Everything to Look For When Shopping for an LFA

Collector's Dream

The Lexus LFA was a pricey, coveted car when it launched over a decade ago, but interest (and subsequently, prices) in the automaker's ultimate halo car has only grown in the years since. There likely won't ever be another car like it, so collectors are keen to get their hands on a copy of the high-revving, V10-powered machine, but there are quite a few things they'll want to be aware of before laying down a substantial amount of cash on an LFA.

Photos: Lexus

Maintenance History

As if the case with any used car, service history is paramount for the LFA. As we've covered in the past, servicing these cars is a bit more involved than the average daily driver, and can only be completed by specialists. Thus, it's critical that the car has a routine service history with a Lexus dealer, especially when we consider the high price of replacement parts.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about shopping for an LFA right here in Club Lexus.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Completing a pre-purchase inspection at a Lexus dealer is highly recommended in this case, if possible, for that very same reason. Nothing on these cars is cheap, as everything from the transmission bell housing ($8k) to an engine replacement ($88k) will set your bank account back considerably, which isn't ideal considering what it costs to buy one of these cars in the first place.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about shopping for an LFA right here in Club Lexus.

Searching For Corrosion

Having said all of that, the LFA is, like all Lexus vehicles, a reliable and well-built machine. And since it's constructed from mostly carbon fiber and aluminum, corrosion isn't usually an issue. Regardless, shoppers will still want to inspect the undercarriage with the car on a lift. 

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about shopping for an LFA right here in Club Lexus.

Minor Imperfections

Since the LFA is a low-production vehicle built from exotic materials, it isn't likely that you'll find shoddy body repair work, as most would have been performed by the dealer. The interior is also a pretty easy part of the car to inspect, as you'll be able to identify any scuffs or scratches with a careful lookover. These things may seem minor, but they can make a big difference in the valuation of such a coveted car.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about shopping for an LFA right here in Club Lexus.

Pricing

LFA prices have remained somewhat stagnant in recent years, but top-notch examples currently average around $440,000, while Nürburgring Edition models have been nabbing well over $900,000 at auction lately. With just 500 total examples produced and considering the uniqueness of the LFA, prices figure to rise in the coming years.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about shopping for an LFA right here in Club Lexus.

Solid Investment

Thus, one could argue that the LFA is a solid investment at this point in time. As the world transitions to electric power, it's highly likely that this car is quite literally the last of its breed, and that sweet-sounding V10 certainly makes it worth the plunge. 

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about shopping for an LFA right here in Club Lexus.

For help with your repair and maintenance projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.