It’s not a great time for coupes right now. In the past five years, we’ve seen the demise of the Chevrolet Camaro, the Nissan GT-R, a whole roster of two-door Mercedes-Benzes, the list goes on. The fact is, the front-engined two-door coupe is an endangered species, but there’s still one that stands head and shoulders over its competition. One that still makes bystanders turn their heads in amazement when it goes past. One that feels like a love letter to grand touring. I’m talking about the Lexus LC 500.
It’s a magnificent, breathtaking, beautifully crafted grand tourer that carries real soul in a digital age. There’s a huge sense of authenticity to it, and even eight years after the first examples rolled into U.S. showrooms, it still looks money. Those infinite hall-of-mirrors taillights, those haunches, turn signal bezels that almost seem like eyeliner. Oh, and we can’t forget about the mighty V8 under the hood.
However, if you don’t have six figures for a new LC 500, don’t worry. Because early examples are about eight calendar years old, they’ve been subject to the magic of depreciation. In fact, you can pick one up for the price of another, far more common five-liter coupe.
What Are We Looking At?
The Lexus LC 500 is your favorite car journalist’s favorite new grand tourer. Blessed with a 471-horsepower five-liter V8 producing some of the greatest combustion noises of this decade and bristling with specialness, this machine of pure desire is essentially a concept car come to life. Back in the 2000s, Lexus had a bit of an image problem. It made good cars, but it just wasn’t especially exciting. The LFA really changed that, but a limited-volume supercar wouldn’t be enough on its own. In 2012, the marque unveiled the jaw-dropping LF-LC concept. With a few tweaks to make it even better proportioned, it would become the LC 500 for the 2017 model year.
Casting aside the somewhat unloved V6 hybrid variant, the LC 500 is rolling hedonism. Nearly the entire interior is made of leather, suede, metal, and glass. We’re talking from the headliner to the bottom of the dashboard. Everything from the seats to the suspension tuning serves up a fine blend of comfort and support, never tiring yet never caught flat-footed. Alright, the early infotainment system with the weird trackpad is a bit tedious, but still. This is one of the all-time great grand tourers, one that feels like a bargain brand new at a shade north of $101,000.
Oh, and we need to wax on about that V8. From the hard-cut rev limiter to the intoxicating blend of exhaust burble and pipe-organ induction howl, it’s a triathlete just as happy helping throw silly shapes as it is burbling around town. Part of this joy is due to how, by modern standards, the LC 500 isn’t brain-scrambling. That 471-horsepower V8 and ten-speed automatic serve up a zero-to-60 mph time of roughly four-and-a-half seconds. Quick, but not alarmingly so. It all adds up to an irresistible coupe, and now you can pick one up for the price of another, more common V8 coupe.
How Much Are We Talking?
If you went down to your local Ford dealer, picked out a new Mustang GT Premium and ticked the boxes for the leather-including High Series package, the valved exhaust, and the top-flight sound system, you’d end up with a price tag of $59,245 including freight. Sure, you aren’t getting a new Lexus LC 500 for that sort of money, but how about this black-over-red 2018 model? The 80,000 miles on the clock means it’s definitely done some grand touring, and the leather is quite patinated, but look at what you’re getting. The 21-inch wheels, the Mark Levinson sound system, a clean vehicle history report … not bad for $50,495, up for sale in Texas.
Want a little more agility than the base car offers? How about something like this 2018 LC 500 with the Performance Package for sale in Florida for $58,999. For the 2018 model year, the Performance Package added four-wheel steering, active aero, a carbon fiber roof, sport seats, and a Torsen limited-slip differential, among other things. Good stuff, and the caramel leather and Alcantara on this example really brighten up the interior. This LC 500 also boasts a clean history report and a reasonable 57,488 miles on the clock. Talk about a lot of car for the money.
Alright, let’s say you’re more of the auction sort. You could score something like this 2018 LC 500 Inspiration Series that hammered on Cars & Bids earlier this year. Not only is it painted one of the most stunning shades of blue ever offered on a car, but it’s one of 100 in this shade. A tri-tone blue, orange, and white interior keeps the show rolling, and 53,500 miles on the clock isn’t bad either. The catch? It’s had a minor hit on its Carfax, although a final price of $52,500 might make that compromise worth it.
What Could Go Wrong On A Lexus LC 500?
While the LC 500 has proven itself mechanically robust, there are a few potential body-component electrical issues to keep an eye on. The motorized flush-mount door handles can occasionally fail, and they’re unbelievably expensive. Each assembly costs more than $1,800, and while replacement isn’t that labor-intensive, it’s still a big bill. There’s also a technical service bulletin out for a blend door servo motor, and you’ll know if that’s failed by the climate control only blowing hot air. Although this costs a few grand to fix, largely due to the sheer labor involved, Lexus has been known to cover this issue under a goodwill program, so a kind word with a service advisor is a sensible first step.
Otherwise, the main things to keep in mind are consumables. Performance summer tires for the 21-inch wheels are expensive, and you’d do well to get 20,000 miles out of a set. Once replacement time comes, expect a bill for around $2,500, and do pay the tiny bit extra for the new Michelin Pilot Sport S 5. It’s a noticeable improvement over the Pilot Super Sports on early examples. In addition, each OEM front brake disc carries a list price of more than $600, although you can find substantially cheaper pattern parts if you look around.
Should You Buy A Lexus LC 500 For Mustang GT Money?
If you can stomach the tire bills and have the money on hand should a door handle need replacement, absolutely. We’re talking about a world-class GT car with a stout powertrain and otherworldly levels of luxury. The biggest downside is that it’ll completely change your standards because once you live with one, you won’t want anything less.
Top graphic image: Cars & Bids
God, I love this thing.
I deeply wish this was true up here.
I haven’t seen one with the V8 for sale under $100k in Canada in ages.
I spent some time with the convertible version down in Arizona. Early one morning I headed out from Sedona up Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff.
Top down , the temperature dropped quickly as we made the climb but the car stayed warm and the sound of that engine in the narrow empty canyon was glorious. It was for me more of an SL than a 911. Luxurious, a brilliant weekender and a delight to drive Definitely a great buy used.
This is the first time reading the gavel gazing headline format, that I went “Yes, yes I would do that.”
Can confirm many of these details–I bought my 2017 Lexus LC500 last year and it is delightful. (I live in Dubai currently and they released the Lexus LC500 a year earlier outside of the US market).
My door lock is giving me issues, but not the automatic handle–the solenoid/motor on the passenger door makes a racket when it operates (but it does operate).
I had to buy new tires. Yes, I bought Michelin Pilot Sports.
No Apple Play / Android Auto, but bluetooth connectivity works just fine.
The leather on my upper door cards has separated from the backing–a common problem with many cars in this desert environment. You wouldn’t know from looking at it, though–it only reveals itself when you touch the leather.
I’m a big LS motor fan (I’ve owned an LS1 C5, an LS2 C6, and an LS3 Camaro SS) and the sound of this motor is like that…maybe better.
The interior is incredible. Every surface is heavy, solid, high quality. I am spoiled for life now that I have this car.
I’m sorry, but I just can’t get past how awful I think Lexus grills got back then. That is a nice shade of blue, though.
Agreed. To me that’s the worst part about the car. I’ve softened my stance a bit now that they are everywhere, but it’s still a bit of a disappointment to have that grille be on the leading edge of the front like that. I think the context here (the fact that many luxury automakers have ugly grilles) makes me feel like this is par for the course rather than some abnormality.
I thought Audis of that era had nice, restrained front ends. But some of the concepts I’ve seen recently have me concerned. BMWs have gotten hideous with advanced kidney disease. Oh well. I am not going to buy anything German again. I am probably not to buy another car unless forced to due to unforeseen circumstances.
If there was a good aftermarket option to replace the grill with something normal and sane, I’d consider it.
I understand what you’re saying, but you’re wrong.
Beauty (or fuglyness) is in the eye of the beholder, I guess. I don’t think I’m necessarily wrong. Just different.
A generational stroke of genius. This car is perfect. It’s up there with the C3 Stingray, the MB R107, BMW’s 635csi and 850, Citroen SM, Ssangyong Rodius, and a very very few others. Perfection.
Ugh, white. So very, very few cars look good in white.
This is one case where it makes total sense to go with the used luxury car. The LC is nearing the bottom of its depreciation curve, so your only costs are consumables and PERHAPS some repairs. When you sell it, it’s unlikely to be less than you paid for it, while that Mustang will lose at least $10k as soon as you drive it off the lot.
I’ve had a hard on for an Aston Martin DB9 for a while now. Theyre down to really attainable money, even less than these LC500s. But I’ve got to tell you, I had someone drive by me in an LC500 the other day and it looked like some kind of hover craft from the future. It was effing sexy!!! The fact that I’m lusting on these harder than the Aston says a lot.
Ugh don’t remind me!!! I want one so bad!!!
I am not sure I fully understand the benefit of the LC versus an IS 500?
Oh……. Um; LOOKS ?
the same with an extra set of doors?
Are you messing with us? If not, check out Doug Demuros review of one. Not just the exterior looks, but the interior and build quality. He is a man who has reviewed everything in any price and he was effusive in his praise for the LC.
I would never intentionally search out anything informative from Doug DeTurdo. He is just such a schmuck that I honestly would not want anything he has high praise for.
Dude, im glad you said it, I completely agree. However, I’ll admit, he occasionally reviews cars that I’m interested in (like the LC500) and I’ll begrudgingly watch.
Whut
yeah, they just don’t look that much different to me. The LFS is of course special, and I get the desire fro 2 doors versus 4, but the LC interior is not different enough for me to care really. I think the 10 speed is the only real differentiator here for me.
One of these parked next to my FR-S at Cars and Coffee one time. Absolutely captivating thing to look at.
And based on all the news about Ford, I’d trust an 8 year old Lexus more than a brand new S650 GT for short, medium, and long term reliability.
A quick check of rockauto shows a decent amount of parts availability. I find this comforting as a hopeful LC500’s potential third or fourth owner. You know once it’s really got some stories to tell.
STOP! TALKING! ABOUT! THESE!
No joke. It’s like enthusiasts learned nothing from the insane value rise in SCs and GXs thanks to automotive blogs and Youtubers. I hope to own an LC some day, but I need values to keep going down, not trend back up!
Like 2 years ago these were a well kept secret…but now every reasonably well read enthusiast wants a used one. They also happen to be Japanese and we all know how fanatical JDM bros are. The worst part is I’ll bet Toyota knows too and is going to do everything they can to choke out the supply over the next year or two to drive up prices.
Anyway….SHUT THE FUCK UP THE LC500 IS BORING DENTIST CAR
I would take and SC430 to be honest. Perhaps not as powerful in the end, but certainly looks great still and I am seeing those for 10-20k all day, sometimes less with branded titles or high miles.
I owned an SC300 with the manual transmission. A fantastic car by any account. They were superbly built and engineered and are still pretty today. But these two cars are coming from completely different eras.
SC300 is a special breed. Toyota 3.0 straight sixes from that era now have a cult following, and these SC300’s were pretty popular with Yuppies in the 90’s so a few were saved back and not tuned into Supra alternates. I would actually take one of those though as well.
Idk why people hate on the SC430. It’s awesome.
JDM nerds have largely forgotten about the RC and RCF, though. In many ways I’d rather have one of them. I think the LC is at the bottom of the depreciation curve, but you’ve probably got a few more years to find a cheap RC.
I still wish these had a lift back hatch instead of being a 2+2. Rear would’ve been better reconciled, and it would’ve done its job (luggage space) better as a GT car.
Good car though! Just don’t think you’re buying a sports car, just a GT car with a notable engine that makes good noises, and it’ll serve you well. It also looks very distinctly Japanese in a way that should age well enough over the years.
This seems to be the Japanese equivalent of a V8 Vantage, and that’s a good thing.
Vantage has odd damping, but handles much better than the LC. In a LC to first-Gaydon-Vantage comparison, that is. The Vantage also IS a lift back hatch, with a luggage shelf (instead of vestigial “rear seats”) so it actually does the “GT-ish” job better by having much more usable cargo space.
Convertible LCs also don’t pass the “triangle test.” They are flobbery.
The LC is in a really weird spot from a packaging standpoint, and it probably hurt it more than anything else. It has a great interior, is built fantastically, few issues (as expected), will always look sharp, and has a great sounding engine. Yet it’s so compromised on being able to pack full of stuff for a weekend trip.
If you want to do weekend trips, the Vantage handles the antique store infinitely better, though it will always do Aston things. Handles a bit better. Granted, if the LC’s packaging works for you, it’ll always just work. Look at F-Types as well.
I’ve considered both. V12 Vantage S 7-Speed and the LC. LC failed on packaging. Vantage failed on… Astons being Astons and time to get parts.
Also a sexy British liftback: the Jaguar XK hardtop, which lasted through 2015.
Agreed. Being a poor man’s Aston is not necessarily a bad thing. With many variations including the XKR, with some serious performance and being near the bottom of their depreciation curve, they represent a he’ll of a value in the used car market. Also a bit of secret as not many people talk about them.
Any Aston becomes a poor man’s Aston if you keep it long enough.
Alright. I’m convinced. Now, if I could only bring myself to spend $60K on anything. 😉
Truth!
Green over tan is probably the best color combo on these, but the aforementioned blue and the yellow are also very eye-catchy.
The takeaway of this story for me is that a Mustang GT now costs as much as a slowly depreciating $100K luxury coupe, not the other way around.
A 2018 GT Premium, the same year as these LC500s, was $39,190.
And Ford dealers would sell you one in “you are now a risk to yourself and others” spec for $35,000. To me that’s what a sketchy Mustang should cost, right about the same as a moderately equipped GTI but more expensive than the Toyobaru because you get twice the cylinders and under the average new vehicle transaction price.
Mustangs are not supposed to $60,000 BMW competitors. They’re supposed to be shitboxes that look cool, happen to have an amazing engine, and actively try to wrap you around a tree. Ford has really, really lost the plot with the S650 and the dismal sales numbers agree.
More than ever we need the Camaro back to provide some competitive pressure.
Absolutely, and up until last year you could get a properly sketchy Camaro LT1 for $35,000 that was literally a base Camaro that happened to have the V8 and front Brembos for posterity’s sake. You and I have both been singing the virtues of that trim on this site for years. Again, to me that’s the classic pony car ethos…a shitbox with a huge engine that might as well have “good luck” embroidered on the dashboard.
I do think the Camaro is coming back soon and I just hope they don’t bork it. Hell if they go with the Dodge approach and make it available as a sedan I’d probably buy one. Speaking of which, the initial batch of Charger Sixpack drives just happened and the reviews are pretty universally positive. I’m not sure if you’d consider that Mustang competition but it certainly seems to be worth our time.
I think only time will tell if “6 cylinder” is still a pejorative term in the Charger/Mustang/Camaro world.
Objectively, it probably shouldn’t be, but of course these cars aren’t purchased objectively.
If a six cylinder Buick can find its way to the pantheon of muscle car greats then I don’t see why the new Charger can’t. The Hurricane also has ridiculous tuning potential. People are already getting them near 1,000 horsepower with nothing but a tune.
You and I both know they’re probably going to bring the Camaro back as a fucking electric crossover just to piss me off.
Just to piss US off, my brother in Christ
7 years ago, in the ‘before’ times, I paid $40k for a brand spankin’ new SS 1LE.
39,190 in 2018 is 51k now. 35k then is 45k now.