LEXUS RC (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,241 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,897
£158/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £1897/year to run. 11 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the LEXUS brand average of 87%.
At 10 years old, 93% of LEXUS RCs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,241 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 55,813 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
55,813
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 LEXUS RC has 55,813 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2017 model has the lowest at 91%. The 2016 sits between the two at 93%.
LEXUS RC by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 LEXUS RC
The 2016 LEXUS RC is a premium with a 1998cc petrol engine. 1,241 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 19% of all 2016 cars for reliability.
With an average of 55,813 miles at 10 years old, LEXUS RC owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 LEXUS RC Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 LEXUS RC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,897 (£158/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
LEXUS RC Reliability Trend
The LEXUS RC has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 LEXUS RC
At 10 years old, the LEXUS RC is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 LEXUS RC's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 10 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2016 LEXUS RC stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXUS RC(2016) | 93% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £1897 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£220 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2014) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£70 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£315 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2015) | 88% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£220 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Lexus Models
Explore other Lexus cars or similar models in the same category.
LEXUS NX
2021 · 2494cc Hybrid
LEXUS UX
2021 · 1987cc Hybrid
LEXUS CT
2012 · 1798cc Electric
FORD FOCUS
2014 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2014 · 1600cc Petrol
FORD KUGA
2018 · 1499cc Petrol
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