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.

135 Used Lexus IS cars for sale

Lexus IS2016 - 300h Sport 4dr CVT Auto

£12,995

£268/pm (HP)

2.5L
98.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Lakeland Cars (NI) Ltd

02890023697 *

Lexus IS2006 - 250 SE 4dr Auto

Low Mileage

£3,495

2.4L
118.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Chilham Sports Cars

01227203935 *

Lexus IS2014 - 300h Premier 4dr CVT Auto

Low Mileage

£11,995

£246/pm (HP)

2.5L
57.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

C Russell Auto Sales Ltd

02844330222 *

Lexus IS2004 (04) - 200 2.0 SE 4dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Select Cars Of Wakefield Ltd

01924663191 *

Lexus IS2018 (68) - 2.5 300h F Sport E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£14,450

£301/pm (HP)

2.5L
90.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Niche Motor Company

01274028316 *

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

Low Mileage

£8,995

£179/pm (HP)

2.5L
61.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

AAH CARS

01276587186 *

Lexus IS2009 (59) - 2.5 V6 SE-L Auto Euro 4 2dr

Low Mileage

£6,449

£132/pm (HP)

2.5L
42.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

Lexus IS2003 - 200 2.0 SE 4dr Auto

Low Mileage

£3,900

2L
127.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Quinn Motors

02887448029 *

Lexus IS2017 (17) - 2.5 300h Premier Saloon 4dr Petrol Hybrid E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) (223 ps)

£16,200

£340/pm (HP)

2.5L
72.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

Lexus IS2005 - 200 2.0 SE 4dr Auto

Low Mileage

£4,900

2L
155.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Quinn Motors

02887448029 *

Lexus IS2005 (55) - 2.5 SE 4dr

Reduced

£3,681

2.4L
128.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

Lexus IS2019 (68) - 2.5 300h Saloon 4dr Petrol Hybrid E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) (223 ps)

Reduced

£15,000

2.5L
54.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Stoneacre Gateshead Toyota

01916070579 *

Lexus IS2009 (59) - 2.5 250 SE-I 4dr

£2,500

2.5L
152.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

Lexus IS2016 - 300h Advance 4dr CVT Auto

Low Mileage

£12,290

£237/pm (HP)

2.5L
69.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

Moorgate Motor Company

01709803698 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,650

£260/pm (HP)

2.5L
72.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

3x Motors

01582342165 *

Lexus IS2005 (55) - 2.5 250 SE-L 4dr

Low Mileage

£2,319

2.4L
78.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Horsepower Motor Centre Ltd

01732927681 *

Lexus IS2017 - 2.5 IS 300h F Sport CVT 4dr

Low Mileage

£14,995

£313/pm (HP)

2.5L
41.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

Lexus IS2002 - 200 2.0 SE 4dr

Low Mileage

£4,500

2L
116.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Saloon

Quinn Motors

02887448029 *

Lexus IS2011 - 2.5 250 V6 Advance Saloon 4dr Petrol Auto Euro 5 (208 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,339

2.5L
33.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

Lexus IS2017 (67) - 2.5 300h F Sport E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£10,490

2.5L
126.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Saloon

K and A Cars Ltd

01753291084 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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 (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:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
250 F-Sport 4dr Auto
Cheapest
220d 4dr
Fastest
5.0 V8 IS F 4dr Auto

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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