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.

131 Used Lexus IS cars for sale

Lexus IS2002 - 200 2.0 SE 4dr

£3,900

Finance available £65 pm

2L
207.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Quinn Motors

02887448029 *

Lexus IS2016 (MG) - 2.5 300h Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Hybrid E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) (223 ps)

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2.5L
74.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

Lexus IS2016 (16) - 2.5 300h Executive Edition E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£9,980

Finance available £201 pm

2.5L
81.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

Lexus IS2007 (57) - 220d 4dr - 2 x Keys - service history /

Reduced

£1,095

2.2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Llandarcy Car Sales

01639501388 *

Lexus IS2000 - 200 2.0 S 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,900

2L
147.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Quinn Motors

02887448029 *

Lexus IS2009 - 220d SE LEFT HAND DRIVE LHD FRENCH REGISTERED 4-Door

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2.2L
143.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

The Left Hand Drive Car Showroom Ltd

01895548158 *

4.9/5 Stars

Lexus IS2017 (66) - 2.5 300h Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Hybrid E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) (223 ps)

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2.5L
94.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

Lexus IS2019 - 300h F-Sport 4dr CVT Auto [Navigation]

£18,285

2.5L
56.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Marshall Audi Plymouth

01752749754 *

Lexus IS2006 (06) - 2.5 250 SE 4dr

Reduced

£2,000

2.4L
152.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

CARZ

02039537440 *

Lexus IS2014 (14) - 2.5 250 V6 Luxury Auto Euro 5 4dr

Low Mileage

£13,799

Finance available £286 pm

2.5L
26.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Steven Eagell Lexus Birmingham

01212722812 *

Lexus IS2002 (52) - 200 2.0 SE 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,290

2L
66.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Car Space

01280733610 *

Lexus IS2008 (58) - 2.5 250 SR 4dr

Low Mileage

£3,500

Finance available £56 pm

2.4L
123.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

Lexus IS2016 (16) - 2.5 300h Premier E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£14,750

2.5L
59.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

Lexus IS2018 - 300h Advance 4dr CVT Auto

Reduced

£15,998

2.5L
54.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Benton Newcastle SEAT

01916070546 *

4.7/5 Stars

Lexus IS2020 (70) - 2.5 300h E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,990

Finance available £313 pm

2.5L
75.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Niche Motor Company

01274028316 *

Lexus IS2013 (13) - 2.5 300h Luxury Saloon 4dr Petrol Hybrid E-CVT Euro 5 (s/s) (223 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,295

Finance available £252 pm

2.5L
40.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Steven Eagell Toyota Watford

01923927658 *

Lexus IS2008 (08) - 220d SE 4dr

Reduced

£2,495

2.2L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Saloon

Qazi motors Limited

01633742347 *

Lexus IS2002 - 200 2.0 SE 4dr Auto

Low Mileage

£1,199

2L
107.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

TSD Cars

02890026934 *

Lexus IS2020 (20) - 2.5 300h Saloon 4dr Auto Petrol Hybrid E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) (223 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,695

2.5L
35.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

Lexus IS2014 (14) - 2.5 300h SE E-CVT Euro 5 (s/s) 4dr

£7,300

Finance available £141 pm

2.5L
109.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

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.

Used 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

Read our Lexus IS review

Lexus IS video review

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Used Lexus IS buying guide

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

Diesel

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

Boot 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

Bodystyles

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

Different generations of used Lexus IS

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.

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 (2019 to 2020)

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:: Hybrid - Petrol/Electric
Engine Size:: 2.5
MPG:: 44
Acceleration:: 8.4 seconds
Boot space:: 450 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
300h F-Sport i-Blue Limited Edition 4dr CVT Auto
Cheapest
300h F-Sport i-Blue Limited Edition 4dr CVT Auto
Fastest
300h F-Sport i-Blue Limited Edition 4dr CVT Auto

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

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Used Lexus IS snapshot review

Pros