Lexus LC 500 Depreciated Price: Is a Used V8 Supercar Now a Bargain?
The first time you hear a used Lexus LC 500 fire up its naturally aspirated V8 for less than half its original price, you start wondering if this is the smartest luxury car deal on the market.
TL;DR
Yes, the Lexus LC 500 is becoming a legitimate bargain on the used market — but it’s not the fire-sale you might expect. Early models are now dipping below $50,000, with examples around $47,000–$51,000 for higher-mileage 2017–2018 coupes . What makes this special is the LC 500’s exceptional value retention: it still holds 65.5% of its value after five years, the best in its class . The sweet spot for buyers is the 2–4 year-old models, which offer significant savings while the car remains relatively new and under warranty . The V8 is built like a tank and can easily go 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance . If you’ve always wanted a V8 grand tourer but couldn’t stomach the $100,000+ price tag, the used LC 500 is increasingly within reach.
Key Takeaways
- Used LC 500s are finally under $50,000 — high-mileage 2017–2018 coupes can be found in the $47,000–$51,000 range
- Exceptional value retention — the LC 500 retains 65.5% of its value after 5 years, far exceeding the luxury midsize car average of 51.4%
- The sweet spot is 2–4 years old — buying a 2-year-old LC saves about $8,754 while the car is still relatively new
- Reliability is legendary — the 2UR-GSE V8 engine is known to last 200,000–300,000 miles with proper maintenance
- Convertibles cost more — expect to pay $75,000+ for a used LC 500 convertible
- Maintenance matters — service history is crucial; a neglected LC can be expensive to fix
How Much Does a Used LC 500 Actually Cost?
Let’s cut straight to the chase. You can now buy a Lexus LC 500 for less than the average new car transaction price. That’s crazy talk, right? But it’s true.
The cheapest LC 500s on the market are 2017–2018 coupes with higher mileage. One white 2018 with just under 95,000 miles was listed at $49,980, while another with 115,000 miles was $49,955 . The absolute lowest find? A 124,000-mile 2018 LC 500 for $47,995 . These examples are rare, but they prove the market is moving in the right direction for budget-conscious buyers.
For more reasonable mileage, a 2017 LC 500 with 62,000 miles was listed at $66,000, and another with 93,000 miles at $51,000 . The convertible version is pricier — if you want a used drop-top, prepare to spend at least $75,000 .
A 2023 Carbon Edition with 31,000 miles will still cost around $96,000, so newer examples hold their value extremely well . That’s actually a good sign for buyers worried about future depreciation.
The Depreciation Numbers: Where the Value Really Is
The LC 500 defies typical luxury car depreciation. Here’s what the data shows.
New price: $105,600 (coupe) to $108,550 (convertible)
Five-year resale value: $74,628, retaining 70.7% of its original value
Wait, that seems different from the 65.5% figure mentioned earlier, right? Different sources use slightly different methodologies. One analysis of over 3 million vehicles shows 65.5% retention after 5 years, with average 5-year-old LC 500s selling for $80,739 . Another source shows 70.7% retention with a $74,628 resale value . Either way, both figures are outstanding compared to the luxury midsize car average of 51.4% .
Here’s what depreciation looks like year by year :
| Years Old | Resale Value | % Retained |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $102,886 | 97.4% |
| 2 | $96,846 | 91.7% |
| 3 | $95,642 | 90.6% |
| 4 | $85,673 | 81.1% |
| 5 | $74,628 | 70.7% |
| 7 | $63,856 | 60.5% |
| 10 | $53,381 | 50.6% |
These numbers tell a clear story: the LC 500 depreciates slowly, but it does depreciate. The biggest drop happens between years 3 and 5, which is exactly where savvy used car buyers should be looking.
“If you purchase a used Lexus LC 500 that is 2 years old, then you could save $8,754 compared to buying new, and still have a relatively new model with plenty of useful life remaining.”
What Your Money Gets You
The 2018 LC 500 came with the same 471-horsepower 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 that’s still in the 2026 model. The 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel-drive layout, and stunning design were all there from day one .
The differences between early and late models are relatively minimal :
- Factory Apple CarPlay became standard in 2020 models
- Suspension tuning was mildly refined after 2020
- Transmission behavior got software updates over the years
- Exhaust sound became slightly muted on later models due to emissions regulations
If you’re looking at a 2017–2019 car, you can retrofit CarPlay, so don’t let that stop you . The driving experience remains essentially unchanged.
Chart: LC 500 Value Over Time
Comparison Table: New vs Used LC 500
| Factor | 2026 New LC 500 | 2021 LC 500 (4 yrs) | 2018 LC 500 (8 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $101,850+ | ~$85,673 | ~$47,000–$51,000 |
| Depreciation | 0% | ~19% | ~55% |
| Engine | 471hp 5.0L V8 | 471hp 5.0L V8 | 471hp 5.0L V8 |
| CarPlay | Factory | Factory (2020+) | Retrofit available |
| Suspension | Refined (2020+) | Refined (2020+) | Original tuning |
| Mileage | 0 | ~54,000 | ~90,000–124,000 |
Reliability: The Bargain Keeper
Here’s the real reason used LC 500s are bargains rather than money pits: Lexus reliability.
The 2UR-GSE V8 is a proven engine platform. Owners on forums report these engines regularly going 200,000–300,000 miles with proper maintenance . One forum member noted that Lexus V8s from the same family have been driven well over 200,000 miles through all conditions without a single mechanical or electrical problem .
“The LC 500 V8 is the iconic 2UR-GSE — I can see this engine going 300K miles or more without worry if taken care of.”
Always check the service history before buying a used LC 500. One buyer posted about a 93,000-mile 2017 LC that needed suspension replacement and had questionable service records — the community strongly advised against it . A well-maintained example with similar miles, however, was considered a solid buy at $51,000.
The LC 500 is built by Lexus’s best Takumi technicians at the Motomachi factory. Panel tolerances, fit, and finish are top-tier . This is not a car that falls apart as the miles pile up.
The Convertible Premium
If you’re set on a drop-top LC 500, you’ll pay more. Used convertibles start around $75,000 and go up from there . The convertible also has less trunk space (3.4 cubic feet vs the coupe’s 5.4) and slightly less rear headroom . The driving experience with the top down is special, but you pay a premium for it.
Should You Buy a Used LC 500?
This is the million-dollar question. Here’s my honest take.
Buy a used LC 500 if:
- You want a V8 grand tourer but can’t spend $100,000+
- You value reliability and low maintenance costs over exotic badge appeal
- You’re okay with a coupe (the convertible is still expensive)
- You can find a well-maintained example with service history
- You plan to keep the car for several years
Skip the used LC 500 if:
- You want the latest technology (the 2020+ models have better infotainment)
- You need a convertible (budget $75,000+)
- You’re worried about resale (it holds value well, but any car depreciates)
- You don’t have maintenance records from the previous owner
The best value is a 2020–2022 model in the $75,000–$85,000 range. You get the better infotainment, refined suspension, and still save $20,000–$30,000 off new. But if your budget is tighter, a well-maintained 2017–2018 with around 60,000 miles could be a phenomenal deal.
FAQ
What’s the cheapest used Lexus LC 500 I can buy?
The cheapest LC 500s are 2018 coupes with 95,000+ miles, listed around $47,000–$51,000 . The LC 500h hybrid can be found even cheaper — one 2018 with 71,000 miles was listed at $46,299 .
How much does a used LC 500 cost with reasonable mileage?
A 2017 LC 500 with 62,000 miles goes for about $66,000, and a 2021 model with around 54,000 miles is about $85,673 .
Is the LC 500 reliable with high mileage?
Yes. The 2UR-GSE V8 is known to last 200,000–300,000 miles with proper maintenance . The car is built with exceptional quality by Lexus’s best technicians .
What’s the difference between early and late LC 500 models?
The differences are minimal: 2020+ models have factory CarPlay, slightly smoother transmission behavior, and mild suspension tuning .
Is the LC 500 convertible more expensive used?
Yes. Used LC 500 convertibles start around $75,000, compared to $47,000–$66,000 for coupes .
Should I buy a high-mileage LC 500?
If it has a full service history and the previous owner maintained it properly, yes. If it has questionable records or needs mechanical work, skip it .
Final Thoughts
The Lexus LC 500 is finally entering affordable territory for normal car enthusiasts. A naturally aspirated V8 grand tourer with Yamaha-developed engine tuning, breathtaking design, and Lexus reliability for under $50,000? That’s genuinely rare.
The car depreciates slower than almost anything in its class, which is great for owners but frustrating for bargain hunters. Still, the deals are out there. The best approach is to look for a 2018–2020 coupe with reasonable mileage and a solid service history. Don’t buy the cheapest example you find — buy the best-maintained one you can afford.
These cars are going to be future classics, and the window to buy them at reasonable prices might not stay open forever. The LC 500 is proof that you don’t need to spend six figures to own something genuinely special. You just need to be patient, do your homework, and wait for the right car to come along.
Would you rather buy a high-mileage LC 500 for $50,000 or a new compact luxury sedan? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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