch wheels give it an air of muscular grace.Maybe what makes it stand out the most is that it is also a rarity of the road. From the 2017 MY to the current model year, only circa 14,000 LC 500 models have been sold in the U.S.A., so if you have one, you are part of a relatively exclusive set of drivers. Lexus LC 500 Performance Specifications Bring A Trailer The LC 500's real party piece is the naturally aspirated V8 that sits under the hood. The showcased 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 boasts an all-aluminum block, Yamaha-developed high-flow heads, dual-length intake manifolds, lightweight titanium valves, forged rods, Dual VVT-i, and Atkinson-cyle switching. It is a true work of art in engine form.Nothing much beats a NA V8 and the LC 500's mill is an engine to behold; it is a rev-happy beast that spits out a dramatic growl when you turn the key that gets even more intense when you hit the gas, and it is renowned for its instant linear throttle response, impressive sprint times, and reliability. The 2UR-GSE engine helps the LC 500 sit very comfortably with some of the marque's other high-end sports cars: the IS 500 and the shamefully discontinued Lexus LFA.The Lexus IS 500's V8 can spit out 472 horsepower and 395 pound feet of torque, with the power being sent through an eight-speed auto box, while the almighty Lexus LFA's 4.8-liter V10 is good for 552 horsepower and 354 pound feet of torque. While the LC 500 is just slightly behind both respective models in terms of horsepower, it does help to make up one heck of a trio of Lexus sports cars. Common Reliability Concerns And Costs Lexus Lexus has an undeniably stellar reputation for dependability. They've been given a 4 out of 5 reliability rating from Repair Pal and the LC 500 has been given a Car Edge 5-year maintenance cost estimate of $2,618.This makes it cheaper to maintain over 5 years than some of its German rivals, like the Mercedes-AMG GT ($5,831), the BMW 3 Series ($4,407), and the Audi S5 Coupe ($3,337). There are some common problems, though, with the Lexus LC 500 that have been reported by previous owners, which slightly bucks the trustworthy trend.Interior Trim Wear. Lots of owners say it doesn't take long for the interior to start to look shabby. Tire Issues. Because a lot of trims of the LC 500 utilize premium, high-diameter tires, scrubbing through them becomes an expensive business. Finicky Infotainment System. Complaints revolve around the infotainment system and, especially, the trackpad controller. Sound System Problems. While a Levinson sound system is included, owners have complained about overheating. Squeaky Seals. When rubber on the door seals and window seals harden, owners have complained about wind noise and squeaking with movement. ABS Sensor Noise. A loud noise has been reported when you set off, which has been put down to a poorly designed ABS sensor. There have also been a number of safety recalls for the LC 500. According to the NHTSA, the 2018 LC 500 was recalled for a faulty fuel pump on three separate occasions. Twice, because the fuel pump may fail while you are driving it, and thirdly, because there is a risk that the high-pressure fuel pump may crack and leak fuel. If you are looking to buy a used Lexus LC 500, it is imperative that the fuel pump is checked over or this problem has been addressed before you drive away in it.Lexus Photo The biggest bug-bear in the LC 500, though, is problems with the 10-speed automatic transmission that all the V8's power is sent through. The LC 500 is equipped with a 10-speed Direct Shift auto, which, when it works, offers very quick and crisp changes, auto down-shift for tight cornering, and allows you to change gears manually with the flappy paddles next to the steering wheel.This is only when it works well; a lot of owners (especially owners of early MYs) have complained about clunky shifting, lackluster upshifts that don't match the sync of the engine, and grinding noises. Look out for all of this on your test drive. Best Model Years And Trims To Buy LexusLexus models hold their value well, and the average used prices for a 2018-2024 Lexus LC 500 range from $62,583 for the 2018 Lexus LC 500 to $110,896 for the top-of-the-range 2024 LC 500 Inspiration Series. If it's spending as little as possible that is your main concern, the earliest iterations are the ones you want to look at.If you are looking for a convertible LC 500, you will have to you'll have to check out models from the 2021 MY onward, everything before is a coupe. The LC 500 is renowned for its engaging feel on the road, but with the convertible variations, there is more potential for chassis flex with the removal of the roof, so handling may be slightly looser, you get less cargo space, there may be more vibrations and rattles in the cabin, and if you look at a model that hasn't been looked after, the roof could be in a bad state and leak or not work at all.The early model years are equipped with a 10.3-inch, high-res split-screen setup, with the already-mentioned trackpad, and from 2022 onward, you get features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, and a more seamless tech feel. The 2024 MY has the most up-to-date tech in the form of a 12.3-inch touchscreen running Lexus Interface to replace the much-complained-about trackpad system, OTA updates, and a standard-fit Panoramic View Monitor. So, if it is tech you want in a sports car, anything from the 2022 MY onward should suffice.Lexus You can buy used examples of the 2022-2024 LC 500 fitted with the Sport Package, which includes a Torsen limited-slip diff and sport-tuned dampers; the Dynamic Handling Package, which includes rear-wheel steering; and the Touring Package, which gets you upgraded leather and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio rig, but if you want the most desirable and collectible variant, it is the 2024 LC 500 Inspiration Series you want to look for.There were only 125 made for the U.S.A. market in 2024, and it includes a unique Polar Surge Satin matte-white interior, matte-black 21-inch wheels, front bumper canards, a carbon-fiber fixed rear wing (coupe only), rear performance dampers, and luxury features like a HUD and the Mark Levinson setup. These are the used models that are likely to command the most money in the future used sports car market. Alternatives To Consider In The Lexus Sports Car World Garret Donahue Lexus cranks out some impressively plush and fun-to-drive sports cars, and if the Lexus LC 500 is not exactly what you are looking for, there are two other options that could make for good alternatives: the Lexus IS 500 and the Lexus LFA.The Lexus IS 500 delivers a good helping of power from its naturally aspirated V8 and gives you a comfortable luxury performance sedan feel. Model years range from 2022 to 2025, and though it arguably is a more well-rounded model than the LC 500 (more room), the average used prices range from $55,675 to $60,390. It is cheaper and you still get a powerful V8.Bring A Trailer The Lexus LFA, on the other hand, is slightly more unobtainable for many of us, namely because of its collectible status and extremely high-end prices. You do get a very smooth yet raucous V10 under the hood, lots of driving fun, and a very engaging feel, but with an average auction price of $894,473, it is way out of budget for a lot of us.Where a used Lexus LC 500 fits into the Lexus sports car lineup is with a slightly broader appeal; delivering intense V8 power, great handling dynamics, not horrendous pricing for its caliber, a unique exterior design, decent interior tech, and a nameplate that holds a lot of respect in the luxurious Japanese sports car market.
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