Hi everyone. I know this is pure speculation but wanted to get your opinions. I had a tendency to not hold onto cars too long and recently its been worse. I lost a ton on recent cars like a 392 and a Bronco Raptor. I was really interested in buying a new Lexus RCF Track. I see a new 23 and some new 24s. Looks like its discontinued now. Out of fear, I plugged the cars into trade in sites and most sites can't even provide an estimate but some do and even with basically no miles on them, values show as super low.. $72k like low! Thats insane on a $105k vehicle.

I am just shell shocked but would love to hear opinions if this seems accurate. I know cars are almost always depreciating items but I am trying to avoid taking another bath if I do end up selling it another car fast. Will the RCF Track be a terrible loss? Thanks.

 

RCF sales are very low and general public interest is almost nil. Unlike the IS 500 which sells pretty fast and even liked by many YT channels. If you see the RCF auctions on BAT, Cars and Bids the volume is very very low.

RCF TE is a collectors car for sure due to it's high carbon fiber components which are actually high quality unlike the Porsche and BMW old ones where always had delamination issues in the exterior. Made in same factory which LFA had its CF parts done. Plus those Carbon Ceramic brakes which cost over $15K and the Ti Axle back Exhaust is also over $20K insane OEM pricing for these not to forget the 3K front splitter, and 4K spoiler and rocker panels same. Still they do not sell them much and generally we see them only in the Autotrader likes and general Dealership CPO sales only.

We cannot speculate for sure how the car will be appreciated in value maybe it will due to it's rarity esp in the short term, but it is definitely a special car and for me RCF trumps LC 500 in chassis, driving dynamics and performance. RCF TE is only saving a few lbs and due to it's high cost without added performance benefits over base RCF, which is why it got negative press. Plus the existence of LC 500 also ruined this car even though RCF being Track ready and can be owned for less cost.

For the long term I believe these cars will be really good, but how long will one be able to maintain it without enjoying ? That depends on the owner and their priorities plus the brand recognition... Like I see that SLS AMG Blackseries from 2014, 10 years old 140 miles on the odo sells for over 900K on BAT while used ones non black series sell for 200K. I doubt Lexus F cars will get that attention in this next 15 years, and tbh Lexus F cars are meant to be enjoyed and reliable unlike those Ferraris, AMGs and VWAG cars garage queens kept out of the world for 10 years and then make a 2-3 fold on the investment.

 

Thanks for this awesome post. I appreciate it. I am surprised at just how little interest there is in the Track Edition. I think its beautiful and special. I plan on driving it a ton and not saving it one bit. I just know that I generally don't hold onto cars too long and am getting beat up on my most recent one after trying to trade it in under a year of ownership. I THINK I will hold onto the TE for a long time, not for resale purposes but because I really like it and believe in the quality and what the car is. I just know if it is troublesome in terms of reliability, I will dump it sooner. I just fear shelling out $110k or so and then losing my shirt in a year or two.

I had no idea those components were that expensive. Damn. I like reading it though. Maybe someone can buy the wing off of me lol

I have no interest in the LC500. I checked it out after the hype, but for me.. the TE is where its at. I was offered an LC for an incredible deal without even trying. I am surprised it has a larger audience than the CLK Black like RCF TE.

 

I don't see them holding a high high value. I've seen used ones with deep discounts. It's definitely not a $100k car. I wouldn't buy it as an investment.

 

Hey. Thanks. Not looking for an investment. Just not to get destroyed on resale. Anywho, its definitely a 100k car imo. 100k isn't much anymore.

 

Then def get a used one.