I'm seriously considering buying an LC500 within the next 6 months. One issue is that my local dealers don't have any in stock that I can view in person. I've only seen a brief glimpse of a few over the years on the road. I know it's subjective, but which do you guys think looks better in person? Coupe or Convertible? Are there any differences in options or performance between the 2 models?

I'm in Florida so it rains a lot for about 4 months during the summer time and the car wouldn't be garaged. I have a 1 car garage but that is reserved for another car. How does the convertible soft top hold up to the elements? The Florida sun can be brutal to a car over time and the rain would also give me a concern with the soft top. Any convertible owners keep their car outside 24/7?

 

Imo, you're thinking too much. Which car would be more fun for you to drive? Which car would you feel better seeing early in the morning and late in the evening? It all comes down to that.
(Fwiw, I live in steamy North Florida/south Georgia and have the convertible. No concerns thus far about rain or fading - though it is garaged when not in use).

 

Vert, put top up you also have a coupe.

 

This is a really tough decision. I’ve only driven the coupe and that would be my choice. The convertible is absolutely stunning and I can only imagine how fun it would be to own.

It really comes down to finding your ideal color combination, coupe or convertible.

As far as having the convertible outside for a few months, I believe there is a sealant you can buy for the roof to keep it protected from fading. It should be okay.

 

Still loving that caramel interior?

 

Just as a counterbalancing opinion I think the coupe is the better of the two options honestly. I get that the convertible is really popular in the US and if you like it, you like it. But if you are genuinely undecided between the two I think the coupe is a better option

Looks better - subjective but even lexus designed it as a coupe first and then made it into a convertible much later on
No scuttle shake
More options available like the rear wheel steer and auto-deploying spoiler
(slightly) more usable back seats
more trunk space
less weight

 

Absolutely.

Red over black is classic, but I'm no longer a fan of black interiors, especially in Florida, and I don't think black fully illuminates the details of the LC interior. Red over red is too much...red...for me, though one or two owners here went with it.

So, that left caramel. In theory, it seems a bold choice - red over caramel brown - but in actuality, it's really quite nice (especially with the tan top) and it draws many compliments.

 

yes subjective, but i prefer the coupe. convertibles look great with the top down and i might have been interested had they offered the dynamic handling package with the convertible, but they don't. i'm in florida too, and sure in the winter months the convertible is great, but in the summer, not so much with humidity and rain every day.

wow, the other car must be special. oh wait, "Enzo", uh yeah. i would not want to leave an LC500 outside all the time and especially not the convertible. looks like you're in the Keys? salt air / spray isn't kind to cars.

 

I think it's important Where in Fla you live. The impact from the sun is going to be, imo, much more so say in Miami than in say Tallahassee. Exterior House paint is sun/humidity Tested in Miami For A Reason.

How long do you intend to keep the car? Im not sure there is Anything short of a garage that will truly mitigate the sun and heat damage to the top after a couple years.

Seriously. What is in the garage Now that warrants the garage More Than a 100k LC?

How do you like the Vert look with the top up? Cause realistically, That's how your gonna see it Most Of The Time. IMO, You are Really only going to be able to go topless for 5 months of the year Oct-Mar. It's just too damn hot the other months. Even during Oct-Mar I don't think you'll want the top down 10am-7pm.

To Me, there is just too much down side/time to warrant the drop top.
Bruce in the Blast Furnace state

 

I got 2 young kids and can only fit them in a coupe, so that was a easy decision for me.
Convertible, nothing can fit back there.

 

--

Kind of comes down to use vs. practicality. However, if I had to have a car that was always outside in any weather and couldn't be left around with the top down, I would choose a coupe that was a lot cheaper than 100K. I would not consider my LC a "throwaway car". There are a lot of new cars for half that cost that look pretty good these days.

--

 

the username beginning "Enzo" might be a clue.

also, 100k isn't that much these days!

LOL, that was hilarious.

 

Hands down convertible. Not even close imo.
the convertible looks better with the top down, imo it also looks better with the top up (low sleel roof line).

And boy do you get to hear that beautiful engine and exhaust in their full glory.

 

I bought the vert for the exhaust.. Just wish it had some burble... Any burble... Its a v8 for f sake.

 

Coupe was my choice, not really a convertible guy I guess. Friend of mine has one and enjoys it. It was the only one available for a test drive before I ordered mine. I like the lines of the coupe better but either is a great choice, comes down to personal preference.