The Lexus IS was first released in 1998 as the luxury brand's first entry into the compact market. It was originally offered as both an estate and a saloon, but the larger option was dropped from the lineup in 2005. Through three generations, the IS continued to receive updates and refreshes, keeping it competitive against some of the top models, until it was discontinued in 2020.
Used Lexus IS cars for sale
Why buy a used Lexus IS?
If you're in the market for a car that's refined, reliable and stylish, then a used Lexus IS is a great choice. This premium saloon has a quiet and well-equipped interior that allows all passengers to remain comfortable. Lexus has supplied a good range of powertrain options, and there is a remarkably efficient hybrid option available.
Latest used Lexus IS
Lexus, IS
2012 (62) - Lexus IS
31Low Mileage
£11,495
Finance available £234 pm
*Representative example
- 2.5L
- Miles
28.6K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
Silverstone Cars Limited
Lexus, IS
2013 (63) - Lexus IS
33£8,900
Finance available £176 pm
*Representative example
- 2.5L
- Miles
90.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus, IS
2017 (67) - Lexus IS
61Reduced
£14,988
Finance available £312 pm
*Representative example
- 2.5L
- Miles
19.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus, IS
2015 (15) - Lexus IS
66Low Mileage
£12,250
Finance available £251 pm
*Representative example
- 2.5L
- Miles
50.1K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Crown Car Sales
Lexus, IS
2019 - Lexus IS
25Low Mileage
£16,999
Finance available £354 pm
*Representative example
- 2.5L
- Miles
29.8K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus, IS
2013 (63) - Lexus IS
32Reduced
£9,995
Finance available £200 pm
*Representative example
- 2.5L
- Miles
54.5K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus, IS
2015 (65) - Lexus IS
53Low Mileage
£15,000
Finance available £313 pm
*Representative example
- 2.5L
- Miles
38.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus, IS
2016 (16) - Lexus IS
39Low Mileage
£11,990
Finance available £245 pm
*Representative example
- 2.5L
- Miles
56.3K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus, IS
2004 (54) - Lexus IS
29Low Mileage
£2,795
Finance available £40 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
87.5K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus, IS
2004 (54) - Lexus IS
15Low Mileage
£2,490
Finance available £33 pm
*Representative example
- 2L
- Miles
49.0K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
S I Motors Ltd
Lexus, IS
2015 - Lexus IS
30Reduced
£11,999
- 2.5L
- Miles
57.2K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Kidderminster Motor House
Lexus, IS
2007 - Lexus IS
36Low Mileage
£5,972
Finance available £111 pm
*Representative example
- 2.4L
- Miles
57.6K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
Joseph Sutton Motor Company ltd
Lexus, IS
2013 (63) - Lexus IS
28£9,500
Finance available £189 pm
*Representative example
- 2.5L
- Miles
118.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Motor Trade UK
Lexus, IS
2009 (59) - Lexus IS
48£3,495
Finance available £55 pm
*Representative example
- 2.4L
- Miles
134.7K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus, IS
2017 (17) - Lexus IS
17£11,250
Finance available £229 pm
*Representative example
- 2.5L
- Miles
112.0K
- Hybrid
- Automatic
- Saloon
Lexus IS snapshot review
Pros
- Very well refined
- Supreme reliability
- Hybrids produce lower emissions
Cons
- Performance is lacking
- Automatic gearbox is sluggish
- Confusing infotainment system
Lexus IS by type
Used Lexus IS information
Engines and transmission
Over the years, Lexus has offered the IS with petrol, hybrid and diesel engines with an automatic or manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Petrol- Hybrid IS 300h uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to create 219bhp, offering a 0-60mph time of 8.1 seconds and fuel economy up to 65mpg
- IS 200t utilises a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor to generate 241bhp, with a 0-60mph time of 6.8 seconds and an efficiency rating of 39mpg
- 250 F-Sport generates 205bhp but with a lower 30mpg fuel economy
- Maximum braked towing capacity is 1,500kg with the IS 200t when usinga towing pack and 750kg with the hybrid
- Older 2.2d generates either 147bhp or 175bhp for an 8.6-second or 9.9-second 0-60mph time and an efficiency rating between 44mpg and 55mpg, depending on the variant
Practicality
The Lexus IS is a sporty saloon, but it's also practical and well-equipped, offering comfort and support to all passengers
Interior space- Four adults fit comfortably, but the middle rear seat is better suited for a child
- Rear ISOFIX mounting points for child seats are located on the outer seats
- Third-generation IS model was the largest of the three, offering the most interior space
- 300h has a 450-litre boot, with the 200t offering an extra 30 litres as there are no batteries
- 60:40 split rear seats were available, allowing for more cargo-carrying space
- All three generations have been available as a compact saloon
- C models include a retractable hard top for an open-air experience
IS Sport Cross is an estate, but it's rare among used models
Safety
- 2013 Euro NCAP rating was five stars
- Adult occupant rating is 91%, while both the passenger occupant and pedestrian rating are 80% or higher
- Standard kit includes eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights and hill start assist
Technology
- In 2017, Lexus released a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen display to replace the 7.0-inch version
- Premium Navigation multimedia system offers an integrated satnav system
- Available 15-speaker surround sound system
Lexus IS generations
Third Generation (2013 to 2020)
To compete against compact saloons, Lexus released a third-generation IS with a spindle grille and dynamic lines. The styling ensured a brand-new, fresher appearance, especially with the wider taillights added to the back. New powertrains were also released, along with some interior upgrades that were focused on comfort and technology.
A 2016 update refreshed the grille design and reshaped the lower bumper. More cooling was provided for the brakes to offer better performance. Lexus added advanced display systems and enhanced tech equipment, including an available 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo within the cabin.
- Fuel type:
- Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 2 - 2.5
- MPG:
- 30 - 67
- Acceleration:
- 7 - 8.4 seconds
- Boot space:
- 450 - 525 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- 5 / 5 stars
Greenest
300h SE 4dr CVT Auto
Cheapest
250 SE 4dr Auto
Fastest
200t Sport 4dr Auto
Second Generation (2005 to 2012)
Lexus was concerned with adding as much standard equipment into the second-generation IS as possible, to give it an advantage over the competition. Built on a platform shared by Toyota, the new IS came with Bluetooth and push-button start, which were significant upgrades for the model year.
In 2008, Lexus released the F, a high-performance variant of the compact saloon. Its powerful engine helped it to rival the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, the BMW M3 and the Audi RS4. One year later, Lexus offered the open-top C with a retractable hard top that could be opened or closed in 20 seconds.
- Fuel type:
- Diesel / Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 2.2 - 5
- MPG:
- 24 - 55
- Acceleration:
- 4.8 - 10.2 seconds
- Boot space:
- 378 - 583 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- stars
Greenest
250 Advance 4dr Auto
Cheapest
220d 4dr
Fastest
5.0 V8 IS F 4dr Auto
Used Lexus IS information
Used Lexus IS FAQ's
Which is the most popular engine in the Lexus IS?
The hybrid engine has been the most popular with its combined output of 219bhp. With ratings of over 60mpg, it's a highly efficient engine and also provides a 0-60mph time of 8.1 seconds.
Which are the most popular model variants?
Lexus offered IS models in the following variants: SE, Executive Edition, Sport, Advance, F Sport and Premier. The most popular has been the mid-range Advance with its leather upholstery, eight-way electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar support, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
What optional extras should I look out for?
For added safety, you should look for traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist and sway warning. Additional comfort can also be found with dual-zone air conditioning, while keyless smart entry makes it easier to get into the car when your hands are full.
Is the Lexus IS a good family car?
The IS makes a great family saloon with room to hold up to three children in the back. There's also ample boot space, making shopping trips even easier.
Is there a hybrid version of the Lexus IS?
Even though the IS was available with petrol and diesel engines, it's most known for its efficient hybrid powertrain. With efficiency of more than 60mpg, it has been a top choice among used car models.
Is the Lexus IS available as an automatic?
The majority of the used IS models available come with an automatic transmission. There are also some with a manual gearbox for drivers who prefer more control.
Is there a four-wheel drive version available?
Since its introduction, the IS has only been built with a rear-wheel drive configuration. This setup ensures sporty handling and a more enjoyable drive, especially around corners.
Find a specific Lexus IS
Trim
Body Style
Transmission
Buying a used car checklist: what to look for
Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
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