Used Lexus RC review and buying guide (2014 to present): which one to buy and what to check

Which used Lexus RC should you buy?

Go for the RC 300h. Its hybrid drivetrain is smooth and relaxed, and that's the version that suits everyday driving best. The RC F sits at the other end of the range with its V8, but it's an awkward car to live with in normal use: it's short on pull in the middle of the rev range and its automatic doesn't always settle on the right gear.

There's no known fault on file for the RC, and no owners' reports or recalls to go on. That isn't proof the car's trouble free; it means there's very little evidence either way. So the choice between the two versions comes down to how they drive and how the individual car's been looked after, not to a reliability record that doesn't exist yet.

Which RC engines and gearboxes are the safe choices?

The 300h hybrid is the one to pick: it's quiet, smooth and comfortable, and that's what the RC does best. Its 2.5 hybrid petrol engine (2AR-FSE) uses a timing chain, and there's no scheduled replacement for it. There's no known fault logged against it on the RC, but don't read that silence as a clean bill of health: it's thin evidence, not proof it's faultless.

The RC F's V8 is the enthusiast's option, but it isn't the easy one. It lacks punch through the mid-range, and its automatic gearbox dithers over which gear to hold, which makes it a frustrating car to drive smoothly. No fault is on record for this engine or gearbox either, so a long test drive is the main way you've got to judge whether it suits you.

What should you check when viewing a used RC?

Spend time with the infotainment before you commit, because the touchpad that runs it is the weakest part of the cabin and you'll be using it on every drive. Work through the menus with the car parked and again while someone else drives. If it annoys you on the forecourt, it won't get better once the car's yours.

Try the parking brake, which is foot operated on the RC, and make sure it holds the car and releases cleanly. There's no digital speedometer either, so check you're happy with the instruments as they are. On an RC F, drive through the middle of the rev range and let the automatic choose its own gears to see whether its indecision bothers you.

Ask for the service history with an invoice for each visit. Nothing specific is on record for this model (no known faults, recalls or owners' reports), so there isn't a particular job to demand proof of. That's a gap in the evidence rather than a clean record, and the paperwork is the only guide you'll have to how the car's been run.

Paste the advert into the free check and it runs these against the listing, the MOT history and the DVLA record before you travel.

What does a used Lexus RC cost to run?

What's the Lexus RC like to live with?

It looks the part. The RC's a coupe that turns heads and stands out wherever it's parked, and it feels like a deliberate, considered pick rather than a default one. The ride's comfortable, too, and the boot's a usable size rather than a token space you can only fit a soft bag into.

Dealing with Lexus is a strong point, since the brand's customer service is about as good as you'll find, and that matters every time the car goes back for a service. The 300h is smooth and relaxed on the move, while the RC F's V8 is a vocal engine that makes a proper noise when you work it.

• The 2014 Lexus RC coupe features distinctive styling, giving it a head-turning appearance that stands out from competitors.
• The 2014 Lexus RC offers a unique and well-thought-out option, distinguishing itself from more conventional alternatives in its class.
• The Lexus brand provides exceptional customer service, consistently rated as outstanding by owners of the 2014 RC.
• This 2014 coupe boasts an attractive design, ensuring it makes a strong visual impression and is easily noticed.
• The 2014 RC 300h hybrid model delivers a very smooth driving experience and provides excellent passenger comfort.