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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?
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.
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.
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
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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