Lexus's flagship grand tourer, built on the GA-L platform shared with the LS sedan. The naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 delivers 477 hp on European cars up to model year 2020 and 464 hp from model year 2021, driving the rear wheels through the AGA0E 10-speed automatic and combining supercar-level performance with Lexus refinement. Lexus launched the LC in Europe in August 2017 as a coupe and added the convertible in 2020, with a touchscreen infotainment upgrade from the 2024 model year. The LC 500 coupe and convertible are no longer offered new in Europe.· more· less

Proven, durable 2UR-GSE V8 engine Exceptional build quality

Expensive 21-inch tire replacements 12V battery drain on 2018-2020 cars

Buy if: You want a reliable grand tourer that combines V8 performance with Lexus build quality and can budget for premium consumables.

Avoid if: You want low running costs or need a car that can sit parked for weeks without a battery tender, especially pre-2020 models.

Maintenance costs

€1,100 – €2,100/year

at 15,000 km/year

Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes €900 – €1,500 /yr

Risk bufferunplanned repairs €200 – €600 /yr

Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.

Maintenance costs

€1,100 – €2,100 per year

€900 – €1,500

service, tyres, brakes

€200 – €600

repair buffer

Buying a used Lexus LC? Check its history.

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Buying a used Lexus LC? Check its history.

carVertical scans 1,000+ databases for damage, mileage rollbacks, theft records and ownership changes. Save 20% with code CARCHECKER.

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Common Problems

12V battery drain (DCM module)

€150 - 4001 of 6

Data Communication Module fails to enter sleep mode, draining the 12V battery over two to three weeks of standing · more· less

The most widely reported LC 500 issue, particularly on 2018-2020 models. The DCM, which controls telematics and connected services, fails to enter low-power sleep mode after the car is switched off. This causes a parasitic draw that can kill the 12V battery within two to three weeks of the car being parked. Ask a Lexus dealer whether any telematics software update is available for the specific VIN, but do not assume a dealer visit permanently resolves the drain, since no LC-specific bulletin for this fault is confirmed. Post-2020 models rarely show this problem. A trickle charger is still recommended for any LC 500 that sits for extended periods.

Coolant valley plate seal failure

€1,500 - 2,5002 of 6

Sealant between the cylinder heads degrades, causing coolant to leak from the centre of the V8 · more· less

A known weakness of the 2UR engine family. The valley plate, located between the two cylinder banks, is sealed with RTV sealant rather than a traditional gasket. Over time, this sealant degrades and coolant begins to weep from the centre rear of the engine. The repair requires removing the entire intake manifold assembly, which is a 12-14 hour job at most workshops. The sealant and parts themselves cost little, but the labor drives the bill. Typically appears after 80,000 km or eight years, though some engines never develop it. Coolant level checks at every service are the best early detection method.

Electronic door handle actuator corrosion

€800 - 2,0003 of 6

Pop-out door handle mechanism corrodes from moisture ingress, preventing deployment or retraction · more· less

The LC 500's flush-mounted electronic door handles use a motor-driven pop-out mechanism that is vulnerable to moisture ingress. Water from rain or car washes can penetrate the housing and corrode the actuator motor and its contacts. Symptoms include handles that stick out, fail to deploy, or deploy inconsistently. Replacement is complex, requiring removal of the interior door panel and a structural panel. The actuator motor alone costs around €300-500 per door, but total replacement including labor runs €800-1,200. In severe cases where the entire latch mechanism needs replacement, costs can reach €2,000 per door. Early models appear more susceptible.

10-speed automatic transmission calibration

€200 - 3,5004 of 6

Pre-2020 models can exhibit hesitant or rough gear changes, usually fixed by a software update · more· less

Some 2018-2019 LC 500s exhibit delayed engagement or rough shifts, particularly in lower gears during moderate acceleration. In most cases this is a software calibration issue that Lexus addressed with updated transmission control software around the 2020 model year. A dealer software flash costs €200-300 and typically resolves the symptoms. True hardware failures of the Aisin AGA0E 10-speed are rare, but if the valve body or torque converter require replacement, costs can reach €3,500. Regular transmission fluid changes every 60,000-80,000 km help prevent issues, even though Lexus officially considers the fluid a lifetime fill.

Seat bolster leather and Alcantara wear

€500 - 1,5005 of 6

Driver's seat entry point wears prematurely, especially on sport seat variants with Alcantara inserts · more· less

The LC 500's low seating position and wide sill mean the driver slides across the outer seat bolster during every entry and exit. Over time, the leather or Alcantara on the left bolster wears, discolours, or separates at seams. Sport seats are more affected than touring seats due to their more aggressive bolster shape. Alcantara sections cannot be restored to new condition and typically need recovering. Professional reupholstering of the affected bolster costs €500-800 at a trim specialist. A full seat recover can reach €1,500. Setting the seat to its rearmost position before exiting provides slightly more clearance and slows wear.

Water pump failure

€800 - 1,5006 of 6

Electric or mechanical water pump develops leaks or fails, typically after 80,000-120,000 km · more· less

Water pump failures on the 2UR-GSE are not common but are documented across the UR engine family. Symptoms include coolant warning lights, gradual coolant loss, or poor cabin heating. The thermostat housing can also develop cracks on higher-mileage examples. The part itself costs €300-500 depending on the source, with labor adding another €400-800 due to the V8's packaging. Most failures occur between 80,000 and 120,000 km. Replacement is straightforward compared to the valley plate and is typically completed within a day.

One of the most reliable V8 grand tourers available

The LC 500's 2UR-GSE V8 is widely regarded as one of the most dependable modern performance engines, with many examples exceeding 150,000 km without major powertrain issues. The 10-speed Aisin automatic is also well-proven across multiple Toyota and Lexus models. Primary ownership concerns are the moderately expensive door handle actuators, the labor-intensive valley plate seal, and the battery drain on early cars, none of which are catastrophic. Early 2018-2020 models should be checked specifically for the 12V battery drain before purchase.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Viewing checklist for the Lexus LC 500 URZ100

A printable one-page A4 checklist for this model.

General checks

Service history
Complete Lexus dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at 15,000 km or 12-month intervals with 0W-20 synthetic.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear. 21-inch tires are expensive to replace and rear tires wear faster on this rear-wheel-drive car.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. The V8 should fire instantly and settle to a smooth idle with no unusual rattles or knocking.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds and varied driving to bring the transmission up to full operating temperature.

Specific for this vehicle

Verify recall campaigns with the VIN
Ask Lexus to check the VIN against the low-pressure fuel pump campaign 20SMD-004, the UK high-pressure fuel pump campaign R/2018/050, and brake-assist campaign 19SMD063. Each covers a defined build range rather than every car, so the VIN decides which apply. On PVM-equipped 2021-2025 cars, also ask about camera campaign 25SD-108.
Test all door handles
Ensure all pop-out handles deploy and retract consistently. Try each door several times and listen for grinding or hesitation.
Check 12V battery and standing behaviour
For 2018-2020 models, have the 12V battery load-tested and ask how long the car can stand before it goes flat, plus whether any telematics software update has been carried out.

+ 3 more checksShow less

Inspect coolant level and look for valley plate leak
Check coolant reservoir level. Look under the car at the centre-rear of the engine for any coolant traces or residue.
Examine driver seat bolster condition
Check the outer bolster of the driver's seat for leather wear, Alcantara pilling, or seam separation at the entry point.
Test transmission through all gears
Drive for 20+ minutes, noting any hesitation or rough shifts. The 10-speed should deliver smooth, predictable changes once warm.

Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

Denso low-pressure fuel pump impeller deformation causing potential engine stall (campaign 20SMD-004, pumps manufactured before 11 May 2019, commonly listed against 2017-2019 vehicles) Critical - verify completed

Possible loss of brake assist (campaign 19SMD063, LC 500s built 26 April to 6 June 2019) Critical - verify completed

High-pressure fuel pump cover crack causing potential fuel leak and fire risk (UK campaign R/2018/050, specific VINs and build ranges only) Verify with VIN

Panoramic View Monitor rear camera image freezes or does not appear (campaign 25SD-108, PVM-equipped 2021-2025 LC vehicles) Verify if applicable

Contact a Lexus dealer with the VIN to check which campaigns apply to a specific car and whether they have been completed. Each campaign covers a defined build range rather than all early cars, and the UK high-pressure fuel pump campaign R/2018/050 was limited to specific VINs and build ranges. Lexus dealers will perform applicable recalls free of charge regardless of the car's age or mileage.

Warranty Status

Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km) Expired on most used LC 500s

Lexus Relax extended warranty Up to 15 years or 250,000 km with qualifying Lexus dealer inspections

The Lexus Relax programme extends coverage up to 15 years from first registration or 250,000 km, renewed each time the car passes a qualifying inspection at a Lexus dealer. This is a significant advantage over most competitors. Verify coverage status with your nearest Lexus dealer using the VIN.

↔ Also consider

Lexus LS 460 XF40 2006-2017

Same UR V8 engine family. The 1UR-FSE is extremely reliable but the LS 460 adds air suspension failure risks and expensive brake actuator issues.

Aston Martin DB11 4.0 V8 2018-2023

Direct GT competitor. AMG M177 V8 is proven but the DB11 has oil leaks, dashboard delamination, and paint issues the LC avoids entirely.

Aston Martin Vantage V8 2005-2017

Naturally aspirated V8 is reliable but the Vantage has expensive clutch wear, timing cover leaks, and problematic Sportshift transmission.

Lexus IS 200t XE30 2015-2020

Same brand, turbocharged alternative. The 8AR-FTS is less proven than the naturally aspirated 2UR-GSE, with known vacuum valve and water pump failures.

Aston Martin Rapide 6.0 V12 2010-2020

V12 is durable but runs double the spark plugs and coil packs. PCV valve failure, damper leaks, and aluminium body corrosion add significant cost.

This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.