Every car guy dreams of owning a sports car eventually, but the lack of dependability is a big hangup. Most people that get an exciting sports car usually accept that they have to give up some reliability. If you do choose to go for that BMW 335i or Mercedes C400 coupe, you'll take a hit in maintenance fees.But what if there was a car that broke that rule? A vehicle that has the sports car DNA, can last up to 300,000 miles, and isn't a four-door sedan. That's hard to picture, but there is one car that sits at the top of the reliability charts while offering all the aforementioned advantages. It's one of the best-kept secrets in the automotive world that combines great driving characteristics, daily drivability, and an exciting engine, that you can count on no matter what. Sports Cars Go For Performance First carwow YouTube Most sports car manufacturers prioritize "Performance First." These days they use turbochargers, complex dual-clutch transmissions, and lightweight materials that sound great when they're new but can become a pain when they start to age. However, some companies have decided to take a different path and still build simple sports cars that prioritize reliability first. Lexus, for example, built a car that not only makes driving exciting but also enures you always reach your destination. The Lexus RC 350 Is A Car Most People Forgot About LexusLexus first unveiled the RC (Radical Coupe) at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. It was meant to be the sporty coupe version of the Lexus IS sedan, similar to the way the Mercedes C-class has coupe versions. But instead of doing what Mercedes did and naming this car after its popular sedan, Lexus decided to give it a different name and identity altogether. It had the exact same powertrain as the IS Sedan but with a polarizing design.The RC had the traditional Lexus design language with a massive spindle grille flanked by split LED daytime running lights. It seems like the designers for the grille and the headlights were two people who never spoke to each other. It makes the front end distinctive but a bit confusing; it never had the simplistic look of the IS Sedan.It also took design cues from the LF-LC concept shown at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, which later became the LC500. But the RC executed that design poorly. The 2018 facelift fixed a lot of this, but it would still be overlooked because of its better-looking bigger brother.The Lexus RC-F was also launched at the same time, and it had a monstrous V8 under the hood. This predicament is similar to the Mustang having V6 and Ecoboost options, which are great cars, but we all want the GT with the V8. Most enthusiasts flocked to the RC F for its raw power, while the average commuter stuck with the IS Sedan. The RC 350 and even siblings with smaller engines hardly served any purpose. So, many people simply forgot it existed. It Is Reliable And Built To Last Lexus The RC may have the look of a concept car, but it had a reliable and proven powertrain. It originally came with the 2GR-FSE, which was later updated to the 2GR-FKS in 2018.The 2GR engine is a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 that has served many Lexus and Toyota models. It can be found in everything from Camrys and Venzas to the GX and RX models, and even found its way into some Lotus sports cars. The one in the RC350 makes 314 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, sending power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic, while all-wheel-drive models get a six-speed automatic.While European rivals rely on complex turbocharged engines that can develop oil leaks or wastegate issues after 60,000 miles, the RC 350 has no such trouble. It is a simple, big, naturally-aspirated V6 that's meant to last, and the data backs this up. JD Power and Consumer Reports consistently rank Lexus at or near the top of the charts for predicted reliability. Since the RC is a sports car that uses a stout powertrain, the maintenance cost is very low, at $7,110 over a 10-year span, which is standard for most Lexus models. It Is A Great Daily Driver And Sports Car Lexus Being a Lexus, this shouldn't be too surprising, but it handles daily driver duties very well. In normal or Eco mode, it feels like you're in the IS sedan but with a nicer interior. The steering is light and the transmission shifts smoothly. Switch to sport+ and the car comes alive.The gauges change to a vibrant red, and this remains one of the coolest clusters in the automotive space. The tach in the middle physically moves (F-sport models) and retains the relevant information. This was borrowed from the LFA and works well here. Throttle response also sharpens, and that V6 starts to sing. If you can add an aftermarket exhaust or simply do a muffler delete, this is one of the nicest V6 exhaust notes. It isn't the fastest in its segment, hitting 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, but it is a great sports car to drive. What You Should Watch Out For Lexus Lexus products don't have many problems, and since the RC is based on the IS sedan, most things are straightforward You just need regular maintenance, and you're good to go. But if you are looking for a used RC 350, here are a few things to keep in mind:Tire Wear: Like many Lexus models (the IS and GS included), the RC is known for eating through the inner edges of the front tires. This is often due to soft lower control arm bushings. Many owners swap these for stiffer aftermarket bushings to save their tires. The Tech: Pre-2020 models used a "Remote Touch" touchpad to control the screen. This can be frustrating, and many people complain about it. If Apple CarPlay is a dealbreaker, look for 2020+ models or be prepared to install an aftermarket module. Brakes: The RC 350 is quite a heavy car (about 3,800 lbs). If you drive it spiritedly, you’ll go through brake pads and rotors faster than you would in a lighter car. Some owners upgrade these for better stopping power and less wear. Used Market Value and Buying Guide Lexus The Lexus RC is now a used sports car bargain, and you can currently find well-maintained 2015–2017 models for an average of $23,000. Considering these cars originally had an MSRP around $50,000, you are getting a massive amount of luxury and performance for the price of a new base-model Corolla.The RC350 only comes with one engine choice, and that's the 3.5-liter V6, but the supporting powertrain has two variants:RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive): This comes with an eight-speed automatic. This is the one to get if you want the true sports car feel and slightly better fuel economy. AWD (All-Wheel Drive): This comes with a six-speed automatic. It’s slightly heavier and less fuel-efficient, but it’s slightly faster off the line and better in all weather conditions. However, if you want the best overall package, opt for the F-Sport trim. This adds the sliding gauge, adaptive suspension and slightly aggressive styling. This would cost about $3,000-$5,000 more than the standard RC350. The Lexus RC Is A Car You Buy With Peace Of Mind Lexus Most sports cars aren't really used as daily drivers, but the RC350 can easily do daily driver duties and offer the thrill enthusiasts crave. It also stands out as you don't really see a lot of these on the road. With a car like this, you aren't afraid of taking the long scenic route home. Especially after a long tiring work week, you might just want to go on a long drive to clear your mind or simply just want to enjoy your car with a few friends. For all these reasons, the RC350 is a great choice, and you're almost guaranteed to have no issues.Sources: Lexus, JDPower, Repairpal, Caredge.