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Lexus is not the first brand you associate with performance, but that doesn't mean there aren't exciting offerings that can stir the soul. The Lexus RC-F continued what the IS-F started back in 2008, but in a two-door format. The Japanese luxury coupe that went head-to-head with the likes of BMW M4 and Mercedes C63 AMG is being discontinued after the 2025 model year, leaving the Lexus IS500 F-Sport as the next best thing in the segment.
With over 90,000 units sold worldwide in its 10-year production cycle, the Lexus RC-F had a good run. This means there are plenty of great examples for sale out there, and prices are all over the place, starting from the mid-$30,000. With that said, I found three reasons why buying one of these Lexus luxury coupes is the most sensible purchase, considering the RC-F's rivals.
Reliability and quality
It's hardly a surprise that the Lexus RC-F is one of the most reliable luxury cars. After all, Toyota's luxury arm consistently takes first place when it comes to quality and reliability. Cars.com gives the Lexus RC-F the maximum 5 out of 5 points for reliability, which takes into account owner reviews.
There are no known service recalls for the Lexus RC-F, which is an exceptional achievement for the luxury car segment, especially as quality in the segment has diminished in recent years. RepairPal.com gives 3.5 out of 5 for reliability, but again, repairs are few and far in-between. The only downside is that the average annual repairs are $739, which is slightly more than average for the segment.
Meanwhile, competitors like the Mercedes 2016 AMG GT63 are rated “average” when it comes to reliability. The BMW M4 fares slightly better than its Stuttgart counterpart, but not as well as the Lexus in terms of reliability. The M4 also has a few known issues like the crankshaft hub on the S55 engine, which is somewhat blown out of proportion, but still, something worth looking out for.
A masterclass in value retention
Like most Toyota and Lexus models, the RC-F is a champion among the sports-luxury coupes when it comes to value retention. According to Classic.com data, prices for the Japanese V-8 coupe are fairly steady. We see a slight decline in 2025, but the average market value is still $62,833 at the time of writing this article.
That said, there are examples for well under $30,000 that are drivable, but will need some TLC. A good-condition, 2016-2018 Lexus RC-F will set you back around $35,000. Later examples with fewer miles go for over $70,000.
Unadulterrated V-8 power
The RC-F is, by no means, a perfect car. With a curb weight of 3,902 pounds, it isn't exactly lightweight, but then again, neither of its competitors is. If you want a bit more athleticism, there's the RC-F Track Edition, but even so, the Japanese coupe is more of a long-distance cruiser, so I'd save myself the extra cost.
By far, the most redeeming feature of the RC-F is its 2UR-GSE engine. This normally aspirated V-8 was first featured in the 2008 IS-F, but the engine has undergone a few upgrades since its first introduction. Sadly, Toyota is discontinuing the V-8 engine in favor of a smaller unit, which will power the Lexus LF-R.
In the RC-F, the 5.0-liter V-8 features forged internals, with finely finished crankshaft journals for reduced friction, and hollow camshafts for reduced weight.
Power goes exclusively to the rear wheels, and you have a choice between two differentials. One is a mechanical, limited-slip differential, which makes the RC-F more playful, while the other is an E-differential with torque-vectoring.
You want the numbers, so here they are:
2014-2025 Lexus RC-F performance specs
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Engine: 2UR-GSE, 5.0-liter, DOHC, normally aspirated V-8, D4-S direct and multi-port fuel injection (2 injectors per cylinder)
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Power: 467-477 horsepower (depending on model year and variant) at 6,400-7,100 RPM
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Torque: 391 pound-feet at 4,800-5,600 RPM
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Transmission: Aisin AA80E 8-speed Direct-shift automatic
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Drivetrain: front engine positioned longitudinally, rear-wheel drive
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Curb weight: 3,902 pounds
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0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
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Top speed: 168-170 mph
In conclusion
If you are on the market for a luxury V-8 coupe that's reliable, now is the perfect time to buy a Lexus RC-F. There are more affordable Japanese luxury coupes out there, sure, but the RC-F is currently in the sweet spot where it's not too expensive and not too old to buy. While maintaining a V-8 Lexus may not seem like the most financially sound decision, the RC-F is more trouble-free than its European competitors without skipping on any of the driver-centric features.
I am curious to hear your thoughts on the Lexus RC-F and its competitors. Do you think it's a good buy? Maybe you have one. If so, I'd love to read your opinions in the comment section below.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: 2024 Lexus RC-F press release
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Comments
We cannot help but wonder…
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We cannot help but wonder how many points the cyberturd might collect as a used car option.
Given the quality issues…
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In reply to We cannot help but wonder… by Buzz Wired (not verified)
Given the quality issues people report, I suspect it won't be a lot.