Used Lexus IS for sale: everything you need to know

The Lexus IS took hybrid driving to the masses early on and it still represents a saloon car which offers unique styling combined with low running costs when it comes to fuel.

This all began in 1999 when the first IS arrived from the Japanese manufacturer, although that was the IS 200 saloon which came with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, alongside the IS 300 which had - you guessed it - a 3.0-litre engine. 

Roll forward to 2005 and the second version of this range came out offering sharper steering, a brief period of diesel, an IS C convertible option and the IS F sports model with a massive 5.0-litre V8.

It was in 2013 when the third iteration arrived bringing in the IS 300h hybrid drive system, ditching the diesel and making way for another 2016 update with fresher looks and upgraded kit.

The main current model you can look for is the IS 300h and the IS 200t offering automatic gearing in both. There are five trim levels so expect plenty of kit variations but generally premium interiors, quite firm suspension and touchscreen infotainment controls.

All that said, Lexus has discontinued this model in the UK in favour of the Lexus ES, so if you want newer you'll need to look to that model. But the IS is still a great used car option.

There's legroom inside although not ideal for taller riders, and the boot also offers a fair amount of room with its 450 litres of capacity.

Key rivals for the Lexus IS include the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4. But for the Lexus IS F it's sportier Mercedes AMG line and BMW M3 that would be comparable. 

Should you buy a used Lexus IS?

The Lexus IS brand name is synonymous with quality and with five trim levels on offer should have something for everyone, from a sporty drive to a luxury feel – both new and used.

Described as a compact executive saloon, the models that come with hybrid drive make this quite a unique car that's very comfortable yet also goes easy on the fuel costs.

While suspension in the IS can be firm, especially so in the F sport variant, the ride is still comfy. So you have a balance of being able to use lots of grip in corners with minimal body roll, but still get enough absorption to tackle bumps and potholes with ease.

Internally the car has a large display surrounded by decent quality plastics, some satin silver trims and a useful joystick to control the sat nav – although this feels a little dated now.

The engine options are relatively simple in the newer options with the IS 200t offering a turbocharged petrol and the IS 300h giving you a hybrid with decent miles per gallon.

There are five trim options to pick from: Executive Edition, Sport, Advance, F Sport and Premier.

The Lexus IS offers an impressive boot space of 450 litres while the rear seats are spacious enough for taller adults, although it's not with much room to spare. Safety has always been important for Lexus and the more modern variants offer overhead airbags, stability controls, parking assistance, a security system and more.

Older generation models represent a way to save money on getting a luxury hybrid that can be premium quality inside too.

A Lexus IS not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What’s the best used Lexus IS model to buy?

The Lexus IS comes in a few variants: IS 200t, IS 300h and these have five trims options within that. Although this line has been discontinued there are still some fantastic used options out there.

The Lexus IS 200t features a turbocharged petrol engine which offers lots of speed, and auto gearbox and still manages to give you the ability to keep fuel economy low – although not nearly as good as the hybrid options. There were also older V6 versions of this that are worth looking for if you want top performance.

The Lexus IS 300h offers a smooth ride, despite that CVT auto gearbox being sluggish. You have the option to run on electric power alone, making it ideal for smaller journeys that can save you lots on fuel costs – while still having the engine to get you further on motorway trips.

Whatever option you go for the servicing offered by Lexus is award winning so you can expect to be looked after – although that isn't a cheap service to have.

Used Lexus IS fuel economy and performance

• Lexus IS 200t 2.0-litre petrol: This features a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine for a 0-60 MPH time of 7-seconds from that 241 BHP. Expect a high 345 g/km of CO2 and a pretty poor 26 MPG.
• Lexus IS 300h 2.5-litre petrol: Get a 0-60 MPH time of 8.1-seconds from the 219 BHP while still emitting just 101 g/km of CO2 and giving you a decent 64 MPG.

What used Lexus IS trim levels are available?

• The Lexus IS Executive Edition is aimed at company car users, well equipped and lower emissions focused.
• The Lexus IS Sport is more about performance with great speed and handling offerings.
• The Lexus IS Advance is technologically kitted out for a smarter drive and the easiest of controls.
• The Lexus IS F Sport is the fastest of the lot with maximum engine tuning and suspension build all about driving fast.
• The Lexus IS F Premier is the fully kitted luxury trim that gets you all the extras in one premium finish.

Lexus IS dimensions and boot size

The Lexus IS’s dimensions are: 

• Length: 4710mm 
• Width: 1840mm 
• Height: 1435mm

The Lexus IS’s boot size is: 

• 450 litres

Used Lexus IS road tax

The Lexus IS has a range of tax prices but largely most models fall into the earlier bands of F and H meaning a £170 annual charge. Some are lower and some are higher with the Premier 300h going as high as band F at £560 per year.

How much is it to insure a Lexus IS? 

The Lexus IS starts at insurance group 24 and moves up to 28 meaning this can be an expensive car to insure but this will vary based on the level of trim you go for.

Read our full Lexus IS review