# Lexus LC 500 buying guide

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Buying guide · 2018 on · Updated Oct 1, 2026

The LC 500 is a naturally aspirated V8 coupe whose main used-buying risks are early-car fuel pump recalls, rough shifting and a fiddly trackpad, all fixed in later years.

**Median asking price: $86,297** (Across 90 live listings)

- Asking prices: $56,097 to $212,434, middle half $78k to $95k
- For sale: 90
- Lowest price: $56,097
- Model years: 2018 on
- Versions for sale: 2

## The LC 500 as a used buy

The Lexus LC 500 is best bought with its recall paperwork in hand. The 2018 to 2020 cars were the subject of fuel pump recalls, so confirm that work was done before you talk about anything else.

It pairs a 5.0-liter V8 making 471 horsepower with a 10-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, on the platform it shares with the Lexus LS. Zero to 60 mph takes about 4.4 seconds, per TopSpeed. The V8 revs to 7,300 rpm.

The range has a hybrid, the LC 500h, with a 3.5-liter V6, and a convertible from the 2021 model year. Browse [used LC 500s for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/lexus/lc-500) to see how they are spread across years and trims, or look at [used LC 500h listings](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/lexus/lc-500h) for the hybrid.

## LC 500 years and versions

Early cars are the ones the sources argue about. [TopSpeed](https://www.topspeed.com/lexus-sports-car-buying-used-lc500/) calls 2018 through 2020 the value range and the 2018 the best-value pick. [RepairPal/Rerev](https://rerev.com/years-to-avoid/vehicles/lexus-lc/) lists 2018, 2019 and 2020 as years to avoid, citing the fuel pump recalls, rough shifting and the trackpad. [CarsCounsel](https://carscounsel.com/lexus-lc-best-worst-years/) 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](https://www.motor1.com/reviews/811101/used-lexus-lc-500-buying-guide/). 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](https://what-breaks.com/lexus/lc-urz100) recommends the V8 for enthusiasts and calls the hybrid the efficient, sensible option. Our pages on the [LC 500 Coupe market](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe) and the [LC 500h market](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500h-hybrid) show each version's cars.

## LC 500 versions for sale now

Every version in our latest scan, most listed first. Each links to its own page with deal analysis and market history.

| Version | Model years | For sale | Median price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [LC 500 Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe) | 2018-2026 | 87 | $86,671 |
| [LC 500h](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500h-hybrid) | 2018-2023 | 3 | $72,998 |

## Common LC 500 problems

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.

## What to check on a used LC 500

Start with paperwork, then the car.

- Run the VIN to confirm both fuel pump recalls were completed and ask for the dealer invoices.
- Ask how long a 2018-2020 car can stand before the battery goes flat, and have a 12V load test done.
- Cold-start the V8 and listen for an instant fire and a smooth idle.
- Drive the car looking for delayed engagement, hesitation or rough shifts, and ask for proof of a transmission software update on 2018-2020 cars.
- Look at tire wear and age, since the rear tires wear faster.
- Operate every pop-out door handle several times to see that each extends and retracts.
- Press on the door and window seals and listen on the road for wind noise or squeaking.
- Check the roof on a convertible by cycling it and looking for leaks.
- Ask for service records showing regular oil changes and transmission fluid changes.
- Play the Mark Levinson system loud for a while, as owners have complained of overheating.

## LC 500 running costs

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](https://www.carchecker.pro/checklists/lexus_lc_urz100_500.pdf) 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.

## LC 500 recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns on file for the 2018 to 2027 LC 500, as of October 31, 2026. That sits oddly beside the fuel pump and brake booster recalls reported by the publications above, so run any car's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and ask the seller for dealer proof.

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA, none involving crashes, fires, injuries or deaths. Five are filed under unknown or other components, three under structure and two under fuel or propulsion. These are reports, not proven faults.

## Owner complaints to NHTSA about the LC 500

Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA for the 2018 to 2027 model years. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. A complaint can name more than one component.

| Component | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Unknown or other | 5 |
| Structure | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 |
| Electrical system | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 |

## Best LC 500 deals right now

22 deals priced below market right now, the best by about $15,557. Members get the VIN, dealer, listing link and a ready-to-send negotiation email for each one.

- 2024 Lexus LC 500, Coupe: asking $103,957 · $16k below market · 20,069 mi · Fort Myers, FL · deal score 99 of 100
- 2022 Lexus LC 500, Coupe: asking $90,188 · $12k below market · 31,558 mi · San Antonio, TX · deal score 98 of 100
- 2021 Lexus LC 500, Coupe: asking $96,178 · $10k below market · 10,501 mi · Centerville, OH · deal score 96 of 100
- 2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe: asking $59,260 · $5k below market · 94,123 mi · Pinellas Park, FL · deal score 92 of 100
- 2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe: asking $92,610 · $8k below market · 3,707 mi · Cathedral City, CA · deal score 91 of 100
- 2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe: asking $78,554 · $6k below market · 26,814 mi · Phoenix, AZ · deal score 90 of 100

[Unlock all 22 deals](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/upgrade). Members see every deal's VIN, dealer and listing link, plus a negotiation email.

## LC 500 prices by model year

Median asking price for each model year in our latest scan, with the number of cars listed and their price range.

- 2026: $194,312 (2 for sale · $176,190 to $212,434 · median 499 mi)
- 2025: $136,216 (3 for sale · $131,950 to $140,069 · median 6,783 mi)
- 2024: $120,998 (7 for sale · $103,957 to $128,757 · median 22,669 mi)
- 2023: $92,240 (2 for sale · $80,704 to $103,775 · median 31,172 mi)
- 2022: $110,266 (4 for sale · $90,188 to $120,790 · median 17,526 mi)
- 2021: $93,494 (9 for sale · $77,988 to $101,295 · median 34,450 mi)
- 2019: $84,027 (6 for sale · $57,393 to $88,339 · median 38,877 mi)
- 2018: $81,410 (57 for sale · $56,097 to $96,782 · median 40,573 mi)

## LC 500 fair values by trim and year

Our fair value is what comparable cars, same trim and model year with typical miles, are listed at in our latest market data. A car well under it is worth a close look; a car well over it needs a reason.

| Trim | Model year | Fair value | Typical miles |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| LC 500 | 2021 | $95,296 | 27,700 |
| LC 500 | 2020 | $89,425 | 33,500 |
| LC 500 | 2019 | $85,670 | 29,300 |
| LC 500 | 2018 | $79,069 | 41,200 |
| LC 500 500 | 2026 | $168,555 | 500 |
| LC 500 500 | 2025 | $136,744 | 11,800 |
| LC 500 Inspiration Series | 2026 | $147,117 | – |

## LC 500 for sale now

- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $90,886 · 26,522 mi · Scottsdale, AZ
- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $86,584 · 24,759 mi · Kenosha, WI
- [2021 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $93,494 · 19,852 mi · Honolulu, HI
- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $78,333 · 34,351 mi · Voorhees, NJ
- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $78,487 · 34,991 mi · Henderson, NV
- [2026 Lexus LC 500](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $176,190 · 499 mi · Nashville, TN
- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $73,994 · 61,025 mi · Ramsey, NJ
- [2024 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $123,894 · 22,669 mi · Charlotte, NC
- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $82,937 · 48,433 mi · Buford, GA
- [2022 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $109,700 · 12,360 mi · Dallas, TX
- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $81,494 · 60,878 mi · Fredericksburg, VA
- [2018 Lexus LC 500h](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500h-hybrid): $72,998 · 34,825 mi · Glen Allen, VA
- [2024 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $104,700 · 32,407 mi · Dallas, TX
- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $59,260 · 94,123 mi · Pinellas Park, FL
- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $94,122 · 12,064 mi · Fresno, CA
- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $76,887 · 68,699 mi · Durham, NC
- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $90,080 · 12,834 mi · Costa Mesa, CA
- [2021 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $99,078 · 42,182 mi · Schererville, IN
- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $89,177 · 23,504 mi · Westmont, IL
- [2025 Lexus LC 500](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $136,216 · 11,762 mi · San Antonio, TX
- [2019 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $84,899 · 36,950 mi · Quincy, MA
- [2021 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $96,178 · 10,501 mi · Centerville, OH
- [2018 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $79,830 · 45,390 mi · Fort Pierce, FL
- [2022 Lexus LC 500, Coupe](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/lexus-lc-500-coupe): $120,790 · 4,287 mi · Ewing, NJ

[Every used LC 500](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/lexus/lc-500)

## Our verdict

Buy a 2022 to 2024 LC 500 if your budget stretches there. Those years have the touchscreen and the refined mechanicals, and the 2024 Inspiration Series is the one to chase if you want a collectible. Pick the V8 over the hybrid for the engine, and treat a convertible as a deliberate choice with a roof to inspect.

A 2018 to 2020 car can be a sound purchase, but only with fuel pump recall proof, a battery check and evidence of a transmission software update. Skip any car that lacks the recall paperwork. Check what cars are listed for in our [LC 500 price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/lexus/lc-500), and see the [cheapest LC 500s for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cheapest/lexus/lc-500) and [other used Lexus models](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/lexus) if you want to compare.

## Sources

We read these pages and checked every fact in this guide against them. The words are ours. Researched Oct 31, 2026.

- [Lexus Sports Car: What To Watch Out For Buying The LC 500](https://www.topspeed.com/lexus-sports-car-buying-used-lc500/) (TopSpeed)
- [Lexus LC URZ100 — All Engines, Problems & Buying Guide (2017–2026)](https://what-breaks.com/lexus/lc-urz100) (What-Breaks)
- [Lexus LC years to avoid](https://rerev.com/years-to-avoid/vehicles/lexus-lc/) (RepairPal/Rerev)
- [Best and Worst Lexus LC Years: What to Buy & Avoid](https://carscounsel.com/lexus-lc-best-worst-years/) (CarsCounsel)
- [Used Lexus LC 500 Buying Guide](https://www.motor1.com/reviews/811101/used-lexus-lc-500-buying-guide/) (Motor1)
- [Lexus LC 500 URZ100 pre-purchase checklist](https://www.carchecker.pro/checklists/lexus_lc_urz100_500.pdf) (CarChecker)
- [Safety Recall JLB – High Pressure Fuel Pumps – 2015-2018 Lexus](https://toyota.oemdtc.com/272/safety-recall-jlb-high-pressure-fuel-pumps-2015-2018-lexus) (Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing)
- [Recalls and owner complaints for the LC 500](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) (NHTSA)

## Shop the LC 500

- [Used Lexus LC 500 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/lexus/lc-500) (87)
- [Lexus LC 500 price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/lexus/lc-500)
- [Cheapest Lexus LC 500 for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cheapest/lexus/lc-500)
- [Used Lexus LC 500h for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/lexus/lc-500h) (3)
- [Used Lexus for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/lexus) (90)

## More Lexus buying guides

- [All buying guides](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides)

## Latest Lexus LC 500 news

- [Used Lexus LC 500 asking prices climb 9.7% in three months](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/lexus-lc-500-asking-prices-rise-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): Cars typically leave the market in 33 days and the supply would last 1.7 months, yet 22 of the 87 listed LC 500s still rate as good or great deals.
- [Used luxury car asking prices hold steady on 24 of 49 models in October](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/luxury-car-market-report-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): All six of the biggest risers are sports cars or exotics, and all six of the biggest decliners are SUVs. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale rose in price yet takes months to sell.

[All car news](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news)

## LC 500: common questions

### What is the best LC 500 to buy?

A 2022 to 2024 LC 500 is the best pick according to CarsCounsel and RepairPal/Rerev, for the touchscreen and proven mechanicals. The 2024 Inspiration Series is the most collectible, with only 125 made for the U.S. The V8 suits enthusiasts better than the hybrid.

### What goes wrong with the LC 500?

The biggest issues are recall-related: the high-pressure and low-pressure fuel pumps on early cars, and a brake booster pump on 2019 models. Others include rough shifting on pre-update cars, a finicky trackpad, flat 12V batteries and failing door handle actuators. Carbon build-up on the V8 is also reported.

### Is the LC 500 reliable?

Mostly yes, if the recall work is done. What-Breaks says an LC with recalls done and servicing up to date sits among the more dependable cars in its class. Early cars need more checking.

### How much does it cost to run an LC 500?

Tires and brakes are the main costs, as Motor1 says 20- or 21-inch tires are expensive and a brake service can run to four figures. What-Breaks puts a V8 water pump at about $500 to $1,200 and walnut blasting at about $500 to $1,000. CarChecker wants records showing regular oil changes with 0W-20 synthetic.

### How much is a used LC 500?

Asking prices for the 90 cars we track for sale right now run from $56,097 to $212,434, with a median of $86,297. Model year, version, mileage and history move the price most; the prices by model year and fair values on this page show where a car should sit.

### Has the LC 500 been recalled?

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns from the carmaker for the 2018 to 2027 model years as of Oct 31, 2026. Check the VIN of any car you're considering at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

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Source: Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/. Prices are live asking prices from US dealer listings in our latest scan, not sale prices. Cite as "Lexus LC 500 buying guide", Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/lexus/lc-500 (updated Oct 1, 2026). Site map for assistants: https://www.luxurycardeals.com/llms.txt.