2018 Lexus LC500 Review - An Owner's Perspective
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- I've been asked by several viewers to release more content on my LC500. I decided to do a formal review of this beautiful grand tourer that Lexus came out with in 2017 (as a 2018 model). I'm not sure if I ever owned a car that after 5 years of ownership still puts a smile on my face EVERY TIME I get into it. Check out this review, as I go into the exterior, interior, cargo, and engine from an owner's perspective. Most importantly, you'll get my feedback on the driving impressions (not only on road, but also on track) on this beautiful machine.
Please let me know in the comments below if you guys want to see more content on this LC500.
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Congratulations on 5 years of ownership. You've taken amazing care of it. I have a Lexus IS500 and I hope mine looks as good as yours in 5 years.
Thanks man....I do try and keep her in good shape, both mechanically and aesthetically....
Congrats on that IS500 man! Great car to have - definitely the last of its kind (V8 powered sports sedan)! Enjoy her in good health!
@@RichWithCars where do u live bro why u driver seat on right side ?
Absolutely stunning car! Not the fastest car, but certainly a top contender for most beautiful and elegant!
Absolutely. Many automotive journalists say that its design is among the best....def 👍
We just purchased a CPO 2018 Infared with the caramel colored interior. It is absolutely stunning! Great video with detailed information. Your car is beautiful with the perfect stance.
Congrats on your "new to you" LC500. You're definitely going to enjoy it! Thanks for watching! 👍
There are tonnes of reviews on this car but few from owners, especially 5 year owners. You are obviously intimately familiar with this vehicle as evidenced by your tips and tricks video. I am in love with this car and if things go as planned I'll be buying one next year. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas. Lovely car you have. Thanks for the videos.
Thanks for watching and I appreciate your kind words. 👍
Its christmas day and im excited to take my Christmas slay out. My 22 LC Coupe in IF. I love this car like a child. Its sick.
Enjoy the drive and Merry Christmas!
That sound never gets old. I love driving mine and hope to love it even more in the years to come.
The sound is definitely one of the highlights of the LC. Enjoy the ownership experience!
The gloss back wrap accents made this car look so well put together ❤️
Thanks👍
This is my favorite LC500. When people bring up the LC500 in conversation I show them pictures of your car. Keep the videos coming!
Dude thank you so much! I really do appreciate it...🙏
@27:22 Even after 5 years of ownership, and that downshift take off can still put a smile on your face says everything. Love it. 👏👍
Ya man....and doing all these reviews makes me appreciate the LC even more, because I see what's out there, and I still prefer the LC OVERALL (not being biased). Of course, there are faster cars, more technologically advanced cars, but nothing puts it all together (on a GT car) in a gorgeous package like the LC does.💪
@@RichWithCars it’s finally getting the respect it deserves, well done Rich.
I'm so torn with this car. I'm in the market for a new car and I think I'm going to get an LC500 but I can't decide between the coupe and vert. The coupe is obviously sportier, but that convertible looks more luxurious with that flat back end. Looks like a land yacht, very classy. Then the colors are all so good. I always go white, or red but that nightfall mica looks dope and I typically dislike dark colored cars. Decisions, Decisions! LOL
Of course to each their own....I'm not much of a vert person....which is why I went with the coupe and remain with it. As for colors, the Nightfall Mica is really something in person....it has so many different shades under different lighting....my top 2 when I was considering the LC were the Nightfall Mica and Infrared....the IR is stunning also....
The mods are unbelievably tasteful on your car. Nice job.
With the interior, are you ever annoyed by the knobs for the buttons of the cruise control? I find them uncomfortable to press, and Lexus thankfully removed them from later models, such as the UX.
... and that is pretty much the level of scrutiny I have to stoop to for criticism of the car.
Much appreciated man - thank you very much 🙏. In regards to the CC buttons, I'm not annoyed at all by them - in fact I prefer them over the prior layout that Lexus had in its vehicles (which was a small stalk on the lower side portion of the steering wheel).
@@RichWithCars Yeah, the small stalk makes it too cluttered with the paddle shifters - this they did in the GSF, and it became a bit too much. I personally prefer the slight change made in UX, new NX, etc., but the difference is not much.
I am working on a video that deep dives into the infotainment system of the car, so I appreciate your feedback.
Your car is stunning. I wouldnt want any LC500 if it wasnt in ur spec. Spot on!!!
Thank you very much!
The best review done by LC500 owners in addition to savagegeese channel. Thank very much, so on point.
Wow - thank you! It's a massive compliment to be compared to Savagegeese. Their content, quality and level of knowledge/detail is incredible. Many thanks Ralph!🙏
What a sensational car! I saw one of these LC500's a couple of years ago in this color and was instantly obsessed. Now that pricing on these will start to level off I'm entering the market for one. Liked and subscribed.
You will not regret getting one. Make sure to test drive one and compare to any other vehicle you're considering. Test drive all the vehicles you're cross shopping and then pull the trigger. That's what I did, and ended up deciding on the LC. 👍
I’ve seen several videos on this (your) car including the BC Forged video. It is the reason I sold my 911 turbo and bought one. I wanted blue like yours, but could not find one, so I went all black. Thanks for sharing your car, best one I’ve ever seen.
Thank you very much for your compliments - and for watching! I'm surprised you came from a 911 Turbo. Which generation was it - 996? 997? 991? IMO the 911 Turbo is the ultimate all arounder sports car...
@@RichWithCars 997 speed yellow turbo Cabriolet. Thanks
@@NR-vw2rd and how do u find it - in general - so far compared to 911 turbo ?
actually, this actual review is actually quite good in actuality. actually.
In actuality, I thank you for actually watching - I actually appreciate it! 😉
I seen ur car today at Lexus it so nice 🥰
Thanks man 👍🙏
Beautiful work on that already great car man!
Much appreciated man. 🙏 And thanks for watching!
Your blue paint really sparkles and pops!
Ya - def no regrets on getting this spec!
I'm currently saving for one, probably have to put down 10,000$-20,000$. Hoping to get one in 2026-2029 I pray the prices don't increase to crazy levels.
I'm sure you'll be able to get one. I don't think prices would go up. They'll probably stabilize
I'm looking at some 996 or 997s as my step into sport/gt cars, but the LC is my dream daily driver. Lovely spec...
Either of those would be a great choice, though prices aren't attractive atm. LC is awesome - thanks 🙏
@@RichWithCars Yeah, I'm definitely waiting on prices to come down. Finding a used 2014 IS250 we liked and wasn't marked up thru the roof took about 6 months.
Enjoying the LC content! Thanks.
Lucky you, it's a timeless beauty. Plenty with space, it's a grand tourer, the way it should be. Lexus make lot's different cars. Included huge suv's 👍
Yes, I completely agree - timeless design. Planning to keep her for many more years.👍
I'm getting one in a year I love that car
3:26 If he doesnt say it there are actually 4 LED's in the cluster. The three main ones and he is almost pointing at the 4th which is a side blasting LED that activates when you turn the wheel like old school turning lights. It is i guess its just nicely integrated. I assume because the 3 mains are static and never move. So to get that effect you need side blasting lights. Its awesome. I love it at night, when you turn they pop on just giving you and anyone who is looking something else bad ass to look at like eye candy.
Yes, if I understood correctly, you're referring to the additional light module on the inside of the headlight that points sideways when turning the wheel. Depending on which side you turn the wheel, that side light (perpendicular to the regular headlights) will light up the corner in front of you. Very cool - instead of putting a whole swivel mechanism for the lights.
I still have your video/pics on my phone which I look at quite a bit. I love that your car has been such a true inspiration for how mine was set up. Keep making the videos!!!
Thanks Adrian. Really means a lot and LOVE how yours turned out! Trust me, I keep watching your video all the time! This whole UA-cam thing is still a work in progress. 👍
Damn I can’t wait to own mine! Just the smile on your face @27:23 gives it away I know I’ll be smiling all the time & great review on showing so many details
Many thanks. You'll definitely enjoy it once you get it! Thanks for watching!
thanks for the great detailed review! great job! love the nightfall mica too - rare and beautiful.
Thanks @bitkahuna - def means a lot from a fellow LC owner 👍🙏
Very enjoyable review. You did a great job personalizing your car...it looks hot!
Thanks so much and I appreciate you took your time to watch! 🙏
This car is beautiful. That color is so gorgeous.. and it goes so well with black… getting one soon..
Surprisingly the Nightfall Mica does match well with black....good luck on your upcoming purchase!
Is there any way to upgrade the infotainment system with Android/Apple car play?
Apple Carplay you can integrate all the way back to 2018 models but at the dealer. Android Auto only back to 2021 - due to the fact that it's a different head unit
Incredible sounds
🙏
Looks amazing! Regarding the chrome parts you blacked out, was that some sort of vinyl wrap or paint work?
All the chrome was wrapped in gloss black wrap.
5:30 I have to one up you w/ the Nightfall Mica Tricoat. The Infrared color optional on this car is or was at the time of release the only quad coat paint on a factory car. Id think there has to be some more manufactures doing that now or many not. But neat fact. The nightfall is stunning tho.
Infrared was my next choice. I love that color and seeing it in person makes you appreciate it even more - there's so much depth to it!
Looks amazing man. The car looks good in nightfall mica but the chrome delete makes the color pop even more because you dont have bright chrome to look at. How many miles you got on it?
Thanks man! I have about 20,500 miles on her...
It depends there are certain colours that work absolutely well with the chrome structural blue for example it looks absolutely classy with chrome on but once you black it out it will look like sports JDM car which is pretty cool 2
I owned the same blue one for 3 days, then I changed my mind, getting a white one later today, so excited
Why the change? Only reason u can think is because the dark color is hard to maintain and shows all dust, swirling and scratches
@@RichWithCars it’s just a personal preference, the blue one is not bad, but ultra white looks stunning for me
Most definitely have to more content with it, your the only one that has LC content haha Car looks great with the mods. You should do PPE headers it would sound crazy
I've thought about EL headers, but I think it would be way too loud (let alone change the sound profile).
Nope it will become raspy you won’t like for long at all
I love this song loool great way to open up the video !
Ya, caught my ear also....👍
Great video. I've been watching more videos on the convertible version of this car and I believe that is the one I'm going to choose. But I appreciate everything your video has offered. I would like to know if you looked at the convertible version before purchasing the hard top one and your thoughts on it. Thanks.
Thanks for watching Ben. I bought the vehicle in April of 2018, so the convertible wasn't even announced at that time. I haven't driven the convertible, so I couldn't give you my driving impressions on it. But from a overall vehicle perspective, I think Lexus did a great job on making the convertible version of the LC - probably one of the nicest convertible GT's out there. You should check out The Smoking Tire's review on it - Matt Farah had many positives to say about it: ua-cam.com/video/FGa0BeltGZA/v-deo.html
Does the wrap peal off over time ? If I do I don’t want anyone to undue craftsmanship of build by taking lights and rear fascia off?
With the first application it started - but I truly believe that was because the workmanship wasn't good. The second time around, has been much better - 3.5 yrs and counting
What a stunner. Great upgrades on yours. Can’t wait to get mine. Just a long wait time.
Thanks Peter!
Rich, I love your videos, your attention to detail knowledge of the LC 500 and other cars is amazing. Can you tell me the manufacturer of the phone holder in your car?
Thanks man, much appreciated 🙏. Phone holder is ProClip USA. You can check out a video I did on some things I did to simplify my experience with my LC500, which includes installation of the phone holder. Just jump straight to 4min48s
ua-cam.com/video/UaQ0SKrQNlo/v-deo.htmlsi=4iuCe-LXqDjum9XE
It really sucks that this is a car only non-car people can typically afford. I’d absolutely love to get one of these but I just don’t have 100K to spend on a car
You should be able to get one soon. I've seen high mileage 2018 examples going for high 50's/low 60's.
Congrats on such a nice ride. Yours is the most gorgeous I've seen. If the LC 500 is out of reach, which Lexus would you suggest next?
Thank you🙏. Depends on ur needs, but I'd go with IS500, RC-F, LS500
How is cost of maintenance on the long term? I any issues with it you have faced so far?
I did a video on all the issues I've had so far. You can check it out in the link below:
ua-cam.com/video/RGyl-mvWlUk/v-deo.html
Aside from regular oil changes and tires (new wheels), not much. Everything covered under warranty. Oil changes will run you about $110 if you don't supply your oil.
Would it be worth it for a used LC with 40k miles @ low $60k
That's not a bad price. Make sure to look out for the things I mentioned in my other video: ua-cam.com/video/RGyl-mvWlUk/v-deo.htmlsi=1hYbCDgNz4WvqfLi
As always, make sure to get the car inspected and test drive it if you can.
what do u do for living to afford this car? Did you buy it outright or finance? My dream car for sure in the future
Commercial real estate brokerage and investment. Outright...👍
@@RichWithCars thanks for the reply, i'm gonna work hard to get an inspiration series lc500
He used inspect to edited in that 3mil, he made the site desktop mode, then connected a keyboard to his phone
🤷🏼
Did you wrap all the chrome in gloss black or painted some parts ?
All wrapped...
nice 👍
( upgrade to LFA engine?)
I wish!
What a beautiful underrated car ❤
Agreed!
Maybe next time we hangout, you will finally let me drive your car 😎🤔⁉️
Absolutely bro!💪
Great video. To my surprise you are in my neighborhood! I am looking at buying an lc500 in the coming months.
Wow, that's awesome! Yes, you definitely should consider it. There's also another LC in our neighborhood. It's a 2021 LC Inspiration Series (in the Caviar color with the "aviation" massive CF wing).
@@RichWithCars how did you lower the suspension?
Do you have any photos you can send me when you were on stock ride height? I’m not planning to lower mine but I will have the same size wheels and tires. Thanks
@@alibattla9763 no pics with those wheels in stock height. When I modified the car, I did it all in one shot
@@RichWithCars how is the ride quality changed since you’ve lowered it? If at all
What has been used to lower it? it sits very nicely. thank you for shairng!
Thanks for watching! You can find the list of upgrades in the description of this video:
ua-cam.com/video/8Ij9oH4hBfA/v-deo.html
I noticed you only have 20886 miles after 5 years. How often do you do oil changes and what kind of oil do you use? I'm driving my IS500 probably at the same mileage per year.
So for the first 3 oil changes, I used the recommended 5w-30 conventional oil that Lexus uses. This will help seat the rings on top of the pistons (during break in period). Then I've gone with full Mobil 1 synthetic every 5k miles.
@@RichWithCars Thanks for your reply! So it sounds like you kept to the 6 month interval for the first 3 oil changes even though you hadn't hit 5k miles after 6 months? Thanks again
@@jr.sciencebros.8411 that's correct.
Has your exhaust sound decreased after fuel pump recall? Mine did significantly.
No - I haven't noticed. But I also installed my catback after performing the fuel pump repair.
Can you, or have you done a review on the suspension you put on? I am thinking of changing to the RS-R shocks but I am leary about pulling the trigger due to the height of our driveway. Does the RS-R shocks lower it a lot or do they just change the softness of the ride and do they have an adjustable shock that works with the stock electric dampening capability? Do you know if they have a shock that can raise up the nose to get back into the driveway without messing up the stock front lip? I absolutely MUST enter/exit the driveway at an angle and at almost no speed to prevent it from scraping. Any info would be very helpful.
Unfortunately I haven't done a video on the suspension alone. I only swapped out the springs to the RS-R Ti2000. The drop is about 1" in the front and about 1.4" in the rear. I always have to go in and out at an angle in my driveway and super slow. Not only do I have to do that in my driveway but almost everywhere. The swap stiffened the suspension by about 20%, not too bad. You can opt for the RS-R I-Coilovers, which plug into the vehicle's AVS. Moreover, the coilovers also allow you to adjust the ride height manually. I've looked into a system for the front lift, and there's nothing really out there. You can go for aircups, or another airlift system, which would allow you to automatically adjust ride height. Based on what I've read and heard, the best system for the LC is by T-Demand, but it's very expensive. If you're looking to swap out the entire suspension system (including arms, knuckles, coilovers, etc), you're looking at about $18k for parts alone. You can find all that stuff in the link: www.topendmotorsports.com/lexus/lc-1/brands/t-demand/
Hope this helps!
Looks amazing, I was thinking of chrome delete on mine as well. So does LC stand for Luxury Coupe or Lexus Challenge?
I think both - because I remember Akio Toyoda saying it was Lexus Challenge to have his ppl at Lexus turn the LF-LC into reality. But then I've read other articles saying it stands for Luxury Coupe....hope ur enjoying ur LC as much I am with mine! Thanks for watching!
4:34 I love the design too. Until you need to wash the car after going through bugs. Try getting behind that grill to clean! Its not easy. Ive had some bugs get up in there and this was AFTER i washed and detailed the car only to push it into the sun and see the horrifying smattering of insect carcases tucked deep into the grill. 🙄😫😖
Ya, I've seen plenty of that over my ownership period. But ultimately, this happens on all vehicles tho. Some worse than others (depending on the size of the opening of the grill).
What size wheels do you have?
21 in wheels. You can see a list of all the mods in the description of the video below:
ua-cam.com/video/8Ij9oH4hBfA/v-deo.htmlsi=5xJYEK-wPS8bWMyw
It is indeed a beautiful vehicle.,👍
Definitely - the LC is definitely top 3 from Lexus
@@RichWithCars it's a starship. Hopefully soon enough I'll be able to afford one. Good luck with your UA-cam channel and keep up good work 👍
Wanted nearly 650 hp from this beast
You and many of us as well....too bad Lexus didn't slap on the TT V8 on this...😔
hi rich i hope you are enjoying your LC500 if possible,A question rear tires 325 30 21 with 11.5 ''what offset and if you are using any spacers at all and same for front 265 35 21 with 9.5 ?
Shoot me an email. Guanche2k9 [at] gmail [dot] com
@@RichWithCars
@@RichWithCars
Beautiful lc, I have same color , what off set please.
Thank you, Dijon, CA
Noticed you drive with the valves close. Does it drone slightly when you drive with the valves open?
Not really. Don't get much droning. I've driven long distances on the highway with the valves open, and no droning 🤞
How’s the maintenance cost?
I currently drive a 16’ IS
Would love to buy a LC one day
Maintenance isn't bad. So far, just oil changes and cabin air filter change.
do you have any tire rubbing issues and have you taking off the fender inside covers ?
No issues with rubbing and didn't remove the inside covers.
Me like!!!!
Thanks man!
Actually
🤷
What is the wheel setup? Did you get it lowered?
21x9.5 front (265/35/21) and 21x11.5 rear (325/30/21). Lowered on RS-R Ti2000 springs
Can you speak to any unplanned maintenance you've had to do?
None so far tbh...except for buying a new tire 2 weeks after getting my new wheels due to an unrepairable nail
wow that paint
Have u a seen it in person tho?
@@RichWithCars nah, LCs are rare enough as it is in the Bay Area. Have mostly seen neutral colored ones.
What recalls did your car have ?
Only recall was the low pressure fuel pump...
How is the reliability and maintenance cost in the last 5 years?
I'm glad someone finally asked me! Maintenance cost: about $60 for oil and filter changes twice per year. I provide my own oil (Mobil 1 full synthetic 5w-30). Also changed the cabin air filter myself, which I purchased online for about $40. No need for change of brakes, tranny, brake fluid flushes or changes yet (I'm about about 21k miles now). Pretty low cost on the maintenance tbh.
As for reliability: almost bulletproof, but some issues I've encountered: 1) replacement of low pressure fuel pump under recall 2) had an issue with the rear right strut tower, due to some noise coming out of it, which ended up having the whole tower replaced under warranty 3) replacement of the driver's side door handle (due to the motorized actuator not working and not popping out when unlocking the doors) 4) replacement of rear 3rd brake light under warranty (due to a slight creaking noise)
That's basically it. The only major issue IMO was the replacement of the fuel pump, which was a Lexus wide recall...hope that answers your question👍
@@RichWithCars thank you , that’s pretty awesome , basically Toyota reliability and maintenance cost for something that looks like an exotic!!
@@chilee5257 and sounds like one 2
Awesome
👍
💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
👍
Too low for me not to scratch to shreds lol
Can't blame u! I'm OCD and very careful in how I drive... not for everyone...
MY CAR EXHAUST SOUNDS BETTER THAN YOUR CAR AND IT ONLY COSTS 10K AND I WAS ABLE TO BUY A LAND. I GUES I HAVE A BETTER INVESTMENT.
I'm glad for you. Hopefully you made a wise investment.
Wtf are you mumbling over there, out of your hillbilly village 😅😅😅
Obviously, it's your car so what you do with it is up to you. However, I'm not sure why anyone would take something so perfect and stick on a bunch of parts to make the car look like something it isn't. It seems to me that everything you've done has "junked up" this car in an effort to make it look like a track car. Considering the owners of less "classic" cars such as a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 or a 1966 Lamborghini Miura resist the temptation to add a bunch of parts to their cars, I just wonder why anyone would do such a thing to arguably the most beautiful car ever to be manufactured. Again, it is your car and if you want to add stick on parts, wings and whatever else...by all means you should make yourself happy. I know with my 2018 InfraRed LC 500, I will also make myself happy and leave the car alone. In fact, the only thing I really specified were the 20" wheels because I wanted some sidewall protection for my tires and for the numerous occasions in the Bay Area where you can't help but smash into a pot hole. Best of luck with your car and I do hope you enjoy it.
Thanks for your feedback. As you said, to each their own. IMO, I think I went with tasteful mods on the car, and didn't turn it into a "ricer" . In fact, this lip kit (Novel) along with the one by Tom's, are the only 2 kits out there that were aerodynamically tested in a wind tunnel, which actually do have functionality. I don't track my car on a regular basis, but it definitely helps with stability in high speeds. Ultimately everyone has their opinions and tastes, which is why it's called "personalizing" your vehicle....👍
I like to keep cars close to stock cosmetic wise but the LC does need some help. The chrome on the grill, mirrors, diffuser and roof have to go and 3 stock wheel choices are bad IMO they should be on a LS not a LC. Im looking at 2019 LCs right now and those will be changed out on mine as well along with a exhaust.
The LC needs a slight touch of aggressiveness that the kits add. Lexus doesnt want to make a LCF or LC F Sport so you have to do it on your own
@@eliji8723 agreed. But as another viewer mentioned, to each their own. Some people prefer leaving the LC as is, due to its beautiful design and others (like myself) want to personalize it and make it look even sportier....
Being a 2018 LC 500 owner I learnt nothing new during these 28:56 minutes. Modifications are a question of taste, different from one to another. Keep your day job in the realestate business.
Thanks for your constructive criticism....I wouldn't expect you to learn something new after owning the vehicle for so long. Yes, to each their own.