Lexus LC 500 buying guide

Early cars are the ones the sources argue about. TopSpeed calls 2018 through 2020 the value range and the 2018 the best-value pick. RepairPal/Rerev lists 2018, 2019 and 2020 as years to avoid, citing the fuel pump recalls, rough shifting and the trackpad. CarsCounsel says no year needs strictly avoiding, but wants proof on 2018-2021 cars that the fuel pump recall was done.

Lexus changed the car for 2021: about 22 pounds less unsprung weight, revised suspension tuning and transmission programming, and Active Cornering Assist and Android Auto as standard, according to Motor1. The convertible arrived that year too, and earlier cars are coupes only. CarsCounsel puts the convertible's introduction in 2020, so sources disagree on the date.

For 2024 the trackpad gave way to Lexus Interface with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay arrived. CarsCounsel and RepairPal/Rerev both name 2022 through 2024 as the best choices, on the strength of the touchscreen and proven mechanicals. The 2024 Inspiration Series is the most collectible, with only 125 made for the U.S., says TopSpeed. 2022-2024 cars also offered Sport, Dynamic Handling (rear-wheel steering) and Touring packages.

TopSpeed warns that the convertible may have more chassis flex, less cargo space and more rattles, and that its roof can leak or fail if neglected. What-Breaks recommends the V8 for enthusiasts and calls the hybrid the efficient, sensible option. Our pages on the LC 500 Coupe market and the LC 500h market show each version's cars.

The serious items are recall work; most of the rest is annoyance rather than mechanical failure.

High-pressure fuel pump

The 2018 LC 500 was recalled (NHTSA 18V107) because a cracked pump cover could leak fuel and raise fire risk. Dealers replace the pumps free, so a car without the work done is a problem to solve before purchase.

Low-pressure fuel pump

A second recall covers 2018-2020 LC 500 and LC 500h cars, where the pump can fail and stall the engine. Treat it as a separate job from the high-pressure pump recall and ask for proof of both.

Brake booster pump

What-Breaks lists a recall covering about 6,900 model year 2019 vehicles, with loss of brake assist. Check any 2019 car for it.

Rough 10-speed shifts

Some pre-update cars shift clunkily or make grinding noises, mostly on early model years, according to TopSpeed and RepairPal/Rerev. CarsCounsel says it found no widespread reports of premature failure of the gearbox.

Trackpad infotainment

The trackpad controller is widely criticized as finicky and hard to use. Cars from 2024 have the touchscreen instead.

Flat 12V battery

The 12V battery can drain after the car has stood for a while. It matters most if the car has been stored.

Door handle actuators

The actuator behind a pop-out exterior handle can give up, so the handle stays stuck in or out. It is reported especially on early cars.

Carbon and noises

What-Breaks says the V8 can show direct-injection carbon build-up and moderate oil consumption. It also notes that early builds can have a glass roof that creaks and a metallic clonk coming from the B-pillar brace. A technical service bulletin covers brake squeal and an engine-bay knock on 2018-2021 cars.

The big-ticket items are the wheels and brakes. Motor1 says 20- or 21-inch tires are expensive and the large brakes can turn a routine service into a four-figure bill.

For the V8, What-Breaks puts a water pump at about $500 to $1,200, due around 80,000 miles, and walnut blasting for carbon build-up at about $500 to $1,000 around 100,000 miles. CarChecker wants records showing oil changes every 15,000 km or 12 months with 0W-20 synthetic, and transmission fluid at 60,000-80,000 km.