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How "bad" is the 2018 LC 500?

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Old Jun 18, 2023 | 10:43 AM
  #1  
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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?
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Old Jun 18, 2023 | 11:27 AM
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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?
Reply
Old Jun 18, 2023 | 11:45 AM
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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.
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Old Jun 18, 2023 | 01:23 PM
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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.
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Old Jun 18, 2023 | 10:47 PM
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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
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Old Jun 19, 2023 | 09:18 AM
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any year lc is a wonderful thing as shown by owners of all!
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Old Jun 20, 2023 | 05:24 AM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by bitkahuna
any year lc is a wonderful thing as shown by owners of all!
Preach it Reverend Bit!
Bruce in Fl
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Old Jun 20, 2023 | 10:28 AM
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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.
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Old Jun 28, 2023 | 10:24 AM
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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.
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Old Jun 30, 2023 | 02:29 PM
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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 .


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Old Jul 1, 2023 | 03:51 AM
  #11  
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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.
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Old Jul 3, 2023 | 07:46 AM
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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.
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Old Jul 3, 2023 | 08:32 AM
  #13  
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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.
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Old Jul 3, 2023 | 08:40 AM
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Thank you!
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Old Jul 4, 2023 | 03:57 PM
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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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