LC Model (2018-present)

How "bad" is the 2018 LC 500?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-18-23, 10:43 AM
  #1  
sbyted
10th Gear
Thread Starter
 
sbyted's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: CA
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default How "bad" is the 2018 LC 500?

2018 was the first model year for LC 500.

Since then, many tweaks and tuning updates have been refined into the LC 500.

Lately, a 2018 LC 500 came on the market locally for a good price.

From what I hear, the 2018 LC 500 is missing:
  • Updated suspension tuning
  • Update transmission tuning
  • Apply Carplay (Can be retrofitted at dealer for $250)
  • Other misc "first model year" issues, such as poorer build quality, rattling and squeks.
Can anyone provide a comprehensive list of all the things 2018 LC 500 is missing from later model years?
Old 06-18-23, 11:27 AM
  #2  
autozero
Pit Crew
 
autozero's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: TX
Posts: 137
Received 43 Likes on 26 Posts
Default

I have not heard of any major first year issues with the 2018 particularly later 2018 builds. There's virtually no perceptible differences in any of the LC model years except for the upcoming 2024. As you mentioned the apple carplay can be retrofitted

Originally Posted by sbyted
2018 was the first model year for LC 500.

Since then, many tweaks and tuning updates have been refined into the LC 500.

Lately, a 2018 LC 500 came on the market locally for a good price.

From what I hear, the 2018 LC 500 is missing:
  • Updated suspension tuning
  • Update transmission tuning
  • Apply Carplay (Can be retrofitted at dealer for $250)
  • Other misc "first model year" issues, such as poorer build quality, rattling and squeks.
Can anyone provide a comprehensive list of all the things 2018 LC 500 is missing from later model years?
The following 2 users liked this post by autozero:
ISellHomes (07-27-23), L8RZ (06-19-23)
Old 06-18-23, 11:45 AM
  #3  
Cooker883
Driver
 
Cooker883's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: VT
Posts: 96
Received 48 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

OTOH, mine’s a low-mileage 2018. Since January, it has logged 6000 miles. Near as I can tell, it is a perfect automobile. No problems, no “squeks”, plenty of power, astonishing highway mileage (31.1), infotainment system easy to get used to. My first Lexus was a first-year SC400. The beauty of first-year cars is this: the famous Japanese product-cheapening department has not yet been called upon to work its magic. I’m sure Lexus has spent 5 years working on refinements, some of which may even be noticeable. But like I said, this old thing is perfect. And buying it saved me about $33,000 over a new one.
The following users liked this post:
L8RZ (06-19-23)
Old 06-18-23, 01:23 PM
  #4  
flowrider
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (9)
 
flowrider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Arizona
Posts: 10,563
Received 1,932 Likes on 1,362 Posts
Default

Geez - I have a 2018, had it now for four years - I had no idea it was bad Seriously, IMHO the 2018 is the best model year All the changes though very minor in nature, have been aimed at "civilizing" the LC. And as mentioned above most, if not all, are not noticeable.
Old 06-18-23, 10:47 PM
  #5  
Brinylon
Pit Crew
 
Brinylon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: South East England
Posts: 156
Received 59 Likes on 43 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by sbyted

From what I hear, the 2018 LC 500 is missing:
  • Updated suspension tuning
  • Update transmission tuning
  • Apply Carplay (Can be retrofitted at dealer for $250)
  • Other misc "first model year" issues, such as poorer build quality, rattling and squeaks.
From my understanding, the tweaks that were or have been made since 2018 are very minor and whether a regular user would condemn an earlier car because of this is highly doubtful, albeit I stand to be corrected. As for build quality, I looked at newer cars before I bought mine and couldn't detect any lack thereof and given it's Japanese, I think this is a non issue. All said and done, take it for an extended test drive, put it through as many scenarios as possible and see if it suits you. We currently have 3 Japanese cars between myself and my wife, and one in particular has now gone through 8 yearly road worthiness tests and has never failed or received any "advisory". That is testament to Japanese build quality. BTW, said others are Honda
Old 06-19-23, 09:18 AM
  #6  
bitkahuna
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
 
bitkahuna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Present
Posts: 74,976
Received 2,459 Likes on 1,613 Posts
Default

any year lc is a wonderful thing as shown by owners of all!
The following users liked this post:
Brinylon (06-19-23)
Old 06-20-23, 05:24 AM
  #7  
BruceinFla
Advanced
 
BruceinFla's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: FL
Posts: 513
Received 160 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bitkahuna
any year lc is a wonderful thing as shown by owners of all!
Preach it Reverend Bit!
Bruce in Fl
Old 06-20-23, 10:28 AM
  #8  
web4488
Pit Crew
 
web4488's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Arizona
Posts: 219
Received 99 Likes on 57 Posts
Default

Got mine February 2018, so it was built in 2017. The car has been rock solid. I can't speak to the suspension and tranny tweaks, but I'm not inclined to "upgrade" just for those or the new infotainment system.
The following users liked this post:
Brinylon (06-20-23)
Old 06-28-23, 10:24 AM
  #9  
fodalo
Instructor
 
fodalo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: NH
Posts: 796
Received 333 Likes on 249 Posts
Default

2018 has served us well, no issues, its a Lexus!! They have been tweaking this car for a while, long B4 the first year model hit.
Old 06-30-23, 02:29 PM
  #10  
4thone
Intermediate
 
4thone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Wi
Posts: 317
Received 7 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

My 18 has logged a whopping 2136 miles . The first time I sat inside ,I said “this is for me”. I may decide to let it go and replace with a 24 convertible Blue on white . It’s a wonderful car but

I am never home to drive . My 2010 Camaro SS has 5150 miles .


The following 4 users liked this post by 4thone:
Badhobz (07-03-23), Brinylon (07-02-23), BruceinFla (06-30-23), DaveGS4 (06-30-23)
Old 07-01-23, 03:51 AM
  #11  
Alatham
2nd gear
 
Alatham's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: GA
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Thanks all here for the re-enforcement of my decision this week to get an Infrared 2018 LC 500. So far it’s amazing and drives like a new car.
The following users liked this post:
Brinylon (07-02-23)
Old 07-03-23, 07:46 AM
  #12  
ronr9286t
Rookie
 
ronr9286t's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: AZ
Posts: 31
Received 15 Likes on 8 Posts
Default 2018 lc

I have a slightly different question. On the Lexus web-site, the 2023 models show the "Panoramic View Monitor" as standard equipment on all 3 models (500 Coupe, 500h, and the convertible). I cannot find any documentation on the inclusion of this feature on earlier years. Any wisdom here?

This feature is important to me and one of the selling points on our '22 RX450h.
Old 07-03-23, 08:32 AM
  #13  
Badhobz
Instructor
 
Badhobz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 1,041
Received 628 Likes on 334 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by ronr9286t
I have a slightly different question. On the Lexus web-site, the 2023 models show the "Panoramic View Monitor" as standard equipment on all 3 models (500 Coupe, 500h, and the convertible). I cannot find any documentation on the inclusion of this feature on earlier years. Any wisdom here?

This feature is important to me and one of the selling points on our '22 RX450h.
thats because its is only available on the 2024 model year. Previously there wasnt such an option on the LC500's.
The following users liked this post:
THE_CEO (07-03-23)
Old 07-03-23, 08:40 AM
  #14  
ronr9286t
Rookie
 
ronr9286t's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: AZ
Posts: 31
Received 15 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

Thank you!
Old 07-04-23, 03:57 PM
  #15  
ATLHeel350
Pit Crew
 
ATLHeel350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: GA
Posts: 167
Received 67 Likes on 38 Posts
Default

I have a 21. Would not hesitate on an 18. From what I have read, it is a bit more aggressive on suspension and braking. I this I will go with the performance pads when I do a brake job.


Quick Reply: How "bad" is the 2018 LC 500?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:32 AM.