Readers Say
The 2021 Lexus LX 570 tied to the Karen Read case could sell for anywhere from market value to more than half a million dollars, readers say.
Karen Read showed the American sign for”I love you” to her supporters at Dedham Norfolk Superior Court house on June 17, 2025. (David L Ryan/ Boston Globe Staff)
May 11, 2026 | 3:47 PM
3 minutes to read
The Lexus SUV at the center of the Karen Read murder trial is going up for auction Thursday in Woburn, and if you ask Boston.com readers, the bids could go anywhere from a lowball flip to well past half a million dollars.
The 2021 Lexus LX 570 — which prosecutors alleged Read used to fatally strike John O’Keefe in Canton in January 2022 — will be auctioned at Manzi Appraisers on May 14. A jury last year acquitted Read of murder and manslaughter charges, convicting her only on a drunk driving misdemeanor. She still faces a wrongful death lawsuit from O’Keefe’s family.
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The SUV had a rough few years sitting in storage, according to the Boston Herald: a dead battery, a mouse nest, a dismantled dashboard, and a missing right taillight — the same taillight prosecutors argued shattered when Read backed into O’Keefe. A mechanic hired by Read’s attorney’s spruced it up before the sale, the Herald reported. JJManning Auctioneers is handling the auction. According to Kelley Blue Book, a Lexus LX SUV in similar condition could go for anywhere between $55,180 to $63,880.
We asked Boston.com readers how much they think the SUV will sell for and received more than 200 responses spanning the full spectrum of cynicism, true-crime enthusiasm, and practicality.
The majority vote — about 35% of readers — said the SUV would be sold for less than $70,000, with several readers arguing the SUV’s troubled history would hurt rather than help its value. Just 6% said it would sell for around $70,000.
How much do you think Karen Read’s SUV will go for?
“It’s a used Lexus with a bad Carfax and worse karma,” wrote Mike H. of Revere.
Over a quarter of readers predicted the car would clear $100,000. And 20% of readers went further still, betting on $200,000 or more; one Colorado commenter predicted it would top $500,000, calling it “iconic.”
A handful of readers noted that the LX 570 has genuine collector appeal beyond the courtroom drama. Plus, at just over 12,000 miles, the car has relatively low mileage.
The auction is live and in-person only. Bidders must register with a valid ID and $20,000 in bank funds. A 10% buyer’s premium will be added to the final bid.
Here’s what readers had to say about Read’s SUV being auctioned.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
How much do you think Karen Read’s SUV will go for?
Less than $70,000
“Underneath the bling, it’s merely a Toyota with a different logo. What sane individual would pay 70-grand for a Toyota?” — Trevor M., Great Barrington
“This is sickening. Let John O’Keefe rest in peace at last.” — Sarah M., Allston
“It’s a used Lexus with a bad Carfax and worse karma! This isn’t the OJ Bronco or the JFK Lincoln, just a used car. If book value on it is $50k, bids will be for $40-$45k. Nobody is going to pay crazy money for it.” — Mike H., Revere
“Mouse infestation leaves quite a smell.” — Rocko, Dorchester
More than $70,000
“I chose the option that was closest to under $100,000. I think whoever buys it will not simply buy it for its fame, but also to drive it. That being the likely case, they won’t want to over pay, since there are regular expenses already in maintaining a car.” — Bill D., Springfield
“Publicity.” — Bob, Newton
More than $100,000
“The car on its own is very valuable. Toyota/Lexus no longer produce that version of the Land Cruiser/LX, so they are highly sought after. The notoriety will be the curious part of the equation but it very well could be sold to a buyer overseas. Very globally desired, legendary vehicle.” — Jason C., Chestnut Hill
“A little more than market rate. But not crazy.” — Marco J., Dorchester
“True-crime fans love stuff like this.” — Merril P., Boston
“The notoriety will get more than market value but will only go so far.” — Paul B., Mashpee
More than $200,000
“C’mon, we’re talking about THE Karen Read. She is the OJ of this generation. This SUV is gonna make her bank account pop.” — Peter, Dorchester
“Iconic. People LOVE Karen. It’ll go above $500k.” — Mimi, Colorado
“To a collector that sees the Karen Read trial as an extraordinary moment in the history of Boston justice, this low mile automobile is an incredible collector’s item. This story is so ingrained in the Boston zeitgeist and its legacy isn’t waning anytime soon.” — Susan H., Cohasset
Some responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.
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