Used Lexus RC (Mk1, 2015-2020) buyer’s guide: a stylish coupe to stand out in
A full used buyer’s guide on the Lexus RC that has been on sale in the UK between 2015 and 2020
Verdict
There’s a lot to like about the Lexus RC. It looks really desirable and it’s also incredibly exclusive; probably rather more so than Lexus UK hoped for. Refined, well equipped, impressively built and as reliable as you’d expect a Lexus to be, the RC offers a lot. But there aren’t many to go round, and the RC isn’t as much fun to drive as a rear-wheel drive coupé as extrovert as this should be. As a stylish cruiser that’s easy to live with (as long as you view it as a two-seater), the RC ticks a lot of boxes. But if you’re after something that will thrill you as an enthusiast driver, this unusual Lexus is not the obvious choice.
It’ll soon be four decades since Lexus burst on to the scene, and while it has never made a massive impact in the UK, this Toyota subsidiary keeps plugging away, producing alternatives to the products of the big three German brands that long ago became the default option for many buyers in the premium sector.
In all of the years that Lexus has traded in the UK, it has offered cars which are easy enough to recommend, but hard to love.
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History
We got our first glimpse of the RC at the November 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, but it would be another year before UK buyers could place their order, with the first cars delivered in January 2015.
There was just one model available: the RC F, with a 471bhp 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine. However, by the end of that year orders had opened for two more affordable RC models: the 241bhp RC 200t with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, and the 220bhp RC 300h, which featured a hybrid powertrain at the heart of which was a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. Prices started at £34,995.
Things ticked over until the end of 2018, when a facelifted RC went on sale. There were some minor enhancements, including recalibrated suspension along with some tiny exterior tweaks.
Prices
There aren’t many RCs on the used market. You’ll be doing well to find an RC 200t, while the RC F accounts for about a third of the cars for sale. That leaves the RC 300h hybrid accounting for about two-thirds of all RCs.
You can buy a used Lexus RC via our Buy a Car service, with prices starting from less than £15,000, while you can buy a used Lexus RC F for around £63,000.
Check the price of a Lexus RC with our free car valuation tool...
On the road
There’s a massive difference between the RC and the RC F, in terms of the driving experience. Not only does the latter have far more power than its junior siblings, but the chassis was also given a comprehensive overhaul to improve the dynamics.
No RC can claim to be the best in its class to drive, but the 300h and 200t nevertheless cope pretty well with poor surfaces, are supremely refined and have steering that offers decent feedback. The RC F sounds amazing and has a firmer ride, but its steering lacks the feel that a true driver’s car needs.
Which one should I buy?
If you’re buying for occasional fun, the RC F is the one to go for, because it’s the most exciting to drive and it will probably become the most collectible variation in time. However, if you’re buying for regular use it’s the RC 300h that makes the most sense because it offers the best blend of performance and economy.
The RC F had its own trim level while the 200t came in F Sport and Premier forms; the 300h added a Luxury option as the opener to the range.
The 2018 facelift saw the trims renamed RC, F Sport and Takumi. Even entry-level RCs came with LED headlights, folding mirrors, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker hi-fi, electrically adjustable front seats, leather trim and 18-inch alloys. F Sport trim added 19-inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive suspension and an extra option for the adjustable chassis. Range-topping models also had high-beam assist, a 17-speaker hi-fi and numerous extra driver-assistance systems.
Alternatives to the Lexus RC
The car that gives the RC the hardest time is the BMW 4 Series. It’s great to drive, and there’s also an ergonomic, driver-focused cabin, plus a decent selection of petrol and diesel engines. Pick between regular 4 Series and M4 models.
The Audi A5 coupé isn’t as good to drive, but again there are some great engines, a drop-top option (as with the BMW) and impressive build quality; the sporty options are the S5 and the RS 5.
Both of these alternatives are much more readily available than the Lexus, as is the Mercedes C-Class Coupé, which is comfier than the Lexus and features an impressively premium cabin.
What to look for
Common faults
UK forums don’t contain any recurring problems, although eye-watering brake pad prices (£1,200) have given cause for concern. Globally, air-con glitches and dashboard rattles are a common problem.
Peace of mind
The RC came with a warranty that lasted for just three years or 60,000 miles. But each annual service at an official dealer extends this by 12 months or 10,000 miles, up to a maximum of 10 years or 100,000 miles.
More luxury
At the start of 2018 all RCs were treated to some significant equipment upgrades including improved navigation, a 10.3-inch touchscreen and extra assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control.
Premier league
Also from early 2018, the F Sport was offered with a Premier Pack option. This added a 17-speaker Mark Levinson hi-fi, sunroof, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
Interior
You’ll have to search hard to find a cabin this well made. The dash is taken from the GS saloon, to which the RC is closely related, but this coupé is way behind on usability because rear-seat leg and headroom are so limited.
There’s a 366-litre boot (374 litres for the RC F), but a folding back seat increases practicality significantly.
Running costs
There’s a big difference in running costs between an RC F and an RC 300h. The latter sits in insurance groups 31-35, but the former is in 45-50 (the 200t is in group 40). Also, while the RC 300h can return around 45mpg, you’ll be doing well to get more than 25mpg out of the RC F.
Road tax costs are complicated. Most RCs registered since 1 April 2017 are liable to a £195 annual charge, but some of the newest cars are subject to a £425 supplement for another year. Early 300h cars cost £215 per year; the first RC Fs are rated at £760 every 12 months.
All RCs need to be serviced every 12 months or 10,000 miles. Services alternate between Minor and Major which are typically priced at around £350 and £670. The latter includes fresh brake fluid every two years, but there are no cambelts to replace.
Recalls
There have been three recalls for the RC so far. The first campaign was issued in April 2018, but it affected only the RC F made up until the end of 2017. The problem centred on the two high-pressure fuel pumps, which could be damaged through vibrations, causing them to leak; the cure was to fit redesigned fuel pumps.
Recall two came in October 2020 and was aimed only at RC 300h cars made between July 2017 and September 2019. Once again there were fuel pump problems; the low-pressure pump could stop working and replacement was the solution.
The most recent recall was issued in January 2023 on all RCs. Faulty fuel tank vent tubes in RCs made up to August 2018 could leak; the fix was a new part.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The RC has never appeared in our Driver Power surveys, and even Lexus’s bigger-selling models rarely feature; the last time was in 2023, when the NX, UX and RX were all in there. As a brand though, Lexus has enjoyed more success; it came top in our Brands survey every year from 2017 through to 2020 inclusive. Owners love the reliability of their cars, along with the exterior design and interior quality. The only black mark was for the quality of the infotainment.
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