Hey everyone,

I'm seriously considering pulling the trigger on a 2016 RC350 and would really value some honest feedback from current owners. I know Lexus is discontinuing the RC this year, which has me wondering if this is still a smart buy or if I should pivot to alternatives.

My situation:

• Budget: $28K
• Looking for fully loaded with Mark Levinson audio (non-negotiable for me)
• Daily driver coupe, will own 2-5 years max
• Goal is to step up to an RC-F or GS-F once I hit some career milestones

My main concerns:

1. Discontinuation impact - How worried should I be about parts availability, resale value, and dealer support going forward?
2. True cost of ownership - What are you realistically spending annually on maintenance, repairs, and unexpected issues? I keep hearing about water pump problems around 60-80K miles.
3. Alternatives worth considering - I'm also looking at BMW 430i/435i and Infiniti Q60 from similar years. Anyone cross-shopped these? The Q60's twin-turbo setup is tempting for the power difference.
4. High mileage concerns - Most RC350s in my budget have 60K+ miles. If I buy one with limited service records, what should be my immediate action plan for 2025? Thinking: full inspection, carbon cleaning, cooling system flush, transmission service?
5. Would you buy again? - For current owners, if you were car shopping today with my timeline and goals, would you choose the RC350 again or go a different direction?

I really want to love this car - the styling is gorgeous and I've always been drawn to Lexus reliability. But I also don't want to make an emotional purchase that doesn't make financial sense as a stepping stone vehicle.

Any real-world experiences, maintenance horror stories, or success stories would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance for keeping it real with me.

TL;DR: $28K budget, want loaded RC350, concerned about discontinuation + high mileage, considering BMW/Infiniti alternatives, planning 2-5 year ownership before upgrading to RC-F/GS-F.
Example of one I am considering

 

I wouldn't worry about parts. It's a Toyota product. And cost of maintenance (DIY), the parts pricing is reasonable. Our RC is @ 110k mi. and will keep it as long as no idiot totals it (our previous vehicles we're wrecked by idiots). We will always stay with Lexus/Toyota and have been for 4 decades.

 

Thanks for the response. Did you buy your RC brand new? Should I consider buying an extended warranty on any with higher mileage?

 

Ya, new, ordered with customized features so I don't pay for something I won't use. Made directly from Japan. But from what I heard, they don't do that customized orders anymore.

 

Late to the party! But....

1. Discontinuation impact - Nothing to worry about here period. Dealer still services my 96 Man swapped SC400. The RC platform car will have parts and service options for years to come.
2. True cost of ownership - I have a 24 RC350, 21 LC500 and the 96 SC400. All 3 cost about the same for 2 dealer visits a year for regular stuff. 500$-750$. Tires are due this year on the RC though. Probably need to drop 2500 or so there for Michelin PS. If you're buying the 16-19 range though. Look for recent transmission/suspension/brake maintenance. However, that should be the standard for any vehicle over 5+ years old or in the 50-70k mileage range. I wouldn't touch ANY used vehicle though that doesn't have verifiable service records going back at least 2 years however. Even with the Lexus platform the potential headaches are just not worth rolling the dice on. So your first course of action should be finding something that was well maintained.
3. Alternatives worth considering - Infiniti is a hell of a lot worse for nearly the same price. I would look elsewhere. At the sub 60-70k price range. Handling, Quality, and Upkeep over Power, every single time. Infiniti is far worse then Lexus in nearly every metric. Styling, Handling, Resale, Build Quality, Sound Systems, Upkeep, etc. As for alternatives. Americans have much better options for unique or powerful cars as compared to us Maple Leafs. M2/M3s can be found in the 25-30k range. GTO/G8s. CTS-Vs etc. F-Types, and even RS5s. Nothing else out there in that price range will be as reliable, or as cheap to run compared to the Lexus though. So I suppose the trade off here is power/fun for more potential upkeep or surprises.
4. High mileage concerns - See #2
5. Would you buy again? - Buy the RC350 again? Definitely not. I would go right into the RCF or another LC500. I only got the RC as a replacement for an IS500 that I had for 2 months. It was totaled in an accident. My insurance paid the full cost for the new RC and I got extra money back on top. So instead of going on a wait list for another IS500 or for the RCF. I jumped straight into what was available. The LC500 however, I would rebuy a thousand times over.

 

I own a 2017 RC350 FS RWD with currently 53, bought at 29k

1. Discontinuation impact - The 3.5 2GR has been around for a while so you’ll find that a lot of parts will still be compatible and still being produced. The AA80/81E trans has also been around for a while so wouldn’t worry about parts AVAILABILITY. Would note that they are fairly expensive though. Accidentally ripped off my fuel door and the assembly was $300 USED.
2. True cost of ownership - Besides the mods to make this mom car a little more fun, it’s been straight oil changes. Did ALL my fluids and spark plugs at 50k just because i’m **** about maintenance but at 53k, but I honestly abuse this car and not even a sign of an issue yet. Gas mileage isn’t that great and with the way I drive i’m filling up every few days at 17 mpg. I’m lowered too and need new rear tires (performance/summer tires) every 8-10k miles. Hopefully these new adjustable camber arms get my alignment back in spec
3. Alternatives worth considering - The BMWs are a good alternative in terms of comfort, features, tunability, and fun factor; you’re gonna pay for it in reliability, especially over 50k miles when everything starts leaking. Being a tech and have driven lots of vehicles, I’ve never been a fan of the Nissan/Infinitis. The Q’s can be great cars for real cheap too but the quality of the parts all over are real cheap and just the ride quality has always felt cheap and incomparable to a lexus of the same year.
4. High mileage concerns - Like I said before, 53k miles on mine and not the slightest issue seen on a car that I personally inspect and service every 5k miles. The 2GR and AA80/81E platforms are virtually indestructible with proper maintenance and the only things that will cost you are maintenance such as fluid services, plugs, filters, belts, etc. until about 150k miles.
5. Would you buy again? - Regarding your interest in the Mark Levinson; I was set on buying an RC with ML system but after hearing a 23 LS with the ML, was super underwhelmed and didn’t let that be my determine factor. I instead bought one with the base system and spent a couple grand on a Focal setup, 12” sub, LC7, and a couple amps and it’s WAY better than the ML could ever be. Now to your question. Little backstory, growing up I always built little racecars, and recently bought a couple C7s. Got into a really bad wreck in the C7 and decided at this point in my life to get into something a little more chill and the RC was perfect. 1) Phenomenal reliability 2) The RC, especially when slightly modified, is such a pretty, unique car that gets more attention that a BMW or infiniti competitor. 3) It’s not FAST, but it’s sure not slow. I have an intake and a tune and i’m outrunning just about everything in its a class like the civic type Rs, V8 trucks/ SUVs, and just about every NA V6 and 4 cyl turbo. Lowered and a few chassis braces, and i’m one of the faster cars on our “track” days. 4) Besides the outdated infotainment system that grew on me, the interior is fairly comfortable and the ride on the soft setting is quite comfy. The truth is if I had a choice to buy this are again, I would and wouldn’t. For a hotrodding young guy like me, the V8 of an RCF or IS500 is calling my name but I can’t be mad at how much I’ve enjoyed this car and how well it’s taken care of me. It’s all in what you want.

 

FYI, rear tire wear, especially on edges, is almost always toe being out of spec, not camber.

 

To add to this and clarify for everyone. Both toe and camber can lead to edge wear. Toe-out (wheels pointing out) and negative camber will wear the inside of the tire.

If your edge wear is concentrated on the edge itself and/or has feathering, that is an indication that toe is out of spec.

If the wear even across the tread with a bias towards the inner side then its the negative camber causing this wear.

Our cars come with negative camber from factory and fixed camber arms, Rear Upper Rearward Control Arms. (hope that made sense)
I highly recommend aftermarket adjustable camber arms and regular alignments to avoid uneven tire wear in general.

 

Great feedback everyone. I am leaning towards passing on the RC350 at this time.